Mineola, N.Y. - The Nassau County Legislature yesterday unanimously approved County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi's 2004 budget. "Nassau County has turned a critical corner," said County Executive Suozzi. "In balancing this budget, we have decisively left behind the legacy of waste, mismanagement and abuse. Nassau County is back in business."

The 2004 budget achieves the key objectives that were outlined last year: the implementation of smart government initiatives; new labor contracts with CSEA and the Nassau County Police Department; a Sewer and Storm Water Authority; the reduction of the County's workforce to its lowest levels in 30 years; the use of surplus 2003 operating funds to pre-pay debt and reduce non-recurring expenses; and saves important social programs. It is conservatively balanced and builds upon bond rating increases from the three major credit rating agencies, the first increases earned by the County in 15 years.

The $2.28 billion budget avoids cuts to county social programs because of the recent PBA arbitration award and Sewer and Storm Water Authority benefits package. In addition, it was balanced despite state-mandated increases in Medicaid programs, health insurance and pension costs.

"The worst is behind us. Make no mistake: Nassau County is back in business. And this time, it's the kind of business we can all be proud of. With this 2004 Budget and Multi-Year Financial Plan, we move considerably closer to restoring fiscal stability and have moved closer to achieving our goal of making Nassau County - The Best County in the Country."