On the brief side...
NYS Extends Benefits For Jobless

An estimated 250,000 New Yorkers who are out of work may be eligible to collect an additional 13 weeks of unemployment benefits that have become available under a law sponsored by Congressmember Carolyn Maloney and signed by President George W. Bush on June 30.

Benefits range as high as $405 a week in New York state, according to the state Labor Department, which is sending out notices to individuals that are eligible for the extended benefit.

Labor Commissioner M. Patricia Smith estimated that the extended benefit could pour about $850 million in spending into the state's economy. She said 112,000 potential recipients, or about 43 percent of those eligible for the benefit, reside in New York City. W.Q. Lawmakers Lash Out At Higher Con Ed Bills

Assemblymember Michael Gianaris and City Councilmember Eric Gioia blasted Con Edison for another 22 percent increase in electric rates during this summer, which company officials said was brought on by rising fuel costs.

Gianaris (D- Astoria) stated, "This is the shell game that Con Ed plays as it lies to New Yorkers. After bracing ourselves for the 6 percent rate hike approved just two months ago, we now discover another double digit increase on our bills on top of that. It is time for Con Ed to come clean with the public and speak honestly about how it mismanages its business and hurts New Yorkers. Until then, I will continue to push for the dramatic reforms needed to change this unaccountable monopoly."

Gioia (D- Long Island City) declared: "For Con Ed, rake hikes continue to be the first resorts and not the last. Hardworking New Yorkers are getting hit with a one-two punch, first with an approved delivery hike in April, and now with an additional hike in the middle of one of the hottest summers. Con Ed is continuing to fleece taxpayers while giving exorbitant pay packages to its executives. New Yorkers deserve better. In the past year, when the price of food, milk, rent, and transit has gone up, New Yorkers can ill afford yet another price increase for their utility bills."

Chris Olert, a Con Ed spokesman, issued a statement saying, "Rising fuel costs continue to drive up electricity prices. Con Edison makes no money on electricity itself. We urge customers to conserve electricity to save on their bills and can find conservation and energy-saving tips at www.coned.com." New Vote Machines For Handicapped

New York City is close to finally complying with the Help America Vote Act, but will have to find about 8,000 more poll workers by the September 9 primaries for those elections and the presidential elections in November.

Board of Elections Executive Director Marcus Oderquist told the Crain's New York Business weekly newspaper that he is "cautiously optimistic" that the new high-tech machines will be delivered on time; he also said there are federal funds available to train workers to operate the machines.

The glitch is that city budget cuts are preventing the hiring of about 8,000 additional poll workers to run the new machines.

The Help America Vote Act mandates handicapped-accessible machines at every polling place. New York state has missed several deadlines to acquire the machines since the law was passed following the "hanging chads" embroglio in Florida during the 2000 presidential elections. Crowley Gets $15 G For Woodside Program

Receipt of a $15,000 federal grant for the Woodside On The Move anti-crime and graffiti cleanup program was announced on Monday by Congressmember Joseph Crowley (D- Queens/The Bronx).

Crowley, who acquired the funds, was joined by Assemblymember Ivan Lafayette, students, community residents and leaders at Woodside on the Move headquarters at 39-42 59th St., Woodside, where he made the announcement.

The lawmaker said the community organization works with volunteers to prevent crime in Woodside and also provides graffiti removal for residential and commercial sites throughout the neighborhood. Executive Director Rosa Reyes accepted the grant for Woodside on the Move.

- Compiled by John Toscano