File photo of the John J. Foley Skilled Nursing Facility...

File photo of the John J. Foley Skilled Nursing Facility in Yaphank. (March 25, 2008) Credit: Bill Davis

 As lawmakers prepared to vote Tuesday on the controversial sale of Suffolk's nursing home, a bipartisan proposal surfaced to create a public benefit corporation to run the 264-bed Yaphank complex.

State Sen. Brian Foley (D-Blue Point) and Legis. John M. Kennedy (R-Nesconset) disclosed plans Monday to file a state bill authorizing the new agency - the Suffolk County Health Corp. - to take over the nursing home. The lawmakers also are exploring having the proposed agency take over Suffolk's 10 health centers, as well as drug and mental health clinics.

"This is an effort to preserve a critical public asset . . . in a lean, efficient and cost-effective manner," Kennedy said.

>> Read Rick Brand's full story

NewsdayTV's Doug Geed visits two wineries and a fish market, and then it's time for holiday cheer, with a visit to a bakery and poinsettia greenhouses. Credit: Randee Dadonna

Out East with Doug Geed: Wine harvests, a fish market, baked treats and poinsettias NewsdayTV's Doug Geed visits two wineries and a fish market, and then it's time for holiday cheer, with a visit to a bakery and poinsettia greenhouses.

NewsdayTV's Doug Geed visits two wineries and a fish market, and then it's time for holiday cheer, with a visit to a bakery and poinsettia greenhouses. Credit: Randee Dadonna

Out East with Doug Geed: Wine harvests, a fish market, baked treats and poinsettias NewsdayTV's Doug Geed visits two wineries and a fish market, and then it's time for holiday cheer, with a visit to a bakery and poinsettia greenhouses.

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