Assemblymember Cook at her desk in the Assembly Chamber reviews the Session Calendar getting ready to cast her vote on legislation that may be signed into law.

The problem of overcrowded and underperforming schools is very serious. This year, the Assembly approved a record setting amount - $712 million to improve New York City schools and require the Department of Education to use a significant part of this money to reduce class sizes in all grades.

"This is a great step forward and we will monitor how this goal is being achieved over the next 5 years and how the Department complies with the intent of the funding," Assemblymember Cook said. "The ’Contract for Excellence’ is about accountability. It requires schools to use the money for state-approved programs that improve performance. As the Assembly has argued for years, our schools need more resources coupled with reform, and that’s the direction we’re headed."

This year’s budget marked a significant investment in our education system by finally beginning to address the court ruling in the CFE case. It included a new foundation education formula for predicable, stable and transparent funding - something the Assembly has insisted on for years.

"We need to do more for class size reduction and to meet the educational needs across the city," Assemblymember Cook said. "The ’Contract for Excellence’ program builds on my commitment to education and toward achieving better academic performance for our children. Comparing the average class size in New York City to the rest of the state reveals an overwhelming disparity - a disparity we must end."

The "Contract for Excellence" between the state and school districts means schools receive significant funding, but with the requirement of academic progress, as determined by existing benchmarks, to use proven strategies to improve the standards and success of our schools.

"The Governor has demonstrated a shared commitment to education. Education is key to success, and that’s why the Assembly supports raising the bar in our schools," Assemblymember Cook said "This is just one step toward better schools and helping high-need city schools, improve and excel."

The schools to receive class size reduction funding include:

• August Martin High School - $90,170
• P.S. 40 Samuel Huntington - $214,090
• P.S. 50 Talfourd Lawn Elementary School - $53,367
• P.S. 140 Edward K Ellington - $45,616
• P.S. 160 Walter Francis Bishop - $213,876
• P.S. 161 Arthur Ashe School - $234,077
• JHS 8 Richard S Grossley - $288,736
• JHS 72 Catherine & Count Basie - $136,639

For additional information, call the toll-free EPIC hotline at 1-800-332-EPIC.

HeartShare Winter Heating Assistance Programs
HeartShare Human Services of New York in partnership with KeySpan administers the HeartShare Winter Heating Assistance Programs to help assist qualified individuals obtain a grant toward their KeySpan heating bill. You may receive up to $200 depending on the amount of your bill. This grant is available once per year on a first come, first served basis. For a Neighborhood Heating Fund Application you may call NHF at (718) 522-6514 or Assemblymember Cook’s office at (718) 322-3975. You should apply as soon as possible funding is limited.

SCRIE: Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption Program
This program is available to people age 62 or over in rent-controlled or rent-regulated apartments and Mitchell-Lama public housing. You may be eligible for an exemption from that portion of a rent increase which would cause your total rent to exceed 1/3 of your household income. The income limit can be up to $27,000, depending on where you live. For more information or application contact the NYC Department of Aging by dialing 311.

HEAP: Home Energy Assistance Program
New York State’s Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) helps pay heating costs. Eligibility is determined by your annual income and household size. To find out more about HEAP, call your local Office of the Aging or the Senior Citizens Hotline at 1-800-342-9871.

Assemblymember Cook encourages seniors to keep track of their medication and other health information by completing the form below and carrying it where ever you may go. This prescription medicine list will be a valuable source of information that will make your visit to the doctors less stressful when completing forms and answering questions. Please take a moment to complete the list below and keep it with you.

I am pleased to help secure capital funding for the South Jamaica Library for renovations. The Official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony of the Newly Renovated South Jamaica Library took place on December 7, 2007.

South Jamaica Library is the fiftieth branch of Queens Borough Public Library providing invaluable resources and services to the community. I am pleased to report that Queens Borough Library ranks #1 in U.S. Public Library Circulation according to the "Public Library Statistical Report 2007". This represents on a national level how important libraries are to the residents of Queens County and why I will continue to fight to secure state funding for libraries in Southeast Queens.

Rochdale Village has received capital funding and grants to renovate and help support this local community library. I am pleased to meet with the South Jamaica Library and Rochdale Village Library on their annual Queens Library lobby day in Albany. This year the New York State budget provided $14 million in Capital Funding for libraries in the state.

I would encourage you to visit South Jamaica Library and Rochdale Village Library where you will find an abundance of services, over 7 million items covering all subject areas including books, movies, music, books-on-tape, newspapers, periodicals, CDs CD-ROMs, DVDs, free internet access and extensive selection of online reference databases. For more information and branch hours please visit the Queens Library Web site at www.queenslibrary.org.

What you should know about Carbon Monoxide poisoning
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a deadly gas, made all the more dangerous because it is odorless, tasteless, colorless and non-irritating. The initial symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning mimic the flu, many victims are not even aware they are being exposed. Carbon monoxide inhibits the blood’s capacity to carry oxygen which quickly passes into our bloodstream. According to the National Center for Disease Control (CDC) more than 500 people die every year from unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning and another 15,000 seek medical attention after being exposed to the gas.

Carbon monoxide comes from burning fuel which produces CO. Most households contain several CO sources these include: furnaces, space heaters and hot water heaters, gas stoves and clothes dryers, fireplaces and wood burning stoves, charcoal and barbecue rills, lawn mowers, automobiles. CO can rise to danger levels when fuel-burning appliances are installed incorrectly, damaged or improperly vented. Fortunately, there are ways to avoid these senseless tragedies. To prevent CO poisoning proper installation, regular maintenance and adequate ventilation of fuel-burning appliances are key to keeping your family and loved ones safe.

Assemblymember Cook recommends every home to install a carbon monoxide alarm and smoke detector. If you already have one it is extremely important to change the batteries once a year and test periodically. For more information, please contact her office for a carbon monoxide brochure at (718) 322-3975.