Joe Leto, President of Retired Men's Club, Elizabeth Botwin, Chief Deputy Comptroller, Nassau County George Salem, Programs Director, Garden City Retired Men's Club. On Monday, May 18th Elizabeth Botwin, chief deputy comptroller from the office of Howard S. Weitzman, Nassau County Comptroller, addressed the Garden City Retired Men's Club. A last minute personal problem prevented Howard Weitzman from addressing the group. Ms. Botwin stepped in to carry on the informative discussion we have come to expect from the Office of Howard Weitzman. To explain how the national/global economy impacts Nassau County, Ms. Botwin stated the County budget is approximately $140 million out of balance. This is due largely to declining sales tax, job losses and a slow housing market. 40% of our County budget comes from sales tax. To overcome the deficit the County will reduce spending, ask for labor concessions, freeze hiring and has asked New York State for permission to install red light cameras, raise taxes on cigarettes, traffic tickets and home energy consumption. To date the State has approved the use of red light cameras (be careful, don't try to sneak by a red light) and a higher sales tax on energy consumption.

In 2004 the Howard Weitzman Office established NassauRX, a prescription drug discount program whereby Nassau County residents can obtain a free prescription drug discount card and never have to pay full retail price on many commonly prescribed drugs, whether brand name or generic. Call 1-877-321-2652 to receive your card.