News

I was truly honored by the members of the Northport American Legion who presented me with a distinguished community service award for work on veterans’ affairs. I have been so fortunate to be a part of a team of local veterans committed to making transformative laws; protecting the honor of decorated veterans and guarding against unscrupulous fundraising practices, a reality. I am humbled to work with these true American heroes. I will continue to fight every day to make sure our veterans have what they need and their honor is protected.| read more ››

Suffolk County lawmakers this week passed a bill that phases out the sale of personal care products containing microbeads—tiny plastic balls designed to exfoliate the skin but also negatively impact the environment.

County legislators Tuesday unanimously passed the measure, which phases out the sale of products containing microbeads over the next four years, giving manufacturers enough time to develop alternatives.

“Today’s vote puts Suffolk County on the right side of history and nature on this issue,” said Legis. Kara Hahn (D-Setauket), who introduced the bill with Legis. Steve Stern (D-Huntington).

New York State lawmakers have proposed similar legislation and two other counties statewide have passed likeminded laws. Another bill like it is being debated in Congress. And in June, Illinois...| read more ››

Working Families Party voters chose Keith M. Barrett and incumbent Councilwoman Susan Berland by wide margins to be their nominees for two town board seats in a primary election last Thursday.

Out of 1,356 eligible voters, Barrett, a Melville resident who works in the town’s general services department, received 205 votes, or 47.1 percent, followed by Berland, who received 113 votes, or 30.6 percent. Of the other candidates on the ballot, Charles Marino came closest, with 91 votes, or 21 percent of the turnout. Richard R. Hall received four votes, followed by Valerie Stringfellow, who got two votes.

Barrett and Berland, who will be seeking her fifth term in office, will be going up against incumbent Gene Cook...| read more ››

Join me in helping to make our roads safer for everyone by taking the pledge to never text and drive. Through September 30th, participating Legislative offices will compete to gather the most “IT Can Wait” pledges from members of the public. Stop by my office to sign the pledge board, or submit your pledge through twitter by tweeting “I pledge not to text and drive” with the hashtag ‪#‎ICWLegislatorSpencer‬! To date, more than 7 million people have taken the pledge; make the commitment to yourself and everyone else on the road!
http://www.itcanwait.com/pledge| read more ››