Rep. Gillen Delivers Millions in Federal Funding, Meets with Law Enforcement and Long Islanders Throughout August

This past month, Congresswoman Laura Gillen (NY-04) traveled across Nassau County to deliver millions in federal funding to communities, meet directly with Long Island residents, leaders, and law enforcement and support local small businesses. Rep. Gillen continues to focus on bringing resources back home to Long Island.

Rep. Gillen toured Fresh Fizz Sodas in Island Park, owned by Rebecca and Yoni Schwartz, Frippery in Long Beach owned by Rachel Bernstein, and Soft Sips owned by Domonique Louis-Charles in Baldwin as part of National Black Business Month.

Rep. Gillen joined the Garden City, Floral Park, and Rockville Centre Police Departments for patrol ride-alongs, observing each police department’s work firsthand and discussing how she can further support and deliver resources to local law enforcement across New York’s Fourth Congressional District.

Rep. Gillen, who also serves as the Vice Ranking Member of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, visited the U.S. Coast Guard Station Jones Beach. She joined Coast Guardsmen on their patrol, heard about their work to keep our waterways safe, and discussed healthcare access challenges for service members.

This month, Rep. Gillen announced over $1.5 million she secured to improve Nassau County’s water, public safety, and public libraries. Rep. Gillen delivered $1 million for Long Beach’s water treatment system. She also delivered $250,000 in new federal funding to the Floral Park Fire Department for a new hook-and-ladder fire truck that will replace the current 30-year-old vehicle. Thirdly, Rep. Gillen delivered $250,000 in new federal Community Project Funding she secured to replace the roof and HVAC at Franklin Public Library.

Rep. Gillen announced over $2 million in new federal security funding for faith-based institutions that she secured through the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP). Her office worked directly with Nassau County congregations to apply for and secure these grants. The funding will help houses of worship protect their congregations with safety enhancements, such as physical barriers, security cameras, and contracted security personnel.

Rep. Gillen hosted a roundtable at Harmony Health in Roosevelt to discuss the impact of rising healthcare costs with Long Islanders. She continues to fight in Congress to extend federal tax credits to lower health insurance costs and ensure every Long Island family has access to affordable healthcare. She will bring the stories she heard at the roundtable and throughout Nassau County with her back to Washington as she continues to fight for Long Islanders.

This month, Rep. Gillen earned a 96.5 Bridge Score and an “A” grade in the latest Bridge Grades report. Bridge Grades evaluates every member of Congress using data measuring bipartisan collaboration. She continues to work across the aisle to deliver for Long Islanders and every bill she has introduced in Congress has earned bipartisan support.

Lawler Demands CMS Reconsider 340B Payment Cuts To Safety Net Hospitals

Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) sent a letter urging Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Mehmet Oz to reconsider a proposed change to Medicare reimbursement for the 340B Drug Pricing Program, warning that the policy could put additional financial pressure on safety net hospitals and threaten access to care for vulnerable patients in New York.

Additional signers of the letter include Nick LaLota (NY-01), Andrew Garbarino (NY-02), Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), Nick Langworthy (NY-23), and Claudia Tenney (NY-24).

In a letter submitted as part of the public comment process for CMS’s Calendar Year 2027 Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) and Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) Proposed Rule, Rep. Lawler and his New York colleagues raised concerns over the agency’s proposal to reduce Medicare reimbursement for certain 340B acquired drugs from the current rate of Average Sales Price (ASP) plus 6% to ASP minus 33.4%. This represents a nearly 40% reduction in payments to safety net hospitals.

CMS estimates the proposal would reduce Medicare spending on 340B-acquired drugs by approximately $4.55 billion in its first year. And while the agency plans to redistribute this money through increased payments for non-drug outpatient services, this approach will disproportionately affect the safety net hospitals that the 340B program is intended to support, cutting a critical source of funding for communities in need.

In New York, the proposed change is estimated to result in approximately $900 million in annual reductions to hospitals participating in the 340B program.

