Assemblyman

reports to the people

Winter 2010

Thank you. As a year has come and gone, I am humbled and honored at the support you have all given me in my first year in the Assembly. Together, we have been able to accomplish great things. We successfully fought against cuts to our vital public transportation services. We helped protect the victims of domestic violence. We brought education programs throughout the district that ranged from helping immigrants become U.S. citizens, to assisting property owners in managing their taxes. All of these things were possible only with your help, but our work is not over. With the past year behind us, there are countless years in front of us. While the problems of our city and our state may seem large, they are nothing like what we have already overcome. In these next two years, we have major issues to tackle; an overwhelming state deficit, challenges to our quality of life, and a gridlocked government. You have put your faith and trust in me to tackle these problems and I know that together we can solve them. It has been an honor and a privilege serving you for the last year and together, we can make these next two years the best our district has ever seen.

Thank you,

Mike

CUNY Citizenship Event: Working with CUNY’s “Citizenship Now!” program, Assemblyman Miller sponsored an event in an effort to assist local immigrants to properly become a United States citizen.

K Club Kids: Assemblyman Miller recently visited a gathering of the “K Club,” a Kiwanis-sponsored organization dedicated to assisting children learn how to read and become good citizens in their community.

VIN Etching and Safe Child: In conjunction with the NYPD, Assemblyman Miller has sponsored several VIN etching and SAFE Child events. These programs are dedicated to protecting the property of local residents and the children of our families.

VIN-etchings for cars and bicycles make it easier to track your vehicle if it is stolen. Police officers will engrave your VIN, or Vehicle Identification Number, onto your windows or bicycle frame. This number can help trace your vehicle’s location if it is stolen and can deter potential thieves.

The Combat Auto Theft program allows individuals to put their car under surveillance by the police department. If you do not plan to drive your car at night, you can sign a waiver giving police the authority to stop your car if it is being used between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. This program can allow the police department to quickly respond to a theft of your vehicle in the middle of the night.

Child Receiving SAFE Child Card: A local parent brought his child to Assemblyman Miller’s SAFE Child event to ensure the safety of his son.

The SAFE Child program is an initiative by the NYPD to help protect our children. You can enroll in this program, which will give you a SAFE Child ID Card that will contain vital information about your child, including height, eye color, and weight. The ID card is instantly linked to New York State’s Amber Alert Program, which can help quickly retrieve your child should the unthinkable happen.

“These programs are vital services for our community,” Assemblyman Miller said. “If we can get everyone in the area to enroll in these programs, we can hope to see a decrease in crime over the next several years. I am committed to hosting more of these events in the future so we can ensure the safety of all of our residents and their property.”

If you would like more information about these programs, or would be interested in hosting one, please contact Assemblyman Miller’s office at 718-805-0950.

Eagle Scouts: Alongside State Senator Joseph Addabbo and Council Member Elizabeth Crowley, Assemblyman Miller honored two young men who became Eagle Scouts after years of service and dedication to the Boy Scouts of America.

102 Precinct Council: Assemblyman Miller recently met with the 102nd Precinct Community Council to honor the bravery and heroism of the local police officers.

State Decorations

New York State offers three different military decorations—the New York State Conspicuous Service Star, Medal of Merit, and Conspicuous Service Cross. The awards are awarded to residents of New York State who served in the U.S. military and who were the recipients of specific commendations, decorations, or awards.

Tax Exemptions

Veterans who live in the City of New York are entitled to a tax exemption on their annual property taxes. The property must be the primary residence of the veteran. This means you must live in the house, condominium, or cooperative apartment more than six months a year. Those who are eligible include those who served in the U.S. military during the following times:

• Persian Gulf Conflict (beginning August 2, 1990)

• Vietnam War (February 28, 1961 – May 7, 1975)

• Korean War (June 27, 1950 – January 31, 1955)

• World War II (December 7, 1941 – December 31, 1946)

• World War I (April 6, 1917 – November 11, 1918)

• Mexican Border Period (May 9, 1916 – April 5, 1917)

For more information about these programs, or for any other questions, comments, or concerns regarding veteran services, please contact Assemblyman Miller at 718-805-0950.

High School Diplomas

Operation Recognition allows certain veterans to earn high school diplomas if they left school without graduating. The program seeks to recognize the dedication and sacrifice of WWII, Korea, and Vietnam veterans who left school before graduation by awarding them a high school diploma. To be eligible, an applicant must meet the following requirements:

• The applicant must have been a member of the U.S. Armed Forces;

• Must have received a satisfactory discharge, be a resident of New York State;

• Engaged in qualified service during one of the below periods:

  • World War II (December 7, 1941 – December 31, 1946)

  • Korea (June 27, 1950 – January 31, 1955)

  • Vietnam (May 1, 1961 – April 30, 1975)