Assemblyman Murry Assists Patchogue VFW in Sending Care Packages to Troops

Freshman Assemblyman Dean Murray (R,C-East Patchogue) and Patchogue veteran Cliff Raynor of Patchogue VFW Post 2913 pack care packages for American service men and women serving overseas in the military. The Patchogue VFW has been sending packages to the troops twice a month since military action began in Iraq and Afghanistan. Donations of goods to be shipped or funds to purchase items and pay for postage are greatly appreciated. To make a donation, or if you have a service organization or volunteer group who would like to assist in the "Troop Package Project," please contact the Patchogue VFW Post 2913 at (631) 289-1663.

The 6th Annual Building Business in Brookhaven

The Town of Brookhaven Small Business Advisory Council in Partnership with the Brookhaven Arts Humanities Council: A Must-Attend Event: for anyone who owns a business or is starting a business:


The 6th Annual Building Business in Brookhaven
Tuesday, September 14, 2010 - 5:30pm -9pm
Guest Speaker: Supervisor Mark Lesko
FREE Workshops Available: Finance, Marketing, Franchise Opportunities, Social Networking. There is no charge for this event.
Light Dinner will be served. See Event Flyer for more info
For more information on Brookhaven Town’s largest networking event, please contact the Economic Development Office at 631-451-6563 or e-mail sbac@brookhaven.org

Murray, Assembly Minority Task Force on Small Business to Host Forum in Patchogue

Assemblyman Dean Murray (R,C-East Patchogue) and the Assembly Minority Task Force on Small Business in New York State will host a forum at the BrickHouse Brewery in Patchogue to discuss industry issues with Long Island business leaders. Participants will discuss the effects of burdensome state government regulations and bureaucratic red tape that hamper development of small businesses, as well as measures that would remove those impediments and foster economic growth, prosperity and job creation.
WHO:
Assemblyman Dean Murray (R,C-East Patchogue)
Assemblyman Michael Fitzpatrick (R,C,I – Smithtown)
Assemblyman Tom McKevitt (R,C,I – East Meadow)
Assemblyman Michael Montesano (R,I,C-Glen Head)
Lorice Fiala, Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce
John Hill, Long Island Advancement of Small Business
Carol Nead, Empire State Development
Representatives from local businesses, including: E& R Tax Business Services, Egan & Golden, Minuteman Press of Patchogue and Parente National Insurance


WHEN: Wednesday, August 25, 2010, 10:00 a.m. – Noon
WHERE: BrickHouse Brewery 67 West Main Street, Patchogue
CONTACT: Laurie Ammerman, (518) 455-5073

NY State Assemblyman Dean Murray Reads to Young New Yorkers in Support of "Reach Out & Read"

Freshman New York State Assemblyman Dean Murray (R,C-3rd District) joined doctors at the Stony Brook Primary Care facility in Patchogue to urge families to read together. He is among over 25 elected officials, including US Congressional Representatives, NYS Assembly Members and Senators who are reading to children this month in support of Reach Out and Read of Greater New York.



"Reading to our children is an important part of their healthy development. Reach Out and Read plays a vital role in promoting reading to our children and its benefit to their well being and growth," said freshman Assemblyman Dean Murray.


Reading aloud to young children is one of the best ways to prepare them for school. Yet in New York State 35% of children enter Kindergarten without the basic language skills they need to start school ready to learn. Doctors at health centers with Reach Out and Read give free age-appropriate books to children 6 months through 5 years old during check-ups, and give parents advice about language development and reading aloud to their kids.


"The Reach Out and Read program has been instrumental in encouraging our Pediatric population to start their children's education before they enter school. Being able to read to our patients and then giving their parents age appropriate books encourages them to develop a love of books at an early age," said Dr. Jose Concepcion, Medical Director, Family Health Sites and ROR Medical Consultant.


John Gupta, CEO of St. John's Episcopal Hospital Pediatrics Clinic agreed: "Reading to children is vital to their education and learning. The Reach Out and Read program provides an excellent stimulus for our young patients."


Reach Out and Read is an evidence-based, national nonprofit organization that prepares America's youngest children to succeed in school by partnering with doctors to prescribe books and encourage families to read together. Reach Out and Read currently serves one-third of the most impoverished children in the U.S. The Reach Out and Read model is endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the program has one of the strongest records of research support of any primary care intervention. This year, Reach Out and Read's 26,500 volunteer doctors and nurse practitioners will provide 6.2 million new books to 3.9 million children at 4,535 healthcare locations in all 50 states. For further information, please visit Reach Out and Read's website at www.reachoutandread.org .

