Press Releases

Ra Cheers Admin Reversal on Masks in Summer School

“The administration has finally decided to follow the science, follow the data and listen to parents, educators and my Minority colleagues in the Legislature- they’re no longer requiring masks in summer school. I want to thank all of the parents in...

We Already Have the Answer to Stopping Gun Violence - the Police

“Today, the governor announced his plan to combat our state’s surging gun violence epidemic. It’s insulting. He thinks the answer is new state bureaucracy. He’s imposing new mandates on law enforcement. He’s spending $60 million to create state-funded...

Ra Applauds Signing of Bill Ensuring Opioid Settlement Dollars Fund Treatment, Recovery Efforts

“Pharmaceutical companies that played a sinister role in fueling the opioid crisis are being held accountable. I was pleased to support legislation requiring hundreds of millions of settlement dollars coming to the state be spent on treatment and recovery....

Ra Thanks Community For Generous Support Of Food Drive

Assemblyman Ed Ra (R-Franklin Square) is pleased to announce that his annual Breakfast Food Drive was a success. Ra and his partners from Hillside Public Library, Notre Dame School, New Hyde Park Road School and St. Anne’s School collected over 800...

Ra Honors Outstanding Students, Crowns Champion of Popular Civics Contest

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Last week Assemblyman Ed Ra (R-Franklin Square) honored the semifinalists and winner of his annual civics competition, “There Ought To Be A Law,” at a ceremony in Mineola Memorial Park. Over 175 members of our community attended. Students from nine...

Albany’s Priorities Aren’t New Yorkers’ Priorities

“On their way out of Albany this week, Assembly Majority lawmakers reminded middle-class New Yorkers how little they have in common with them. Most New Yorkers are deeply concerned about public safety. Assembly Majority members did nothing to address...

Ra Joins Minority Colleagues At Press Conference Unveiling Legislation To Ban Mask Mandates For Kids This Summer

“The confusion our parents, education officials and students endured this weekend can’t happen again. This can be really simple. No more masks for kids in educational settings. Our 7-day positivity rate is 0.5%. Nearly 70% of our adult population...

End the State of Emergency

Restaurants and bars humming. Concerts singing. 12,000 people rocking The Barn for Islanders playoff hockey. We’re asking the Majority members to join us in repealing a state of emergency declaration that only exists because the administration has trouble...

Ra Pleased To Deliver Bipartisan Win To North Shore Ratepayers

“Today in the Assembly, we finally put North Shore ratepayers on the path to public water. It’s going to provide meaningful financial relief. Because this measure already passed the Senate, it’s heading to the governor’s desk. Since the administration...

Ra Honors the Winners of His Annual Video Challenge

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Recently, Assemblyman Ed Ra (R-Franklin Square) presented certificates to the winners of his 2021 Video Challenge.Ms. Bruno’s students at H. Frank Carey High School created an immersive, insightful video. This year’s prompt was “Influencers and...

Assemblyman Ra Responds To Disgusting Attacks In Times Square

“Anti-Semitism has no place here. Hatred and violence have no place here. I stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Jewish New Yorkers across the state. We support you. The scenes from Times Square are chilling and must not be tolerated.”

Ra Honors Students from The Wheatley School Highlighted in the 2021 Regeneron Science Talent Search

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Assemblyman Ed Ra (R-Franklin Square) recently congratulated some talented students from the Wheatley School on their impressive achievement of being recognized as scholars in the 2021 Regeneron Science Talent Search. Lucy Zha is a finalist. Victor Li,...

Ra Says Bill Establishing Framework for Public Water Authority a Positive Step, More Work to Be Done

“While this legislation represents a good first step toward authorizing a municipal takeover of New York American Water operations, there’s much more work to do to protect ratepayers on Long Island. We need to work quickly to relieve utility customers...

Ra Congratulates Franklin Square Honoree at Eagle Court of Honor Ceremony

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Assemblyman Ed Ra (R-Franklin Square) recently attended an Eagle Court of Honor Ceremony to mark the accomplishments of David Velez of Franklin Square. At the ceremony, David was designated as an Eagle Scout, the highest rank in the Boy Scouts of America....

Ra Raises A Glass To The Demise Of Cuomo Chips, Calls For Immediate Curfew Repeal

“It shouldn’t have taken nearly this long, but I’m pleased that my colleagues on the other side of the aisle have finally joined with us to revoke the governor’s ridiculous mandate requiring bar patrons to order food with beverages. We introduced...

Ra Urges Assembly Majority to Pass Senate Bill Paving the Way for Municipal Takeover of New York American Water

“I applaud the state Senate for passing important legislation to deliver New York American Water ratepayers the relief they deserve. The bill would do what local and state studies recommend - establish a municipal water authority and allow for public...

Assemblyman Ed Ra (R-Franklin Square) Updated Statement on Tragic Shooting in West Hempstead

“This is a horrifying tragedy. I’m heartbroken. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families, and all of the essential workers in the store today who endured an unimaginably traumatic experience. “To have a loved one taken from...

Assemblyman Ed Ra (R-Franklin Square) Statement on Tragic Shooting in West Hempstead

“This is a horrifying tragedy. I’m heartbroken. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. To have a loved one taken from you this way is senseless. There are no words. “I’m urging area residents to stay indoors as long...

Majority’s Reckless Budget Shows the Dangers Of One-Party Rule

Some clichés exist for a reason- they’re true. As more pundits, activist groups and elected officials continue to analyze the recently enacted state budget, you’ll probably hear some version of “budgets are about priorities” a few times. And...

Ra Pleased with Results of State Municipal Water Study

“Today, the state released the results of its study on the feasibility of municipal takeover of New York American Water Company’s operations. As an advocate for local ratepayers, I’m pleased that the results are so positive. New York American Water’s...