KLEIN, DINOWITZ & COHEN HOST E-WASTE RECYCLING EVENT

Senator Jeff Klein, Assemblyman Jeff Dinowitz, and Councilman Andrew Cohen, joined by the Lower East Side Ecology Center and Tekserve, hosted an electronic waste recycling event on Sunday at the Spuyten Duyvil Branch of the New York Public Library. Riverdalians came out to go green and recycle any and all of their unwanted electronics. Residents disposed of items such as working and non-working computers, monitors, scanners, keyboards, computer accessories, televisions, video cassette recorders, phones and PDA’s.

“We must continue to raise environmental awareness and find ways to protect our planet.  Today’s event truly illustrated the importance of recycling.  I thank the residents for their strong participation today and expressing their concern for the ecological future of our community.  Together, we can make a difference,” said Senator Klein.

“I was delighted at how successful this event was. Recycling is a critical part of protecting our environment and while the e-waste recycling law is hugely beneficial for our city, it can be a burden for some to find a place to recycle their e-waste. I’m especially proud at how positively the community responded – it’s clear that there is no shortage of environmental stewardship in this great community,” said Assemblyman Dinowitz.  

“Scores of my constituents were pleased to part with their unwanted electronic clutter at this very timely event in Spuyten Duyvil, ably coordinated by the hard-working Lower East Side Ecology Center staff. An amazing truckload of computers, printers, monitors, and other electronic waste was wrapped up and sent for recycling or reuse by the end of the day.  I was happy to play a part in making this happen,” said Councilman Cohen.

Senator Klein has hosted other e-waste recycling events in Woodlawn and Throggs Neck with similar success. The process makes recycling these bulky items a breeze for residents. Senator Klein expects to sponsor additional e-waste recycling events throughout the 34th Senate District in the coming months.

KLEIN, AVELLA, DINOWITZ, MOSLEY SECURE $2M IN FUNDING TO INCREASE DIVERSITY IN SPECIALIZED HIGH SCHOOLS

State Senator Jeff Klein, State Senator Tony Avella, Assemblyman Jeff Dinowitz, and Assemblyman Walter T. Mosley announced that the Independent Democratic Conference has secured $2 million dollars in funding to increase diversity in New York City’s Specialized High Schools.

New York City’s Specialized High Schools have seen a shockingly low number of black and Latino students apply for and enroll in recent years. A survey from 2005-2013 showed that despite the fact that black and Latino students made up a majority of rising eighth graders - 71.6 percent - they made up only 52 percent of students who even took the Specialized High School Admission Test.

“A Specialized High School might be a great fit for so many of New York City’s underrepresented students, but we will never know if we don’t ensure that every student has the resources to prepare and apply. That is why I am thrilled that we have secured over $2 million dollars in this year’s state budget in order to establish outreach programs at every Specialized High School, enhance and expand free test preparation for New York City's underrepresented students, and further support Brooklyn Tech’s successful STEM pipeline program for middle school students. By providing resources to these students early, and continuing throughout middle school, we can ensure that every child in the New York City public school system has the same opportunity to learn, grow, and potentially enroll in these prestigious schools,” said Senator Klein.

“Bridging the deep diversity gap that exists in our schools starts with strengthening our students’ foundations. With this funding, we can establish outreach coordinators, provide test prep to underrepresented areas, and support and enhance an already successful middle school pipeline program through the Brooklyn Tech Alumni Foundation’s STEM program. This is much more than just checking off a box, this is laying the foundation to ensure that every student has an opportunity to enter one of these esteemed schools,” said Senator Avella.

In their proposal released in March, the IDC laid out a plan to increase diversity in the schools’ enrollment, the “New York City Specialized High Schools Diversity Initiative and Gifted and Talented Program Expansion.”

Included in the 2016-17 budget is:

• $350,000 for Outreach Coordinators at each school who will focus on ensuring that students in underrepresented middle schools.

• $650,000 for Test Prep for Middle School Students from Underrepresented Populations to pay for test prep at each Specialized High School.

• $750,000 appropriation to NYC DOE for test prep targeting free and reduced-price lunch students in New York City.

• $250,000 for the Brooklyn Tech Alumni Foundation to enhance their current, successful middle school pipeline program.

“I am pleased that by working with Senator Klein we were able provide money to increase diversity in New York City’s Specialized High Schools in this year’s budget. The underrepresentation of some minority groups in New York’s Specialized High Schools is indicative of a larger set of challenges that face this city’s educational system today. I am proud to have fought for this proposal, and to be able to provide funding for students to take free test preparation classes, in addition to investing in outreach coordinators at each of the specialized high schools. This funding will go a long way in raising the numbers of potentially qualified minority applicants attending these schools, while maintaining the schools’ academic integrity without changing the objectivity of the entrance exam,” said Assemblyman Dinowitz, a Bronx Science Alum.

