IR 1041, a Local Law to protect the honor of decorated veterans, was unanimously approved by the Legislature. The law, which was sponsored by Suffolk County Legislator William R. Spencer, M.D. and co-sponsored by Legislator Steve Stern, will prohibit persons from deceitfully presenting themselves as a decorated veteran while soliciting funds.

Legislator Spencer was approached by members of the American Legion Post 694 with a request to enact a local Stolen Valor Act. “When I heard from local veterans that such fraudulent acts were taking place in Suffolk County, I was compelled to work with them. This type of deception is especially egregious as it preys on the charitable spirit of our residents and drains resources from those who...| read more ››

The following was submitted by William R. Spencer, who represents the 18th Legislative District.

Fighting to get our fair share of resources in the 18th legislative district (LD) is a high priority of mine. With four Incorporated Villages within the 18th LD, all charged with maintaining their own police forces outside the Suffolk County Police Department, I have been pushing to secure an appropriation of our sales tax for our local village police departments. It’s an issue of fairness, plain and simple. If we are all contributing toward the revenues generated from our sales tax, then all police departments within Suffolk County are entitled to a portion of those funds.

With my colleagues, Presiding Office DuWayne Gregory and Legislator Schneiderman,...| read more ››