Senator Jeff Klein, NYC Schools Chancellor Carmen Fariña & IDC members unveil new transparency system for school cafeteria inspections

IDC releases School Food Facts: Providing Transparency for School Cafeteria Inspections

Senator Jeff Klein, NYC Schools Chancellor Carmen Fariña and members of the Independent Democratic Conference unveiled a new, online transparency system where parents will be able to search for cafeteria health code inspections.

“Parents should never be left in the dark when it comes to the health and safety of their children. I’m proud that by working with the city, parents will now have information on inspections at their fingertips and they can be the arbiters of what grade their child’s cafeteria deserves,” said Senator Klein.

“We remain dedicated to providing students with healthy meals in cafeterias that are clean and safe,” said Schools Chancellor Carmen Fariña. “Families are critical partners and making cafeteria reports available online will provide communities with an additional level of transparency.”  

"Parents of students who depend on their school cafeterias for breakfast and lunch deserve to know the conditions of the facilities where their food is prepared. This new easy to use system will allow for greater transparency and help ensure that cafeterias are clean and sanitary. Today's announcement is a great victory for New York City parents," said Senator Diane Savino.

“New York City’s children deserve the same peace of mind and cleanliness that restaurant patrons expect. I applaud Senator Klein and Chancellor Fariña for their efforts to ensure the health and safety of our children, who are the future of New York City,” said Senator Marisol Alcántara.

“Giving parents accurate information serves as an important safeguard for all our students. This new system delivers the transparency and the up-to-date information parents need – providing reassurance and allowing parents to voice their concerns about any shortcomings. This step opens an additional avenue to parent participation to the benefit of all,” said Senator Jesse Hamilton.

“Providing healthy and quality meals to our students is a key part of a school day, and this is why parents should know what their kids are eating. I support this initiative by Senator Klein and the Department of Education,” said Senator Jose Peralta.

"Transparency is crucial across all aspects of life. The fact that parents can now see the conditions of their child's cafeteria will allow parents to know that when their children are at school they are not being exposed to unsanitary conditions,” said Senator Tony Avella.

Parents and guardians will be able to access the reports by the start of the 2017-2018 school year online at www.schoolfoodnyc.org. They will also receive copies of health inspections and steps taken to remedy violations.

A parent would simply visit the site and enter a school’s number or name:

And it’s inspection data would pop up for review.

Senator Klein passed S.4173A, which requires the New York City Department of Education to post cafeteria health inspection data online and send secondary notices home with students. Assemblywoman Cathy Nolan (D-Queens) sponsors its companion bill in the Assembly, is expected to pass by the end of session.

The IDC also released “School Food Facts: Providing Transparency for School Cafeteria Inspections,” illustrating the need for this method of transparency.

Schools sometimes receive violations that wouldn’t necessarily lead to a bad letter grade, but would certainly be of interest to parents. For example:

• At one Brooklyn school staff failed to adequately wash their hands, and discovered old food encrusted on preparation equipment and fruit left out without proper covering.
• Schools that receive violations for storing foods like milk and fresh vegetables in temperatures too high — a common violation —would not score enough points for this singular violation to yield a bad grade.
• Conversely, foods like macaroni and cheese and hamburgers that must be kept at high temperatures are sometimes not, leading to a violation.
• At one school in Queens toxic chemicals were stored in the food preparation area. Through the new transparency method, parents would immediately learn of the finding.

Schools work with the City’s Department of Health to correct the violations. Parents would be made aware of corrective actions through transparency measures.

Senator Jeff Klein, Mayor Bill de Blasio, Joined by Elected Officials & Seniors, Celebrate Major Property Tax Savings That Are On The Way for Homeowners

SCHE/DHE program expansion set to help thousands more live affordably in New York

Senator Jeff Klein, Mayor Bill de Blasio, joined by Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj, Assemblyman Michael Benedetto and Bronx seniors, celebrated the anticipated expansion of the Senior Homeowners’ Exemption (SCHE) and Disabled Homeowners’ Exemption (DHE) on Friday.

