Thomas R. Suozzi With a topic entitled “Fix Albany,” Nassau County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi will return as featured speaker to kick off the Garden City Chamber of Commerce’s 38th annual luncheon season. Sponsored by the Independence Community Bank, the luncheon, open to all members of both the business and residential communities, will be held on Monday, September 27, 11:30 a.m., at the Garden City Hotel.

In a statement this past month, Mr. Suozzi revealed the most recent example of what he says is the dysfunction that has come to define State government in Albany - supposed Medicaid relief to localities. Mr. Suozzi has demonstrated that State Legislators, who recently passed the State’s $103 billion budget, are touting supposed Medicaid relief to localities while in reality, this same budget will cut aid and increase expenses in a variety of other programs, resulting in little to no relief to Nassau County taxpayers.

“You don’t need a computer to figure out that $14 million on the positive and $14 million on the negative side leaves Nassau County in the exact same position - saddled with State mandates that adversely affect every single property taxpayer,” he said. Already, New York State local taxes are 72 percent above the national average, according to the New York Citizen’s Budget Commission. In his mid-August statement, Mr. Suozzi pointed out that most municipalities around the state still do not know how this year’s budget will affect them. “The system is badly broken and desperately in need of a fix,” he has said.

Prior to the luncheon, the traditional Business Showcase will take place at 11:30 a.m. Advance reservations are required - $60 for Chamber members and $65 for non-members. There will be open seating with tables of 10 reserved. For reservations, please call the Chamber at 746-7724. The fee may be collected at the door, or mail checks, payable to the Garden City Chamber of Commerce to 230 Seventh Street, Garden City, NY 11530.