Long Island Policy Forum

The Long Island Policy Forum is non-profit orgainzation whose purpsoe is to inform the residents of Long Island on the public policy issues of today. The LIPF also allows for you to have your voice heard by the community. The LIPF is a way for Long Islanders to stay up to date as well as communicate with one another regarding events that effect the people of Long Island. It is designed with the individual in mind, consisting of an overview of multiple topics combined with the specific focus important to Long Islanders.

The LIPF brings the capacity to inform together with the ability to reach out and discuss the issues. Long Islanders are able to get a complete understanding of what the issues are and what other members of the community are saying. The LIPF makes it easier to not only find out about what's happening on Long Island, but also how to have an impact on the decisons themselves.

Taxes & Public Finance Overview

Taxes & Public Finance on Long Island

Long Island has some of the highest property taxes in the country. These are due to the large resources used by the school districts. This is also because of the number of special districts on Long Island. In a study done by the Long Island Index of 810 Long Islanders, 89 percent said that property taxes should be reduced by, on average $3,000. They were also willing to consider significant changes to their life style and the services they receive to lower their taxes. School taxes account for about 70 percent of all property taxes.

About half the people polled supported putting a cap on the amount of money school districts can raise from local property tax. A proposal New York State is now looking at would cap property tax increases at 4 percent which if passed, would force school to cut back on spending. Many believe that taxes would be much lower if special districts were consolidated or even eliminated totally. Public finance is also used to do many public works projects. They are used in grants given to researchers as well as activists to help make Long Island a better place. Throughout Long Island towns and villages are raising taxes in order to meet their needs in times of economic hardship.

More Policy Issues >>

Taxes & Public Finance News

Levy: Time to Privatize the State's Pension System and End Overtime Abuse - July 9, 2010

Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy called upon the State Legislature to pass radical reforms to the state's pension system to prevent its collapse, and to end abuses of the system through excessive overtime.

Landmark Wall Street Reform Passes With Bishop's Support - June 30, 2010

Congressman Tim Bishop voted today to pass a historic Wall Street reform bill that ends taxpayer bailouts of big banks and will help prevent the risky financial practices that led to the financial meltdown of 2008.

Bishop Introduces Bill To Fight Outsourcing And Tax Evasion - June 29, 2010

Congressman Tim Bishop introduced legislation to crack down on overseas tax havens, promote American job creation, and reduce the federal deficit.

Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy’s Capital Budget Vetoes Save $40 Million over Three-Year Capital Program - June 21, 2010

Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy today issued his vetoes of the Legislature’s amendments to his 2011 capital budget program. In vetoing the majority of the additions from the Legislature, Levy said he is conforming to his fiscally conservative approach that has led to his capital budgets typically being lower than the previous year’s capital budget.

Senator Flanagan Unveils “Homeowner Protection and Property Tax Rebate Act” - March 17, 2010

Senator John Flanagan (2nd Senate District) joined with the other members of the Senate Republican Conference to unveil the “Homeowner Protection and Property Tax Rebate Act,” a major new tax cut initiative aimed at protecting the taxpayers of New York State.

Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy to Host Meeting with Schools on Consolidation of Services - August 26, 2009

Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy announced that he will be hosting a meeting of superintendents and school board leaders from throughout the 69 school districts in Suffolk County for the purpose of discussing methods by which the County can facilitate the combining of non-educational functions which are germane to all of the districts within the county.

More News >>

Articles/Papers

East Hampton supervisor trying to fix budget
Newsday - July 12, 2010

NYRA audit shows continuing troubles
Long Island Business News - July 12, 2010

L.I. Homeland Security Lab to Get $1M in Federal Funding
Long Island Press - July 9, 2010

Sales tax revenue on the rise on LI
Newsday - July 9, 2010

Is your tax assessment off? Prove it.
Malverne Herald - July 7, 2010

Senate seeks talks as Paterson starts vetoes
Long Island Business News - July 1, 2010

Legislature takes on final budget bill
Long Island Business News - June 30, 2010

Senate GOP now in control of state budget
Long Island Business News - June 29, 2010

