OMG! GR8! TELL UR BFF

Lawmaker Announces “Text-A-Tip” Crime Stoppers Program

SAYS “YOUR FRIENDS, YOUR SCHOOL, YOUR CALL”

Lindenhurst, New York – Today, seeking to revitalize the Suffolk County Crime Stoppers program, Legislator Wayne Horsley (D-Babylon) announced the “Text-A-Tip” program to allow Suffolk County Crime Stoppers to receive tips, anonymously, via text-messaging and e-mailing. Horsley developed the initiative after recent reports that over 100 kids were involved in a local high school brawl.

“After reading reports of over 100 high school students engaging in a dangerous brawl it seemed obvious that someone must have known about the impending mêlée, and maybe it could have been prevented.  Look, texting is the preferred way of communication among teenagers and young adults so it makes sense that we embrace the role of texting in our policing efforts.” Horsley emphasized, “Texting a tip to law enforcement is a rapid and silent method of communication that may make tipsters more comfortable when reporting crimes or potential crimes.”

 Horsley noted such a program is more likely to be utilized by younger residents and could be highly effective in combating high school violence, gang activities, and other crimes predominately perpetrated by youthful offenders.  Once established the “Text-A-Tip” advertising campaign will be made available to interested schools and universities

Horsley insisted the “text-a-tip” program be designed to maintain the anonymous nature of crime-stoppers and pointed to a model employed by the Boston Police Department. The BPD maintains texting anonymity through third-party scrambling of messages. Under the BPD scenario tipsters receive a code and use that code during all discussions with investigators. Investigators in turn use the code to text the tipster, thus enabling interactive data sharing and tipster anonymity.

Across the nation “Text-A-Tip” programs have resulted in as much as 212% increase in successful crime prevention tips, and led to hit-and-run arrests, illegal gun confiscations, and even solved homicide investigations. 

Horsley concluded, “Instituting a ‘Text-A-Tip’ program in Suffolk is a no brainer. It is a low cost, inclusive crime-fighting tool that connects with the millennial generation.”

Other “Text-A-Tip” crime stopper initiatives are in New York City (NY), Boston (MA), Cincinnati (OH), Charleston (SC), Seattle (WA), Fresno (CA), San Diego (CA), Tampa (FL), and Kansas City (MO). 

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Horsley Heating Bill Made Law By Levy

  Suffolk Executive Steve Levy Signs Middle Income Home Energy Assistance Program (MI-HEAP)

Sponsoring Legislators Wayne Horsley and Brian Beedenbender Say Safety Net Program will Provide 1,000 Families with Vital Assistance this Winter

Hauppauge, NY – Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy signed into law Wednesday a resolution that provides one-time home heating supplements for as many as 1,000 middle income families that don’t meet federal income requirements for heating aid this winter.

Levy was joined at the bill signing by Legislators Wayne Horsley and Brian Beedenbender – who sponsored the bill to create MI-HEAP (Middle Income Home Energy Assistance Program).

“Just as the season is beginning to turn, more and more Long Islanders are worrying about how cold this winter will be and if they will be able to heat their homes all winter long,” said Levy. “I was pleased to work with Legislators Horsley and Beedenbender to present an emergency measure last week for consideration before the Legislature to pass this measure in time to provide real relief for Suffolk families.”

“On Long Island many people are too poor to be rich, and too rich to be poor,” said Legislator Horsley. “It’s a terrible Catch-22 that often leaves the hardest working residents in the county out in the cold.  MI-HEAP is geared just for these residents who get up and go to work every day, but are being financially assaulted by fat-cat analysts on Wall Street that have inflated the price of oil. MI-HEAP will offer those families that are hanging on by a thread much needed assistance so this winter no one has to make the choice between buying food or medication and keeping the heat on.”

Legislator Beedenbender added, “Through no fault of their own, people who have worked hard their whole lives, and people working hard now, are going to struggle to keep the heat on this winter because of the outrageous price of heating fuels. It is our moral responsibility to assure that Suffolk County residents have heat in the winter months.”

The MI-HEAP resolution establishes eligibility criteria which allow families to be at 35% above the federal income standards for its HEAP program:

Suffolk’s program will be administered by the Department of Social Services, and mail-in applications may be obtained after November 3 by calling 631-854-2368.

Heating Assistance. Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy signed a resolution Wednesday providing $500,000 in home heating assistance to Suffolk families who are just over the income eligibility requirements for receiving federal aid. The program, MI-HEAP (Middle Income Home Energy Assistance Program) was sponsored by County Legislators Wayne Horsley (left) and Brian Beedenbender (right).