This year, Senator Klein fought to increase the income eligibility for the SCHE and DHE programs which provide major property tax exemptions to residents living on fixed incomes. In The Bronx, seniors could potentially save upwards of $1,000 a year through the exemption.

The proposal  received support from Mayor de Blasio.

The New York State Senate recently passed legislation carried by Independent Democratic Conference member Senator Diane Savino, which would raise the income cap for SCHE/DHE to $50,000 for a full 50% property tax exemption and to $58,400 for a partial exemption, which will provide much-needed relief to New York City homeowners. The eligibility levels have not been raised since 2006. The current income limit for a full 50% reduction is just $29,000.

It is expected to pass in the Assembly, where Assemblyman Brian Kavanagh carries the legislation.

“Our seniors deserve to live out their golden years without worrying that they can no longer afford their homes, the places where they raised their children and hold cherished memories. It is important that for seniors and disabled homeowners living on tight budgets we create an affordable New York by bringing real property tax relief by raising the income eligibility for SCHE and DHE to 2017 levels. I’m proud that the IDC has been the driving force behind this policy and I thank the Mayor de Blasio for his support,” said Senator Klein.

“Since the creation of these programs, life has changed significantly in New York City. We’ve watched the cost of living increase, but the income requirements for SCHE and DHE have remained stagnant,” said Mayor de Blasio. “New York City’s seniors should not be worrying about how they’ll afford to stay in their homes. At a time when we’re facing tax cuts for billionaires by billionaires, it is our duty to do all we can for those most deserving of some assistance.”

The program will help seniors save big in The Bronx. On average a qualifying homeowner in:

• Throggs Neck will save $1,029 a year
• Morris Park will save  $2,637 a year
• Melrose will save $1,589 a year
• University Heights will save $1,523 a year
• Soundview will save $2,339 a year
• Riverdale will save $1,017 a year

On average a homeowner who qualifies for the program under the expanded income threshold could save up to $1,750 a year.

This proposal would also increase the cap for partial exemptions to $58,400, with property tax exemptions provided to qualified senior and disabled homeowners on a sliding scale.

SCHE/DHE at $50,000 (Proposed)
Income Range	Abatement
$57,500 - $58,400	5%
$56,600 - $57,499	10.0%
$55,700 - $56,599	15.0%
$54,800 - $55,699	20.0%
$53,900 - $54,799	25.0%
$53,000 - $53,899	30.0%
$52,000 - $52,999	35.0%
$50,100 - $51,999	40.0%
$50,001 - $50,999	45.0%
$0 - $50,000	50.0%

Senator Jeff Klein, Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj, and Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Host 4th Annual Bronx Day in Albany

Pictured above - Bronx Democratic County Leader Assemblyman Marcos Crespo, Borough President Ruben Diaz, State Senator Jeff Klein, Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj, along with the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation, The Bronx Tourism Council, and Bronx Chamber of Commerce hosted the 4th Annual Bronx Day on Tuesday at The Egg - The Hart Theater Lounge, Empire State Plaza in Albany, New York.

“Bronx Day is a great opportunity to showcase the culture, businesses, and outstanding organizations that make The Bronx such a unique and wonderful part of New York. This is a chance to bring a small taste of The Bronx up to our Capitol in Albany. I am happy to co-sponsor this event with Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj and Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr., as we celebrate our borough and its rich cultural fabric,” said State Senator Jeff Klein.

“Great things are happening in The Bronx, and ‘Bronx Day’ is a wonderful way to highlight our achievements to the New York State Legislature. On Tuesday, we showcased the ‘Best of The Bronx’ with the participation of our businesses, restaurants and cultural institutions. I am proud to once again partner with Assembly Member Mark Gjonaj and State Senator Jeff Klein on this fantastic event,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

“I am very excited to be able to host Bronx Day in Albany once again! As usual, we bring the best of the Bronx to Albany to highlight the wonderful organizations, businesses, cuisines and entertainment that our borough is proud to exhibit,” said Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj.

