FEBRUARY 25, 2008

LEGISLATOR WHYTE ANNOUNCES TWO PIECES OF LEGISLATION TO PROTECT AND ASSIST OUR COMMUNITY'S GREATEST ASSETS – CHILDREN AND VETERANS

In last week's session, The Erie County Legislature voted 15-0 to pass the resolution entitled: Combating the Exploitation of Children in the Internet Age.

"The molestation and sexual exploitation of children is a public health issue, and as publicly elected officials, it is our moral duty to protect this community's greatest asset and future – our children," County Legislator Maria R. Whyte (D-Buffalo), the County Legislature Majority Leader, said. "In this technological age, we must do everything in our power."

As a result of this resolution, Erie County is hereby in support of New York State Senate Bill Number S6747, which enacts the child sexual abuse and exploitation prevention act.

In related news, the Legislature is proud to announce a victory for local veterans – the Legislature voted 15-0 in favor of a local law that restores the Veterans' Office as a stand-alone department. In 2005, and under much scrutiny, the Giambra administration consolidated the Veterans' Office along with other offices to form the Erie County Office of Public Advocacy.

"Restoring this office to a stand-alone agency will assist our veterans so that they may receive the benefits they rightly deserve," Legislator Whyte said. "In this difficult time of war, we owe them nothing less. As the youngest daughter of a retired Lieutenant Colonel in the US Army Reserve, I know my father would be very proud of this Legislation."

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