Horsley Announces MI-HEAP

IN FACE OF HARSH WINTER SUFFOLK LAWMAKERS PROPOSE MIDDLE CLASS ENERGY ASSISTANCE

Horsley & Beedenbender Offer Middle Income Home Energy Assistance Program (MI-HEAP)

Hauppauge, NY – Today, Legislator Wayne Horsley (D-Babylon) announced the creation of a Suffolk County Middle Income-Home Energy Assistance Program (MI-HEAP) to provide financial security to Suffolk residents facing the prospect of a cold and expensive winter season.  MI-HEAP would offer as many as 1,00 families a one time $500 reprieve from sky-rocketing home heating bills in the cold winter months, and is designed specifically for Suffolk County residents that do not meet federal and state low-income criteria yet still struggle to keep the lights and heat on.

Legislator Horsley stated, “On Long Island many people are too poor to be rich, and too rich to be poor. It’s a terrible catch-22 that often leaves the hardest working residents in the county out in the cold.  MI-HEAP is geared just for these residents who get up and go to work every day, but are being financially assaulted by fat-cat analysts on Wall Street that have inflated the price of oil. MI-HEAP will offer those families that are hanging on by a thread much needed assistance so this winter no one has to make the choice between buying food or medication and keeping the heat on.”

Legislator Beedenbender stated, “Through no fault of their own, people who have worked hard their whole lives, and people working hard now, are going to struggle to keep the heat on this winter because of the outrageous price of heating fuels. It is our moral responsibility to assure that Suffolk County residents have heat in the winter months.”

Middle Income Eligibility

Eligibility for MI-HEAP is open to persons with income as high as 35% above federal poverty guidelines, and includes renters as well as homeowners.  Under existing state and federal standards a two person household making more than $30,804 annually is ineligible for assistance, while under the MI-HEAP plan that same couple making as much as $41,585 annually is eligible. Similarly a four person household making over $45,312 would not be eligible for assistance under existing state and federal standards, while under the MI-HEAP plan that same family making up to $61,171 annually is eligible for assistance.

To Heat or Eat?

Since 1995 the average price of oil per gallon has gone up over 510 %, from $0.95 per gallon in 95’ to as much as $4.85 per gallon in 2008.  This means that in 1995 $1,000 would purchase over 1053 gallons of home heating oil, while in 2008 $1,000 only purchases 206 gallons of home heating oil.  To put that in perspective the average Long Island home uses 800 gallons of oil a year; resulting in an average annual home heating budget of over $4,193 annually compared to $2,400 just last year.  Making matters worse U.S. heating oil futures have risen by more than 60 percent from the same time last year, leap frogging to $3.21 from $1.98 per gallon.

An Ice Cold Failure

The Bush administration has proposed a 22% cut in traditional Low Income-HEAP (LIHEAP) funding that will force states to either lower benefit amounts or assist less people.  The National Energy Assistance Directors’ Association (NEADA) estimates that as many as 1.2 million households could be dropped from the program in response to such a funding cut.  Meanwhile, as reported yesterday in Newsday, the State Legislature adjourned last month without acting on either the Senate or the Assembly’s proposed home heating programs.

Legislator Kate Browning stated, “With skyrocketing costs of fuel at an all-time high, it is not only the poor that are affected. Middle-class families are struggling to put food on the table and keep their homes. This new initiative opens the door for hundreds of families that are in desperate need of aid for the upcoming winter.”  

Another Alternative: Project Warmth

The United Way offers yet another path to home heating assistance this winter by administering Project Warmth, Long Island’s only non-governmental emergency energy fund. Thus far, under Project Warmth over $662,002 in grants were distributed in 2007-2008 for home heating assistance, totaling over 1,866 families receiving assistance.  For more details call the United Way of Long Island at (631) 940-3757.

“With the rising cost of fuel and a sluggish economy, more Long Islanders will struggle to make ends meet this winter ” said Christopher Hahn president & CEO of United Way of Long Island “it is important that we do all we can to name sure there is a safety net for the thousands of working families who are a pay check away from having to make the difficult choice between fuel and food”. 