Roger Corbin sentenced to 18 months in tax evasion
Newsday - June 28, 2010

Schumer tells banks to be upfront about new fees
Newsday - June 27, 2010

Ex-East Hampton budget officer admits lying about budget
Newsday - June 21, 2010

Legislature OKs hefty tax increases on tobacco
Newsday - June 21, 2010

Guv gets power to talk cigarette taxes with tribes
Newsday - June 21, 2010

Suffolk asks state to look into $5M tax mistake
Newsday - June 20, 2010

Albany expected to OK cigarette tax boost Monday
Newsday - June 20, 2010

Huge Tax Error Costs Suffolk County Sales Tax Revenue
Long Island Press - June 15, 2010

State says Nassau tax roll fair due to yearly review
Newsday - April 8, 2010

Mangano to unveil new property tax assessment system
Newsday - April 6, 2010

As Seven Suffolk Towns Consider MTA Payroll Tax Suit, Not Everyone Is On The Same Page
North Fork Vue - March 31, 2010

Paterson: No choice in delaying NYS tax refund checks
Newsday - March 17, 2010

Mangano targets tax breaks
Long Island Business News - March 16, 2010

Soda tax proposal fizzling
Long Island Business News - March 15, 2010

Tougher Medicaid Fraud Effort Needed To Stop Abuse And Save Tax Dollars
NewsLI.com - March 8, 2010

State: LI's delinquent taxpayers owe more than $82M
Newsday - March 7, 2010

Ed Mangano pushes property tax reform
Newsday - March 4, 2010

Critics: Plans to cut energy tax would impact property tax
Newsday - February 23, 2010

DiNapoli: Wall Street Bonuses Up 17%
Long Island Press - February 23, 2010

Suffolk OKs $3.2M tax increase to help fund MTA
Newsday - August 27, 2009

Schumer proposes legislation that would cut LIPA bills
Newsday - August 26, 2009

NIFA Roasts Suozzi
Long Island Press - August 14, 2009

Skelos: Paterson Welfare Giveaway Plan: Taxpayers get Shafted...
Long Island Exchange - August 11, 2009

Critics: NY lags in spending highway stimulus funds
Newsday - August 9, 2009

Links & Resources

NYPIRG

Long Island Progressive Coalition

Long Island Income Tax

Long Island Index

Public Safety Overview

Public Safety on Long Island

Oftentimes circumstances can arise that bring light to underlying issues affecting the safety and well being of Long Islanders. Such issues are wide ranging and can consist of topics such as traffic laws, local gang violence and local illegal drug rings. Local lawmakers are constantly coming up with ways which mean to keep residents safe from such activities as well as to prevent future instances from enveloping a region.

More Policy Issues >>

Public Safety News

County Executive Steve Levy, Police Commissioner Dormer Unveil Special Suffolk Police Unit to Patrol Parks, Downtowns- June 24, 2010

Suffolk Executive Steve Levy and Police Commissioner Richard Dormer this morning announced the formation of a special roaming unit that will patrol high-activity parks and downtowns in the evening hours during the summer.

Levy: Public Safety Chair Continues to Cry Crime Wave, Despite Facts- June 3, 2010

Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy labeled as “highly reprehensible” comments made by legislative Public Safety Chairman Jack Eddington that ‘…people are afraid to come out of their homes’ in Bellport and North Bellport, and said the committee “is continuing on a dangerous and costly union-backed effort to wrest control of the department from management at the expense of taxpayers.”

Levy: More than 100 Volunteers to Clean Up Graffiti in Brentwood and Central Islip- April 30, 2010

Suffolk Executive Steve Levy’s program to address concerns about gangs in the Brentwood and Central Islip communities will take another step forward tomorrow when the Third Precinct’s new Graffiti Suppression Coordinator, along with members from Brentwood Residents Against Violence Everyday (BRAVE), conduct a graffiti clean-up day.