Murray Holds Second in a Series of Senior Town Hall Meetings

Blue Point meeting is aimed at keeping retired adults in their communities



Freshman Assemblyman Dean Murray (R,C-East Patchogue) today hosted the second of four senior town hall meetings that he is holding throughout his assembly district. The assemblyman met with seniors at the Henrietta Acampora Recreation Center in Blue Point to discuss issues such as cost of living, taxes, housing, health care, quality of life and senior targeted crimes.
“Retired adults are especially vulnerable in these tough economic times,” said Murray. “Seniors on fixed incomes face continually rising costs, such as property taxes. Suffolk County’s sizable aging adult population needs help in the form of tax relief and assistance to help offset out-of-pocket medical expenses. I know that discussing the matter openly will help create real solutions to keep seniors in the homes and communities they have helped to build.”
According to the 2000 U.S. Census, Suffolk County has the second largest senior population, roughly 224,000 residents over the age of 60, second only to Nassau County if you exclude New York City. According to 2009 figures, the New York Statewide Senior Action Council, Inc. estimates that a senior living alone in Suffolk County would need at least $25,260 to $37,452 to cover basic annual living costs. These costs include housing, health care, food, and transportation among others. This number rises dramatically for those in need of long-term care and could lead to annual expenses around $70,000 for those with the highest need for care.
Murray has deep concerns over these figures noting that the national average annual income for seniors is $29,248 and the national median income is $18,208. He fears that many Suffolk County retired adults may be struggling financially. To make matters worse, the New York State Office for the Aging’s budget was cut by nearly $6 million this year.
“I don’t want any senior to be in a situation where they are forced out of their homes due to expenses,” Murray added. “One way the Legislature can help is by enacting real tax relief, whether it’s by expanding STAR rebates, or considering other options like a property tax cap.”
Murray currently sponsors legislation that is targeted at reducing the property tax burden on seniors. The assemblyman hopes that through these conversations, he’ll be able to not only tackle the pressing matter of cost-of-living struggles but also health care, medication costs, and safety and crime prevention for seniors.


The final two meetings will be held in Middle Island on August 24 and Bellport on August 31. For further information, the public may call Murray’s office at (631) 207-0073.

Assemblyman Murray Receives Support of Thousands In Call For School Tax Reform, Return of STAR Tax Rebate Checks

Freshman Assemblyman Dean Murray (R, C) received the support of over three thousand residents in his call for school property tax reform and the return of STAR tax rebate checks. Murray filed petitions with the Board of Elections containing residents’ signatures Tuesday night, which will give him a third line on the ballot in the November 2 election.
“After speaking with hundreds of families at their door over the past few weeks, our residents agree that we need to rein in out-of-control property taxes, reduce spending, and restore the STAR tax rebate checks that were eliminated by the Democratic-controlled state legislature,” said Murray. “For the past five months, I have been fighting for our families and local business in Albany, to create jobs, cut spending and rein in taxes. I am honored to once again have the grassroots support of thousands of people in my district to appear on the School Tax Relief Party line in this election.”
Since his special election victory last February, Murray has sponsored four pieces of legislation (A.2044, A.5736, A.10538, A.11631) to bring school tax relief to embattled Suffolk County residents and additional tax relief measures for seniors. Murray pointed out that Suffolk County taxpayers pay among the highest taxes in the nation. Murray is a small business owner who lives in East Patchogue and has already garnered the support of the Republican and Conservative parties.

Murray, Regional Business Leaders Discuss Suffolk County Economic Development

Freshman Assemblyman Dean Murray (R,C-East Patchogue), brought together several business and economic leaders today to find ways to increase Suffolk County’s job and business prospects. Murray, a small-business owner and member of the Assembly Committee on Economic Development, Job Creation, Commerce and Industry, held the meeting to help turn around the impact of the state and national recession on residents in his district.
“It’s time to get New Yorkers back to work. I want to remove the barriers and red tape that are impeding our economic recovery and growth in this state to help create jobs,” said Murray. “It’s clear that many of our families are feeling the pain of job loss and the lagging employment market
The American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) has ranked New York as the state with the least positive economic outlook. ALEC’s report cited New York’s unbridled tax-and-spend policies as the largest contributor to the state’s lethargic economy. Just this year, the Assembly and Senate Majorities added $1.4 billion in taxes, fees and fines to the enacted budget, many of which will add to the burden already felt by business owners. New York has the highest marginal personal and corporate taxes in the nation, 12.62 percent and 15.95 percent respectively. Even more distressing is the 1.7 million New Yorkers who have left the state over the last decade (absolute domestic migration). CNBC also ranked New York poorly, 36th overall for its business climate due to its costliness, excessive regulations and overall poor economy.
While statewide figures were dismal, Suffolk County figures were mixed, showing signs of recovery but also highlighting areas in need of improvement. Long Island boasts a $137 billion economy and is the 17th largest metro economy in the US. Additionally, Suffolk County’s unemployment rate has improved from 8.3 percent at the beginning of this year to 6.8 percent in May. Suffolk County’s workforce is highly educated and eager for employment, however the county has lost over 62,000 residents, aged 25-44 from 2000-08. Hardest hit in Long Island were construction, information and wholesale sectors.


