Children entering school or day care centers will now be required in New York State to take a vaccine that prevents students from contracting varicella, or better known as chicken pox, according to Assemblyman Steve Labriola (R-Massapequa).

"Currently, the vast majority of American children are not being vaccinated against chicken pox," said Labriola. "By preventing New York students from contracting the virus, we are eliminating the possibility of students missing school, spreading the virus to other students, and developing possible life threatening conditions.

Labriola explained the law applies to children born on or after Jan. 1, 1998 and begins with such children's enrollment in any public, private or parochial kindergarten, elementary, intermediate or secondary school. For children born on or after Jan. 1, 2000, they must be vaccinated before enrollment in any school throughout the state.

According to a report issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, chicken pox kills about one in 100,000 children who contract it with about 40 to 50 children annually dying from the disease during 1990 through 1994.

"While chicken pox is normally a mild condition, there can also be fatal complications," said Labriola. "This law will assist to curb the spread of chicken pox and protect those students who may be prone to more serious cases of the virus."

Similar vaccine requirements for chicken pox immunity have been enacted in Massachusetts, Oklahoma, Maryland, Oregon and Washington, DC.

The NYS's Homeowners Emergency Mortgage Assistance Pilot Program in Nassau and Suffolk Counties began with the Long Island Foreclosure Prevention Task Force, of which Assemblyman Labriola is a member. The Homeowners' Emergency Mortgage Assistance Pilot Program legislation in Nassau and Suffolk Counties was written by Labriola with the help and assistance of the Task Force. This bill has bipartisan sponsorship in the Assembly and is sponsored in the Senate by Senator Owen Johnson (R, Babylon).

The Homeowners' Emergency Mortgage Assistance Pilot Program in Nassau and Suffolk Counties would provide homeowners facing foreclosure financial assistance. This fund would assist families by giving them a no interest loan for up to 12 months. It provides the homeowners to keep current with their monthly mortgage payments and allows the homeowner to deal with their personal and financial situation without having to worry about losing their homes.