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This day a year ago, I was given the indescribable honor of becoming your Assemblymember for the 79th district.
Together, we knew it would not be an easy journey to transform our community but equally knew we would make it happen.
Together, we restored heat to the seniors of Arturo Schomburg senior center and danced Bachata with abuelitas at Casa Boricua.
Together, we hired young people at Yankee Stadium through JUMA ventures and provided more young people tablets thanks to Technology for Families in Need (TechFIN).
Together, we passed legislation to help Minority & Women-Owned Business Enterprises get paid faster, local governments to get aid during time of disaster and improved health conditions for incarcerated individuals.
Together, we increased funding for students, supported teachers and administrators for professional development and advocated for public, charter, private and parochial schools.
Together, we brought seven young men to meet President Obama in The Bronx and encouraged young women through Women in Entertainment Empowerment Network.
Together, we empowered African Entrepreneurs, helped Black churches at Thanksgiving with the 100 Black Men of New York and promoted Latino Technology business owners such as Miguel Sanchez at Mass Ideation.
We have much more to do to help our 139,000 constituents. We have to Raise The Age so our 16 and 17 year olds get a fair chance in the Criminal Justice system. We have to ensure true affordable housing. We have to increase access to capital, contracting and opportunities for our Minority and Women Owned Business Enterprises. We have to help our students realize their dreams. We have to create a healthier and safer community. We clearly have more to do but much to celebrate.
As I reflect on my first year in office while in Israel and empowering my spirit for the next year, I want to say thank you.
Thank you for believing in me. Thank you for giving a young man born and raised in The Bronx a chance to represent our beloved hometown.
Thank you for the honor. I will not let you down. Please help us make 2016 even better than this year by supporting us.
1 year of our journey. More years of us #BuildingABetterBronx.
Yours in service,
MB
