Mineola, NY - Nassau County Legislator Patrick Williams (D-Uniondale) joined the Democrat majority this week in voting to approve the payment of certain benefits to county employees who are called to active duty during Operation Enduring Freedom.

The measure, approved during a legislative meeting January 14, amended a county law adopted on October 22, 2001, which granted county employees the difference between any salary or compensation received from the federal government for military service and their current county salary for a period of 30 days.

The new legislation grants individuals serving in the military reserve or National Guard units, the right to receive Leave at Reduced Pay, which is the difference between any compensation received from the federal government and their current county salary for a period of up to one year.

In addition, county employees would continue to receive health coverages, including medical, dental and optical, at the levels provided through their respective collective bargaining agreements for the entire duration of their active military duty status.

The right to receive Leave at Reduced Pay will begin after the individual has exhausted the greater of 22 working days or 30 days of Military Leave, as well as any leave credits, other than sick leave, that he or she elects to use. The ordinance, which was adopted unanimously, is effective retroactive to September 11, 2001.

"These individuals, who are serving our country so bravely, are entitled to have the security of knowing that their families will be taken care of while they are fighting to preserve our safety and freedom. This provides financial peace of mind," said Legislator Williams on behalf of the Democratic delegation.

Also approved during the meeting were a handful of cabinet appointments and department commissioners proposed by County Executive Thomas Suozzi, including: Robert Asti as Director of Purchasing; Peter Gerbasi as Director of Public Works; Lorna Bade Goodman as County Attorney; Henry Dachowitz as County Treasurer; and Doreen Banks as Commissioner of the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Support Services.