Working to improve the economic situation on Long Island, Assemblyman Murray contacted leaders at the Suffolk County Department of Economic Development and Workforce Housing, the Long Island Association, Community Development Corporation of Long Island, New York Business Development Corporation, U.S. Commercial Service-Long Island Export Assistance Center, various chambers of commerce, small business owners and the public.
“Long Islanders need proactive solutions, and they’re saying loud and clear that we need to cut taxes and onerous regulations,” said Murray. “I look forward to taking the suggestions and ideas of these business owners and residents to Albany to accelerate job growth here in Suffolk.”
Assemblyman Murray is continuing to seek public input on the matter. Residents wishing to comment should email ideas to murrayd@assembly.state.ny.us  or call (631) 207-0073.

Freshman Assemblyman Dean Murray Partners With “Reach Out and Read”

Patchogue: Freshman Assemblyman Dean Murray (R,C-East Patchogue) is partnering with a statewide program to promote literacy. Murray, along with Reach Out and Read, Greater New York, will read to children in Patchogue. Reach Out and Read strives to prepare America’s youngest children to succeed in school by partnering with doctors to prescribe books and encourage families to read together. The event will take place at 11:30 at Stony Brook Primary Care facility at 450 Waverly Avenue in Patchogue.

Who: Freshman Assemblyman Dean Murray (R,C-Patchogue)
Traci Lester, Executive Director - Reach Out and Read of Greater New York
When: Friday, August 13, 2010, 11:30 a.m.
Where: Stony Brook Primary Care, 450 Waverly Ave. Patchogue

Contact: Kevin Molloy 631-786-9521 NEWS from Assemblyman 3rd Assembly District Dean Murray, Albany Office Rm. 428 Legislative Office Bldg., Albany NY 12248 Tel: 518-455-4901, District Office: 1735 North Ocean Avenue Suite A. Medford, NY 11763 Tel: 631-207-0073

News from Assemblyman 3rd Assembly District Dean Murray - Murray to Host Suffolk County Economic Development Meeting Wed., August 18, 2010 at Pat-Med Library

Small-business owner and freshman Assemblyman Dean Murray (R,C-East Patchogue) is hosting a Suffolk County Economic Development Meeting in Patchogue. The event will bring business and industry leaders together to discuss how to improve the business climate in order to retain and grow jobs in Suffolk County. This event is free and open to the public.

Who: Freshman Assemblyman Dean Murray (R,C-East Patchogue), Daniel R. Perkins, Vice President of Government Relations, Long Island Association, Michael Gorton, Jr., President, Medford Chamber of Commerce, Yves R. Michel, Commissioner, Suffolk County Department of Economic Development and Workforce HousingCarolyn E. Fahey, Intergovernmental Relations Coordinator, Suffolk County Department of Economic Development and Workforce Housing, Roz Goldmacher, President & CEO, Long Island Development Corporation, James J. Goldrick, Senior Vice President-Long Island Regional Manager, New York Business Development Corporation, Liz O'Rourke Kupcha, CPSM, President, Kupcha Marketing Services and Local Residents

When: Wednesday, August 18, 2010 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Where: Patchogue-Medford Library 54-60 East Main Street, Patchogue, NY
Contact: Kevin Molloy 631-786-9521 NEWS from Assemblyman 3rd Assembly District Dean Murray, Albany Office Rm. 428 Legislative Office Bldg., Albany NY 12248 Tel: 518-455-4901, District Office: 1735 North Ocean Avenue Suite A. Medford, NY 11763 Tel: 631-207-0073

Village of Patchogue: Mayor Pontieri to Unveil New Handicap Accessible Playground at Shorefront Park

Patchogue, NY: Patchogue Village Mayor Paul Pontieri will join other Village officials, staff and guests on August 11 at 10:00 am to unveil a new handicap accessible playground at Shorefront Park. The project was funded through a combination of federal Community Development Block Grant funds, a State grant from the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historical Preservation and contributions of labor from the Village and American Recreational Products. A significant portion of the funds were secured through grass roots fundraising efforts by the Friends of Shorefront Park, a local organization made up of Village employees and residents. Commenting on the new playground, Mayor Pontieri said, "This project is an excellent example of what can happen when state, federal and local government, corporate and private entities work together. The new playground will provide opportunities for able bodied and disabled children to play together in a safe and beautiful setting."

