Dear Neighbor,

It's hard to believe we are already nearly halfway through summer.  Before you know it, the last fireflies will have long ago ceased flickering, the days will have become noticeably shorter, and the air will have turned colder. 

But for all who enjoy this special time of the year, there is so much left before we head into fall.  The season started off strong and I look forward to it continuing through our end-of-summer celebration in late August.

A Day of Fun

It was a golden start to the summer for those young at heart during Senior Fun Day held at Tanner Park.  More than 400 residents from across the district enjoyed music, dancing, games, informational seminars, and great food. The day was a celebration of community spirit and connection, and I’m so grateful to everyone who helped make it such a success. Thank you to our sponsors, volunteers, senior center coordinators, and all who attended.

Sun Safety

This month, I joined with Stony Brook Cancer Center and other local partners to offer a sun-safety event at Roberto Clemente Pool in Brentwood. Professionals with Stony Brook Medicine provided skin cancer screenings as well as important  information on ways to protect yourself, all in an effort to help residents block the sun and not the fun.

Legislature Approves Historic Tax Credit Boost for  Firefighter and Ambulance Volunteers

For nearly two decades, New York State’s volunteer firefighter and ambulance worker income tax credit has remained unchanged since it was created in 2007. Now, an increase for these unpaid first responders is one step closer to reality following the passage of legislation I sponsored to expand the credit. 

The final step in the process is for the governor to sign the bill before the end of the year.  If signed, the proposal will boost the current tax relief benefit from $200 to $800 for individuals and from $400 to $1,600 for eligible married joint filers. 

This potential increase is viewed by many as an incentive to boost volunteer recruitment and retention efforts that have fallen throughout the state. According to recent studies, the number of volunteer firefighters has decreased by 33% over the past 20 years.  The same is true of unpaid ambulance workers, with the New York State Association of Counties reporting that ambulance wait times are getting longer due to factors including a lack of volunteers.

The protection our volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers provide to New Yorkers is enormous, but the state’s personal income tax credit extended to them is anything but.  If we are serious about recruiting and retaining the volunteers New York needs, we must make sure the support we provide keeps pace with the demands their service places on them.

The Return to Class

Last Taste of Summer

Casting Off

Help With College Costs

Heading off to campus this fall?  Financial assistance programs are available that may help make getting a degree more affordable.  Please see below for additional information:.

Financial Aid Program Reminders:  

• NYS Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Incentive Program – Deadline August 15, 2026 (Class of 2026/First time freshman only)

• Excelsior Scholarship Program – Deadline August 31, 2026  

• Enhanced Tuition Award (ETA) – Deadline August 31, 2026  

• Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)  – Deadline June 30, 2027 (2026-27 Academic Year)  

• Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) – – Deadline June 30, 2027 (2026-27 Academic Year)  

👉  View all opportunities     

Important Information Regarding the STEM Incentive Program
Students applying for the STEM Incentive Program must rank in the top 10.0% of their graduating class. HESC does not round class rank, so only students with a rank of 10.0% or lower are eligible. For example, a rank of 10.4%, does not qualify.

FAFSA Just Got Faster
The U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Federal Student Aid just launched real-time estimates for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form.

What does this mean? Most students can create a StudentAid.gov account, complete the FAFSA form, and receive results in as little as 15 minutes! Previously, students waited up to three days after submission to receive their Student Aid Index (SAI) and Federal Pell Grant eligibility. 

Mark Your Calendars
HESC has expert-led, upcoming virtual events to help students navigate college financial aid with confidence:   

• Get Support with your DREAM Act & Alternate Pathway Applications   
• August 3 – 5:00-6:30 p.m.    
• August 12 – 12:00-1:30 p.m.    
• Learn how to complete your DREAM Act and Alternate Pathway applications with expert guidance.

• Understanding the NYS STEM Incentive Program  
• August 4 – 6:00 p.m.    
• Pursuing a career in STEM? Find out how eligible students can receive tuition support for college.

• Tuition-Free College with Excelsior!  
• August 5 – 6:00 p.m. 
• Learn how the Excelsior Scholarship and Enhanced Tuition Award can help cover your tuition.

View all HESC events

Have Questions? Call HESC!
Call HESC directly at 1-888-697-4372 for anything from financial aid assistance to resolving issues like a HESC PIN account reset; reset, no appointment necessary. 

Important: To protect student privacy, HESC can only share information with a parent or guardian if they’re listed on the application or the student is present.  

Visit the HESC website for more information.

Hunger Doesn't Take A Vacation

The Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) program helps families buy food for their school-aged children during the summer break. To learn more about Summer EBT, including when and how food benefits will be issued and how to use them, visit otda.ny.gov/SummerEBT.