The celebration commenced with a cannoli-tasting contest, won by the famous Artuso’s Bakery, and a raffle with a 2015 Jeep Renegade grand prize. After the luncheon, hundreds of attendees enjoyed an evening dinner, where they sampled Italian delicacies from Little Italy and Arthur Avenue restaurants, all while being serenaded by vocalist Elio Scaccio and the band the Jumpin’ Dragons.

SENATOR JEFF KLEIN, ASSEMBLYMAN MARK GJONAJ & LOCAL FAITH LEADERS HOSTED 21ST ANNUAL CHANUKAH INTERGENERATIONAL CELEBRATION

  State Senator Jeff Klein, and Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj hosted the 21st annual Chanukah celebration on at Bronx House on Monday, where Bronx children, senior citizens, and local faith leaders gathered to light a ten-foot menorah at Bronx House.  They sang traditional songs, drank hot cocoa and ate cookies and gelt during the festivities.

Later, Senator Klein and Assemblyman Gjonaj joined Bronx residents and local faith leaders at Einstein Hospital and then at the White Plains Road and Pelham Parkway South to light two more menorahs.

“Tonight we gathered with our families and friends to celebrate Chanukah.  We must continue to reflect on the true meaning of this holiday and remember  the menorah’s symbolism of resilience and hope.  I wish you a very safe and happy holiday,” said Senator Jeff Klein.

“Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, is a holy time of celebration spent amongst family and friends,” stated Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj.  “I am honored once again to join my friend Senator Jeff Klein in lighting the menorahs within our district and celebrating this very special holiday with the proud members of our Jewish community here in the 80^th Assembly District.”

“Bronx House is delighted to host Senator Klein's 21st Annual Menorah Lighting ceremony. This event, celebrating the Jewish Community's Festival of Lights commemorates the Miracle of the Flame. We are thrilled to have one of the state's most effective and respected leaders representing our community in government. Jeff's effectiveness keeps the flame shining in Pelham Parkway,” said Howie Martin, C.E..O., Bronx House

  Below are the three Menorah lighting's by Senator Klein and Assemblyman Gjonaj. 

Senator Jeff Klein, with UFT President Michael Mulgrew, announces $1.5 million in support for Community Learning Schools

   State Senator Jeff Klein , together with UFT President Michael Mulgrew and Community Learning Schools administrators, teachers and students, announced $1.5 million in funding for the successful school model on Thursday.

Klein and Mulgrew visited the International School for Liberal Arts in Kingsbridge, where learning, extracurricular activities, health, nutritional and social services needs are met under one roof. Senator Klein has contributed $3.7 million to Community Learning Schools since 2013.

“We’re not only celebrating the wonderful back-to-school time, but the wonderful things that happen in the hallways of this school, like so many other Community Learning Schools throughout our city. It is amazing to see the difference it makes when a school revolves around a community and a community revolves around a school.  Here, in addition to hitting the books, students participate in clubs not offered in many of our public schools, receive medical care and volunteer in a variety of activities. Parents can get help with food needs or with their taxes. It’s a win-win for everyone involved,” said State Senator Jeff Klein.

“Community schools let us put the services where they can do the most good — in our public schools. Here at the International School School for Liberal Arts in the Bronx, our students can get medical services at the school-based health clinic, they can enroll in clubs from science and dance to self-defense and leadership, and if their families are in need, get food and supplies from the school's food bank. We are getting rid of the obstacles that stand in the way of children succeeding in the classroom. Sen. Jeff Klein has been an early and committed supporter of community schools and has made a huge difference in the lives of the children and families of the Bronx,” said Michael Mulgrew, president of the United Federation of Teachers.

