Albany NY - Nassau County Executive Thomas Suozzi arrived in Albany this morning to lobby state lawmakers to pass key legislation in his Four Year Fiscal Recovery Plan.

In addition, the Nassau Interim Finance Authority (NIFA) today in a letter to Governor George Pataki, offered its strongest endorsement of Suozzi's legislation and urged lawmakers to pass four key proposals:

1. The creation of a County Sewer and Storm Water Authority;
2. Reform of the County's Tax Certiorari Process;
3. Additional Bonding Authorization for NIFA in Order to Assist the County in Restructuring its Debt; and
4. Reform of the Traffic & Parking Violations Agency.

The letter, signed by NIFA chairman Frank Zarb, said that "These four legislative proposals are a significant step . . . and we urge their passage in the current legislative session."

"This legislation is essential in helping to turn around Nassau's poor fiscal condition," said County Executive Suozzi. "It is vital that Albany passes these measures."

Along with four key legislative proposals, the County Executive's Albany agenda also includes legislation regarding Senior Citizen Tax Abatement, Revenue Enhancement for Emergency 911, and an Early Retirement Incentive from the State Pension Program, which have already passed by the State Legislature. Passage of the four remaining items must take place within the next week, before the State Legislature adjourns for the year.