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ASK VICTIMS OF PREDATORY LENDING TO REPORT ABUSE

Wasting No Time, Legislator-Elect Gregory Asks Victims of Predatory Lending to Come Forward

Horsley Continues Push for Legal Action Against Predatory Lenders

Lawmakers Flag Discriminatory Lending Practices

Lindenhurst, New York – Today, Legislator Wayne Horsley (D-Babylon) and Legislator-Elect DuWayne Gregory (D-Amityville) revealed that residents of Suffolk’s minority neighborhoods have been victimized by “reverse redlining,” a discriminatory lending practice that targets an area with predatory lending practices because of the race or ethnicity of the area’s residents.  Reverse redlining violates the federal Fair Housing Act.  Both Legislators are asking residents to report suspected predatory lending to the Suffolk County District Attorney.

“There is no mistaking the facts.  Wall Street set its sights on minority and low-income neighborhoods in Suffolk County to make a fast buck at the expense of hard-working residents pursuing the American dream of homeownership,” said Horsley.  “As the County continues to uncover the full effects of the subprime mortgage failure all residents who suspect they have been victimized by “reverse redlining” should report it to the Office of Minority Affairs immediately and all residents at risk of mortgage default are encouraged to call the LIHP immediately.”

Reverse Redlining in Suffolk

According to the Empire Justice Center minority homeowners are three times more likely than non-minority homeowners to live in the ten most highly impacted zip codes.  The Empire Justice Center reports 66% of Suffolk County’s minority homeowners live in the highly impacted zip codes, while only 20% of Suffolk County’s non-minority homeowners live in these areas.  The three zip codes with the highest number of loans in foreclosure or over 30 days late are: Amityville with 623 loans in foreclosures, Brentwood with 526 loans in foreclosure, and Central Islip with 433 loans in foreclosure.  Furthermore, Wyandanch had the highest percentage of home foreclosures of any zip code in New York State with 581, or 43.4% of all subprime loans in foreclosure or 30 days late

Legislator-Elect DuWayne Gregory, “Low income and minority areas have been severely impacted by these predatory lending practices.  While Wall Street celebrated record profits the residents of Wyandanch, Amityville, and Suffolk were busy fighting for their homes. It is imperative that our residents step forward and to report an allegation of ‘reverse redlining’ and to seek counseling on how to remain at home.”

Community Response

Anne Stewart, Director, Wyandanch Weed & Seed Program, stated, “At every turn the community of Wyandanch, and others like it, have to fight for every inch of the American dream, and now to see these residents wronged by the misdeeds of Wall Street fat cats, through no fault of their own, is tragic. This unnoticed plight must be exposed for what it is and confronted. ”

Sondra Cochrane, Director, Wyandanch Community Development Corporation, said “I am in this community everyday trying to help families find a home that is right for them and these predatory lenders are destroying everything that we have worked so hard to build.  The people who are targeted for ‘reverse redlining’ are the people who can least afford to pay.  ‘Reverse redlining is an immoral practice and it needs to be confronted and ended.”

Edna Newton, Chair, Wyandanch Beautification, stated, “I am a life long resident of Wyandanch and to see the effects predatory lending has had on my community truly disturbs me.  These are decent people who are attempting to raise their families, and they should not have to be subject to predatory practices that prey on the hopes of every American family, the dream of homeownership.”

Programs to Help

On July 28th, 2008, for two weeks, Community Development Corporation of Long Island has opened its Housing Choice Voucher Program wait list. The list will close on August 11, 2008. For more information or to speak with a housing educator contact the CDC of LI at (631) 471-1215.

The Long Island Housing Partnership offers a HUD counseling program. If it appears that the account can be brought current, the counselor works with the client and the mortgagor to arrange a mutually agreeable payment plan. Contact the LIHP at (631) 435-4710 for more information.

Legislation

Legislator Horsley has introduced legislation to pursue legal action against predatory lenders. Horsley’s legislation will be eligible for a vote on August 5, 2008, and would direct the county attorney to determine the feasibility of Suffolk County suing subprime lenders for damages and other violations of law.

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Slams Wall Street For Housing Neglect & Predatory Lending Practices,

Introduces Legislation to Tackle Sub-Prime Fall Out in Suffolk County

Legislator Horsley at a foreclosed home in Babylon Village

Horsley declared, “The greed of Wall Street is so pervasive it has corrupted what was once the attainable American Dream, and instead placed in our neighborhoods a mountain of unrepayable debt coupled with horrendous physical blights that assault our property values.  That is why after much consideration and diligent research I have introduced legislation to pursue legal action against the most egregious perpetrators of a deficient, socially toxic subprime loan product that has attacked our quality of life.”

