FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
August 10, 2026
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Pictured in the first photo at Coram Elementary School with Speaker Heastie is: Longwood School District Superintendent Dr. Lance Lohman, Coram Civic President Kareem Nugdalla, Assemblymember Rebecca Kassay, My Brother’s Keeper Program Manager Elrich Bowlay-Williams, My Sister’s Keeper Program Manager Shani Little, Longwood School Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Personnel and Community Services James Crenshaw and students from My Brother’s Keeper and My Sister’s Keeper.
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Pictured in the second photo at the Coram Fire Department with Speaker Heastie is Assemblymember Rebecca Kassay and members and leadership from the Coram Fire Department.
Speaker Carl Heastie continued his annual statewide tour today with Assemblymember Rebecca Kassay, visiting Coram Elementary School and the Coram Fire Department.
“A great part of my annual statewide tour is seeing the parts of local communities that residents know they can rely on day in and day out,” said Speaker Heastie. “It was good to be at Coram Elementary School today with Assemblymember Kassay and students from My Brother’s Keeper and My Sister’s Keeper to see the school’s importance for local families. It was also a pleasure to visit the Coram Fire Department and to see the impact their volunteer members have on the community.”
“Longwood School District is a vital community hub for local families and youth, and I was proud to introduce Speaker Heastie to some of the best and brightest in the district: students who participate in or have graduated from My Brother’s Keeper and My Sister’s Keeper programs,” said Assemblymember Kassay. “I was also proud to bring Speaker Heastie to visit the Coram Fire Department and meet with the local volunteers who answer the call around the clock to protect neighbors' lives and property.”
Speaker Heastie and Assemblymember Kassay were joined by students from My Brother’s Keeper and My Sister’s Keeper, Longwood Central School District administrators and teachers, and local civic leaders for a visit to Coram Elementary School. Together, they announced $2.265 million in state funding to the school for the completion of a community-accessible, multi-sport court, and pavilion on school grounds. This state investment will provide an accessible, vibrant, safe space for local families to enjoy play, exercise, and a stronger sense of community pride.
Speaker Heastie and Assemblymember Kassay then visited the Coram Fire Department and announced $800,000 in additional state funding for repairs and upgrades to their dispatch building. This funding will create ADA access and upgrade bathrooms for their community space that regularly hosts the Coram Civic Association, the Young at Heart Senior's Club, scout troops, and community events. The Coram Fire Department is a volunteer district whose members serve over 15,000 local households throughout the community.
