Assemblyman Tom Alfano used his position on State Budget Conference Committee to bring home aid to the 22nd District and Elmont hit what Alfano called a "Homerun" with three grant items equaling $30,000 and restoration of Long Island Bus Service.

Alfano was appointed to the budget conference committee on Transportation, Environmental Conservation and Housing. Alfano serves as vice-chairman of the Assembly Joint Conference Committee and is ranking member of the Corporations, Authorities and Commissions Committee.

"I couldn't be more happy with what we accomplished for Elmont in the budget," said Alfano, adding, "GYO, the schools, the Chamber of Commerce and bus service were my priorities and I was able to deliver for Elmont - it was a homerun."

In addition to the budget items, Alfano pointed to the agreement reached by the Transportation Budget Conference Committee where he is the appointee from the State Assembly, on restoring Long Island Bus Service to the Elmont, Franklin Square, West Hempstead and North Valley Stream communities. Just weeks before, Alfano announced that Governor Pataki was releasing $680,680 for bus restorations. "I'm very happy that the governor listened to my concerns about bus service locally here in Elmont and the surrounding communities. Now with this agreement reached, no one has to worry about bus service. I'm just glad I was able to help," Alfano stated.

The budget items Alfano secured in budget negotiations were as follows for the Elmont community:

* $10,000 for Gateway Youth Outreach - Reading and Math Tutorials for the Elmont Union Free School District;

* $15,000 for the Elmont Union Free School District for new playground equipment at all the elementary schools;

* $5,000 for the Gateway Youth Outreach and the Elmont Chamber of Commerce "Clean Sweep Co-op"

On the grant for new playground equipment for the Elmont School District, Supt. Dr. Maria Palandra said, "There is no place for children to go in the community but school playgrounds that can provide a safe place to play, grow and learn good sportsmanship. I thank Assemblyman Alfano for all his hard work on our behalf."

Lillian Carillo, a trustee of the Elmont School District, added: "On behalf of the Elmont Elementary School District, I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank you for the grant item for the renovation of the playground in the Elmont School District. As in the past, you have shown your dedication to the residents of the school district by giving of yourself, both personally and financially."

Paul Sapienza, president of the Elmont Chamber of Commerce, was very pleased with the continuance of funding for Clean Sweep Co-Op. The program was started by the Chamber, Gateway Youth Outreach and Alfano three years ago. "This program helps beautify the Elmont community and gives youth a job where they learn how to run a business and provide a service."

Pat Boyle, director of Gateway Youth Outreach was very happy with the grant funding from Assemblyman Alfano. Gateway Youth Outreach has been suffering from county cuts to the program that have affected 1,600 youth in Elmont. The grant is the third such item Alfano has provided to the organization. "Assemblyman Alfano has been there for Gateway right from the start. This funding will provide critical services to our youth in the Elmont community. I thank Assemblyman Alfano for being there for us during the good times and the bad."

Alfano concluded by stating, "I'm very proud that each of these organizations are leaders in helping our youth of tomorrow. These grants will help them fulfill that mission and make Elmont a better place to live, grow and raise a family."