Charles J. Fuschillo Jr.'s Press releases

Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (R-Merrick) is informing residents who believe they are entitled to a state and/or federal tax refund that they can track the status of their refund online by visiting his website, Fuschillo.nysenate.gov.

Both the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) have online tracking systems which allow residents whose income tax returns indicated they will be receiving a refund to find out when they can expect to receive it.

     Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (R-Merrick) announced that the New York State Senate passed legislation he sponsored to ensure that parents make their child support payments.

     Legislation (S4246) would allow New York State to continue to suspend the driver’s licenses of parents who fail to pay child support. Under the driver’s license suspension process, the state identifies parents who failed to pay child support and have a driver’s license. These individuals are then notified that their license will be suspended unless they make their child support payments.

     Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (R-Merrick), Chairman of the New York State Senate’s Committee on Transportation, announced today that the New York State Senate’s Committee on Transportation will be conducting a public hearing to examine how New York State can better protect children from drunk bus drivers, including whether school buses should be equipped with ignition interlocks. The hearing will take place this Thursday, May 2nd at 10 am in the Campus Center Ballroom at Farmingdale State College, located at 2350 Broadhollow Road in Farmingdale.

     Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (R-Merrick), Senator Kemp Hannon (R-Garden City), and Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano recently sponsored a free Senior ID Card Program in Farmingdale.

     The program offered seniors ages 65 or older a free wallet-sized ID card which includes a photo, the holder’s personal contact information (name, address, phone number, date of birth), and an emergency contact name and phone number which could be useful to emergency responders. Seniors can carry the card in their wallet so that emergency responders will know who to contact if the senior is in an emergency situation and cannot communicate.

     Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (R-Merrick) today announced that the Senate has approved legislation he sponsored to close a legal loophole which allows some intoxicated drivers to escape prosecution for DUI.

     Currently, individuals can only be charged with a DUI offense if they are intoxicated or impaired by alcohol or one of the drugs listed in the public health law. Those who ingest substances not listed in the law (such as inhaling an aerosol can) can escape being charged with DUI.

     Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (R-Merrick) today announced that the New York State Senate passed legislation he sponsored to raise the fines for fare evasion on New York City Transit. The legislation would allow the MTA to raise the current maximum fine for fare evasion which is so low that it is often cheaper than paying the fare itself.

Several Hundred Pounds of Expired and Unwanted Medications Collected for Safe Disposal

     Residents from across the south shore safely disposed of several hundred pounds of expired and unused medications at the Massapequa Park Train Station as part of Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr.’s “Shed the Meds” program.

     Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (R-Merrick) recently announced that the New York State Senate passed a legislative resolution he sponsored honoring Merrick resident James Harrington for attaining the rank of Eagle Scout.

     James, a member of Merrick Boy Scout Troop 351, earned the award after years of hard work rising through scouting’s ranks, dedication to scouting’s ideals, and service to others.

     Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (R-Merrick) recently attended the Village of Lindenhurst’s “Resources for Residents” Superstorm Sandy Recovery Expo.

     The event, which was sponsored by the Village and held at the Rainbow Senior Center, allowed residents affected by Superstorm Sandy to get information about recovery services and assistance from numerous government and non-profit agencies and local community groups.