Assemblyman Phil Ramos (D-Central Islip) said Saturday’s Community Day event in Bay Shore was a success – helping Suffolk County families take advantage of a variety of programs, including affordable health care and buying their first home.

“Many people are not familiar with programs and services designed to help them with their finances, purchase a home, or find affordable health care for their children. I organized this event because it was great opportunity for families to get their questions answered in one convenient location,” Ramos said.

The need for affordable housing and health care is especially critical on Long Island, Ramos noted.

“There are too many Suffolk County families without health insurance who qualify for the state’s Family and Child Health Plus programs. The Assembly created these insurance programs to ensure that our children and our families have access to quality, affordable health care. Unfortunately, these programs are under-utilized, and it’s important that we inform people that these options exist,” Ramos said.

Ramos also sponsored a law that allows the State of New York Mortgage Agency to raise additional funding to effectively cover the demand for mortgages for low-and moderate-income first-time homeowners (Ch.141 of 2003).

“Because of Long Island’s severe housing crisis, it is crucial that potential homeowners are aware of all the helpful state and federal mortgage programs,” Ramos said. “Offering Long Island families low-interest loans can make all the difference in their dreams of homeownership.”