Senator Flanagan Introduces Legislation to Ban Synthetic Marijuana- April 6, 2010

Senator John Flanagan (2nd Senate District) recently introduced legislation to ban the sale of synthetic marijuana products that are being smoked by teenagers as an alternative to marijuana. The fake drug is legally available under a variety of names like K2, Spike 99 and Spice at stores throughout New York State including on Long Island and just blocks away from the State Capitol in Albany.

Legislator Gregory demands that Levy Put Public Safety Before Politics - March 17, 2010

Statement from Suffolk County Legislator DuWayne Gregory on Wednesday, March 17, 2010: “Early yesterday morning there was yet another shooting in Suffolk County. This time the shooting was in Wyandanch, the third shooting in less than three weeks in the Wyandanch community.

Senator Flanagan Reminding Homeowners About New Carbon Monoxide Law - March 10, 2010

Senator John Flanagan (2nd Senate District) is reminding all homeowners about a new law that requires most residences in New York State to have at least one working carbon monoxide (CO) detectors. The new law has been in effect since February 22, 2010 and affects all residences with appliances, devices, or systems that emit carbon monoxide.

Megan’s Law Crime Victims Center in Patchogue To Get a Bilingual Hate Crime Advocate - March 2, 2010

Leg. Jack Eddington, Chair of Public Safety, Leg. DuWayne Gregory, and County Executive Steve Levy joined together to fund a much needed bilingual hate crime victim advocate for the Crime Victims Center Program at Parents for Megan’s Law, located in downtown Patchogue.

Suffolk County Police to Hold Operation Medicine Cabinet - March 1, 2010

The Suffolk County Police Department will conduct Operation Medicine Cabinet on Saturday, March 13, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event is being held to provide residents an environmentally safe way to dispose of expired and/or unused prescription drugs. The program is free and those participating in the event will remain anonymous. All medications will be accepted except for liquids and needles.

HOUSE PASSES BISHOP AMENDMENT ON QUESTIONING AND DETENTION OF SUSPECTED TERRORISTS - February 25, 2010

Today, the House of Representatives voted to pass an important amendment by Rep. Tim Bishop (NY-1) to require the Director of National Intelligence, along with the Attorney General, to provide a report on how U.S. authorities will balance intelligence collection needs while at the same time prosecuting terrorist suspects. The amendment was included in the Intelligence Authorization Act, which will increase funding for human intelligence collection and counterterrorism activities.

Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy Unveils Heroin Treatment Initiative - February 25, 2010

Seeking to break the grip of heroin addiction in teenagers and young adults, Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy unveiled plans for a Medication-Assisted Therapy approach to be used at county health centers – combining the prescription medication Suboxone with outpatient counseling and support.

Suffolk “Top Cops” Honored for DWI Arrests in 2009 - February 22, 2010

Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy and the County’s STOP-DWI Program honored police officers throughout the county who recorded the highest number of drunk driving arrests last year at a special awards ceremony earlier this month.

First-in-Nation Ban on E-Cigarettes - August 18, 2009

At today’s meeting of the County Legislature, Suffolk County became the first municipality in America to place common-sense restrictions on the latest, high-tech smoking threat, the electronic cigarette. Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle coalesced around a proposal championed by Legislative Majority Leader Jon Cooper (D-Lloyd Harbor) that puts “e-cigarettes” on a par with traditional smoking products by banning public use and restricting youth access.

More News >>

Articles/Papers

Cuomo Speaks About Protecting Children From Pornography Online
Plainview-Old Bethpage Herald - July 2, 2010

Suffolk installs red-light cameras
Long Island Business News - June 29, 2010

BPA Banned in New York State
Long Island Press - June 26, 2010

NY law would take DNA from all criminals
Long Island Business News - June 22, 2010

Pool safety targeted by Hempstead officials
Newsday - June 21, 2010

Bill seeks to ban sex offenders from working with kids
Newsday - June 20, 2010

New Law Protects Victims of Domestic Violence
Long Island Press - June 3, 2010

LIRR passengers worried about rise in stop signal running
Newsday - May 25, 2010

Ever ride the subway drunk? You broke the law
Newsday - April 15, 2010

Bethpage intersection unsafe, residents, business owners say after fatal crash
Newsday - April 8, 2010