Shorefront Park is located on the Great South Bay at the intersection of Smith Street and Rider Avenue. In addition to the new playground, the park includes a softball field, basketball courts, band shell and walking path.

Assemblyman Dean Murray Applauds Sensible Tax Policy Reversal

Statement from Freshman Assemblyman Dean Murray (R,C-East Patchogue) regarding out-of-state hedge fund managers



Legislative leaders rightly recognized the error of their previous policy regarding out-of-state hedge fund managers. When I spoke on the Assembly floor on July 1, I pointed out the non-partisan chorus of economists and government officials who realized we could not rely on taxing the business community to lift us out of this recession. By placing the burden of the state’s fiscal crisis on our job creators, we would have essentially drove jobs and taxable income out of our state. Today’s reversal is a long overdue step in the right direction, albeit a small one, as we confront a state fiscal crisis and national recession.

Assemblymen Murray, Montesano Call for MTA Audit

Freshman Assemblymen call for MTA accountability



Freshman Assemblyman Dean Murray (R,C-East Patchogue) was joined today by fellow lawmakers and colleagues at a press conference calling for a comprehensive audit of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). The event, hosted by Assemblyman Michael Montesano (R,I,C- Glen Head), took place at the Hicksville Long Island Railroad station. Murray said a complete third-party forensic audit of the MTA is part of his detailed plan to bring accountability and transparency to the authority. Murray has also sponsored legislation to repeal the MTA payroll tax and introduce oversight through a Fiscal Control Board.

“The proposed fare increases and service cuts are another slap in the face to Long Island taxpayers,” said Freshman Assemblyman Dean Murray (R,C-East Patchogue). “This is on top of a state bailout and job-killing MTA payroll tax while the rampant waste, mismanagement, and abuse at the authority go unaddressed. It’s time to bring long-needed oversight, transparency, and accountability to the MTA through a comprehensive, third-party forensic audit.”


“Nassau County sends approximately $40 million back to the MTA’s loose pockets every three months, with nothing more than higher fares, more expensive parking permits, and crowded trains to show for it – the authority may even go ahead with the elimination of one of the largest suburban bus systems in the country,” said Montesano. “Long Islanders cannot continue to bail out a broken agency; we need to enforce a comprehensive forensic audit today. I have contacted Governor Paterson and state regulators in order to demand that the Metropolitan Transportation Authority receive no further tax revenues until a nonpartisan Fiscal Oversight Control Board can establish the transit agency’s true finances in order to rein in out-of-control waste and inefficiencies.”
“The appalling waste at the Metropolitan Transportation Authority must come to an end,” said Assemblyman Andrew Raia (R,I,C-East Northport). “It is time to submit their finances to a full and thorough forensic audit. Without a light finally shined on its broken finances, the MTA will continue to spend millions on water coolers, pay phantom overtime, and overcharge Suffolk County commuters to send our money elsewhere.”
The troubled transit agency has been at the center of controversy recently. Last month, news reports uncovered “phantom overtime” – $34 million in public funds will go to pay vacationing or absent MTA employees in 2010 – and the MTA has so far been unsuccessful in plugging an $800 million budget gap, despite a dedicated .34 percent payroll tax imposed on many Long Island businesses and nonprofits as part of an ill-considered 2009 bailout.
According to estimates provided by state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli’s office shortly after the MTA payroll tax was passed in April 2009, Suffolk County residents, school districts, not-for-profit hospitals, and small businesses can expect to fork over at least $107 million more each year in levies. The new revenue stream has not been enough to balance the MTA’s books, resulting in the recent hiring of a “consolidation czar” with an annual taxpayer-funded salary of $217,000.
The public authority also approved a slate of new fare increases and service cuts at a finance board meeting last week. After a public comment period the fare and toll hikes as well as reductions to transportation services on Long Island will go into effect in 2011. One of the major cuts includes the elimination of MTA payments to Long Island Bus, one of the largest suburban bus systems in the nation. The authority already cut 11 bus lines in 2010 alone.