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In The News
Hundreds march for police in Franklin Square
Hundreds of Franklin Square residents waved American and “thin blue line” flags as they followed a pickup truck playing patriotic country music from the town parking lot on Sobo Avenue to the Sept. 11 memorial on Naple Avenue last Saturday, in the inaugural Franklin Square Backs the Blue walk.
READ MORE: https://www.liherald.com/elmont/stories/hundreds-march-for-police-in-franklin-square,128064
Library Children’s Room renovation approved
At its July 6 meeting, the Library Board unanimously approved the proposal for the $845,220 renovation of the Children’s Room made by H2M Architects and Engineers. The following week at its July 16 meeting, the proposal was also unanimously approved by the Village Board of Trustees along with additional funding of $105,000 for the project.
READ MORE: https://www.gcnews.com/articles/library-childrens-room-renovation-approved/
Businesses to get marketing grants under proposed legislation
A bill in the New York State Legislature would help small business owners better market themselves and promote their businesses, as Long Island’s economy begins to reopen.
Under the “New York First” bill, A10473, money from the State Department of Economic Development and the New York State Urban Development Corporation would be used to provide small business owners grants of up to $10,000 for marketing campaigns, consultation services and search engine optimization lessons. The business owners would have to apply for the funds, detailing how they would use the money and listing any additional business assistance services they receive. They would also have to identify the specific target audiences they are trying to reach, and explain how they would measure their success.
Bail, once Albany's top issue, gets tweaked in state budget deal
ALBANY — State lawmakers wrapped up business Friday by acting on what had been the top issue at the State Capitol prior to the COVID-19 pandemic: Bail reform.
The Senate and Assembly scaled back some of the landmark bail and discovery changes that had become effective just three months earlier. They tucked the policy amendments into a $177 billion budget plan the houses finished approving around 3:30 a.m. Friday.
The result is that just months after eliminating bail for most misdemeanors and nonviolent felonies — an estimated 90 percent of criminal cases in New York — more than 20 crimes will return to being considered “bail eligible.” The new law becomes effective in 90 days.
READ MORE: https://www.newsday.com/news/region-state/state-budget-bail-reform-1.43625835
THE ISLAND NOW - Editorial: State Assembly 19th District
At 37, Republican Edward Ra, of Garden City South, is seeking his fifth term.
In his first four terms, Ra has moved up fast in the minority conference in the Assembly. He now holds the No. 3 post in the leadership, and before that he was the ranking minority member on the Education Committee.
READ MORE: https://theislandnow.com/opinions-100/editorial-state-assembly-19th-district/
For Immediate Release
October 22, 2018
Three Nassau County Law Enforcement Unions Endorse Assemblyman Ed Ra,
PBA, SOA and Detectives’ Association Support Ra for Re-Election
Assemblyman Ed Ra (R-Franklin Square), a tireless advocate for law enforcement, has the support of thousands of men and women in blue as he runs for re-election to a fifth term to represent the 19th Assembly District. Ra has received endorsements from three top law enforcement unions, including the Nassau County Police Benevolent Association (PBA), the Nassau County Superior Officers Association (SOA) and the Nassau County Detectives Association (NCDA).
The Nassau PBA represents over 5,000 active and retired police officers from the Nassau County Police Department. In addition, the Nassau Superior Officers Association and the Nassau Detectives Association represents thousands of active and former Nassau County Police Department members.
Ra has always been proud supporter of law enforcement, and expressed his thanks to Nassau’s PBA, SOA and Detectives’ Association for their endorsements.
“I’m a staunch proponent of law enforcement, and I’m truly grateful for the selfless men and women who protect our communities day and night,” Ra said. “While they’re out in the streets saving lives and preventing crime, I can do everything I can in Albany to protect their rights and livelihoods.”
The Nassau County PBA, the Nassau SOA and Nassau County Detectives Association are members of the National Association of Police Organizations, a member of the New York State Association of PBA’s and a member of the Police Conference of New York.
“The members of these important law enforcement unions that support the courageous people who run into crime and danger every day in order to protect the communities that they serve,” Ra said. “As an elected official, it’s my duty to tackle the issues that matter most to our men and women in law enforcement. I thank the members of the Nassau County Police Benevolent Association, the Nassau County Superior Officers Association and the Nassau County Detectives’ Association for their support in my campaign for re-election to the 19th Assembly District.”
