News from Assemblyman 130th Assembly District JOSEPH A. ERRIGO   For immediate release: December 20th, 2005 Contact: Adam Peterson (585) 334-5210 District Office: 3045 East Henrietta Rd., Henrietta, NY  14467 Albany Office: Rm 427 LOB, Albany, NY  12248

CONTACT: BONNIE TURNER (585) 334-5210 OFFICER DOWN, ASSISTANCE REQUIRED        The tragic shooting deaths of two New York City police officers shouldn’t have been the signal we were waiting for to take action. My colleagues and I on Dec. 14 called on Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver to convene a special Assembly session to pass legislation targeting illegal guns and enhancing penalties for violence against police officers. The Senate has already passed many of these measures, and they are supported by the governor.      I applaud Gov. George Pataki for his leadership in calling a special session for this Wednesday, December 21st. This is an opportunity to show that protecting law enforcement officers is a top priority for this Legislature. Assembly Republicans have always felt that it is of the utmost importance to protect police officers. Targeting illegal guns and increasing penalties for those who harm the police must be the main focus of this session.      If Speaker Silver allows a vote on these measures, I am certain they will pass. I hope he gives us the opportunity.                                                                                                                                                                                                                          12/20/05                                                                                                                     -30-