Opening the Debate on Enforcing Fireworks Laws

Jul 10, 2024

1 min

Lawrence Levy, associate vice president and executive dean of the National Center for Suburban Studies, talked to Newsday for a article about the challenges of enforcing the New York state law that says the use of fireworks by anyone other than a certified pyrotechnic is a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to 90 days in jail.

“Broad enforcement of laws forbidding fireworks is virtually impossible for local police departments, and perhaps even perilous for politicians,” Levy said. “Cops and fire departments already have their hands full with serious emergencies, including some due to mishandling of illegal fireworks, plus everything else they need to do on a busy holiday when people are drinking too much.”

Lawrence Levy is available to speak with media - simply click on his icon now to arrange an interview today.

Connect with:

Lawrence Levy

Associate Vice President and Executive Dean of the National Center for Surburban

Dean Levy works close with Hofstra’s academic community to shape an innovative agenda for suburban study

Suburban Spaces and DevelopmentSuburbsEducationTaxationPolitics of the Suburbs

Find Experts

Mar 18, 2026

1 min

Iran Conflict Intensifies Focus on Affordability

Professor of Finance Anoop Rai spoke to Newsday about economic fallout from the Iran campaign, which is refocusing attention on rising costs at a time when affordability was already a top concern, locally and nationally. If the economy cools down, it could reduce the state’s tax revenues, and any actions lawmakers take to further help with affordability could lead to greater deficits, said Dr. Rai. “Then it becomes more like a philosophy. Do you help now during bad times and then try to recover later, or stick to your principles and say ‘tough luck’?”

Mar 13, 2026

1 min

How Strikes on Iran Could Impact Prices on LI

NewsdayTV spoke to Hofstra Professor of Finance Anoop Rai about Long Islanders bracing for higher prices at the gas pump and elsewhere, following the U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran.

Mar 11, 2026

1 min

ESPN Star Suggests Plan to Run for President

Meena Bose, Hofstra University professor of political science, executive dean of the Public Policy and Public Service program, the Kalikow Chair in Presidential Studies and director of the Kalikow Center for the Study of the American Presidency, talked to Newsday about ESPN star Stephen A. Smith expressing interest in running for president of the United States.