Assemblyman Phil Ramos (D-Central Islip) announced that the Assembly budget proposal includes an additional $12.5 million for foreclosure prevention efforts. Suffolk County has the highest foreclosure rate in the state and the towns of Brentwood, Islandia and Central Islip have been the hardest hit by mortgage foreclosures on Long Island.

“Too many families are facing the threat of foreclosure and unfortunately not enough is being done to help struggling families,” Assemblyman Ramos said. “That’s why I fought hard to make sure the Assembly budget increased funding that will help local organizations provide homeowners with the help they need to understand the process and their rights.”

The proposed budget also restores $8.5 million for the Neighborhood Preservation Program and $3.5 million for the Rural Preservation Program. These programs direct funding to Adelante and the Central Islip Civic Council which combined provide housing and tenant counseling services to over 2,300 Suffolk families each year.

“We are very grateful to Assemblyman Ramos for his tireless work on behalf of the families of Central Islip,” said Nancy Manfredonia, Executive Director of the Central Islip Civic Council. “Without this support our organization would not be able to continue the programs many in our community rely on. I am hopeful it will be included in the final state budget.”

“Too many families are overwhelmed by the process of mortgage foreclosure. It’s reassuring to see that Assemblyman Ramos understands the importance of making sure residents have access to the assistance they need to make sure they understand their rights and options available to them.”

“As the budget process continues I am hopeful the senate will agree that funding for mortgage foreclosure programs is a top priority to many hard-working, struggling Suffolk families,” Ramos concluded.