"I applaud Speaker Heastie and the Senate Democratic Conference  for implementing the Diversity Initiative for New York City Specialized High Schools in this year's state budget. Assembly member Jeffrey Dinowitz (D-Bronx) and myself have championed this proposal in the Assembly. It is critically imperative that we expand the programs that prepare our youth to take the Specialized High School Admission Test. As a member of the Board of Regents My Brothers Keeper Blue Ribbon Panel on improving outcomes for boys and young men of color, we highlighted the need for more advanced programing in a report issued late last year," said Assemblyman Mosley.

KLEIN, AVELLA JOIN LAWMAKERS & ALUMNI TO LAUNCH PROPOSAL TO INCREASE DIVERSITY IN SPECIALIZED HIGH SCHOOL ENROLLMENT

Proposal will increase access to resources from an early age to ensure every child has access to educational enrichment opportunities

Independent Conference Leader Jeff Klein, State Senator Tony Avella, Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, and Assemblyman Walter Mosley joined alumni groups and advocates to launch a new proposal to increase diversity in the New York City Specialized High Schools’ student admission.

In a proposal released today, “New York City Specialized High Schools Diversity Initiative and Gifted and Talented Program Expansion,” the Independent Democratic Conference laid out a four-step plan to increase diversity in the schools’ enrollment by increasing resources for underrepresented groups at the elementary and middle school levels.

“A Specialized High School might be a great fit for so many of New York City’s underrepresented students, but we will never know if we don’t ensure that every student has the resources to prepare and apply. While studies have shown that changing the admissions process will not increase diversity, we know that increasing access to resources from an early age will. Our proposal will provide outreach coordinators, establish test prep programs in every school district, implement a Middle School Pipeline program at every Specialized High School, and increase the Gifted and Talented programs available to all. By providing resources to these students early, and continuing throughout middle school, we can ensure that every child in the New York City public school system has the same opportunity to learn, grow, and potentially enroll in these prestigious schools,” said Senator Klein.

“Bridging the deep diversity gap that exists in our schools starts with strengthening our students' foundations. Studies have shown that simply changing the admissions process would do nothing to address the lack of diversity at our city's most prestigious schools. With this four-step proposal, we will improve outreach to underrepresented schools, expand Gifted and Talented programs, unburden parents of costly test preparation programs by making them available in every district and implement Middle School Pipeline programs which have already been proven effective. This more than just checking off a box, this is the opportunity to ensure that every student has an opportunity to enter one of these esteemed schools,” said Senator Avella.

The proposal details the disproportionately low number of black and Latino students that apply for and enroll in the New York City Specialized High Schools every year. In a review of the rising population of eighth graders from 2005 to 2013, despite the fact that black and Latino students made up a majority of eighth graders - 71.6 percent - they made up only 52 percent of students who take the Specialized High School Admission Test.

Of the students who were offered a seat at one of the Specialized High Schools from 2005 to 2013, black and Latino students comprise only 16.1 percent, with white students comprising 29.1 percent and Asian students comprising 54.2 percent. In the most recent data released by the Department of Education, while 19 percent of all test-takers were offered a spot, only 3 percent of black students and just over 5 percent of Latino students were admitted.

The proposal found that many students advance to a Specialized High School from a feeder middle school - a school that prepares its students for admissions - and that 42 percent of those schools have a Gifted and Talented program to enrich their high-achieving students. However, the school districts with the highest concentration of black and Latino students also had the lowest number of schools with Gifted and Talented programs. Shockingly, the two school districts in The Bronx with high concentrations of black and Latino students had no Gifted and Talented program at all.

Senators Klein and Avella laid out a four-step proposal to tackle New York City’s Specialized High Schools increasing diversity problem.

While information about the schools is made available to the public, middle school administrators and teachers play a significant role in informing and encouraging students. To ensure that every student is encouraged to apply, regardless of their middle school, the IDC proposes investing $350,000 to provide an outreach coordinator at every Specialized High School. The outreach coordinator would contact underrepresented middle schools and families in order to increase the number of applicants coming from those groups.

Students who are ultimately offered a spot at one of these coveted schools typically go through extensive preparation to take the exam, starting as early as the sixth grade. However, test preparation can be expensive and unaffordable for many low-income families. The IDC would dedicate $1 million to establish test preparation programs in every school district, to ensure that every student has equal access to a rigorous preparatory program.

