Assemblywoman
Catherine Nolan

Reports to the People
SUMMER 2004

Dear Neighbor,

As we end the summer, the third anniversary of the September 11th attacks is upon us. As the years pass it is vital that we continue to remember those who lost their lives that horrible day. The Legislature has passed a measure to require that flags be flown at half-staff every September 11th to honor the victims of our nation’s worst terrorist attack. This newsletter describes the measures the Legislature has taken to honor these New Yorkers.

Identity theft has become one of the fastest growing crimes in the United States. Last year the Assembly passed a law to help prevent identity theft by keeping vital credit information from appearing on printed receipts. While the law helps protect consumers, there is still more we can and should do. This newsletter contains information to help you protect your personal information and prevent identity theft, as well as stop further damage from occurring in the event that your information has gotten into the wrong hands.

Lastly, this newsletter contains information on what we have done in the state to lessen the burden of jury duty.

As always, I welcome your comments, ideas and complaints. My offices are here to serve you. Please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,
Catherine Nolan

DISTRICT OFFICE INFORMATION

My district offices are here to serve you. If you have a question, problem or idea, please do not hesitate to call or drop by and we will do our best to try to assist you. Both offices are open Monday through Friday from 9am until 5pm.

61-08 Linden Street
Ridgewood, NY 11385
(718) 456-9492
45-25 47th Street
Woodside, NY 11377
(718) 784-3194

MEASURE HONORS SEPTEMBER 11th VICTIMS

A measure that I supported designating September 11th as “September 11th Remembrance Day” has passed both houses of the Legislature and was delivered to the Governor for his signature.

The bill, A.11673, would forever designate September 11th as a day of commemoration to honor the victims of our nation’s worst terrorist attack. The legislation will ensure the American flag is displayed and flown at half-mast at all public institutions on that day.

Thousands killed in attacks in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania included firefighters, police officers, rescue workers and private citizens. Countless more were physically and psychologically injured in the attacks.

It is only fitting that we pause to reflect and remember the thousands of innocent people who died in an attack on American principles of freedom and equality. We should honor not only the memory of all those lost on September 11th but also the many acts of heroism and courage displayed in the face of danger.

We will never personally know all those who became heroes on September 11th – the firefighters who rushed into danger; the citizens who carried the injured down flights of stairs; the airline passengers who probably saved thousands of lives taking on their attackers. However, on this day we can honor them all by reflecting on their sacrifice and courage.



I was pleased to once again be able to deliver state funds to Queensbridge and the Jacob Riis Settlement House. Some of the funds will be used to fund a van to transport seniors on day trips to the mall and other outings. Pictured above with me from left to right are Helen Bradby, Director of Senior Services, Officer Andre Menzies of PSA 9, Mr. John Smith, Jacob Riis van driver and William Newlin, Jacob Riis Settlement Executive Director.

I visited Sunnyside Community Services to give the seniors an update on both community and Albany issues. I also announced continued state funding for their wonderful program.

HELPING CONSUMERS STAY SAFE

Protect Yourself From Identity Theft

The best way to prevent misuse of your personal information is to keep it from getting into the wrong hands in the first place. These guidelines will help protect you from being a victim.

Guard Your Social Security Number

Your social security number provides access to your credit report, bank accounts and other information targeted by identity theft criminals.

  • Do not carry your social security card with you, or print it on checks
  • Shred old payroll and bank information, as well as credit card offers before you throw them away

Protect Your Credit Information

  • Contact the credit reporting bureaus and ask to have your information taken off their marketing lists
  • Never give your credit card number or other information over the phone unless you have initiated the call and trust the business
  • Cancel unused credit cards and bank accounts
  • Be sure any Internet sites you use to make purchases or conduct personal business use secure servers
  • Resist the urge to click Internet pop-up ads and keep your antivirus software updated, as some ads and viruses can cause your computer to be searched for credit information

Deal Immediately With Identity Theft

If you discover that your personal information has been stolen, act quickly to prevent criminals from inflicting damage. The Federal Trade Commission recommends you take the following three actions immediately.

Contact The Credit Bureaus

Contact the fraud departments of the three major credit reporting bureaus and ask them to flag your file with a fraud alert and to notify your creditors.

Protect Your Accounts

Contact the security or fraud departments of your creditors or any accounts that may have been tampered with. Ask them to get permission in writing from you before approving any new activity on your accounts.

Call The Police

File a report with the local police precinct where you believe the theft to have taken place. Keep a copy of the report in case your creditors request proof of the crime.



USEFUL INFORMATION

Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Fraud Hotline
1-877-FTC-HELP
(1-877-382-4357)

CREDIT BUREAUS

Equifax, Inc.
P.O. Box 740123-0123
Atlanta, GA 30374-0123
1-800-685-1111
www.equifax.com

TransUnion
P.O. Box 97328
Jackson, MS 39288-7328
1-800-888-4213
www.tuc.com

Experian
701 Experian Parkway
Allen, TX 75013
1-888-397-3742
www.experian.com



JURY DUTY UPDATE

We all know what an imposition jury duty can have on our lives. The Assembly and the Office of Court Administration have been working on ways to relieve some of the burdens of jury duty.

Legislation that I supported, A.7518, would increase from four years to six years the number of years jurors will have off before they can be recalled to serve. In addition, jurors who sit at a trial for more than ten days will receive an eight-year break before their next appearance.

This legislation has passed both houses of the legislature and was sent to the Governor for his signature.

In addition to this legislation, other changes to the jury duty system will be implemented at the recommendation of the Office of Court Administration. They include:

  • A "stand-by" system that will allow unoccupied jurors to leave the courthouse if they agree to be on a two-hour notice via cell phone or beeper.
  • Mandatory settlement of conferences in civil cases before parties are allowed to pick a jury. According to the OCA report this could help head off a common practice among lawyers to delay settlement talks until a jury is selected.
  • Sanctions for attorneys who are repeatedly late.
  • Greater judicial oversight of attorney’s jury selection. New York is the only state in the United States where attorneys can select a jury without a judge in the room.

These changes will be helpful, however, more work needs to be done to limit the imposition that jury duty can have on the lives of those called to serve.


I was happy to present a NYS Assembly Proclamation commemorating the 30th Anniversary of the Ridgewood Older Adults Senior Center. They also presented me a plaque for directing state funds to the center. Pictured with me from left to right are Tom Keil, of the Board of Directors of the Ridgewood Older Adults Senior Center, Pat Wade, Executive Director of the senior center and Rev. Bowd Lowery, Pastor of the Ridgewood Presbyterian Church.


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