A "Gran" Slam

ALBANY - The Republican-controlled state Senate yesterday unanimously approved the "Granny Bill" to increase penalties for attacks against senior citizens - but it appeared the proposal would be dead on arrival in the Assembly.

The bill would make it an automatic felony to assault someone older than 70. It comes after two elderly women - including a feisty 101-year-old - were brutally beaten and robbed in Queens.

Sheldon Silver, the Assembly's Democratic speaker, has balked at backing the proposed legislation - and yesterday's vote apparently did not change his mind.

"The bill in front of the Senate . . . does nothing to further punish the perpetrators of these crimes," insisted Silver spokeswoman Sisa Moyo.

"The Senate bill creates class E and D felonies, while the thug guilty of this heinous crime will be charged with robbery, a class C violent felony" carrying a greater sentence.

But state Sen. Martin Golden (R-Brooklyn) said, "Criminals, cowards to be more exact, need to know that if they target and assault senior citizens, they will go to jail for a long, long time."

Silver's refusal to budge drew an unusual response from even a member of his own party.

"I'm sending an SOS to the other chamber," said Sen. Ruben Diaz Sr. (D-Bronx), referring to the Assembly.

"I'm asking my fellow members in the Assembly to take this bill as their own and to pass this bill."

Cops believe one perpetrator is responsible for both muggings. He has yet to be caught.

Rose Morat, 101, whose brutal attack was caught on her building's surveillance camera, told The Post, "It's about time a law is passed, don't you think?"

Morat was mugged as she left for church on March 4.

A short time later, the thug who attacked her is believed to have beaten and robbed 85-year-old Solange Elizee, who recently told The Post she "will pray" the Legislature approves the measure.

kenneth.lovett@nypost.com