In the aftermath of the World Trade Center terrorist attack, Governor George Pataki and legislators from the community are putting together aid packages to assist families through this trying time.

New York Assemblyman Tom Alfano joined with Governor Pataki and Mayor Rudolph Giuliani and educators throughout the state in promoting an initiative to give free college tuition to victim families of the World Trade Center attack. The program would directly impact families in Franklin Square, West Hempstead, Elmont, North Valley Stream and surrounding areas.

The program will be introduced in the state legislature and Assemblyman Alfano expects it will experience "smooth sailing" en route to becoming a law.

The legislation would guarantee college education credits for tuition, room, board and books for family members of those killed or those seriously or permanently disabled as a result of the attacks on the World Trade Center. SUNY and CUNY schools are targeted for the program and grants would be given to those students attending private colleges within New York State.

"During this time of tragedy we need to, as a New York State family, help one another. I know that there are families right here in our community who will benefit from this bill and I for one will make sure it will get through," said Assemblyman Alfano.

Various community leaders have supported the program including Fire Commissioner Doris Griffin of the Franklin Square Munson Fire Department, Fire Commissioner Joe Hellman, West Hempstead School Board member Carole Rilling and Sewanhaka Central High School District Board member Aubrey Phillips.

Governor Pataki said the state is committed to work with and for the families of those killed in the attack. "These families should not have to worry about how they are going to pay for college," he said.

Alfano, a member of the Assembly Leadership, added that the bill would expand on the current allowances made for the families of the fire department and police personnel on college tuition programs. "The twist on this program is the fact that victim family members will be the focus as well as the emergency service members," he said.

Governor Pataki made mention of the plan when he signed an executive order, which will permit homeowners to defer their school taxes, which would have been due in October or November until January 2002. (See Page 5)