State Senator Charles J. Fuschillo has announced from Albany several new initiatives, which could affect directly or indirectly the Massapequas.

First on his list is the passage of legislation, which would reduce acid rain polution on Long Island and throughout New York State.

"The bill is designed to fight acid rain by keeping federal air pollution allowances from falling in the hands of out-of-state power companies whose smoke stack emissions pollute New York's air and water," he said. "This is no longer just an Adirondack issue; Long Island and the Long Island Sound are being effected."

According to Fuschillo, the 1990 Federal Clean Air Act created a national pollution allowance credit trading program. Major utilities are currently authorized to trade pollution credits for sulfur dioxide among themselves. However, pollution emissions from 14 states upwind from New York have had a devastating impact on natural resources areas. The legislation would create a program to encourage New York utilities who have excess allowance credits to make "green" trades on the market that will not contribute acid rain in New York. Violators of this measure would be required to offset an amount equal to the profit received for sale of the credit.

Another initiative put forward by the senator, and will no doubt raise some environmenalists' eyebrows, is the extension of the Wantagh State Parkway bicycle path along the northside of Ocean Parkway to Captree State Park.

Funding for the path will be part of an overall five-year plan to pay for the operation, construction and repair of the state's roads, bridges, buses and subways.

"Long Island offers some of the most scenic bicycle and walking paths in the state, providing access to local downtowns, parks and beaches," he said. "The improvement and extension of bikeway paths throughout Long Island will offer a fun and healthy challenge that will attract bicycle and health enthusiasts."

The senator also recently announced that the New York Senate passed his legislation, increasing penalties against those convicted of assaulting teachers and other school employees.

Assaults against teachers would carry second degree status ¬ a class D felony.

"Educators and school employees choose a career in public service to make a difference in the young developing minds of our children," said Fuschillo, a member of the State Education Committee. "Violence against teachers instills fear in the classroom and impedes their ability to effectively do their jobs."

And finally, the senator announced that the new state budget includes a plan to reduce the Gross Receipts Tax (GRT) on energy, reducing utility costs for every business and residential ratepayer in New York State.

The GRT reduction was part of a $1.3 billion package of budget tax cuts.

"By cutting the GRT we will reduce the operating costs of New York businesses by millions of dollars enabling them to remain competitive in a global market, allowing them to grow and create more new jobs," he said.