Assemblywoman Earlene Hooper broke her silence Friday on her controversial lack of legislative action on the Roosevelt school district's operating deficit.

Hooper (D-Hempstead) failed to introduce a bill on the matter during a special session this week, despite the state Senate's passage of an $8 million bailout plan. Over the past few days, the assemblywoman repeatedly rebuffed attempts from both the community and press seeking an explanation.

"This bill that I have introduced will remove the deficit once and for all," Hooper said at a news conference. "It is better to take one's time and do it right rather than fall to emotions and do it wrong."

Hooper insisted money in the Senate plan, sponsored by state Sen. Charles Fuschillo (D-Merrick), was a loan and not a grant. Fuschillo and several other officials categorically denied Hooper's claim. The bill specifically said the money "shall be deemed a grant in aid."

In Hooper's legislation, Roosevelt schools would receive a $14 million grant. The additional $6 million she said would help improve academics.

Time, however, is running out. Many predict the district will run out of money as early as December.

As for Hooper's bill, the Assembly and Senate would need to call another special session in order to vote on it. Hooper provided assurances Friday that it would pass the Assembly, but there are no guarantees of its passage in the Senate.

The Roosevelt Watch Society's Frank Scott was skeptical of Hooper's plan.

"Now she's going to tack on another $6 million? If I was a senator or assembly person, why would I give Roosevelt an extra $6 million?" Scott said.

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