Assemblyman Dean Murray (R,C-East Patchogue) today joined Assemblyman David Weprin (D-24^th A.D.) and members of the Unsealed Initiative at a press conference advocating the passage of legislation (A.2003) known as the “Bill of Adoptee Rights.” The bill will provide adult adoptees with access to information contained on their original birth certificate.
Non-adopted persons already have a legal right to access their own information. Murray will be co-sponsoring the legislation in the Assembly.
"This legislation will give adults who were adopted as children access to the critical information they need for medical reasons, and their own peace of mind," said Murray. "Children who were adopted face enough challenges in their lives. Not knowing if they have an inherited medical condition or illness in their family history shouldn't be one of them.
Giving these adult adoptees access to the information on their birth certificates will remove that cloud of mystery from their lives - and the lives of their own children."
Adoptees will be able to gain knowledge of their ethnic heritage and access to medical information that may be necessary for preventive health care and illnesses that are linked to family history and genetics.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
ASSEMBLYMAN DEAN MURRAY WEIGHS IN ON GOVERNOR CUOMO’S BUDGET PROPOSAL
Statement from Assemblyman Dean Murray (R,C-East Patchogue)
“Governor Andrew Cuomo’s 2011-12 Executive Budget proposal is a starting point, not a finish line, in correcting our state’s broken finances. This budget is the result of years of reckless taxing, spending and borrowing have left our state’s finances in critical condition, with a nearly $10 billion budget gap that must be closed. However, the devil is in the details, and I am going to carefully evaluate the fine points of this budget to determine its specific impact on Long Island, and the communities I represent.”
“My priority is to ensure that our community isn’t unfairly targeted. One thing I will not allow is any attempt to balance our state’s budget on the backs of my constituents. This budget cannot just be about cutting. We need to look at restructuring, redesigning and reforming state government. We need to put the brakes on unfunded state mandates and deliver real cost relief for local governments, school districts and property taxpayers. We need to stimulate our economy and encourage job creation through Economic Development Zones. We need to cap property taxes, but only if done hand-in-hand with meaningful mandate relief. And we must find new sources of revenues, without imposing new taxes and fees.”
“Governor Andrew Cuomo’s 2011-12 Executive Budget proposal is a starting point, not a finish line, in correcting our state’s broken finances. This budget is the result of years of reckless taxing, spending and borrowing have left our state’s finances in critical condition, with a nearly $10 billion budget gap that must be closed. However, the devil is in the details, and I am going to carefully evaluate the fine points of this budget to determine its specific impact on Long Island, and the communities I represent.”
“My priority is to ensure that our community isn’t unfairly targeted. One thing I will not allow is any attempt to balance our state’s budget on the backs of my constituents. This budget cannot just be about cutting. We need to look at restructuring, redesigning and reforming state government. We need to put the brakes on unfunded state mandates and deliver real cost relief for local governments, school districts and property taxpayers. We need to stimulate our economy and encourage job creation through Economic Development Zones. We need to cap property taxes, but only if done hand-in-hand with meaningful mandate relief. And we must find new sources of revenues, without imposing new taxes and fees.”
ASSEMBLYMEN MURRAY AND LOSQUADRO TEAM UP TO INCREASE LONG ISLAND’S BLOOD SUPPLY
Assemblymen Dean Murray (R,C – East Patchogue) and Dan Losquadro (R,C – Shoreham) will be holding a blood drive on Saturday, February 12 at the Coram Firehouse. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Firehouse, which is located at 303 Middle Country Road, Coram, NY.
“All the snow that we’ve seen on Long Island in recent weeks has resulted in fewer blood donations making it important that people come to the Coram Firehouse on Valentine’s weekend to donate blood,” Murray said. “I would also encourage anyone with legislative concerns to visit me at this event.”
On Long Island the snow has wreaked havoc. Blood banks are at a dangerous low level of blood supply and are urgently asking for help. Regardless of whether you are able to give blood or not, please stop by to meet with the Assemblymen.