Assemblyman Ed Ra is a leading voice for the New York State Assembly Republican Conference. In December of 2017, Ra was appointed Assistant Minority Leader Pro Tempore, a position that ascends him to the third-highest leadership role for the state Assembly Republican Conference. Ra is also a member of the Codes, Education, Higher Education, Health, Transportation and Ways and Means Committees. Ra, 37, is vying for a fifth term, representing a district that stretches to include communities in all of Nassau County’s three townships, Hempstead, North Hempstead and Oyster Bay. The district includes the communities of Franklin Square, Garden City South, Garden City Park, New Hyde Park, Westbury, Carle Place, Mineola, Williston Park, Old Westbury, Brookville, Old Brookville, Upper Brookville and Glen Head.
Ra was elected to his first term in office in November 2010 as representative for the 21st Assembly District, and re-elected in 2012, 2014 and 2016 to represent the newly formed 19th Assembly District. Ra is a graduate of Loyola College in Maryland and earned his J.D. from the St. John’s University of Law and LL. M. in Intellectual Property Law from the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law. Ra previously served as a Deputy Town Attorney for the Town of Hempstead and as a legal aid in the Office of the New York State Attorney General. He is a member of the Franklin Square Kiwanis, a 3rd Degree Knight of the Knights of Columbus, 12 Apostles Council and a member of Cellini Lodge #2206, Order Sons of Italy in America. Ra currently lives in Garden City South with his wife, Laura and their shelter dog, Carter.
For Immediate Release September 17, 2018
NYSUT Endorses Assemblyman Ed Ra for Re-Election
Union Represents over 600K Teachers & Educators in NY State
In his bid for re-election to represent the 19th Assembly District, Assemblyman Ed Ra (R-Franklin Square) has received the endorsement from the New York State United Teachers (NYSUT). NYSUT represents more than 600,000 classroom teachers and other school employees and retirees; academic and professional faculty at the state’s community colleges, SUNY and CUNY; and other education and health care professionals in public and private employment.
“I thank NYSUT for endorsing me to return to represent the 19th Assembly District,” Ra said. “I’m committed to fighting for our fair share of state funds to ensure that teachers and staff have the resources and tools to nurture our youngsters into future leaders of society.”
Ra, currently the Assistant Minority Leader Pro Tempore, which is the third-highest leadership role for the state Assembly Republican Conference, has a strong record in fighting for students and educators. As former ranking member of the Assembly’s Education Committee, Ra’s strong voice and leadership have been critical in pushing back against decreased local control in education. Ra opposes the “one-size-fits-all” approach that has resulted in too much focus on standardized testing and too little focus on the individual student. Ra stands with parents, educators, administrators and neighbors who fought against the test centric and data-driven methods, and supported families’ rights to “opt” their children out of the government-imposed testing.
“I’ll continue stand with students, parents and teachers against the state’s misguided practices,” Ra said. “We need the state to step aside and return control to our locally elected school boards.”
In NYSUT’s official endorsement letter, NYSUT President Andy Pallotta said that Ra’s advocacy and voting record earned him the organization’s nod.
“Throughout our state and nation, public employees and the unions that represent them are under attack by forces who seek to cut union protection and direct public dollars to private schools,” NYSUT President Andy Pallotta said. “As a result, NYSUT has been diligent in endorsing candidates whose positions and actions align with our goals.”
“It is an honor to gain the endorsement of the union that represents thousands of people who are dedicated to serving the residents of our communities,” Ra said. “I thank them, and I also want educators and their families to know that they have my support as I fight for them in Albany.”
Assemblyman Ra is vying for a fifth term, representing a district that stretches to include communities in all of Nassau County’s three townships, Hempstead, North Hempstead and Oyster Bay. The district includes the communities of Franklin Square, Garden City South, Garden City Park, New Hyde Park, Westbury, Carle Place, Mineola, Williston Park, Old Westbury, Brookville, Old Brookville, Upper Brookville and Glen Head.
Assemblyman Ed Ra was elected to his first term in office in November 2010 as representative for the 21st Assembly District, and re-elected in 2012, 2014 and 2016 to represent the newly formed 19th Assembly District. Ra is a graduate of Loyola College in Maryland and earned his J.D. from the St. John’s University of Law and LL. M. in Intellectual Property Law from the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law. Ra previously served as a Deputy Town Attorney for the Town of Hempstead and as a legal aid in the Office of the New York State Attorney General. He is a member of the Franklin Square Kiwanis, a 3rd Degree Knight of the Knights of Columbus, 12 Apostles Council and a member of Cellini Lodge #2206, Order Sons of Italy in America. Ra currently lives in Garden City South with his wife, Laura and their shelter dog, Carter.