ISLA Principal Francine Cruz led a tour of the campus, highlighting a school-based food pantry where parents can stock up on groceries during the week. Students volunteer to staff the aisles. It’s become so successful the program expanded to two public schools sharing their campus.

Above - State Senator Jeff Klein and UFT President Michael Mulgrew talk before the event began.
Below - State Senator Jeff Klein addresses why he is 'Investing in Our Children', as UFT President Michael Mulgrew is on his left, and the International School for Liberal Arts principal Francine Cruz is on Senator Klein's right.

Above - International School for Liberal Arts principal Francine Cruz explains why this school is experiencing the success it is having.
Below - Since the school is in a high poverty area, there is a food pantry run by the Food Bank in a basement room to help the students families.

Above - This school is in the former Walton High School Campus, and as you can see the pool in the building has been restored so it can be used by the students in the building. There is also a health clinic rin by Montefiore Hospital in the school building to take care of any health related problems that students may have 

Below - Senator Klein talks with students from one of the many clubs that the school has, and perhaps one of the students will be a future state senator.

SENATOR JEFF KLEIN, CONGRESSMAN ELIOT ENGEL, ASSEMBLYMAN JEFFREY DINOWITZ, COUNCILMAN ANDREW COHEN, LOCAL COMMUNITY MEMBERS CELEBRATE & HONOR LIFE OF BESS MYERSON

  Dedication Ceremony at Sholem Aleichem Houses Honors Legendary Bronxite

State Senator Jeff Klein , joined by Congressman Eliot Engel, Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, Councilman Andrew Cohen, Community Board 8 Chair (and resident of the Sholem Aleichem Houses) Esther Nelson, and a bevy of local community members, friends and neighbors, celebrated and honored the life of legendary Bronxite Bess Myerson at the Sholem Aleichem Houses in Kingsbridge on Sunday, April 19th. Myerson, a historic figure in the Bronx, was named Miss America in 1945, served as New York City’s first commissioner of consumer affairs, and later as an adviser to presidents Lyndon B. Johnson, Gerald R. Ford and Jimmy Carter.

The dedication ceremony was held in the courtyard at the Sholem Aleichem houses where Senator Klein unveiled a Senate resolution commemorating Myerson’s life and work. Guests gathered together to both reflect on and pay tribute to Myerson’s legacy and leadership.

“Bess Myerson paved the way for countless women in New York and across the country, breaking down barriers and transcending government, politics, and pageantry by serving as not only the first Jewish Miss America, but the city’s first commissioner of consumer affairs.  Her life was a shining example of what one person can do to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others and she is sorely missed,” said Senator Jeff Klein. “Today, we celebrate Bess’ life and work -- acknowledging the immense contributions she has made to the Bronx and New York City.”

“Bess Myerson was a true trailblazer in everything she did.  From humble beginnings in the Bronx, Bess rose to incredible heights, and became among other things, a Miss America pageant winner and a political icon,” said Congressman Eliot Engel. “Bess’ life was a true Bronx success story, and she is most deserving of this honor and recognition.”   

Bess Myerson was born in 1924 in the Bronx. She grew up in the historic Sholem Aleichem Housing Cooperative, a working-class development in the northwest Bronx known for its Jewish roots and heavy population of artists, poets and musicians. Myerson attended the High School of Music and Art and then went on to study music at Hunter College, graduating with honors in 1945.

That same year, Myerson was named the first Jewish Miss America. Throughout her reign, she used her platform to combat anti-semitism and speak out against discrimination and prejudice. In 1969, Myerson was name New York City’s first commissioner of consumer affairs under Mayor John Lindsay. She later went on to serve as commissioner of cultural affairs, advise three presidents, and ran for U.S. Senate in 1980.

“Bess was a true friend and confidant. Her shining spirit, beauty, talent and intelligence  were an inspiration to us all and a constant reminder of how we could do better and make a difference in this world,” said Esther Nelson, long-time friend and neighbor of Bess Myerson. “Her grand presence, fiery spirit and authenticity are sorely missed.”

