Lung protection legislation for firefighters, a ban on nicotine water sales to children, a tax bill to assist the Franklin Square Munson Fire Department dubbed "Doris' Law," legislation to help the Shalem Pentecostal Tabernacle Church in Elmont, a medical consent bill for daycare children, the 2 percent school tax savings bill, a veterans bill for Gulf War and Vietnam Veterans giving tuition awards, a bill stopping credit information being used against consumers trying to purchase insurance, Megan's Law protections and privacy legislation have all been signed into law by Governor George Pataki over the past few weeks. And, each of the bills were sponsored by Assemblyman Tom Alfano.

"This is just the beginning," said Alfano, who added, "more bills are on their way to the governor's desk that make a difference. Alfano pointed to two new local laws that will assist the Shalem Pentecostal Tabernacle Church in Elmont and the Franklin Square Munson Fire District "Doris' Law" as having a great local impact. Together, it will help the two organizations which were the victims of tax errors recoup a total of $77,000. "These two bills will help the church and fire department do what they're supposed to do - help families in a house of religious worship in the church's case, and help save lives by giving the very best quality emergency services with the fire district."

Alfano thanked the governor for working with him to get these measures passed. "These bills were put together in a bipartisan coalition and address the needs of our communities. I want to thank the governor for working with me and signing these important measures into law."

Banning nicotine water sales to children was also a major victory for Alfano and Bronx Assemblyman Carl Heastie. The new law treats the sale of nicotine laced water the same as cigarettes. Under the Alfano bill, young people will be "carded" and no sale of the bottled "nicotine water" will be sold to children. "This new law was needed to stop young people from getting addicted to 'nico-water' which has the nicotine level of two cigarettes in one bottle of water," said Alfano.

Reverend Sunny Phillip of Elmont was especially pleased that a bill for his church, Shalem Pentecostal Tabernacle, was passed and signed into law. The church, located on Elmont Road, approached Alfano regarding a tax status problem with the county of Nassau. "Our church needed help getting our non-tax status reinstated. Because of the problem, the church was being charged for land that was exempt - it wasn't a home or business. It wasn't fair and endangered the continuation of the church. Assemblyman Alfano was able to help us and passed this bill which helped deliver $50,000 to Shalem Tabernacle. We couldn't be more thankful."

The same was true for the Franklin Square Munson Fire District. The legislation, in this case, was dubbed "Doris Law" after Fire Commissioner Doris Griffin who found a clerical error with Nassau County that charged the district $27,000 in taxes they were exempt from. "Our board of fire commissioners worked with Tom Alfano to get this bill passed. The money we're going to be refunded will be very helpful to our EMS services," Commissioner Dennis Lyons said.

Day Care Centers, under a new law authored by Alfano and Assemblymember Amy Paulin, will be able to dispense medication to children with parent permission. Florence Walker-Hunter, owner of the "Little People's Place" and "Meacham Childcare" in Elmont said, "I think it's beneficial to children that we have the availability and access to administer medication to children, especially if the parent is not readily accessible. Simply stated, this will help the child which is the paramount importance for all daycare providers." Alfano added, "this was a must for our daycare providers. I'm pleased that our children will get the medical attention they need in the case of an emergency."

A special tuition assistance bill for veterans is another benefit renewed under a bill authored by Alfano and Suffolk Assemblyman Bob Sweeney. The new law gives greater access to financial aid to Gulf War and Vietnam Veterans. Elmont American Legion Commander Ralph Esposito said, "This is great news for veterans throughout the area. With this help, you can go back to college and get the financial aid you need. This is the least we can do for our veterans. They served our country in our time of need - now it's our turn to help them."

Professional firefighters will now have better protections for lung ailments suffered under the performance of their duties fighting fires. Alfano and Codes Committee Chairman Joe Lentol of Brooklyn passed a bill signed into law by Governor Pataki that helps firefighters with health insurance and benefits. Before the Alfano-Lentol Bill, firefighters with lung ailments would fight with HMOs to get the care they need. "Now, no firefighter will be without the coverage they need after serving our communities and sacrificing for our neighborhoods," said Alfano.

Alfano has a dozen more pieces of legislation on their way to the governor's desk for signature.