“I invite the local community to join me by participating in this blood drive as a great way to assist their neighbors; it’s also an opportunity to sound off with their Assemblymen,” Losquadro said. “Join us at the blood bank to help restore the supply to our local blood centers that have been hurt by the storms this winter season.”
To be a donor you must:
• Bring valid photo or signature identification;
• Weigh at least 110 lbs.;
• Be at least 16 years old (Those under 18 years of age need consent, and individuals 76 years of age and older need a doctor’s note.);
• Eat well and be hydrated prior to appointment; and
• Not have gotten a tattoo within the past 12 months (unless applied in New Jersey).
To sign up please contact your assemblymen’s office:
Assemblyman Dan Losquadro at 631-727-0204 or losquadrod@assembly.state.ny.us
Assemblyman Dean Murray at 631-207-0073 or murrayd@assembly.state.ny.us
“All the snow that we’ve seen on Long Island in recent weeks has resulted in fewer blood donations making it important that people come to the Coram Firehouse on Valentine’s weekend to donate blood,” Murray said. “I would also encourage anyone with legislative concerns to visit me at this event.”
On Long Island the snow has wreaked havoc. Blood banks are at a dangerous low level of blood supply and are urgently asking for help. Regardless of whether you are able to give blood or not, please stop by to meet with the Assemblymen.
“I invite the local community to join me by participating in this blood drive as a great way to assist their neighbors; it’s also an opportunity to sound off with their Assemblymen,” Losquadro said. “Join us at the blood bank to help restore the supply to our local blood centers that have been hurt by the storms this winter season.”
To be a donor you must:
• Bring valid photo or signature identification;
• Weigh at least 110 lbs.;
• Be at least 16 years old (Those under 18 years of age need consent, and individuals 76 years of age and older need a doctor’s note.);
• Eat well and be hydrated prior to appointment; and
• Not have gotten a tattoo within the past 12 months (unless applied in New Jersey).
To sign up please contact your assemblymen’s office:
Assemblyman Dan Losquadro at 631-727-0204 or losquadrod@assembly.state.ny.us
Assemblyman Dean Murray at 631-207-0073 or murrayd@assembly.state.ny.us
Monday, January 31, 2011
ASSEMBLYMAN MURRAY: MANY MAY OVERLOOK VALUABLE TAX CREDIT
ASSEMBLYMAN MURRAY: MANY MAY OVERLOOK VALUABLE TAX CREDIT
EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT MAY RESULT IN REFUND OF UP TO $5,600; FREE INCOME TAX PREPARATION AVAILABLE AT SEVERAL LOCAL LOCATIONS
MEDFORD, NY---NYS Assemblyman Dean Murray today announced that many individuals could be eligible for a special tax credit this year that they are unaware of. As a result, they may overlook claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), which can put anywhere from $2 to $5,600 in their pockets.
People move in and out of EITC eligibility based on changes in their earnings, their parental status or their marital status. According to Assemblyman Murray, “many people will qualify for the first time this year due to changes in their incomes.”
Assemblyman Murray encourages anyone who earned $48,362 or less in wages, is self-employed or employed by the farming industry in 2010 to see if they qualify. Eligible workers can get their EITC only if they file federal income tax returns – even if they are not otherwise required to file – and specifically claim the credit. The IRS estimates only four out of five eligible workers claim their EITC.
"Taxpayers have several choices for free help determining their EITC eligibility and claiming the credit," said Assemblyman Murray. "Many organizations in our community have volunteer income tax assistance sites.” To locate a site, call the IRS at 1-800-906-9887. Help also is available at IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers. Locations are online at www.irs.gov.
