Dear Resident,
I wanted to fill you in on some of the recent activities that I’ve been involved with:
- Catalytic converter thefts have been on the rise in Nassau County and across the country due to the value of the metals within them and the ease with which a thief can remove one. This year alone, more than 400 thefts have been reported countywide. If a catalytic converter is stolen from your car, it may cost thousands of dollars to replace the part and repair the damage.
Earlier this week, our legislation to combat catalytic converter theft passed unanimously through legislative committees. The legislation will preclude scrap metal dealers in Nassau County from purchasing catalytic converters unless the seller establishes that they legally acquired the device. It also requires scrap metal dealers to keep records regarding purchases, which must be made available to Nassau County Police Department and the Department of Consumer Affairs, allowing them to inspect those records to flag any illegal activity. The bill will now go before the full Legislature on May 23rd where it is expected to pass and be signed into law by County Executive Bruce Blakeman.
To further strengthen its effectiveness, the Legislative Majority is also encouraging surrounding municipalities to adopt similar legislation. Doing so will give the police the tools necessary to help them track down criminals and deter thieves since it will make it more difficult for them to profit from these illegal acts.
- Memorial Day typically marks the unofficial start of summer, but more importantly, it serves as a solemn holiday to remember all those who gave their lives for this country. Recently, I joined with dozens of fellow elected officials, veterans, first responders, active-duty military, and scouts to announce a new Memorial Day initiative to have two moments of silence to honor our brave men and women in uniform who have made the ultimate sacrifice. The first moment of silence will be at 12 Noon, and the second one at 6:00 PM. Symbolically, each moment will last for 50 seconds just as we have 50 stars on the American Flag. Fire Departments, Police Vehicles, and Volunteer Ambulance Corps. will sound their sirens and horns at these two times to remind residents to pause and pay tribute to our nation’s fallen heroes. This is a great opportunity to remember those who sacrificed for this country and reinforce that their sacrifice was not in vain. I encourage everyone to spread the word and join me on May 30th in acknowledging our veterans and those who lost their lives during these moments of silence.
- This week, New York Blood Center reported that blood supplies are dangerously low and declared a Blood Emergency. They are looking for all blood types, especially Types O and B. Please consider donating to help save a life. Donating blood is safe, easy, and vital to those who need it. The entire process only takes about one hour. Throughout the month of May, for every donor who signs up $1.00 will be donated to the Global Blood Fund’s Ukrainian support efforts. To make an appointment to donate, please call 1-800-933-2566 or visit www.nybc.org
- Last Friday, I joined several of my fellow legislators in bringing the non -profit Paws of War’s Vets2Vets Mobile Veterinary Clinic to Eisenhower Park. This organization provides free veterinary health services, including wellness checks, vaccinations, microchipping and other support, to the pets of veterans and first responders. Keeping these furry companions in tip-top shape helps to provide continuous comfort to their owners who are often suffering from the emotional and physical effects of war.
As always, please feel free to contact me with any thoughts and ideas you may have with respect to the County or on any particular issue that you think I may be able to assist you with. You may contact me at (516) 571-6214 or by email at LSchaefer@NassauCountyNY.gov .
Sincerely,
Laura M. Schaefer
Legislator, District 14
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