The Math

Suffolk County accounts for over 8,055 subprime loans in foreclosure or over thirty days late, more than any other county in New York State.  Nassau County is a distant second accounting for over 4,881 subprime loans in foreclosure or over thirty days late.  Making matters worse more than 5,531 subprime mortgages in Suffolk County will reset interest rates before October 2009, thus leading to another round of home foreclosures.  To date conservative estimates show that 8,055 foreclosures could reduce Suffolk property values by $1.2 billion, less conservative estimates place the property value loss at a staggering $2.9 billion.   Furthermore, recent conservative estimates show that a conventional foreclosure within an eighth of a mile of a single-family home results in a decline of .9 percent in value, while less conservative estimates suggest that each conventional foreclosure within an eight of a mile of property results in a 1.136 percent decline in that property’s value, and that each foreclosure between an eight and a quarter of a mile away results in a .325 percent decline in value.   

Financial Impact

As a result Suffolk County has seen a rapid depletion in the strength of it’s tax base.  In recent years falling home values have resulted in property tax delinquencies and real property tax deficits. Following years of growth from 2002 to 2004, Suffolk experienced a real property tax decline in 2005 with a 2.3%, or $1.2 million, decline in property tax revenues. Then 2006 yielded a 5.9% or $3 million decline in property tax revenue, and most recently in 2007 Suffolk experienced a 35.7% or $18 million real property tax decline.  All of which may have contributed to Suffolk’s $150 million projected operating budget deficit.

Social Impact

Foreclosures can lead to vacant, boarded-up, or abandoned properties.  These properties can contribute to physical disorder in a community, create a haven for criminal activity, discourage the formation of social capital, and lead to further disinvestment.  The theft of property from unoccupied buildings may be less likely to be reported.  It has been demonstrated that higher levels of foreclosures contribute to higher levels of violent crime. Studies generally show 2.8 foreclosures for every 100 owner-occupied properties in one year correspond to an increase in neighborhood violent crime of approximately 6.7 percent. Till now Suffolk has managed to buck this national trend.

DuWayne Gregory, Chief of Staff, (15-LD) stated, “The foreclosure of single-family homes is a serious threat to neighborhood stability and community well-being.  Abandoned, boarded up properties contribute to physical disorder that can lead to a haven for criminal activity, discourage the formation of social capital, and lead to further disinvestment.” With 43.4% of 581 loans being subprime, Wyandanch has the highest percentage of subprime loans of any zip code in New York State.

Georgia Westcott, Coldwell Banker Residential Broker, talked about the fall out real estate agents are forced to deal with, “Many abandoned homes go on to be burglarized. Copper pipes and heating systems are ripped out. Everything from granite counters, new appliances and cabinets become attractive to thieves.  Safety for real estate agents who show vacant properties has become a vital issue, many agents are forced to employ a “buddy” system to insure their own safety when showing foreclosed homes.”

Horsley concluded, “As it has become crystal clear that Wall Street bears an undeniable responsibility for untold financial and suburban collateral damage I will be working closely with the County Attorney’s office to determine what measures may be executed to force more rapid clean-up and maintenance of foreclosed homes, and what statutes exist to compel clean up of homes in disrepair.”

COMBATING SUB-PRIME CRISIS HORSLEY HIGHLIGHTS:

HOMEOWNER EDUCATION & LOAN PROGRAM (H.E.L.P.)

Touts Mortgage Crisis Hotline & Website To Assist Overburdened Homeowners

Hauppauge, New York – Addressing the sub-prime crisis Legislator Wayne Horsley hosted Lend America, a government insured FHA loan provider, to discuss the resources available to Suffolk residents suffering from the sub-prime crunch.  As a result Horsley highlighted that assistance to Suffolk residents is available through Lend America’s Homeowner Education & Loan Program (H.E.L.P), the Long Island Housing Partnership (LIHP), and Freddie Mac.

Horsley stated, “The greed stemming from Wall Street’s ivory towers has assaulted our suburbs in the form of sub-prime home loans. So today I strongly urge that if you have been deceived by predatory lending practices or your homeownership is endangered that you seek assistance, counseling, and guidance immediately.” 

H.E.L.P.

