Brown, a key figure in the state budget proceedings, has called for immediate action to pass the state budget without further delays. Expressing concern over the repeated extensions in budget proceedings, Brown emphasized the importance of finalizing the budget promptly to allow school districts and municipalities to plan effectively.In a recent statement, Brown highlighted the urgency of the situation, stating, “Just this past Thursday, April 4, 2024, a second emergency budget extender was passed, yet here we are back in session just three days later passing a third. New...
Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine has revealed that Suffolk County Parks will be accessible for residents to enjoy the upcoming solar eclipse, which is set to occur on Monday, April 8, starting around 2:10 p.m. The maximum eclipse is anticipated between 3:15-3:30 p.m.Romaine highlighted the County's vast parklands, stating, "Suffolk County is home to thousands of acres of pristine parkland throughout the region, providing our residents from western Suffolk to the east end with a unique and scenic opportunity to experience the upcoming solar eclipse." He encouraged the...
Suffolk County provided an update on the COVID-19 situation on April 3, 2024, focusing on key metrics related to hospitalizations and cases. According to the CDC, hospital admission rates and the percentage of COVID-19 deaths among all deaths are now the primary surveillance metrics.In terms of hospitalizations for the week ending March 23, 2024, there were 106 new hospital admissions of confirmed COVID-19 patients, marking a 11.6% increase from the previous week. The hospital admissions per 100k in the past week were reported at 3.7, with the COVID-19 hospital admissions...
The Suffolk County Health Department's Office of Minority Health, in collaboration with Stony Brook Medicine, is launching a new initiative called "Styled Wellness" to promote community health awareness and engagement among people of color. The program will kick off at various local barber shops in an effort to reach out to minority communities during Minority Health Month in April."We have long recognized the critical need for proactive health measures within communities of color," stated Suffolk County Health Commissioner Dr. Gregson Pigott. "Our new collaboration with...
Senator Mattera has introduced a comprehensive legislative proposal aimed at addressing the rising epidemic of squatting in New York State. The senator emphasized the urgent need for action, stating, "It is overwhelmingly obvious that the laws of this state fall way short of addressing the squatter issue effectively." To combat this issue, Senator Mattera's four-part legislative proposal includes a groundbreaking statute (S.8867) that would empower law enforcement to swiftly evict individuals from residential properties based on a homeowner's sworn complaint, without...
Senator Mario R. Mattera, speaking at a rally in Albany alongside other advocates, emphasized the importance of advocating for the release of the hostages in Gaza. Mattera expressed, "The 134 innocent hostages of this cowardly terrorist attack deserve to be released from captivity immediately."Senator Republican Leader Rob Ortt highlighted the atrocities of the October 7th attack by Hamas, stating, "We are rallying here today to demand the release of all the innocent men and women who are prisoners of war."Kurt Roth, representing Run for Their Lives in Commack, shared...
Suffolk County Executive Romaine has issued a statement in response to the grand jury report regarding the tragic death of Thomas Valva. The report, unveiled by District Attorney Tierney, highlights the failure of previous administration policies and the Suffolk County Child Protective Services (CPS) leadership to prevent the heartbreaking outcome."We did not need a grand jury report to know that Suffolk County failed Thomas Valva. Thomas deserved better, and we will do all we can to ensure we never see another case like this in Suffolk County again," expressed Suffolk...
Data from the New York State Education Department shows that 44.3% of Suffolk County students were considered proficient in English Language Arts in the 2021-22 school year.
WESTHAMPTON BEACH, NY - Rep. Nick LaLota (R-Suffolk County) delivered a heartfelt speech on the House floor to pay tribute to the heroes of the Jolly 51, specifically mentioning Master Sgt. Christopher Raguso of Huntington and Staff Sgt. Dashan Briggs of Riverhead, who were part of the 106th Rescue Wing in Westhampton Beach.LaLota expressed his determination to secure posthumous Purple Heart awards for the fallen heroes of Jolly 51, stating, "It is imperative that we honor and memorialize their bravery." He further emphasized his commitment by saying, "Awarding each of...
