Legislator disappointed with final spending plan Assemblyman Al Graf (R,C,I-Holbrook) recently expressed his discontent with the 2013-14 state budget, a majority of which he noted was off the mark. The assemblyman pointed to a combination of tax hikes, irresponsible expenditures and draconian cuts as shortcomings that could not be overlooked. “This budget engages in a number of dangerous, unacceptable practices that are wrong for Long Island’s families and businesses,” said Graf. “While programs for the developmentally disabled and Alzheimer’s patients, including adult day care, suffered massive cuts, $60 million was committed to stadium renovations for the Buffalo Bills while the…

Assemblyman Al Graf (R,C,I-Holbrook) collected 135 baskets for his annual Easter basket drive, which were donated to children who are victims of domestic violence. Students from St. Joseph’s College, coordinated by student Stephen Bates and Mathematics Professor Dr. Donna Marie Pirich, collected 65 baskets, providing a substantial boost for the drive. Baskets were donated to the Victims Information Bureau of Suffolk (VIBS). “Every year, the Easter basket drive helps bring smiles to the faces of children who have had to endure unfathomable anguish and suffering, and this year’s effort was a great success,” said Graf. “Many individuals and organizations stepped…

Free event provides informational services Assemblyman Al Graf (R,C,I-Holbrook) will be joining Middle Country Library and Lakeview Rehabilitation and Care Center to host a Boomers & Seniors Fair on Thursday, April 4 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The event, held at the Middle Country Library at 101 Eastwood Boulevard in Centereach, will feature health screenings and information on programs and services available to seniors. “There are a number of organizations on Long Island and throughout the state that offer terrific services free of cost to our elderly community, and this fair will help connect our seniors with those groups,”…

Legislator fights for lower energy rates Assemblyman Al Graf (R,C,I-Holbrook) recently attended a press conference calling for the elimination of an energy tax on home and business owners. The 18-a assessment, enacted in 2009, was set to expire this year before the governor proposed extending the charge for another five years in his Executive Budget. Should the temporary fee be reinstated, it would add $2.5 billion onto consumer energy bills over the next five years. “As skyrocketing utility costs continue to hurt Long Island’s families and damage our local economy, the extension of this energy tax could not come at…

Assemblyman Al Graf debates the Assembly Majority’s budget resolution at the Capitol. Assemblyman Al Graf (R,C,I-Holbrook) recently voted against the Assembly Majority’s budget resolution, a proposal he labeled inequitable and unfair. The plan contained many flaws, mostly related to a disproportionate amount of state resources being committed to New York City. “If I were a representative of New York City, this would be a great deal for me. However, as a representative of Long Island, it falls short of the needs of the people that I represent,” said Graf. “Once again, Long Island is expected to be the piggy bank for…

Legislator highlights negative impact of minimum wage hike Assemblyman Al Graf (R,C,I-Holbrook) recently voted against legislation that would have a detrimental impact on job opportunities for young adults and the working poor, as well as businesses. The Assembly passed a bill raising the minimum wage to $9.00 per hour with automatic annual increases tied to the rate of inflation. Graf noted that the mandated cost increase would hurt job seekers and consumers alike. “This proposed legislation does nothing to improve our economy, nor does it help the people who are making the current minimum wage with the financial problems they…

Assemblyman Al Graf discusses energy issues on Long Island at a legislative hearing regarding LIPA. Assemblyman Al Graf (R,C,I-Holbrook) recently spoke at a public legislative hearing examining the Long Island Power Authority’s (LIPA) role in providing reliable and affordable electrical service to Long Island’s utility customers. Speaking with officials from the New York Power Authority and a representative from the Moreland Commission, Graf sought to give his constituents a voice in a critical process that has not included enough public input. “Unfortunately, by excluding the Assembly Minority delegation from the conversation regarding LIPA’s future, the governor has robbed more than…

Assemblyman accepting donations for struggling families Assemblyman Al Graf (R,C,I-Holbrook) is conducting his third annual Easter Basket drive for local children in need. The assemblyman is encouraging residents to donate baskets, bags of candy, chocolate Easter bunnies and more practical, life necessities that will be distributed to children who may otherwise not enjoy this special holiday. “Hurricane Sandy left Long Islanders with countless unforeseen expenses that are devastating their budgets, which means that local children need our help now more than ever,” said Graf. “It is critical that we give of ourselves in this time of need so that all…

Members launch petition at bit.ly/LISchools for fair share of school aid In response to Governor Cuomo’s 2013-2014 Executive Budget proposal to redistribute school aid away from Long Island schools and redirect the funding to other districts, Assemblyman Al Graf (R,C,I-Holbrook) and other members of the Long Island Assembly Minority Delegation have taken a stand. Graf and his colleagues launched a petition at http://bit.ly/LISchools urging Governor Cuomo to give Long Island students their fair share of school aid. Under the governor’s current proposal, Long Island students would receive an average of $66 in new funding per student, far below the statewide…

Assemblyman not impressed with the governor’s plan Assemblyman Al Graf (R,C,I-Holbrook) recently expressed a number of concerns with Governor Andrew Cuomo’s 2013-2014 Executive Budget proposal. “I have enjoyed working with Governor Cuomo over the last two years. However, there seems to be a troubling pattern developing regarding his indifference toward legislative input,” said Graf. “It seems that the governor is keeping his plans secret for as long as possible in the hopes of preventing substantive debate. Considering his past willingness to include many programs I have advocated for in his State of the State addresses, this is quite perplexing.” “Last…

Assemblyman assumes new role Assemblyman Al Graf (R,C,I-Holbrook) was recently named ranking minority member of the Assembly Committee on Codes, which evaluates legislation regarding the state’s criminal and civil justice system. Legislation considered by the Codes Committee amends the Penal Law, the Criminal Procedure Law, Correction Law, the Civil Practice Law, and Rules, as well as selected areas of the Executive Law. “As ranking minority member on the Codes Committee, I am excited to have the ability to examine the state criminal justice system in order to ensure the safety of our citizens and the protection of their rights,” said…

Labels hasty vote poor process Assemblyman Al Graf (R,C,I-Holbrook) recently expressed his opposition to the poor government process that yielded a hurried vote on incomplete legislation. Graf indicated that the legislation contained numerous flaws, including one that hits extremely close to home. “My daughter is a New York City police officer, and under this legislation, we’ll be taking bullets out of her gun while the bad guys have no such limitations,” said Graf. “This is what happens when you circumvent the legal, responsible legislative process: you end up with a well-intentioned bill that completely misses its mark and ends up…