Ellen Jaffee has long demonstrated dedication to the East Ramapo schools, seeking to revive well-rounded education for students and secure additional funds for the ailing district. That her challenger, Republican Joseph Chabot, cites East Ramapo as among her biggest weaknesses, speaks volumes. We support Jaffee’s return to the Assembly, to represent the 97th District that encompasses the southern swath of Rockland County, from Nyack to Hillburn.

Education

In this district, which includes the high-ranking school districts of Pearl River and South Orangetown, as well as beleagured East Ramapo, education …

This could be our last chance to speak out before a Public Service Commission decision on Suez plans for your water for the next 5 years. Your participation was critical in stopping the desalination project. Now is the critical next step, to ensure that Rockland gets the plans that put us on the right path for the future.

Now is the time to tell the PSC and the governor:

NO to corporate bailout of $54.1 million for Suez’s failed desalination project!
YES to strong water conservation plans!

Come out: …

State considers imposing a cease and desist zone in Rockland to stop unwanted solicitation.

SUFFERN – Rising reports from homeowners of high-pressure and intimidating real estate tactics will be addressed during a state public hearing on Wednesday.

The Department of State’s Division of Licensing Services will hold the meeting from 6 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday at Rockland County Community College, at 145 College Road in Suffern.

EDITORIAL: ‘Blockbusting’ probe an important step in Rockland

The Department of State is investigating whether Rockland residents are under “intense and repeated …

Proposed law would allow districts to collect their own taxes

Ramapo Central school officials are backing a proposed state law that would allow districts to collect their own taxes, which officials say could potentially save residents thousands of dollars

Ramapo Central school district attorney Stephen Fromson said under the current system, the town of Ramapo charges taxpayers 1 percent of the tax levy to collect taxes, which amounted to about $900,000 for the 2015-2016 school year. For a Ramapo Central resident with an average school tax bill of about $10,000, this would mean a $100 fee.

Fromson said the district could accomplish the …

Assemblymember Ellen Jaffee (D-Suffern) announced that she is proposing legislation in response to community concerns that would waive a requirement under current state law and allow East Ramapo School Board member, Sabrina Charles-Pierre, to serve the full two-year term she was elected to. Current state law requires that the oath of office for elected public officials, in this case a school board member, must be taken or filed within 30 days after the term of office begins. Routinely, oaths of office are executed and filed …

This story is part of a Journal News/Lohud series that revisits high-profile stories in our region.

After years of stalemate, efforts to improve public school education in East Ramapo achieved a measured victory in Albany this summer.

However, a pair of bills designed to improve private school education stalled as the legislative session ended in June.

“My bill will definitely be re-introduced,” said Assemblyman Kenneth Zebrowski, D-New City. “Over the next few months we will continue our discussions and hopefully establish a workable model.”

Zebrowski and Assemblywoman Ellen Jaffee, D-Suffern worked this year on bills they say …

SPRING VALLEY — The Martin Luther King Multipurpose Center was abuzz with activity on a recent July afternoon.

It was around 11 a.m, and dozens of students in first through eighth grades were wrapping up the morning’s academic work — which follows Common Core standards —  and readying for the special programs of the day.

Briana Leguillow, 17, a junior counselor at the camp, said she knows how essential the summer program is for the children because she went through the camp herself.

“They really explore their talents here,” …

The Nyack Center is known for many things: an after-school program, Music for Aardvarks children classes and as a venue for Rivertown Film screenings.

What it’s not known for is being a hub of musical creativity.

Until now.

In July, a sound and recording studio will open in the 26-year-old community center, offering students the opportunity to learn about voice overs, audio engineering and video and music production. Students will be able to create and record their own music under the supervision of an experienced sound engineer.

“We were looking for a …

Ellen Jaffee6:18 p.m. EDT August 6, 2015

New York Assemblywoman says nonprofit’s health-care programs are invaluable and defunding efforts hurt women.

For almost 100 years, Planned Parenthood has been one of the most trusted health-care providers for women in the country. In 2013 and 2014, Planned Parenthood provided 378,692 pap screenings for cervical cancer, detected 87,988 cases of early breast cancer and performed 487,029 breast exams. Planned Parenthood also provides sexual and reproductive health care and education to 4,665,000 women, men and young people worldwide.

The recent release …