The 2008 Hurrican Guide is now available from the Town Of Brookhaven.  Be prepared and informed. 

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7-11-08
Dear Friend:

Skyrocketing school property taxes have given rise to tax cap proposals designed to rein in school spending.

While I support the idea of a tax cap, I believe Governor Paterson's 4 percent school tax cap proposal is too high.

I filed legislation several years ago, which passed earlier this year in a Senate budget bill, that allows for voter approved school tax caps. Under this measure, each district would determine their own tax cap based on their specific needs as opposed to having a "cookie cutter" tax cap imposed statewide.

I am also concerned with a provision in the Governor's proposal that allows school districts to bank any unused percentage of the 4 percent cap in subsequent years. This would allow for increases higher than 4 percent.

In each of the last 2 years, state aid to education has been increased by $1.8 billion and yet school districts continue to increase taxes. Our school districts need to come to the table if we are to maintain the quality of education on Long Island.

The Senate and the Governor are prepared to act on school tax relief this year. I would hope that Speaker Silver joins us so that the hardworking taxpayers of the state are offered real tax relief.

Sincerely,
Ken LaValle
State Senator
1st District

 

June 24, 2008
Dear Friend:

If you're like most LIPA customers, you're probably outraged over the surcharge attached to your electric bill.

Recently, I sponsored a measure that would prevent LIPA from raising rates without a public review and approval from the New York State Public Service Commission (PSC). I am happy to report that the bill has passed both houses and awaits the Governor's approval.

Currently, LIPA is not required to get approval from the PSC before imposing a rate increase. Under the measure I sponsored, LIPA would be required to undergo a public review and obtain PSC approval for any rate increase above 2.5% in a twelve month period. This would ensure greater oversight of any potential rate increases and better protect LIPA customers from unforeseen rate hikes.

I am hopeful that Governor Paterson will sign this important legislation into law.

Sincerely,
Ken LaValle
State Senator

 

6-19-08
Dear Friend:

Runaway school spending has shattered the public's confidence in how their school district's are managing their tax dollars. Waste, fraud, and mismanagement must be stopped.
The Taxpayer Empowerment and Accountability (TEA) plan passed by the Senate supports my efforts to eliminate the abuse in spending of taxpayer dollars. The Attorney General also supports the TEA plan.  People expect that their school tax dollars are going toward the education of their children and not into the pockets of those who know how to beat the system.
TEA protects the taxpayer by increasing penalties for pension fraud, prohibiting lawyers from double-dipping as school employees, restricting the hiring of retirees to public service positions, prohibiting unfunded mandates on school districts, and encouraging school consolidation and superintendent sharing among others. This comprehensive measure will help restore the public's confidence in their school district's financial decisions.
If you would like to "Join the Fight" to eliminate the abuse in spending of school taxpayer dollars, click the read more link below.
Sincerely,
Ken LaValle
State Senator

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Download the PDF file from Suffolk County Parks department to see what's happening within our county parks department.

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Brookhaven Town Supervisor Brian X. Foley and Councilwoman Jane Bonner will sponsor the first annual Summer Sunset Lecture Series at the Cedar Beach Nature Center. Running through the summer on Thursday evenings, and beginning on Thursday, June 26 at 7:00 pm, there will be five presentations given by local experts read more ...

The July & August newsletter has been released.  If you're a paid member and haven't gotten your newsletter yet, you can download a copy by going into our members section.

 

At the June meeting, our 100th member joined the Coram Civic Association!    If you know someone who would like to join the association, please download an application!  It's only $15.00.

Thank you to all our our members!