Assemblywoman Judy Griffin

Since the pandemic began, New York health care workers have worked tirelessly and made unimaginable personal sacrifices to provide high-quality care to COVID-19 patients. Their courage and selflessness in our state's time of need will never be forgotten.

Late last week, I wrote a letter to the MTA Chairman urging him not to raise LIRR fares on Long Island. Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, ridership is at its lowest and with less riders, there isn't a need to raise fares. Every two years potential fare hikes are raised by the MTA and they will host a hearing that is open to the public in a few weeks. You can read the rest of my letter below:

Today we honor the 79th anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. This surprise raid on the major U.S. Navy base near Honolulu killed more than 2,400 Americans and left another 1,100 injured. We must never forget the sacrifices and lives lost on this tragic day.

Earlier this afternoon, I joined Girl Scout Troop 2429 at Baldwin’s Coes Neck Park to discuss what an elected official does in the New York State Assembly since the Girl Scouts are working on earning their badge in democracy. Although it was raining we did as Girl Scouts do and got together!

This evening, the Incorporated Village of Malverne held their Annual Tree Lighting and Blessing of the Creche. I was happy to join Mayor Corbett, Village Trustees, Senator Todd Kaminsky, Hempstead Town Supervisor Don Clavin and the community in this joyous evening. I wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season.

It was a very festive evening in the Incorporated Village of Freeport where I joined Mayor Robert T. Kennedy, Mary Kennedy, Freeport Fire Department Chief Scott Braun and Secretary Ray McGuire, Freeport Police Department Chief Michael Smith and Deputy Chief Carl Hetzel, Freeport Village Trustee Carmen Pineyro, The Freeport Recreation Center Director Victoria Dinielli, and members of the community at the Annual Tree and Candle Lighting. With the help of Santa we lit the tree and menorah in the Triangle, the beautiful tree at The Freeport Recreation Center, and then gathered at The Esplanade on Woodcleft Avenue for the final tree lighting of the evening. It was lovely to see so many families join in the merriment. What a wonderful way to ring in the holiday season!

This morning I testified at the MTA Fare and Toll hearing to say NO to fare hikes. Our hardworking essential workers deserve more as they battle a pandemic. The LIRR needs to ensure a safe ride where all commuters adhere to the pandemic guidelines. That is a way to increase ridership, not fair increases. The MTA needs to find viable sources of funding rather than leaning on commuters. I certainly hope that Washington pulls through with the essential funding needed and in the meantime, the MTA must find alternative revenue sources.

Today we recognize the amazing heroics of our first responders who take immediate action whenever they need to. Thank you for all that you do!

Today, I am thrilled to report that American Water ratepayers will finally get the relief, recourse and service they deserve. Governor Cuomo announced utility reform legislation that will hold public utilities accountable to their customers by instituting a potential official public takeover, remove the ceiling on penalties that utilities pay, and cap the salary of executives that ratepayers are forced to pay. I was proud to work with my Long Island colleagues on this impactful legislation and I thank Governor Cuomo for his leadership. I am a proud sponsor of this legislation and will work hard to pass it in 2021. For too long ratepayers in AD21 and throughout Long Island had no voice and this will piece of legislation change that. https://www.newsday.com//public-takeover-new-york-american

Today I was happy to attend Givngo Fuel’s $10,000 Check Presentation to the Freeport Chamber of Commerce along with Senator John Brooks and Eric Alexander, Director of Vision Long Island. Thank you Danny Ocak, Owner of GivNGo Fuel and to Mike Cave, Co-founder of PinkTie.org - PinkTie1000 for organizing this remarkable initiative to help supply Chrome Books to the students in Freeport School District. It is wonderful to see businesses give back to their local community. What an inspiring event!

Yesterday afternoon I was happy to present Chief Richard Bopp of the Malverne Fire Department along with Deputy Chief Ernie Bohringer, Ex-Chief Dave Weinstein, Jack O’Brien, and Colleen Bopp with a $125,000 check of Bullet Aid from New York State to help fund structural improvements to their Headquarters. I appreciate the bravery, dedication, and commitment of each member to the safety and well-being of the Malverne and greater Nassau County community. Thank you all for your service. Malverne Fire Department. Incorporated Village of Malverne