Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. announced recently that his legislation extending the bicycle helmet law to require children under the age of 14 to wear a helmet while using a scooter took effect July 1.

"Today's scooters are fun to ride, but their lightweight medals and high-speed wheels increase chances for serious injury," said Fuschillo. "Requiring children under the age of 14 to wear helmets when riding a scooter gives them extra protection from the dangers of a serious head injury."

"Senator Fuschillo remains to be a strong advocate for children's safety," said Lucille Weinstein, MD, MPH, medical coordinator of Injury Prevention and Control at Winthrop-University Hospital in Mineola. "Pediatricians are thrilled that this legislation was signed into law because scooter usage has increased dramatically and so has the number of injuries in the last few years. Helmets will help prevent over 85 percent head injuries related to scooters. Children should also be reminded to use other protective gear such as elbow and knee pads when riding a scooter."

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), throughout the nation in 2000 there were more than 9,400 scooter injuries. Most of those injuries were to kids under the age of 15 who fell off their scooters with 29 percent of their injuries to the head and face.

Senator Fuschillo announced recently that the State of New York Mortgage Agency (SONYMA) Brochure, which offers valuable information and resources for first-time home buyers, is now available at his district office.

SONYMA is a state agency that is dedicated to creating home ownership opportunities for New Yorkers with low- and modern-incomes. This aspect makes SONYMA particularly applicable to first-time home owners. SONYMA features several different programs, which include the Low Interest Rate Mortgage Program, the Construction Incentive Program, the Remodel New York Program, the Achieving the Dream Program and the Mortgage Assistance Program. In order to qualify for a SONYMA mortgage, one must be a first-time home buyer whose household income meets SONYMA's income limits, hold a steady job, have saved for a down payment, and have an acceptable credit history.

To receive a free copy of the State of New York Mortgage Agency Brochure, call Senator Fuschillo's office at 546-4100 or e-mail him at fuschill@senate.state.ny.us.

Senator Fuschillo announced that the New York State Senate gave final legislative approval to comprehensive legislation, to ensure that state apparel purchases he produced using fair labor practices. The bill would prohibit the State Office of General Services from purchasing uniforms and other apparel produced in sweatshops.

"New York State has always been a leader in protecting working conditions for its citizens and this legislation shows commitment to the erradication of sweatshops," said Senator Fuschillo.

The Senate bill is similar to a recent law enacted by New York City concerning its apparel purchases. Provisions include:

* Requiring the labor commissioner to present annual reports concerning the special Task Force on the apparel industry;

* Creation of a Sept. 11 Bidders Registry for apparel manufacturers affected by the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11; and

* Allowing SUNY, CUNY and community colleges to ask if their apparel providers use "sweatshops" in the production of their clothing.

The bill will be sent to the governor for consideration.