To help accurately determine their EITC eligibility and prepare their returns, individuals should bring:
• Photo proof of identification;
• Social Security cards for themselves, their spouse and dependents or Social Security number verification letters issued by the Social Security Administration;
• Birth dates for all persons listed on the tax return;
• Wage and earning statement(s) Forms W-2, W-2G, and 1099-R, from all employers;
• Interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1099);
• Copies of last year’s federal and state returns, if available;
• Bank routing and account numbers for direct deposit of their refunds;
• Other relevant information about income and expenses;
• Amounts paid for day care, if applicable and the day care provider's identifying number; and
• To electronically file their returns and get the fastest refunds, both spouses must be present to sign joint returns.
“EITC is a financial boost for working people hit by hard economic times. This is money that can make their lives a little easier, especially families with three or more children who get an extra boost with a larger credit this year,” said Assemblyman Murray.
For more information on eligibility, please visit http://www.eitc.irs.gov/central/main
Free income tax preparation is available locally for those who qualify through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program at the following locations:
Patchogue-Medford Library 54-60 East Main Street Patchogue, NY 11772 (631) 654-4700
South Country Library 22 Station Road Bellport, NY 11713 (631) 286-2143
Longwood Public Library 800 Middle Country Road Middle Island, NY 11953 (631) 924-7755
Mastic-Moriches-Shirley Community Library 407 William Floyd Parkway Shirley, NY 11967 (631) 399-1511
EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT MAY RESULT IN REFUND OF UP TO $5,600; FREE INCOME TAX PREPARATION AVAILABLE AT SEVERAL LOCAL LOCATIONS
MEDFORD, NY---NYS Assemblyman Dean Murray today announced that many individuals could be eligible for a special tax credit this year that they are unaware of. As a result, they may overlook claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), which can put anywhere from $2 to $5,600 in their pockets.
People move in and out of EITC eligibility based on changes in their earnings, their parental status or their marital status. According to Assemblyman Murray, “many people will qualify for the first time this year due to changes in their incomes.”
Assemblyman Murray encourages anyone who earned $48,362 or less in wages, is self-employed or employed by the farming industry in 2010 to see if they qualify. Eligible workers can get their EITC only if they file federal income tax returns – even if they are not otherwise required to file – and specifically claim the credit. The IRS estimates only four out of five eligible workers claim their EITC.
"Taxpayers have several choices for free help determining their EITC eligibility and claiming the credit," said Assemblyman Murray. "Many organizations in our community have volunteer income tax assistance sites.” To locate a site, call the IRS at 1-800-906-9887. Help also is available at IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers. Locations are online at www.irs.gov.
To help accurately determine their EITC eligibility and prepare their returns, individuals should bring:
• Photo proof of identification;
• Social Security cards for themselves, their spouse and dependents or Social Security number verification letters issued by the Social Security Administration;
• Birth dates for all persons listed on the tax return;
• Wage and earning statement(s) Forms W-2, W-2G, and 1099-R, from all employers;
• Interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1099);
• Copies of last year’s federal and state returns, if available;
• Bank routing and account numbers for direct deposit of their refunds;
• Other relevant information about income and expenses;
• Amounts paid for day care, if applicable and the day care provider's identifying number; and
• To electronically file their returns and get the fastest refunds, both spouses must be present to sign joint returns.
“EITC is a financial boost for working people hit by hard economic times. This is money that can make their lives a little easier, especially families with three or more children who get an extra boost with a larger credit this year,” said Assemblyman Murray.