The Brooklyn Tech Alumni Foundation/National Grid STEM program currently provides STEM instruction and test prep to students from underrepresented middle schools in Brooklyn, and has played a significant role in helping black and Latino students secure spots. The IDC proposal would replicate this successful program, and establish a Middle School Pipeline program with instructional and test prep components. By securing funding of $1.28 million, this program would run Monday through Thursday, for five weeks, with extensive Saturday test preparation, and ultimately provide a direct pipeline into a specialized school for underrepresented middle schools students.

High-performing elementary and middle schools with Gifted and Talented programs ultimately serve as the best preparation for admissions to the Specialized High Schools. However, access to these programs is shockingly absent among underrepresented groups. The IDC would invest $2.55 million to increase the number of elementary and middle school Gifted and Talented programs in low-income neighborhoods throughout New York City.

“The underrepresentation of some minority groups in New York’s Specialized High Schools is indicative of a larger set of challenges facing this city’s educational system that begin as early as kindergarten or before for many students. While some have advocated for a more complex admissions process, they are in reality doing a disservice to the students they want to help, and to the premise of objectivity upon which these specialized schools were founded. I strongly oppose making any changes to the SSHAT. I am proud to support this proposal, which would provide funding for students to take free test preparation classes, in addition to investing in outreach coordinators at each of the specialized high schools will be effective in raising the numbers of potentially qualified minority applicants attending these schools, while maintaining the schools’ academic integrity,” said Assemblyman Dinowitz, a Bronx Science Alum.

“I applaud the IDC for implementing this diversity initiative for New York City Specialized High Schools. Assembly member Jeffrey Dinowitz and myself have championed this proposal to the Speaker of the Assembly as well. We must expand the programs that prepare our youth to take the Specialized High School Admission Test. As a member of the Board of Regent’s blue ribbon panel on improving outcomes for boys and young men of color, we highlighted the need for more programing to prepare them to compete for positions that Specialized high schools in New York City in a report issued last year. I look forward to working with my colleagues in government to push this initiative and it a  reality,” said Assemblyman Walter T. Mosley.

KLEIN, BENEDETTO, VACCA CALL ON NYC DEPARTMENT OF HOMELESS SERVICES TO BAN SEX OFFENDERS FROM FAMILY HOMELESS SHELTERS

Bronx Elected Officials Back Legislation That Would Keep Level Two & Three Sex Offenders Out of Shelters Where Families With Children Reside

State Senator and Independent Democratic Conference Leader Jeff Klein (D-Bronx/Westchester), together with Assemblyman Michael Benedetto, Councilman James Vacca , members of Community Board 10, the Ferry Point Park Civic Association and Friends of Ferry Point Park today called on the New York City Department of Homeless Services to ban level two and level three sex offenders from temporary emergency housing and homeless shelters used to house families with children. (In the background of the photo above is the old Capri Motel now called the 'Crystal Family Residence' a 95 room city family shelter which now services about 200 people including children, and 2 reported high level sex offenders).

“Allowing high-level sex offenders to stay in family shelters where vulnerable women and children are trying to get back on their feet is not only troublesome but dangerous. With more than 60,000 homeless New Yorkers sleeping in New York City shelters and thousands more out on the street, we need to take every measure to protect those in our care,” said Senator Klein. “That’s why I have introduced legislation in the State Senate that would prohibit the NYC Department of Homeless Services from placing these risky offenders in shelters housing women and children. This is a critical measure in ensuring the safety and security of all homeless New Yorkers and I look forward to working with my partners in Albany to see this important piece of legislation passed in the coming weeks and months.”

The renewed call comes in response to shocking revelations and widespread press reports that two male sex offenders currently reside at the Crystal Family Residence, a new 95-room family shelter and former location of the controversial Capri Whitestone Motel in the Throggs Neck section of the Bronx. Curtis Bolden, a 58-year-old male, convicted on two counts of rape in the first degree and released from prison in 2010, was found to be living at the shelter on January 15th. One week later, James Bryant, a 50-year-old male convicted of molesting a 7-year-old child, was also found to be living at the family shelter.  

Senator Klein’s legislation (S.S851-2015) would prevent harmful predators, including level two and level three sex offenders, from being housed in family shelters and require by law that they be placed in adult-only shelters or shelters without children.  This important legislation would bring the shelter system up to speed with current social services law that bars level two and level three sex offenders from living in public housing.

