The Legislature has put two proposals on the ballot for Election Day, Nov. 8. The first is a proposed amendment to the state constitution to reform the state budget process. The second is a Transportation Bond Act to authorize the state to borrow money for important road, bridge and mass transportation projects throughout the state.

"Regardless of whether you support or oppose these proposals, it is important that you cast your vote and ensure that your views are heard," said Assemblyman Tom DiNapoli (D-Great Neck).

You are eligible for an absentee ballot if you are a registered voter who will be out of town or unable to appear at the polls due to illness or disability on Election Day.

Absentee ballot application forms are available at Assemblyman DiNapoli's office at 11 Middle Neck Road, Suite 200, in Great Neck from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. They can also be requested by calling the office at 482-6966.

If you are not registered, you can also get a New York State Mail Voter Registration form from Assemblyman DiNapoli's office. To register, you must be 18 years old and a US citizen. Forms are available in English and Spanish and must be filed no later than 25 days before the election.

The Coats for Kids campaign, sponsored by the National Cleaners Association, will resume from Oct. 15 through Dec. 15.

If you would like to donate coats (adult or children) please bring them to Assemblyman DiNapoli's district office or the Great Neck Plaza Village Hall, 2 Plaza Center. Drop-offs can also be made at Randi's Cleaners, 300 Jericho Tpk., Mineola or Nu-Clear Drive In Cleaners, 172 Middle Neck Road, Great Neck.

Donated coats will be cleaned free of charge and then distributed to agencies who help needy children and their families.

Assemblyman DiNapoli congratulated Randi's Cleaners owner Arthur Epstein for spearheading the Long Island campaign. "I am proud that the epicenter of this national program is in Nassau County and I look forward to continuing our joint efforts."