For more information on eligibility, please visit http://www.eitc.irs.gov/central/main
Free income tax preparation is available locally for those who qualify through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program at the following locations:
Patchogue-Medford Library 54-60 East Main Street Patchogue, NY 11772 (631) 654-4700
South Country Library 22 Station Road Bellport, NY 11713 (631) 286-2143
Longwood Public Library 800 Middle Country Road Middle Island, NY 11953 (631) 924-7755
Mastic-Moriches-Shirley Community Library 407 William Floyd Parkway Shirley, NY 11967 (631) 399-1511
Friday, January 21, 2011
ASSEMBLYMAN DEAN MURRAY APPLAUDS GOVERNOR CUOMO ON HIS COMMENTS TO REPEAL MTA PAYROLL TAX
Assemblyman Dean Murray (R,C-East Patchogue) today applauded Governor Andrew Cuomo’s comments to repeal “the onerous” Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) payroll tax. The governor spoke about repealing the tax during his visit to Marist College in Poughkeepsie, NY earlier this week. Assemblyman Murray has been calling for the repeal of the tax and for more accountability at the MTA when it comes to their finances.
“Since this tax was first levied, I have consistently said that the MTA’s problem is on the expenditure side, not the revenue side of their balance sheet,” said Murray. “Residents and commuters who rely on the MTA every day for transportation are fed up with the MTA’s blatant mismanagement and waste.”
“This has been a job-killing tax on Long Island,” said Murray. “I have been steadfast in demanding accountability and oversight of the MTA.
Simply put, better fiscal controls should have been used by the MTA to prevent waste, fraud and abuse, instead of unfairly forcing Long Island families and businesses to pay this payroll tax and other taxes and fees.”
In March of 2010, Assemblyman Murray and his Assembly colleagues called for a forensic audit of the MTA. They publicly signed a letter calling on Comptroller Tom DiNapoli to conduct a forensic audit of the MTA and called for a repeal of the MTA payroll tax. They also asked DiNapoli to make recommendations for legislative and administrative action to reduce operating costs and eliminate waste, fraud and abuse at the Authority.
“There have been numerous instances of waste, abuse and fraud that have cost taxpayers tens of millions of dollars,” said Murray. “With reforms put in place to eliminate fraud and waste, reduce excessive overtime as a means of pension spiking, and belt tightening that will be done across all state agencies during this fiscal crisis, I believe the MTA tax can be repealed and I look forward to working with Governor Cuomo on this important issue.”
Friday, January 14, 2011
ASSEMBLYMAN MURRAY SEEKS TO BRING PROFESSIONAL MIXED MARTIAL ARTS TO NY TO GENERATE REVENUE, STATE ECONOMY
Joins Madison Square Garden President, Owner of UFC in Call for State to Approve Regulation of the Sport in New York NEW YORK, NYAssemblyman Dean Murray today joined Ultimate Fighting Championship® President Dana White, former UFC light heavyweight champion and New York native Rashad Evans, and Scott O’Neil, the president of Madison Square Garden at a press conference announcing plans to bring bouts to Madison Square Garden as soon as the sport of mixed martial arts is approved in New York. Forty-four other states currently regulate the sport, including Pennsylvania Massachusetts New Jersey
Murray, the ranking member of the New York State Assembly Committee on Tourism, Parks, Arts and Sports Development, has been a proponent of bringing mixed martial arts to New York as a means of generating new revenue for the state, rather than imposing taxes or new fees on residents.
“With 44 states and several countries around the globe regulating mixed martial arts, and reaping the economic rewards of holding exhibitions, New York cannot afford to remain on the sidelines,” said Assemblyman Murray. “Independent economic studies have verified that just one MMA show in New York City would generate over $11 million. MMA exhibitions fill hotel rooms and restaurants over the course of a full weekend, stimulating local businesses.
Murray, the ranking member of the New York State Assembly Committee on Tourism, Parks, Arts and Sports Development, has been a proponent of bringing mixed martial arts to New York as a means of generating new revenue for the state, rather than imposing taxes or new fees on residents.
“With 44 states and several countries around the globe regulating mixed martial arts, and reaping the economic rewards of holding exhibitions, New York cannot afford to remain on the sidelines,” said Assemblyman Murray. “Independent economic studies have verified that just one MMA show in New York City would generate over $11 million. MMA exhibitions fill hotel rooms and restaurants over the course of a full weekend, stimulating local businesses.