“The Department of Homeless services had acted with arrogance when they forced this shelter upon our community and refused to work with with elected leaders in finding an alternative site,” said Assemblyman Michael Benedetto. “Now they have apparently shown incompetence in selecting a managing agent who doesn’t bother checking whether they are putting sex offenders in a shelter where young children are being housed. This is intolerable.”

“Our shelters are safe havens for families and children experiencing the most difficult of hardships,” said Bronx Councilman James Vacca. “We cannot, in good conscience, accept the risk of allowing sex offenders to live in close quarters with these already vulnerable families.”

The Crystal Family Residence is a family homeless shelter located at 555 Hutchinson River Parkway in the Bronx. The new residence was converted from the former hot-sheet hotel,  the Capri Whitestone, in September, 2014.

Councilman Vacca expresses his outrage at the lack of screening of residents at this residence.

Assemblyman Benedetto is also outraged that the city could do something like this with little or no regard to the community.

Klein, Cohen Announce $3 Million in Capital Grants for Renovation of Indian Field in Woodlawn

 Surrounded by local families, community leaders and Little Leaguers, State Senate Coalition Co-Leader Jeff Klein and Council Member Andrew Cohen announced $3 million in capital grants secured in this year’s state and city budgets for a comprehensive renovation of the baseball fields in the Woodlawn area of the Bronx.

 The grant will be used to establish a new baseball field and completely reconstruct an existing turf area that suffered from chronic flooding, resulting in numerous rained out baseball games. Additionally, this flooding rendered portions of the park unusable to the community for periods of time. 

 The announcement was held at Indian Field with members of the NYC Parks Department, Woodlean Boys and Girls Club and Woodlawn Taxpayers.

Senate Majority Leader Jeff Klein said, “In recent years, Indian Field has had its share of challenges when it comes to giving our children the Little League season they deserve. The community has had to deal with flooded unusable fields for far too long. That’s why I am thrilled to announce that Councilman Cohen and I have secured $3 million in city and state funding to invest in a total renovation of the baseball fields here in Woodlawn. This investment will mean families will finally be able to fully utilize Indian Field for generations to come.”

“In conjunction with Senator Jeff Klein, I am pleased to allocate $3 million in city and state capital funds for the renovation of Indian Field, as well as the construction of a new field in Van Cortlandt Park. These improvements will bring an end to the frequent flooding issues that have caused cancellations to several community baseball games and allow residents to utilize the park to its full capacity.

“As a member of the Parks committee, I know the importance of providing quality amenities in the community. I will continue to work with my colleagues in the City Council to ensure that parks projects will be completed on time and within their budget. This is a restoration project the residents of Woodlawn have needed for quite some time and I happy to help put the project in motion,” said Council Member Andrew Cohen.

"NYC Parks is appreciative to the elected officials of Woodlawn for allocating the vital resources that will restore the recreational amenities of our neighborhood," said Bronx Borough Commissioner Hector Aponte. Aponte added that there are 7,000 acres of parkland in the Bronx located on 800 different properties, and that staff has been lost over the past years to a question of how the Parks Department could let Indian Field get to the point where it is today. as seen in the photo on the left.

  












Left - Councilman Cohen is flanked by State Senator Jeff Klein, Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, Bronx Parks Commissioner Aponte, and some of the kids who hope to play ball on the new fields.
Right - A wider photo showing more of the Woodlean little league players with Senator Klein, Councilman Cohen, Assemblyman Dinowitz, and Bronx Parks Commissioner Aponte.

Klein, Bronx Chamber of Commerce Launch Bronx H.I.R.E. Program to Combat Borough Unemployment

With $200,000 grant secured by Klein, Bronx Chamber of Commerce to develop comprehensive jobs program aimed at developing the skills, certifications and careers of Bronx workers

  Senator Jeff Klein, along with the Bronx Chamber of Commerce and Assembly members Jeffrey Dinowitz and Mark Gjonaj, announced Bronx H.I.R.E., a new program aimed at connecting Bronx workers with real jobs through a comprehensive, direct approach. The Bronx H.I.R.E. (Help Identify Real Employment) program was announced at the Bronx Amalgamated Housing Cooperative, a housing development dedicated to the mission of building a strong community of shared responsibility and cooperative work environments.

The program, made possible through a $200,000 grant Sen. Klein secured in this year's budget, will consist of two parts - one that will make sure that the new and existing Bronx businesses and institutions are employing Bronx residents and the other that will establish a hands on worker development program. The second part of this program, known as the “Opening Doors Initiative” will give Bronx workers an opportunity to receive support for additional certifications, help with resumes, interviews, applications and assistance with follow-up for positions to which H.I.R.E. participants have applied. The program will be facilitated by the Bronx Chamber of Commerce.

