By Nick Buglione
Gov. George Pataki announced Ferrara's nomination last Wednesday, which still requires the state Senate's confirmation.
"Assemblywoman Ferrara has served the people of Nassau County and New York state with great distinction in the state Legislature," Pataki said. "I know she will do an excellent job as a commissioner of the state Workers' Compensation Board. She is an accomplished legislator and attorney, whose extensive knowledge of state government and considerable experience working with local business leaders will serve the board well."
A mother of two, Ferrara has served the 15th Assembly District since 1992. Though it used to encompass almost all of the East Meadow School District, its lines were redrawn in 2002 so that it only includes Salisbury and a section of north East Meadow.
Ferrara could not be reached for comment but said in a statement, "I'm pleased Gov. Pataki has nominated me for this important position. I have enjoyed my 12 years serving in the state Assembly and look forward to taking on this new opportunity serving the people of New York."
During her tenure, the assemblywoman passed two notable bills into law.
The first, passed in 1993, prevented insurance discrimination against women. In 2002, she got another one through that paved the way for insurance coverage on Computer Aided Detection devices used during routine mammograms. The devices increase mammogram accuracy.
Constituent services was another one of her strong points, addressing some 1,000 requests and complaints since taking office. Helen Meittinis, president of the Community Association of Stewart Avenue, worked closely with Ferrara over the years and was sad to hear of her resignation.
"Donna has always been a good assemblywoman and tried to meet the needs of the constituents," Meittinis said. "She was always very supportive of civic groups. She's been a very good friend to Salisbury and East Meadow."
The assemblywoman also boasted a strong track record on protecting the environment. In 1996, Environmental Advocates Group ranked her first among all 211 legislators on voting on environmental issues.
Prior to joining the state Assembly, Ferrara served as a legislative aide for the late state Sen. Norman Levy in Albany, and as a legislative counsel to state Sen. Kemp Hannon (R-Garden City). Ferrara was also a deputy town attorney for the Town of Hempstead, where she served as the town's freedom of information officer, and worked on economic development and real property tax issues.
Ferrara has a degree in English and business from SUNY Albany and received her law degree from St. John's University in 1984.
In the November election, she cruised to victory against one-time supporter Dr. Richard Taubman, trouncing her opponent with over 60 percent of the vote.
As commissioner of the state Workers' Compensation Board, Ferrara will serve a seven-year term and make over $90,000 a year. Once the state Senate approves her nomination, Ferrara's vacant assembly seat will be filled in a special election.
Workers' compensation is a no-fault insurance system that provides wage replacement and medical benefits to workers' injured during their employment. With few exceptions, businesses with employees are required to maintain insurance coverage to provide benefits in the event of workplace accidents.
The board reviews some 300,000 workers' compensation claims a year.
Comments about this story? Nbuglione@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 236.
