Mineola, NY - Nassau County Democrats today approved a no-tax increase, $2.29 billion budget plan for the county, while also restoring $2.4 million to restore service to Long Island Bus riders. The budget passed unanimously, 18-0.

"This is one of the most fiscally responsible budget plans ever presented to the legislature," said Legislator Kevan Abrahams (D-Hempstead). "We not only have a budget that answers to the fiscal needs of 2004, but is also mindful of the out years."

The spending package has received the approval of the Nassau Interim Finance Authority and the Wall Street rating agencies.

"It is certainly good news that we have distanced ourselves from the one-shot budgeting of Gulotta-nomics and this is reflected in the upgrades the County has received form all major credit rating agencies," Abrahams added.

According to Majority members, this year's budget represented a $20 million reduction in spending in the county-controlled portion of the budget.

Highlights of the Democratic amendments include:

• Restoration of $2.4 million for Long Island Bus in the Planning Department.
• Addition of $500,000 for youth violence prevention in the Youth Board.
• Addition of $200,000 for Cornell Cooperative Extension's environmental programs.

Democrats also retained enough funding in the budget to hire additional police and detectives. The number of new hires has not yet been determined, pending a report by Police Commissioner James Lawrence, which is expected in early December.

The Majority members also endorsed the County Executive's proposed multiyear plan, while Republicans voted against the measure.

"It is a great source of satisfaction to function as part of team that is seeking solutions to Nassau County's problems, rather than obstructing progress," said Abrahams.

Majority Democrats also approved at $7.1 million transfer to fund an ambitious information technology package that will assist the IT Department in implementing a technologically advanced way of providing cost-effective governmental services to all citizens. Republicans voted against funding the IT initiative.