Charles J. Fuschillo Jr.

Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (R-Merrick) today announced that the New York State Senate has passed legislation he sponsors to require all bus drivers to submit to a criminal history check. The legislation would help prevent bus drivers from using aliases to hide from their criminal histories when applying for a driver’s license.

Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (R-Merrick) announced today that the New York State Senate has passed legislation he sponsors to create felony charges for wrong-way and other reckless drivers.

“Wrong-way drivers have caused tragedies and endangered lives on our roadways; it has to stop. Creating felony charges for wrong-way and reckless drivers will give law enforcement another tool to prosecute these individuals and get them off the roads,” said Senator Fuschillo, Chairman of the Senate’s Transportation Committee.

State Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (R-Merrick) and Assemblyman David McDonough (R-North Merrick) recently joined with the Wantagh Football Club to honor one of the organization’s outstanding young athletes at its annual awards luncheon.

Thirteen year old Jimmy Errante was awarded the Wantagh Football Club’s Senator Fuschillo Award, which is given to a football player who has been in the program from his first day of eligibility and who serves as a role model and leader for his fellow athletes both on and off the field. 

        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.

        Current law contains a loophole in which individuals can be charged with a DUI offense only if they are intoxicated or impaired by alcohol or by 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) was recently honored by Autism Speaks for his tireless advocacy for individuals with autism.

Senator Fuschillo received Autism Speaks’ Autism Advocacy Award for authoring New York State’s autism insurance reform law. The law will enable individuals with autism spectrum disorders to receive insurance coverage for screening, diagnosis and treatment. The law will save families with autism tens of thousands of dollars a year in out of pocket costs for autism treatment and therapies which many insurance companies refuse to cover. The law takes effect on November 1st.

With Congress returning to Washington for session today, Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (R-Merrick), Chairman of the New York State Senate’s Transportation Committee, once again wrote to Congressional leaders urging them to fully restore the federal commuter mass-transit tax benefit.

Congress allowed the benefit, which helps residents offset their commuting expenses, to be cut nearly in half on January 1st. As a result, commuters are now facing hundreds of dollars in higher costs.

“This Monday, we pay tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., an American hero who gave his life fighting for equality.

Dr. King devoted himself to improving the lives of others. As both a minister and civil rights activist, he led the fight for tolerance, justice, and human rights. He shared his dream for our country and inspired a nation to grow and change for the better.

Let us remember Dr. King’s many accomplishments and legacy of service, but most importantly, never forget that one person truly does have the power to make the world a better place."

Photo caption: Senator Fuschillo visits the Massapequa Library to thank Director Janis Schoen (left) for participating in his holiday food drive. They are joined by Stacey Careri of Island Harvest.

        Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (R-Merrick) today thanked local residents for donating over 1,000 pounds of food as part of the holiday food drive he sponsored with Island Harvest.

        The over 1,000 pounds of food collected through the program will be used by Island Harvest to help the over 283,000 Long Islanders affected by hunger.