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Assemblywoman
Donna Lupardo:
Useful information for you and your family



Assemblywoman Donna A. Lupardo
Dear Neighbor:

This mailing is the first of two that my office will be sending in the next month. We receive hundreds of calls requesting information about the various programs and services that the state has to offer, especially now that the economy is struggling. We work with numerous local resources and regularly make referrals when appropriate.

This first mailing focuses on useful information for you and your family. The second will concentrate on energy and the environment. Each will provide information, resources and phone numbers. I hope this will be useful to you and your family.

I also want you to know that my office is available for all unanswered questions and suggestions. Please feel free to contact my Binghamton office at 723-9047 or by e-mail at lupardod@assembly.state.ny.us.

Sincerely,
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Donna A. Lupardo
Member of Assembly


State Office Building, 17th Floor
44 Hawley St., Binghamton, NY 13901
Phone: 723-9047 Fax: 723-9313
E-mail: lupardod@assembly.state.ny.us

Workforce training

If you are currently unemployed or looking to update your computer skills, the Broome County Urban League’s new ATTAIN lab may interest you. ATTAIN labs are a network of technology labs that will offer training to communities.

After it opens this fall, there will be over 30 interactive occupational, academic, life skills and English as a Second Language (ESL) courses available in addition to the Digital Literacy and Unlimited Potential curricula. For more information, call 772-4765.

Looking for locally grown foods?

If you are looking to buy fresh, locally grown foods, please visit the farmers’ markets in our area:

Downtown Binghamton Collier Street
Tuesdays & Fridays 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Endicott Washington Ave.
Thursdays & Sundays 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Johnson City Oakdale Mall
Sundays 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Northside Binghamton 435 State Street
Wednesdays 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Ostiningo Park South end of park
Saturdays 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Vestal Library parking lot
Wednesdays & Saturdays 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Also, Cornell Cooperative Extension can provide updated information on local foods. Contact them at 772-8953.

Child Health Plus expanded

The income eligibility for the Child Health Plus insurance program was expanded this year to ensure that the 400,000 uninsured children in New York are able to get the health care they need. For more information and income eligibility, call Mothers & Babies Perinatal Network at 1-800-231-0744.

Child care

Finding quality, affordable child care can be a challenge. There are many questions to consider. Is the center or home provider licensed or registered? Have any negative reports been filed against the staff? Can you visit anytime without calling ahead? What are the staff members’ qualifications? What are the providers’ discipline policies and procedures? Is there a plan for emergencies and for contacting you?

Fortunately, the Family Enrichment Network can answer all of your questions. It is located in Johnson City and can be reached at 7238313, extension 829. In addition, most schools provide after-school child care for their students. Contact the principal of your child’s school for more information.

Veterans benefits

Many are unaware that New York’s veterans may now qualify for as much as $4,287 per year in state grants and scholarships for study at both private and public schools throughout New York. The new funds approved in this year’s budget will more than double the amount of tuition assistance for combat veterans who served from the Vietnam conflict to those who are serving now.

Also, did you know there is no statute of limitations for you to file for your benefits or any medals that were due to you? If you have questions, an excellent resource for veterans’ benefits is the NYS Division of Veterans’ Affairs at 1-888-838-7697. Locally, you can contact the Broome County Veterans Services Agency at 778-2147.

Assistance for energy bills

Are you concerned about your energy bills? You may be eligible for HEAP assistance. The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is a federally funded program that assists eligible households in meeting their home energy expenses. The 2007-08 income guidelines were: $2,467 per month for a family of two or $3,776 per month for a family of four. These income guidelines are expected to increase before applications are taken in November.

If you are under the age of 60, call Opportunities for Broome at 723-6493. If you are over age 60 or disabled, call the Broome County Office for Aging at 778-2411. Emergency HEAP applicants should call the Broome County Department of Social Services at 778-2638.




Important telephone numbers

Consumers
Consumer Credit Counseling 800-479-6026
Federal Trade Commission (ID Theft) 877-438-4338
Free Annual Credit Report Request 877-322-8228
NYS Attorney General – Consumer Complaints 721-8771
NYSEG – Customer Service 800-572-1111
Opt out (for junk mail) 888-567-8688
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (Product recalls) 800-638-2772

Employment/Training
ATTAIN Lab 772-4765
Broome County Urban League 723-7303
VESID (Vocational & Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities) 721-8400
Workforce NY 778-2136

Health
Broome Co. Chemical Dependency Services 778-1251
Broome Co. Health Department 778-3930
Broome Co. Mental Health Services 778-2351
Child Abuse Hotline 800-342-3720
Crime Victims Assistance Center 722-4256
Family Enrichment Network 723-8313 x 829
Mothers & Babies Perinatal Network 800-231-0744
Southern Tier Independence Center 724-2111
UHS 24hr. Crisis Line 762-2302
UHS Nurse Direct 763-5555
Lourdes Center for Oral Health 584-4545

Information
Cornell Cooperative Extension 772-8953
First Call For Help/CHOW 729-9100
Opportunities for Broome 723-6493
Broome Co. Dept of Social Services 778-2638

Seniors
AARP 866-227-7442
Action for Older Persons 722-1251
Broome County Office for Aging 778-2411

Veterans
Broome County Veterans Services Agency 778-2147
NY State Division of Veterans’ Affairs 888-838-7697
VA Outpatient Clinic 772-9100

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