Before the Suffolk County Economic Development Committee Lend America announced a 1-800-FHA-FIXED (342-3493) telephone hotline available to Suffolk residents for financial and mortgage counseling.  The Homeowner Education and Loan Protection Program (H.E.L.P) is program to assist borrowers in a challenging mortgage lending environment. H.E.L.P provides a clear understanding of the home ownership process, and offers counseling to promote positive financial behavior. H.E.L.P offers borrowers financial protection, and assistance with mortgage payments should an unexpected financial crisis arise.  H.E.L.P. also offers consumer guidance programs recognized by Fannie Mae.

Michael Ashley, Executive Vice-President of Lend America commented, “We are pleased to partner with Suffolk County to offer financial counseling and education services.  We are hearing firsthand, through the 1-800-FHA-FIXED telephone hotline, how homeowners are finding themselves overburdened by their mortgage situation and are looking for solutions now.”

Don’t Borrow Trouble

Legislator Horsley also promoted “The Don’t Borrow Trouble Campaign[i]” and its hotline: 1-800-528-8683 sponsored by the LIHP to thwart predatory lending.  The Long Island “Don’t Borrow Trouble” campaign was launched on March 1, 2004. It combines an original outreach campaign through churches, civic associations and other community-based organizations with a comprehensive consumer action network of attorneys, lenders, and 24 community agencies across Long Island. The Long Island Housing Partnership answers calls on the hotline and provides counseling and/or legal assistance to callers.  Horsley also featured “The Don’t Borrow Trouble Campaign” developed by Freddie Mac and the LIHP on his Blog[ii].

Lend America is a National Mortgage Banking Organization and one of New York’s largest privately owned direct lenders, has served the residential mortgage marketplace for over 20 years. The company is one of the most successful direct to consumer lenders in the United States and is the region’s largest and most well known FHA direct lenders. Lend America employs approximately 650 employees, 80% are Suffolk residents, and is located at 201 Old Country Road, Melville, New York, 11747.

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Workers shifting to 4-day week to save gasoline

Legislator Horsley, Sheriff DeMarco “In Case of Emergency – Call ICE”

Program To Assist First Responder Personnel In Emergency Response Situations

ICE-Acronym Enables First Responders To Contact Next Of Kin In Emergency

Lindenhurst, New York – Today, Legislator Horsley announced a resolution creating the Suffolk County In Case of Emergency “ICE” system, a communication system that allows emergency personnel to identify victims and contact their next of kin to obtain important medical information.  Horsley’s resolution directs the Department of Fire, Rescue, and Emergency Services (FRES) to develop a public education program that encourages the public to insert the acronym ICE in front of an emergency contact or next of kin within their cell phone address book.  On Thursday FRES Commissioner Joe Williams expressed his support for the ICE public safety initiative.  Today both Suffolk County Sheriff DeMarco and the Suffolk County PBA announced their endorsement of Legislator Horsley’s ICE public safety initiative.

Horsley stated, “In the event of an emergency every second is precious time that can mean the difference between life and death, by educating the public about how to be prepared for such an emergency we are trying to do our part to save as many lives as possible.  Programming the number of your emergency contact into your cellular phone is a simple, life-saving step that all of us can take.”

Suffolk County Sheriff Vincent DeMarco, who supports the “ICE” concept, noted, “Legislator Horsley’s initiative is a simple common sense tool that could save lives. I urge all Suffolk County residents who have cell phones to utilize this important program. For anyone that doesn’t have a cell phone the Sheriff’s Office provides In Case of Emergency Medical Identification Cards that contains critical information for first responders.”

Noel DiGerolamo, 2^nd Vice President, Suffolk County PBA, “The Suffolk County PBA is proud to support Legislator Horsley’s “ICE”, or In Case of Emergency cell phone resolution.  Just enter the acronym ICE with a name and phone number into your cell phone address book.  This will be the person contacted in case of an emergency, and they may be able to assist emergency personnel in the event you are incapacitated.  It takes only a minute to save a life, and it may be yours.”

In emergency situations, contacts listed under “ICE” can be contacted by emergency medical service providers to inform them of a family member or friend’s emergency situation as well as to acquire pertinent medical information.  This simple action is a critical one in situations where individuals are incapacitated and unable to provide information themselves.

The “ICE” cell phone concept was developed by a Cambridge paramedic in 2005 to assist paramedics dealing with critically injured persons.  The idea gained momentum after the London terrorist attacks, and has recently become an international issue.  Further establishing the need for such a program, Vodaphone, a major European wireless provider, found that more than 75% of people who carry cell phones do not have any information on who should be contacted in emergencies.  In the United States alone there are over 192 million cell phones that could be programmed with an “ICE” number.

