News
‘You should flip over this ballot’: Coalition group announces campaign to push for 2-percent transfer tax extension
A coalition of more than 50 environmental and civic groups has formed to get the word out that voters need to flip the ballot over and vote “yes” to extend the transfer tax this year, with a measure that will allow the East End towns to spend 20 percent of the revenues on water quality improvement projects.
News
Thiele: LIRR to restore year-round weekend service to North Fork
The Long Island Railroad plans to restore year-round weekend service to Greenport this year, as part of an action plan that will also increase overall service on the North Fork, as agreed to at last week's meeting between local officials and LIRR representatives.
Denise Civiletti
Denise Civiletti Why I was kicked out of the LIRR’s closed-door meeting with public officials
Assemblyman Fred Thiele called an 'invitation' only, closed-door meeting of 'stakeholders' to discuss LIRR's East End service. Stakeholders, as defined by Thiele and the LIRR, don't include the public — taxpayers, riders or members of the press.
News
Trendy sea greens, the ‘new kale,’ will soon be cultivated in East End bays
Trendy sea greens, a hip source of nutrition — fat-free, gluten-free, low-calorie, rich in minerals, vitamins and taste — are soon to be 'grown on Long Island.'
News
Bill requiring election of LIPA trustees introduced by LaValle and Thiele
A bill that would require the election of LIPA trustees was introduced in the State Legislature yesterday by Sen. Ken LaValle and Assemblyman Fred Thiele.
News
Budgets approved by both State Senate and Assembly would dramatically increase funding to combat heroin epidemic
State lawmakers look to increase by up to 40 percent spending to combat the escalating heroin crisis in New York.
News
State education aid for the coming fiscal year: How do Riverhead and SWR fare under the governor’s proposal?
State education aid under Gov. Andrew Cuomo's executive budget is "inadequate" for Long Island, according to Assemblyman Fred Thiele, who is calling for the elimination of the gap elimination adjustment, a reduction in education aid instituted several years ago to help plug a state budget deficit, which has been wiped out.
Guest Column
Column: Why we must remember King and embrace his values
As we strive for criminal justice and education reforms in New York, as well as solutions to the widening opportunity gap between the wealthy and everyone else, it's important that we embrace his values and remember his legacy.
News
New law: real estate transfer tax money can be spent on water quality projects; voter approval still needed
The governor has signed a bill sponsored by Sen. Ken LaValle and Assemblyman Fred Thiele that would extend the community preservation fund through 2050 and allow towns to spend up to 20 percent of their CPF revenues on water quality projects. The measure must still be approved by voters.
Upcoming
Home energy assistance for low-income and elderly New Yorkers available beginning Nov. 16
Eligible households can receive a one-time benefit of up to $625 this winter depending upon income, household size and heating source.