Charles J. Fuschillo Jr.

     Photo Caption: Senator Fuschillo helps unload food which was distributed to residents in need at Roosevelt Middle School.

     Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (R-Merrick) recently joined with Long Island Cares in Roosevelt to help families in need.

     Senator Fuschillo and LI Cares employees, with assistance from Roosevelt students and staff members, distributed non-perishable items and turkeys at the Roosevelt Middle School for families in need of some assistance during difficult financial times.

                                                  November 27, 2012

Members of the Board

Metropolitan Transportation Authority

347 Madison Avenue, 5th Floor

New York, New York 10017

Dear Members of the Board:

     I am writing to strongly urge you to reject the proposed MTA fare increases because of the harmful effect they will have on your customers.

     Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (R-Merrick) is providing information to residents about how to protect themselves from charity scams following Hurricane Sandy.

    “Many residents are eager to help out those in need; however criminals may use this disaster to take advantage of people’s generosity. By following a few basic steps, residents can help protect themselves from fraud and ensure that their donation goes to those in need,” said Senator Fuschillo.

     Senator Fuschillo offered the following tips, which are provided by the New York State Attorney General’s Office and the New York State Division of Consumer Protection, that consumers can follow to avoid charity scams:

     Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (R-Merrick) is informing homeowners who sustained damage during Hurricane Sandy about precautions they should take to avoid falling victim to home repair scams.

     Senator Fuschillo offered the following tips, which are provided by the New York State Division of Consumer Protection, to residents who need to repair storm damage to their homes:

     • Avoid unlicensed contractors in Nassau and Suffolk Counties, where contractors are required to have a license. Unlicensed contractors are operating illegally in those areas;

     • Avoid contractors who show up at your doorstep unannounced or contact you through telemarketing;

Residents Now Have Until February 4th to Apply

     Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (R-Merrick) is informing residents affected by Hurricane Sandy that the deadline to apply for federal disaster unemployment assistance has been extended. Residents now have until February 4, 2013 to apply for the benefit, which is available to provide support to anyone who cannot work as a result of the storm and lives or works on Long Island, New York City or Westchester and Rockland Counties.

Residents Who Work or Live on Long Island, New York City, or Westchester and Rockland Counties Can Apply

     Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (R-Merrick) is reminding residents that federal disaster unemployment assistance is available to those who are now unemployed as a result of Hurricane Sandy. Disaster unemployment benefits are available to provide support to anyone who lost their job or income as a result of the storm and live or work on Long Island, New York City or Westchester and Rockland Counties.

     Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (R-Merrick) announced that residents will be able to receive assistance with insurance issues related to Hurricane Sandy at anytime of the day or night.

     The New York State Department of Financial Services’ insurance disaster assistance helpline is operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide help to those in need. Consumers can also file insurance-related complaints with the Department through the helpline.

     Residents and businesses who need assistance with storm related questions or issues can call the Department of Financial Services’ helpline at 1-800-339-1759.

     Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (R-Merrick) announced that the New York State Department of Financial Services will be setting up a help center in Massapequa Park to assist residents and business owners who were affected by Hurricane Sandy.

     Senator Fuschillo and Massapequa Park Mayor James Altadonna have arranged for Department of Financial Services representatives to be at Massapequa Park Village Hall, located at 151 Front Street in Massapequa Park. Representatives will be available from Tuesday, November 13th thru Friday, November 16th between the hours of 9 am and 5 pm.

Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (R-Merrick), Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray, and Long Island Cares announced that they will be partnering together in sponsoring a free mobile food distribution program this Saturday to help residents affected by Hurricane Sandy.