Assemblyman Tom Alfano announced that Governor George Pataki has signed into law legislation to better protect each citizen's right to privacy.

The first measure establishes a statewide "Do Not Call" registry for consumers who do not want to receive telemarketing calls. The second measure creates the Telemarketing and Consumer Fraud and Abuse Prevention Act to protect consumers from fraudulent telemarketing practices.

"This bill received tremendous support from the community," said Alfano adding "I started a scam-busting program that highlighted fraudulent telemarketing practices two years ago. Today, we have a bill that goes a great way to stop fraud and protect families."

Scott Jablow, president of the Cathedral Gardens Civic Association "The Do Not Call registry will allow people to have privacy and prevent rapacious telemarketers from calling homes at all times of the day."

Anne Reinhardt, a member of the Elmont Elementary School Board of Education said "this is a great avenue for Elmont residents to stop unwanted telemarketing calls to their homes. The consumer protections now in force are a welcome device so that seniors and young families are protected against fraud."

The "Do Not Call" registry does not officially open until April 1, 2001, but residents can pre-register now by calling the State Consumer Protection Board's toll-free consumer helpline at 1-800-NYS-1220. Telemarketing calls will then be blocked after the law takes effect on April 1, 2001.

Seth Bykofsky, president of the WHCA noted "Our right to privacy, particularly in our homes, is sacrosanct. And to be free from the annoyance of unsolicited telemarketers, waking us from peaceful slumber, or intruding on our family dinners, is truly a blessing. The "No Call Zone" is a welcome relief for all New Yorkers."

Franklin Square Carey High School Principal Dr. Tom Dolan remarked "It's apparent that these callers choose to call at the only times where families are afforded privacy at dinner hours and early mornings. This provision does a great thing by giving families the time they deserve."

The new law, would, in part prohibit telemarketing firms from continuing to contact an individual who has previously requested to receive no further sales solicitation calls and establish civil penalties and misdemeanor offenses for those firms engaging in deceptive telemarketing practices.

"Now that phone call that says you won something or gives you a really great offer better be all that it's cracked up to be or the firm will pay a very heavy price," Alfano concluded.

Continuing his aggressive efforts to improve benefits for our Veterans, Assemblyman Tom Alfano announced that Governor Pataki has signed into law "Veterans Buyback" legislation he supported which allows veterans to gain additional service credit to help enhance their state employees pensions.

"The 22nd district is the home of some of the most active posts and legions in Nassau County," said Alfano adding "this buyback bill will provide veterans with the credits they deserve."

Elmont VFW Commander Tom Bennet noted "this is very important to veterans who served in state and local government. Now they can buy back their time and get the benefits they deserve."

Franklin Square VFW Service Officer Vincent Nocerino said "all veterans should take advantage of this benefit if they were in local or state government service."

The new law allows military veterans who served during World War II, and conflict Korea, Vietnam, Lebanon, Grenada, Panama and the Persian Gulf to "buy back" up three years of service time in the retirement system by paying 3 percent of their state employee salary.

Alfano also announced that his office has a listing of veterans benefits available to any veteran or spouse. You can call 437-5577 for a free copy.

For further information on the veterans buyback program, retirees should contact their individual retirement systems.