Silence Troubles Brentwood-CI Anti-gang Initiative
Long Island Press - April 8, 2010

22 Rounded Up in Nassau Quaalude Sting
Long Island Press - April 8, 2010

Suffolk bill would make cyberbullying a crime
Newsday - April 6, 2010

Dozens of officers patrol city transit hubs in security drill
Newsday - March 31, 2010

County awaits Albany ruling on GPS requirement for homeless sex offenders
27east News - March 31, 2010

In wake of Phoebe Prince case in Massachusetts, families across U.S. fear bullies preying on kids
Daily News - March 30, 2010

Concern high on LI over mumps outbreak
Newsday - March 30, 2010

Huntington officials respond to parents rallying over safety
Newsday - March 19, 2010

Forum on gang violence turns into forum against Levy
Newsday - March 18, 2010

Eddington: Levy "Misrepresents" Police Proposal
Patchogue Medford News - March 17, 2010

Officials: FBI to increase anti-gang presence on LI
Newsday - March 17, 2010

Nassau's 911 system to get upgrade after nor'easter
Newsday - March 15, 2010

E-mails notify when sex offenders move into ZIP code
Newsday - March 15, 2010

Schumer: Restore fed funds to fight drugs
Newsday - March 15, 2010

Mangano: Storm-related calls swamp Nassau's 911 system
Newsday - March 14, 2010

Drug drop-offs to be held at Suffolk precincts
Newsday - March 11, 2010

Alert system lights up North Hempstead
Long Island Business News - March 9, 2010

Homeland security center opens
Long Island Press - March 8, 2010

Homeland Security Lab to Open in Bethpage
Long Island Press - March 5, 2010

In 3rd Precinct, Residents, Police Join Forces
Long Island Press - March 4, 2010

Shutdown of homeless sex offender trailers delayed
Newsday - March 2, 2010

NY State Police Chief Abruptly Retires in Scandal
Long Island Press - March 2, 2010

Stewart Manor defeats $405G bond for new fire truck
Newsday - March 1, 2010

Criminals' seized profits pays for anti-drug training
Newsday - March 1, 2010

Police look into missing cesspool cover
Newsday - March 1, 2010

Nassau to launch 'Too Good for Drugs' program
Newsday - March 1, 2010

Suffolk Pol Targets Drinking Games
Long Island Press - March 1, 2010

Kennedy runway work puts more jets, noise over Nassau
Newsday - February 28, 2010

Lawmakers accuse Levy of foot-dragging on police hires
Newsday - February 25, 2010

Hempstead village police add first new officers in two years
Newsday - February 25, 2010

Operation Nightwatch Results in 3 Gang Arrests
Long Island Press - February 24, 2010

Mangano will void Baldwin precinct lease
Long Island Business News - February 22, 2010

New Nassau System Maps Gunfire for Cops
Long Island Press - August 25, 2009

Report: NY Knew of Parkway Danger Before Accident
Long Island Press - August 25, 2009

A push for guardrail on Wantagh Parkway bike path
Newsday - August 16, 2009

State police ticket 138 drivers on Ocean Parkway
Newsday - August 16, 2009

Bias crime group makes suggestions for police, schools
Newsday - August 15, 2009

Links & Resources

Check back for updates

Special Districts Overview

Special Districts on Long Island

Special Districts on Long Island consist of fire districts, water districts, library districts, escalator districts, and sanitation districts. In 2006 Harvey Levinson, a Nassau County Assessor, wanted to condense the special districts in Nassau County to 3 sanitation districts, 3 water districts, and 3 library districts one for each town. This according to him would reduce spending and make sure everyone is paying an equal share.

Also the Commission on Local Government Efficiency and Competitiveness recommended that many of the special districts on Long Island either be consolidated or taken over by the town because they can do it for cheaper. In a study done by the Long Island Index comparing Nassau and Suffolk counties to Fairfax and Loudoun Counties in northern Virginia it was found that while Long Island had a total of 439 districts Fairfax and Loudoun Counties has a total of 17 districts. This has Long Islanders pay 45 percent more in taxes than those two counties.

