(MINEOLA, NY) – Nassau County Legislator Ellen W. Birnbaum (D-Great Neck), in conjunction with fellow Democratic colleagues, is sponsoring a new law allowing veterans to purchase a Nassau County Leisure Passport (“Pass”) at a one-time rate, as opposed to paying a fee every three years.
The law, filed Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2014, clarifies an ordinance already in place. If enacted, veterans will only pay a one-time rate of$25 for the Leisure Pass and show proof of residency every three years.
The Leisure Pass provides residents discounted access to Nassau County Department of Parks, Recreation and Museums facilities and, according to the new law, will remain valid as long as the veteran continues to reside in Nassau County.
A constituent complaint regarding the rates veterans pay for a Leisure Pass was brought to the attention of Legislator Birnbaum, who serves as a member of the Veterans & Senior Affairs Committee, during a recent Great Neck Chamber of Commerce breakfast.
“It came to my attention from a local veteran thatthere were price inequities for leisure passes in Nassau County,” said Legislator Birnbaum. “I immediately looked into the situation and discovered that there was, indeed, a disparity in rates being charged for Veterans.”
The legislation also states that the senior citizens discounted rate already in place will not change.
“I am proud to say I have offered clarification to the county ordinance, and if legislation is passed, it will remedy the situation. Veterans deserve acknowledgement for serving their country, and this is a small token of our appreciation.”
Legislator Carrié Solages (D-Elmont), Ranking member of the Veterans & Senior Affairs Committee, agrees that, however small, this is a common sense change to thank our veterans:
“In these tough economic times, we must make sure that veterans receive, or are empowered with, as many benefits as possible,” he said.
“A lifetime leisure pass for our veterans is just a small token of appreciation for their service to our country and our county,” said Legislator Dave Denenberg (D-Merrick). “At negligible cost to the county, our heroes will get a leisure pass at a one-time price.”