Senate Majority Coalition Leader Jeff Klein said, “For too long, the Bronx has had the dubious distinction of having the highest unemployment rate in the state. However, there are real signs that business is investing in the Bronx and with our new H.I.R.E. program, we are investing in the Bronx worker.Bronxites looking to take the next step in their career can enroll in our program and receive hands on, targeted assistance with everything from resume writing to skill certification. I am confident that with the business expertise of the Bronx Chamber, our program’s partnership with Bronx businesses and the funding I was able to secure, we can bring together local businesses with the skilled workforce already calling the Bronx home.”

Assemblyman Jeff Dinowitz said, "The Bronx H.I.R.E. program strives to connect Bronx workers with businesses setting up shop here. But it also goes the extra mile, by developing a hands on, one on one career development program for Bronxites looking not just for a job, but a career. Any program that helps Bronx residents find meaningful, long term jobs is critical to our borough's long term economic health and this program will do just that." 

Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj said, "This is a program Bronx residents have been waiting for. The unemployment rate in this borough is alarming and our residents deserve to be informed of the many opportunities that lie right here in their backyard. I commend Senator Klein and the Bronx Chambers for putting such a program together."

Lenny Caro, Bronx Chamber of Commerce President and CEO, “The Bronx Chamber of Commerce plays an active, significant role in the economic development of the borough.  With the Throggs Neck Shopping Center, Marriot Hotel, the Outlet Mall, a new Macys, and Trump Golf Course moving in to the Bronx, we will work with these companies to promote Bronx job fairs for placement in these new businesses. These developments will help increase employment for Bronxites and the HIRE program will help promote this job creation.”

Michelle Dolgow Cristofaro, Bronx Chamber of Commerce Chief-of-Staff and H.I.R.E. administrator, “The Bronx Chamber of Commerce with the support of Senator Jeff Klein’s grant can now help Bronxites obtain long term employment in quality fields.  This initiative will help tap into the existing workforce and provide our future employees with the necessary skillsets and certifications.  We look forward to connecting employers looking to hire with these candidates.”

The Bronx H.I.R.E. program will partner with new businesses – both big and small - to identify new job openings and connect local residents with human resources managers and owners. Additionally, the Bronx Chamber will join businesses moving into new developments in the Bronx in spearheading local job fairs and “meet and greets,” for applicants and employers to meet in a more focused environment.

Those who enroll in the H.I.R.E. program will work one on one with a specialist to determine what potential industries, positions and skill sets fit their profile. Additional resources necessary to advancement will be assessed and potentially subsidized with the funding provided by Senator Klein. 

Senator Klein to MPAA: Let Teens See Teen Cyberbullying Documentary

Senator Jeffrey D. Klein, (D-Bronx/ Westchester), called upon the Motion Picture Association of America to reverse its decision to give a “R” rating to teen cyberbullying documentary, “Bully.”

The film follows three teens who have been the victims of cyberbullying and two families of children who have taken their own lives after being bullied. It had received a “R”, or “Restricted,” rating due to profanity that had been used during these attacks.

In a letter to the MPAA's Chairman and CEO, former U.S. Senator Chris Dodd, Senator Klein urged a PG-13 rating for the documentary, pointing out that its accounts of cyberbullying match those he has heard from children, parents and educators, across New York.

“The subject matter of this documentary matches the horror stories that have been coming out of virtually every corner of this state,” Senator Klein said. “Tragically, modern technology is being used as a weapon with potentially deadly consequences, and we need to do everything we can to raise awareness of this destructive behavior. I believe it is critically important that the MPAA reverse course, lower the rating, and allow this very important film to reach a wider audience.”

“Bully”  Director Lee Hirsch, said:  "I applaud Senator Klein for standing up for victims who have been bullied by lobbying the MPAA to reverse its decision of an "R" rating to "Bully". We need to make sure as many affected teens are able to see this film in its entirety to ensure the message of the film is not lost."

Senator Klein is also sponsoring legislation, (S.6132), that would update New York’s stalking, aggravated harassment and criminal impersonation laws to include cyberbullying. The legislation has bi-partisan support and 17 cosponsors.

He is also sponsoring the New York Cyberbullying Census, a first-ever study on cyberbullying in New York State. Children in Grades 3 to 12 are urged to participate by filling out an anonymous 12-question survey at www.nycyberbullycensus.com.

"Bully" is slated to be released on March 30.