Horsley stated, “The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has reported that 900,000 emergency room patients could not provide emergency contact information to medical personnel.  That is 900,000 people who may have been in mortal danger, and 900,000 people with families who could not be notified.  By simply using the edit functions on your cell phone you can type the letters ICE in front of your emergency contact, i.e. “ICE Jane Doe,” and that is all we have to do to save countless lives.”

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NATIVE AMERICAN GAMING IS AN ECONOMIC JACK POT?

Shinnecock Indian Nation Claims Gaming Could Equal 10,200 Jobs, 
$838 Million in Local Employment, and $4.2 Billion in New Revenue

Hauppauge, New York – Today, Suffolk County Legislator Wayne R. Horsley announced the findings of a series of economic reports presented by the Shinnecock Indian Nation Gaming Authority and the Connecticut Center for Economic Analysis to the Legislature’s Economic Development committee. 

The Shinnecock Indian Nation reports revealed a staggering influx of new jobs and revenues would result to the local economy if a Native American gaming establishment were built on Long Island.  The research demonstrated that 10, 200 in new jobs, $445 million in new local employment salaries, and over $2.5 billion in new revenue to local and state governments would result.  Horsley noted that though a controversial topic in the past, such a proposal merits at least cursory examination as the local economy continues to soften.

“As the local economy continues to soften, we thought it would be worth while to examine the economic benefits of a gaming establishment here on Long Island.  After all, we currently contribute to the staggering $234 million in estimated out-of-state gaming funds enjoyed by Connecticut State residents. So the question is why not take a hard look at what the benefits would be if we stopped riding the ferry and started spending our money here on Long Island. In our economy.”

The Shinnecock Nation detailed the employment impact of a sizable gaming establishment:  303 in wholesale and warehouse employment, 654 in retail trade employment, 113 new information service positions, 347 in finance and real estate employment, 369 in professional, scientific, and technical services employment, 453 in management and administrative support jobs, a whopping 820 new education, health care and social assistance positions, and 529 careers in arts, recreation and other services.

A grand total of 3, 817 in non-gaming employment would be produced as a secondary benefit of a Shinnecock Indian Nation gaming establishment.  Local purchases made by the gaming establishment would also result in $581 million in new revenue to existing local businesses.

Horsley concluded by saying of the Shinnecock Indian Nation Proposal,  “There is no shovel in the ground, and there remains many, many obstacles to such a proposal. So NIMBY’s needn’t be alarmed. However, as our sales tax revenue continues to soften and the local economy dwindles it seems only logical that our committee examine any proposal that may bring as much as $4.2 billion to the Long Island economy.”

HORSLEY SLAMS $2.9 BILLION SALE OF NATIONAL GRID POWER PLANT

Asks For Rate Stabilization From Profits, Pay Down National Grid Rate Hike

“National Grid’s debt-ridden take over of KeySpan was made possible by gas hikes on rate payers. To fund National Grid’s take-over residential ratepayers and commercial customers have been asked to shoulder $113 and $733 rate increases respectively. The rate paying public was forced to finance this ill-conceived take over, and at the very least we want a return on our investment.” Horsley continued, “With the sale of Ravenswood for a $2.9 billion profit National Grid is reaping the reward of its takeover. So it’s only fair to ask ‘Where’s our share, and why shouldn’t this revenue pay down unnecessary National Grid rate hikes?’”

As a condition for takeover-approval the PSC saddled ratepayers and commercial customers with a 5.3% and 4.9% annual rate increase for five consecutive years. Conversely National Grid’s sale of the Ravenswood generating facility will amount to a $2.9 billion in profit for National Grid shareholders, as reported by Newsday.

Legislator Horsley alternatively proposed that profits from the sale of Ravenswood be allotted for the repowering of Long Island’s antiquated generating plants. Horsley called on National Grid to appropriate revenue from the sale of the Ravenswood generating facility to be invested in the operating efficiency of Long Island’s “legacy” plants, Northport and Port Jefferson. Proposals currently put forward by National Grid to repower these “legacy” plants would put the full cost solely on ratepayers.

“It is simple unconscionable that ratepayers who have been assaulted by increased energy costs would also be confronted with the cost to repower National Grid’s generating facilities. These are private assets, owned by a private sector company, and it is therefore appropriate that National Grid bear the cost of improvement. And with a staggering $2.9 billion in profit it seems funding for repowering on Long Island is readily available.”