Jacobs & Dems approve NO TAX INCREASE 2006 budget
Majority amendments fund the hiring of 100 new police officers and add $4.5 M to Health and Human Service programs

Mineola, NY—Nassau County Presiding Officer Judy Jacobs (D-Woodbury) and the Democratic Majority last night approved a $2.4 billion budget for 2006 that holds taxes steady for the third year in a row, while increasing funding for additional police hirings, adding $4.5 Million to Health and Human Service programs, $ 250,000 for a police staffing study, $250,000 for a home energy assistance program and $100,000 for the Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

These funds for health and human services programs include those provided by mental health, drug and alcohol, youth board, senior services and child protective services. The budget passed unanimously, 19-0

“The fiscal 2006 budget demonstrates our success in restoring fiscal stability to Nassau County, while addressing the health, safety and welfare concerns of our residents,” said Legislator Jacobs. “In addition, we have a budget that responds to the fiscal needs of 2006 and is also mindful of the next four years, as required by NIFA.”

The funding of 100 additional police officers for 2006 highlights the Majority’s commitment to keep public safety at the top of its agenda.

While major crime has been significantly reduced in recent years, according to F.B.I. statistics, the majority caucus believes it is imperative to give the police department the resources it needs for new police initiatives to address specific areas, such as identity theft, gang-related incidents and the recent spate of home burglaries.

“The fact that the majority is able to add 100 new police and $4.5 million to health and human service programs is testament to the tough, responsible, fiscal work we have done over the past three years, along with our County Executive Thomas Suozzi,” Jacobs said. “The programs provided by mental health, drug and alcohol, youth board and senior services provide invaluable services to many of the vulnerable population of this county. As Democrats, we have always been aware that lending a helping hand is not only the right thing to do, but it is also an investment in our county’s future.”

This year Democrats put forth 12 amendments to the budget. Highlights of the Democratic amendments include:

• $450,308 to reflect the hiring of 100 new police officers.
• $250,000 to fund a contract for a police staffing study.
• $100,000 to fund a contract with the Nassau County SPCA.
• $250,000 for HEAP, the home energy assistance program
• $1,100,000 for Youth Board for community based organizations.
• $1,300,000 for Mental Health funding for community based organizations.
• $800,000 for Drug and Alcohol for community based organizations.
• $100,000 for the Health Department for community base organizations.
• $200,000 for Social Services employment training programs and housing services for women on temporary assistance, $200,000 for infrastructure.
• $400,000 for Senior Services for community based programs.
• $50,000 for Human Rights for summer youth employment programs.
• $100,000 for DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PREVENTION INITIATIVE funding for advocacy for women and their children who need assistance navigating the Family Court system due to being victims of domestic violence.
• $300,000 for legal services for indigent tenants in District Court.

The Majority members also endorsed the County Executive’s proposed multiyear plan, while Republicans voted against the measure. In addition, the legislative budget was approved unanimously.