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In photo from left to right are Assemblyman Dean Murray, Scott O'Neill, President of Not shown is |
Assemblyman Murray has spoken with Governor Andrew Cuomo about the ability of mixed martial arts to raise new revenue for New York, and urged the Governor to advocate its passage in this legislative session. Murray is co-sponsor of legislation (A.2009c) that would regulate and bring the sport to New York. Companion legislation was approved in the state Senate last year.
“Mixed martial arts is the fastest growing sport in the world, and has a safety record second to none of the major contact sports, including professional football, hockey and boxing. Language in the legislation to regulate this sport ensures that New York will be one of the most diligent states in enforcing safety measures,” said Murray. “In short, mixed martial arts can provide New York with a much needed economic boost and help generate revenue for the budget.”
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
ASSEMBLYMAN DEAN MURRAY NAMED TO EDUCATION COMMITTEE
Assemblyman Dean Murray (R,C-East Patchogue) today announced that he has been named to serve on the Assembly Education Committee. Murray said he is looking forward to serving on the committee to help provide the best education for our children and fighting for Long Island to receive an equitable share of state education aid. He is looking forward to the challenge of accomplishing this, while at the same time capping property taxes, alleviating unfunded mandates and improving return on investment for school aid across Long Island and the state.
“We are facing enormous fiscal challenges this year and it is going to be critical now, more than ever, that Long Island taxpayers receive their fair share of education aid,” said Assemblyman Murray. “The education of our children cannot be ignored, nor can the challenges of improving our return on investment. Property tax relief, mandate relief and school aid all play an important role in our education system.”
In addition to serving on the Education Committee, Assemblyman Murray also serves on the Assembly Banking, Transportation and Economic Development Committees, and is the Ranking Member of the Assembly Tourism, Parks, Arts and Sports Development Committee.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
ASSEMBLYMAN MURRAY WEIGHS IN ON STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS
Statement from Assemblyman Dean Murray (R,C- East Patchogue)
“Governor Andrew Cuomo’s State of the State address today emphasized the basic message my colleagues and I have been loudly saying over the past year: we need to fix the problems that have plagued New York for far too long. We need to create private-sector jobs, cap property taxes, eliminate unfunded state mandates, and reform our state government. Even the Speaker of the Assembly now agrees that New Yorkers, especially on Long Island, need a tax cap.”
“For far too long, Albany has seen the problems affecting our state, but willfully failed to act. This has created not only a fiscal crisis, but a crisis of confidence in our government by our residents – and rightfully so.”
“The challenges we face as a state are real, and demand real solutions, which will take hard work and hard decisions. We need to do more with less. We need true accountability from our leaders for the actions they take – or those that they fail to. I am hopeful from Governor Cuomo’s message of ‘results, not rhetoric’ that he is serious about changing Albany. “
“With many new faces in the Legislature, a new governor, and optimism for starting fresh, transcending party politics and working together will be vital to turning our state around.”
“Governor Andrew Cuomo’s State of the State address today emphasized the basic message my colleagues and I have been loudly saying over the past year: we need to fix the problems that have plagued New York for far too long. We need to create private-sector jobs, cap property taxes, eliminate unfunded state mandates, and reform our state government. Even the Speaker of the Assembly now agrees that New Yorkers, especially on Long Island, need a tax cap.”
“For far too long, Albany has seen the problems affecting our state, but willfully failed to act. This has created not only a fiscal crisis, but a crisis of confidence in our government by our residents – and rightfully so.”
“The challenges we face as a state are real, and demand real solutions, which will take hard work and hard decisions. We need to do more with less. We need true accountability from our leaders for the actions they take – or those that they fail to. I am hopeful from Governor Cuomo’s message of ‘results, not rhetoric’ that he is serious about changing Albany. “
“With many new faces in the Legislature, a new governor, and optimism for starting fresh, transcending party politics and working together will be vital to turning our state around.”
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