“Safety net hospitals that utilize 340B already operate under extremely difficult financial circumstances, and many don’t have the resources to compensate for the reductions in revenue on 340B drug payments. Our principal concern is that this steep payment change could ultimately impact their ability to maintain services and jeopardize access to care for patients,” wrote the lawmakers. 

Village Of Lawrence Hosts Spectacular Summer Concert & Fireworks Show For Over 5,000 Residents And Guests

Caption Joey Newcomb with Mayor Samuel Nahmia

Joey Newcomb performs at Village of Lawrence Summer Concert & Fireworks Show on August 30

Photo Credit Josh Justic

5,000 community members attended the Village of Lawrence Summer Concert & Fireworks Show on August 30

Photo Credit Josh Justic

Over 5,000 community members, families, and visitors gathered on August 30 at the Lawrence Yacht & Country Club driving range for the Village of Lawrence’s highly anticipated annual Summer Concert & Fireworks Show. Featuring an exhilarating live musical performance by renowned artist Joey Newcomb, the evening culminated in a breathtaking fireworks display over the waterfront.

The free community event brought together residents from across Nassau County for an unforgettably vibrant evening packed with live music, free family fun, and a community Kosher BBQ by Elite Catering. Guests brought lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy the summer weather and celebrate local community spirit.

The event was graced by distinguished elected leaders, including Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, Town of Hempstead Supervisor John Ferretti, Nassau County Legislative Presiding Officer Howard Kopel, Assemblyman Ari Brown, and TOH Receiver of Taxes Jeanine Driscoll.

Mayor Samuel Nahmias welcomed the guests to the historic event: “When we first envisioned bringing a concert and fireworks celebration to Lawrence, it was a dream. Tonight, each and every one of you helped us turn that dream into a reality. This is what Lawrence is all about: community, unity, friendship, family, and coming together to enjoy the incredible village that we are so fortunate to have and call home.”

Town of Hempstead Supervisor John Ferretti applauded Mayor Samuel Nahmias for his leadership, “Look at the beautiful things that Mayor Nahmias and the Board are putting together like this concert and fireworks. I’m just so happy to be here, I’m happy to be with my new Five Towns family.”

County Executive Bruce Blakeman concluded the evening, noting, “On the 250th anniversary of the United States of America, we have to remember, we have to fight for our freedom. We can’t let anybody take our freedom away from us, especially our freedom to practice our religion.” Blakeman then delighted the crowd by having the children count down to Fireworks by Grucci.

Special thank you to all who made the event a success including Mayor Samuel Nahmias and Monica Nahmias, and trustees Aaron Parnes, Aaron Felder, Tammy Roz, and Steven Gottesman, Administrator Gerry Castro, Treasurer Lina Fusco, Nassau County Police and Auxiliary Police, Hatzalah, and the Town of Hempstead for providing the bandshell, and Village of Lawrence and Lawrence Yacht & Country Club maintenance crews.

The Village is grateful for the sponsorships of local businesses: Gold Sponsors: Fame & SKI Development; Silver Sponsors: Maidenbaum & Rita’s Ices; and Bronze Sponsors: The Marion & Aaron Gural JCC, Prime Bistro, & Seasons Lawrence. n

Cedarhurst To Commemorate 25th Anniversary Of September 11th With Community Memorial Ceremony

Cedarhurst 9-11 memorial

As the 25th anniversary of September 11th approaches, the Village of Cedarhurst solemnly gathers to remember and honor the lives lost on that tragic morning, especially the seven victims from our community: Kevin O’Rourke, Thomas E. Jurgens, Neil D. Levin, Joseph Rivelli, Jr., Ira Zaslow, Bettina Browne Radburn, and Howard Selwyn.

We invite residents and members of the community to join us on Friday, September 11, at 11:00 a.m. at Andrew J. Parise Park in Cedarhurst for a solemn remembrance ceremony.

Together, we will pay tribute to those we lost, honor the courage and sacrifice of our first responders, and recognize the enduring strength and resilience of the families and loved ones they left behind.

Twenty-five years later, we continue to remember. We continue to honor them. And we continue to stand together as one community.

Please join us as we gather in solidarity, reflection, and remembrance.