MASSAPEQUA, N.Y. (AP) — As Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Texas and Florida begin to recover from a series of devastating hurricanes, some areas in New York state continue to deal with the effects of Superstorm Sandy.

State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie visited Massapequa (mass-uh-PEE'-kwuh) on Long Island Tuesday to see first-hand some of the areas hardest hit by the 2012 storm. The Bronx Democrat also met with a local non-profit created after Sandy to help residents rebuild their homes.

Heastie says lawmakers will continue to assist communities impacted by Sandy and ensure they're prepared for the next storm.

Heastie also visited a local third grade class that has implemented a new curriculum designed to help them develop empathy, mindfulness and conflict-resolution skills.

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