Michael Cusick
Michael J. Cusick (born February 21, 1969) is a New York State legislator who represents the New York State Assembly's District 63, in Staten Island, New York. He is a Democrat, and has served in the Assembly since 2003. Early life and education. Cusick is the son of the late New York State Supreme Court Justice Peter P. Cusick and Miriam "Mimi" Cusick. In 1987, he graduated from Monsignor Farrell High School, where he was on the cross-country and long-distance track teams. He graduated from Villanova University in 1991. Political career. Cusick began his career  as a Special Assistant to former President of the City Council Andrew J. Stein. He was the office representative for the Borough of Staten Island and worked on issues regarding incineration and waste management alternatives. Prior to his 2002 election, Cusick served as the Chief of Staff to former Staten Island Assemblyman Eric Nicholas Vitaliano, managing staff and overseeing the assemblyman's Albany and Staten Island offices. He researched and developed state legislation, including the law to close the Fresh Kills Landfill. Cusick was also Vitaliano's representative to local and statewide civic, professional, and union organizations, on legislative and  community issues. Cusick later became Director of Constituent Services for U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer, as Schumer's liaison to New York State elected officials and to various federal agencies. He managed the day-to-day operation of the Senator's New York City office. He was elected to the New York State Assembly in the 2002 state elections. After Rep. Vito Fossella's resignation, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee expressed interest in Cusick as the Democratic Party nominee, but he declined. As Assemblyman, Cusick has written and sponsored several bills. In 2003, he wrote a law creating a moratorium  on building in the area of the Mid-Island Blue Belt (Chapter 84 of 2003). He wrote legislation requiring notice to neighboring landowners of an application to build on wetland areas. In 2006, he helped pass a budget that increased school aid by $500 million over the previous year. The budget also included a down payment of $1.8 billion to renovate and expand city schools. In 2005, he sponsored legislation that allowed New York City to eliminate its share of the sales tax on clothing and footwear (Chapter 285 of 2005). In 2006, he supported a budget that  abolished the state tax. In 2008 Cusick introduced legislation that would make it a crime to protest or disturb in any way a funeral or memorial service.