Suffolk County in New York provided an update on COVID-19 statistics on April 2, 2024. According to the CDC, hospital admission rates and the percentage of COVID-19 deaths among all deaths are now the main surveillance metrics.In terms of hospitalizations, the report for the week ending March 23, 2024, showed that there were 106 new hospital admissions of confirmed COVID-19 patients. There was a 11.6% increase in hospital admissions from the previous week, with a rate of 3.7 hospital admissions per 100,000 people. The COVID-19 hospital admissions level was classified as...
State Senator Brown expressed his support for the legal cannabis industry in New York and endorsed Assembly Bill A.9520. In a statement made on April 3, 2024, Senator Brown emphasized the importance of compliance with regulations, stating that selling cannabis products is a privilege, not a right.Senator Brown highlighted the need for responsible behavior within the industry, pointing out that any violations of the cannabis law could jeopardize public safety and health in communities across the state. By co-sponsoring Assemblymember Zaccaro, Jr.’s proposal, Senator Brown...
In a recent tragedy that shook the city, New York City Police Officer Jonathan Diller was shot to death during a routine traffic stop in Queens. Expressing condolences, Brown highlighted that, "My thoughts go out to the family of New York City Police Officer Jonathan Diller who was tragically shot to death during a routine traffic stop in Queens last week."The incident has sparked discussions on the need for reform within the criminal justice system. Mayor Eric Adams and others have pointed to recidivism and mental health issues as factors in the shooting. Brown...
Senator Mario R. Mattera (2nd Senate District), Assemblyman Keith Brown (12th Assembly District), and Assemblyman Michael Fitzpatrick (8th Assembly District) recently welcomed students and leaders from Commack High School to Albany for a legislative visit. The delegation included over twenty students from the Legislative Advocacy Committee, accompanied by Superintendent Dr. Jordan Cox and his cabinet.During the visit, the legislators also had the opportunity to speak with Board of Education Vice President Steven Hartman and committee co-chairs Eric Biagi and Dr. Jennifer...
The lowest price of regular gas in cities throughout Suffolk County was found at two gas stations in the week ending Mar. 30, according to GasBuddy.com.
The only price of premium gas in cities throughout Suffolk County was found at a single gas station in the week ending Mar. 30, according to GasBuddy.com.
Rep. Nick LaLota (R-Suffolk County) has secured $3 million for the Village of Greenport for the Mitchell Park bulkhead replacement project. In a statement, LaLota expressed his enthusiasm for the allocation, emphasizing the importance of this investment in safeguarding the village against potential flooding and preserving its infrastructure."I am delighted to announce the allocation of $3 million in federal funding for the Village of Greenport. This significant investment will facilitate the replacement of the aging Marina bulkhead at Mitchell Park," affirmed LaLota,...
Assemblyman Joe DeStefano (R,C-Medford) and other members of the Assembly Minority Conference have urged for the release of 134 hostages being held in Gaza, including two New Yorkers. DeStefano emphasized the significance of the strong relationship between Israel and New York, expressing hope for the safe return of the hostages.During a recent rally, DeStefano shared, "Considering the strong relationship between Israel and New York, we stand hopeful and united these hostages will be released." He further highlighted the urgency of the situation, stating, “What is...
New York, Apr 2, 2024 - In a recent statement, Brown expressed his support for efforts to bring home the 134 hostages held in Gaza, emphasizing the plight of the families affected by the ongoing situation. Brown highlighted the specific case of two New Yorkers among the hostages, Omer Neutra and Edan Alexander."It is terrible to see the families of the 134 hostages being held in Gaza continue to suffer. The hostages have been held for 179 days now, and of the 134 hostages, two of them are New Yorkers—Omer Neutra and Edan Alexander. Until we see their immediate release and...