Ra, Carr vie for seat in 19th Assembly District Candidates square off over education, taxes and ethi
THE ISLAND NOW: Ed Ra announces bid for re-election, renews call for more transparency in Albany
For Immediate Release August 19, 2018
Ed Ra Kicks Off Campaign for Re-Election, Assemblyman Fights to Protect Suburban Way of Life for 19th District Neighbors
Assemblyman Ed Ra (R-Franklin Square) announced today he has filed petitions to appear on the November ballot on the Republican, Conservative, Independent and Reform party lines for re-election to represent the 19th Assembly District.
“From the first day I arrived in Albany in January 2011, I have been focused on ensuring our community continues to benefit from great schools, safe streets and our suburban quality of life,” Ra said. “I’ll continue to push hard for initiatives that bring real results for neighbors by supporting local businesses, creating jobs and providing tax relief for our middle class families and senior citizens.”
Earlier this month, Ra stood with Hempstead Town Receiver of Taxes Don Clavin and Senator Elaine Phillips in support of a proposal that would provide property tax equity for senior citizens and persons with disabilities in Nassau County. Ra joined the Senator and Receiver, demanding that our homeowners receive the same income eligibility levels for property tax exemptions as the Governor had recently signed into law for New York City homeowners.
Additionally, Ra is an advocate for stronger ethics reform and transparency in Albany. Ra supports supports an array of ethics reform measures, including term limits, a close review of all political donations, fair bidding processes and closing all the loopholes that corrupt politicians use for their advantage. Recently, Ra stood with fellow Assembly Republicans to call for transparency and accountability regarding New York State’s economic development programs.
“Our taxpayers deserve to see where their money is really going, especially when it comes to economic development in our state,” Ra said. “It shouldn’t be just about fancy commercials touting job creation, downtown revitalization and new industries, we need to actually see these plans in action. What’s more, while some progress has been made in regards to ethics reform, it’s not nearly enough and I vow to continue fighting for accountability and transparency across state government.”
Ra, 37, is a leading voice for the New York State Assembly Republican Conference. In December, Ra was appointed Assistant Minority Leader Pro Tempore, a position that ascends him to the third-highest leadership role for the state Assembly Republican Conference. This prestigious leadership position affords Ra the opportunity to lead debates on the state Assembly floor when bills come to a vote.
Ra is also a member of the Codes, Education, Higher Education, Health, Transportation and Ways and Means Committees.
As the former ranking member of the Education Committee, Ra’s strong voice and leadership have been instrumental in pushing back against decreased local control in education including the “one-size fits all” approach that has resulted in too much focus on standardized testing and too little focus on the individual student. Ra stands with parents, educators, administrators and neighbors who fought against the test centric and data-driven methods, and supported families’ rights to “opt” their children out of the government-imposed testing.
“Securing appropriate funds for our school districts is critical to providing the resources and tools that educators need for our students to excel, while also preserving valued programs, services and jobs,” Ra said. “What’s more, I’ll continue stand with students, parents and teachers against the state’s misguided practices and to return control to our locally elected school boards.”
Assemblyman Ra is vying for a fifth term, representing a district that stretches to include communities in all of Nassau County’s three townships, Hempstead, North Hempstead and Oyster Bay. The district includes the communities of Franklin Square, Garden City South, Garden City Park, New Hyde Park, Westbury, Carle Place, Mineola, Williston Park, Old Westbury, Brookville, Old Brookville, Upper Brookville and Glen Head.
“Growing up in Franklin Square and as a homeowner in Garden City South, representing the communities in the 19th District is special to me and my family,” Ra said. “It’s my mission to protect the suburban quality of life that our residents deserve and to stand up against New York City bureaucrats.”
Assemblyman Ed Ra was elected to his first term in office in November 2010 as representative for the 21st Assembly District, and re-elected in 2012, 2014 and 2016 to represent the newly formed 19th Assembly District. Ra is a graduate of Loyola College in Maryland and earned his J.D. from the St. John’s University of Law and LL. M. in Intellectual Property Law from the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law. Ra previously served as a Deputy Town Attorney for the Town of Hempstead and as a legal aid in the Office of the New York State Attorney General. He is a member of the Franklin Square Kiwanis, a 3rd Degree Knight of the Knights of Columbus, 12 Apostles Council and a member of Cellini Lodge #2206, Order Sons of Italy in America. Ra currently lives in Garden City South with his wife, Laura and their shelter dog, Carter.
