State Senator Michael Balboni (R/C-Mineola) has announced that New York drivers will be able to donate to a cancer research fund through the purchase of special "Drive For the Cure" license plates. The legislation, sponsored by Senator Balboni and passed in both the assembly and senate, is designed to generate additional funds in the fight against cancer.

"New Yorkers have repeatedly demonstrated their compassion and generosity to cancer victims through voluntary contributions on their tax returns and other programs," said Senator Balboni. "The Drive For the Cure initiative is an innovative way to create additional revenue for cancer research, and to show support for cancer patients."

The bills (S.3038/A.5839) would establish a cancer research fund financed by drivers who voluntarily pay an additional $25 registration fee for a distinctive "Drive For the Cure" license plate. The increase of cancer diagnoses combined with limited financial resources necessitates new funding sources. Since motorists are required to purchase license plates, they would have the option at minimal added cost, to purchase the special plates and thereby contribute to cancer research.

Senator Balboni noted that revenues generated by the "Drive For the Cure" license plates would be used to fund research for all types of cancers, including prostate, ovarian and breast cancers.

The bills have been sent to Governor Pataki for consideration.

Senator Balboni has announced senate passage of legislation he supported that will protect consumers, particularly senior citizens, from telemarketing fraud.

"The FBI ranked New York State fourth in the nation in terms of the number of consumers reporting telemarketing fraud to the National Fraud Center in 1997," explained Senator Balboni, "Combined with the fact that the State Office for the Aging estimates that 85 percent of telemarketing fraud victims are over the age of 65, it is clear that there is a problem in New York that needs to be addressed."

Supported by the AARP, the Telemarketing and Consumer Fraud and Abuse Prevention Act would:

* Require telemarketers to be bonded and registered with the Department of State.

* Prohibit telemarketers from accessing a customer's checking, savings, bond, trust or other accounts without the customer's express written authorization.

* Allow couriers to obtain a customer's payment for goods and services only after the customer has had the opportunity to inspect the items being delivered.

* Prohibit telemarketers from engaging in abusive or harassing behavior toward customers, or continuing to contact an individual who has previously stated that they do not wish to receive solicitations from the seller.

* Require telemarketers to state the following at the beginning of each call:

--the characteristics and quality of the goods/services being offered;

--that the purpose of the call is to offer goods/services for a fee;

--the telemarketer's true name;

--on whose behalf the solicitation is being made;

--the total cost of the goods and services

In addition, the act requires that telemarketers keep detailed records of all their calls and sales for two years; specifies that the Department of State or any district attorney is authorized to seek relief under the act on behalf of residents; and establishes civil penalties for violating the act.

"By requiring telemarketers to be registered, and to give potential customers important information upfront, we will protect countless consumers from being victims of telemarketing fraud," Senator Balboni concluded.

The bill has been sent to the assembly for consideration.