Senator Kemp Hannon, one of the most widely respected experts on healthcare in the State Legislature, has announced he will seek re-election this Fall.

"I know the burden people are facing. The economic downturn, high gas prices and the homeowner crisis have affected everyone on Long Island, and we need to limit any more tax increases coming out of Albany," said Senator Hannon.

In this past term in the State Senate, Senator Hannon led the Senate's investigation of the case of a Long Island doctor misusing syringes. He also led the fight to end the Marriage Penalty Tax in New York and fought for more financial assistance for our schools than we have ever received.

"This year's budget battle was contentious, but we fought hard and won. Even though Long Island educates about 17 percent of the State's students, we were only being offered 8.2 percent of the pie in education assistance from the Governor. That was wrong and I am pleased to have brought home more education funding than ever before in history," added Senator Hannon.

Senator Hannon is Chair of the Senate Health Committee and also headed the State's Medicaid Task Force, which brought needed Medicaid fraud reform laws to New York. He also worked with the District Attorney's Office to establish Nassau's Medicaid Fraud Task Force.

"Patient-centered healthcare is of the utmost importance to me. We worked diligently this year to bring needed reforms, giving patients the opportunity to find out if their doctor has had any disciplinary actions against them, and giving the Health Commissioner more authority to take action to better ensure patient safety," added Senator Hannon.

Senator Hannon resides in Garden City with his wife and children. He is a graduate of Fordham Law School, Boston College and Chaminade High School.