More Policy Issues >>

Special District News

BISHOP ANNOUNCES $70,091 IN RECOVERY FUNDING FOR THE VILLAGE OF BELLPORT- March 11, 2010

Congressman Bishop announced that the Village of Bellport has been awarded $70,091 from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

More News >>

Articles/Papers

Hempstead village police add first new officers in two years
Newsday - February 25, 2010

State cites Nassau sewage treatment plant for 26 violations
Newsday - February 24, 2010

Residents pack hearing on proposed Mastic Beach village
Newsday - February 22, 2010

Group distributes guide on fixing taxing districts
Newsday - August 27, 2009

Cuomo unveils Web site for streamlining government
Newsday - July 7, 2009

LI mayors blast state consolidation law
Newsday - June 26, 2009

Paterson signs porperty-tax-reducing bill into law
Newsday - June 25, 2009

State moves to open special districts' books
Newsday - June 17, 2009

Links & Resources

Long Island Index 2007 Study

Long Island Local Government

Public Works Overview

Public Works on Long Island

There are many public works projects through out Long Island. Some are to clean up the Long Island Sound while others are to reduce traffic congestion. Some projects are taken up to clean parks throughout Long Island and reintroduce native species to those areas.

A project that is being taken up is at the intersection of Jericho Turnpike and Route 110. They are trying to create a jug handle shaped turn similar to the on at the intersection of Route 347 and Route 110. They feel this should relieve a great deal of traffic at the intersection. The Department of Public Works in most Counties is also in charge of garbage removal and sewer services.

More Policy Issues >>

Public Works News

Bishop Condemns FEMA Denial; Urges Governor To Appeal Decision - June 3, 2010

Congressman Tim Bishop today blasted a decision by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to deny New York State’s request to combine the March 29-30 storm with a previously declared storm as one disaster. Bishop called the decision "unfathomable," given that similar declarations were issued for Rhode Island and Connecticut for the same events.

Levy Urges Federal Government to Assist Riverhead Property Owners Following Major Rain Storm - April 6, 2010

Hauppauge—Suffolk Executive Steve Levy asked Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) officials on April 5 to assist property owners in a section of Riverhead Town that was ravaged by a March 30 rain storm that damaged numerous homes.

BISHOP BLASTS SENATOR’S PLOY TO SHUT DOWN TRANSPORTATION PROGRAMS - February 26, 2010

Washington, DC—The Senate’s failure to overcome the objections of a Republican Senator means funding for federal highway, transit and highway safety programs will run out at midnight Sunday night, Rep. Tim Bishop announced today. The expiration may also force employee layoffs at the Department of Transportation, including the Federal Highway Administration, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

BISHOP, VETS UNVEIL NEW BILL TO RENOVATE VETERANS HALLS AND POSTS - February 22, 2010

Today, Congressman Tim Bishop unveiled new legislation, the bipartisan Renovate and Enhance Veterans’ Meeting Halls and Posts (REVAMP) Act during a press conference with VSO Post Commanders and local veterans at the Kings Park VFW. Congressman Bishop is introducing this legislation to provide our nation’s veterans’ organizations with the resources to make much-needed and long overdue repairs to deteriorating halls and facilities that serve as meeting places and are pillars of our communities.

Levy Announces First Two Public Meetings for Comprehensive Plan Update - February 17, 2010

Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy announced on Feb. 11 that the first two public input meetings have been set for the county’s Comprehensive Plan Update – a two-year endeavor that will help identify Suffolk’s future and develop policy recommendations on how to get to those envisioned goals.

Legislators Eddington and Browning Secure $2 Million for Preservation of Local Waterways - July 1, 2009

Suffolk County Legislators Jack Eddington and Kate Browning have teamed up to secure $2 million from the county’s Water Quality funds to remediate the untreated direct storm water discharges occurring at South Country Road (County Road 36). The new drainage and treatment systems will utilize new technologies to filter the storm water runoff of pollutants like gas and diesel fuels, oils and chemicals, before they are washed into local streams and bays where they have proven to be harmful to marine life and the ecosystem.

More News >>