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LI activists, lawmakers salute civil rights icon John Lewis

Jul
18
2020

Lawmakers and activists across Long Island saluted civil rights icon and longtime Georgia Rep. John Lewis as they mourned his death, which comes at a time when communities are still confronting racial injustices decades after he started fighting for equality.

“John Lewis’ life and now his death has to inspire us — all of us — to keep going for justice, for reform and for equity,” said Tracey Edwards, Long Island Regional Director of the NAACP New York State Conference. “It’s important for all of us to take time out of whatever we’re doing to talk about his legacy.”

Lewis, 80, represented Georgia’s 5th Congressional District since 1987. He died Friday after battling Stage 4 pancreatic cancer.

Lewis was the...| read more ››

State Lawmaker Urges Extension Of Pandemic Unemployment Aid

Jul
17
2020

Democratic Sen. Jim Gaughran in a letter released Friday urged top leaders in the U.S. Senate to extend the $600 in unemployment assistance for those who have lost their jobs due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The money, which comes in addition to traditional unemployment benefits, is set to expire at the end of the month.

“It is imperative that the U.S. Senate follow the House of Representatives’ leadership and extend Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation," Gaughran wrote in the letter to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. "FPUC has been a lifeline for countless families struggling to pay their mortgages or rent, and put food on their tables. The clock is ticking for Congress to...| read more ››

Long Island lawmaker wants stricter boating while intoxicated punishments

Aug
5
2019

A New York legislator is looking to pass two bills that would bring harsher penalties for boating while intoxicated.

Sen. Jim Gaughran wants to make it a felony to boat while intoxicated with a child 15 or under. Currently, a BWI is a misdemeanor.

The other law would take away your driver's license for a BWI conviction.

"While drunk boaters pose a danger to themselves and others, people who knowingly choose to operate a boat under the influence with a child have made a conscious decision to put that child in harm and as adults we have to step forward in doing something about it," Gaughran says. "It's unacceptable."

Long Islanders Gina Lieneck and Lisa Gaines are on board with...| read more ››

Long Island Looks To Oysters As A Natural Way To Improve Water Quality

Jim Gaughran & Joe Saladino Holding Oysters Used to Help Clean the Bay
Jul
31
2019

Community oyster gardens could be Long Island’s solution to improve the region’s polluted water quality.

The Town of Oyster Bay plans to increase the number of oyster gardens in several places, like Laurel Hollow. Officials say the reason to expand is environmental.

Oysters act as natural filters. They feed on contaminants in the water. Oysters can filter up to 50 gallons of water per day.

State Senator Jim Gaughran demonstrated how it works by placing oysters in tanks filled with murky water. The tanks became clearer in just hours.

“They have a lot of village residents involved, and they have their own oyster farming cages in effect that actually work towards cleaning up the harbor.”

Gaughran says nitrogen-filtering septic tanks...| read more ››

New York Times Endorses John Brooks, James Gaughran and Andrew Gounardes

Oct
26
2018

The state legislative races on November ballots can be like the filet of sole on a steakhouse menu — not what most people are looking for. Yet, though the governor’s race, and even congressional races, will draw the greatest interest on Nov. 6, elections for the New York State Senate are unusually important this year and deserve New Yorkers’ full consideration.

Democrats are in solid control of the Assembly, but Republicans control the Senate by one seat. By that diaphanous margin, Republicans have helped stymie progress on women’s rights, ethics reform, rent regulation, gun safety, voting rights and more.

Instead of compounding New Yorkers’ troubles, their legislators could be pushing back as Republicans in Washington try to take away reproductive...| read more ››

Endorsement: James Gaughran to represent NY’s 5th Senate District

Oct
24
2018

Two years ago, James F. Gaughran lost a bitterly contested State Senate race to longtime incumbent Carl L. Marcellino. The margin was small — about 1,700 votes of more than 146,000 cast.

Our judgment in 2016 was that Gaughran was the better candidate, and nothing has happened to change that assessment. If anything, it is even more true today.

Marcellino, 75, has represented his district well in his 23 years in office. His environmental record, in particular, is strong, with dozens of good bills passed. The Syosset Republican has been effective at constituent service. But his accomplishments are mostly in the past. No longer the vigorous warrior he once was, he soldiers on without the relish for the job he...| read more ››

Gaughran’s Daily Kos Boost

Oct
22
2018

The left-leaning Daily Kos website last week gave a boost to the campaign of Democratic state Senate candidate Jim Gaughran, pointing to his race on Long Island as key to helping flip control of the chamber.

Gaughran’s shoutout on the website led to 4,000 individual contributions totaling more than $47,000 as a result, his campaign said.

Gaughran is running to unseat Republican Sen. Carl Marcellino.

The race was one of eight state legislative contests highlighted by the website, which pointed to the first time he ran for the seat in 2016.

“So it would seem that in 2018 Gaughran would be able to cruise to victory in a better year for Democrats,” the website wrote. “But Marcellino’s taking his challenge...| read more ››

Island Vote: A familiar matchup in 5th Senate District

Oct
17
2018

The race for the 5th Senate District seat is pitting a seasoned politician against a familiar opponent.

The district covers parts of the North Shore of Long Island in both Nassau and Suffolk counties.

Democratic challenger Jim Gaughan says he's been campaigning hard against 23-year veteran state Sen. Carl Marcellino in the district that covers parts of the North Shore in Nassau and Suffolk.

Gaughan says he wants to bring change to the district, plus help Democrats take control away from Republicans in the state Senate so he can facilitate more funding to Long Island schools.

“I believe if we have a strong Democratic representation from Long Island…we will be able to get more money back,” he told News 12....| read more ››

SD-5: Schumer Endorses Gaughran

Oct
16
2018

U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer on Tuesday endorsed Democratic state Senate candidate Jim Gaughran in Long Island’s 5th Senate district.

“Jim Gaughran has proven that he is a responsible leader who is able to keep costs low while maintaining outstanding services,” said Schumer, the Senate minority leader.

“As Chair of the Suffolk County Water Authority, Jim has shown that he has the skills Long Island families need from their next Senate Senator. He has been an ardent advocate for water rate payers who needed his leadership to hold American Water accountable. I am proud to endorse Jim Gaughran and I encourage all Nassau and Suffolk voters in the 5th State Senate District to vote for Jim on November 6.”

Gaughran is...| read more ››

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