“I am proud to have grown up in the same apartment complex as Bess Myerson and her achievements offer inspiration to all from our community,” said Dan Padernacht, Chair of Community Board 8. “The close knit community in which Bess Myerson was raised still exists today.”

Above - Congressman Eliot Engel; Esther Nelson, Friend and Neighbor of Bess Myerson; Senator Jeff Klein; Councilman Andrew Cohen; Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz; Dan Padernacht, Chair of Community Board 8. (and resident of the Sholem Aleichem Houses).
Below - A close-up of the Bess Myerson plaque.

SENATOR JEFF KLEIN, ASSEMBLYMAN lUIS SEPULVEDA, AND COMUNILIFE’S – LIFE IS PRECIOUSTM PROGRAM HOLD LATINA TEEN SUICIDE PREVENTION ROUNDTABLE

  Senator Klein, Assemblyman Luis Sepúlveda, Dr. Rosa Gil CEO of Comunilife, Jennifer Humensky PhD. Research Director at Columbia University, Parents and Bronx School Counselors Come Together for Guidance Counselor Roundtable Discussion on Latina Teen Suicide

   State Senator Jeff  Klein, Assemblyman Luis Sepúlveda, and Comunilife’s Life is Precious Program™ (LIP) hosted an expert panel and guidance counselor roundtable to raise awareness of the suicide epidemic for Latina teens, highlight early intervention measures, assess current state response and promote community-based, culturally sensitive solutions.

Senator Klein was joined by Comunilife President and CEO Dr. Rosa Gil, Jennifer Humensky PhD. NY Research Director of Center of Excellence in Cultural Competence at Columbia University, parents and Bronx school guidance counselors.

“One of the most important messages we can send to young people today, is that every life is precious,” said Senator Jeff Klein. “Comunilife’s LIP program works to ensure positive outcomes for generations of New Yorkers, providing vulnerable teen populations with invaluable resources to combat depression and most importantly, save lives. Today’s roundtable shows that when the community joins together, we can make real progress, affect positive change and help thousands of teens in need.”

“Today’s guidance counselor roundtable is critical in raising awareness of a growing epidemic among Latina teens in our city,” Dr. Rosa Gil, President and CEO of Comunilife said. “The statistics have never been more staggering and the time has never been more pertinent to act. In the Bronx, one in seven Latina teens contemplates, and more than one in nine attempt, suicide. Our girls need help, and today’s panel and discussion is an important step. We appreciate Senator Klein's support of our Life is Precious™ program and more importantly his support of the at-risk Latina teens in his district and throughout New York City.”

"The tragic epidemic of suicide amongst Latina adolescents is one that rarely receives the attention it deserves," said Assemblyman Luis Sepúlveda. "Dr. Rosa Gil and the Comunilife organization have dedicated themselves to helping to change this and to lessen the stigma amongst Latino families. This additional funding secured by Senator Klein will go a long way in ensuring that the work done by Comunilife is preserved and that a change in the perception of mental health in the Latino community is achieved."

“The issue of teen suicide is a reoccurring issue in all communities. Unfortunately, when we review the data, we seen Latina teens are at a far greater risk than their non-Hispanic counterparts.  This is truly alarming. This problem needs a collaborative effort to reduce these statistics. I commend New York State Independent Democratic Conference Leader, Senator Jeffrey Klein for his continuous efforts on advocating for program funding for the topics which affects the communities within our District. Although this is a very sensitive topic, this is something we cannot ignore. The Life is Precious™ program created by Comunilife will provide cultural and linguistic appropriate education support, creative therapy, and wellness activities to Latina teens,” stated Assemblyman Marcos A. Crespo, Chair for the Assembly Puerto Rican/Hispanic Task Force.

In 2014, Senator Klein provided $300,000 in state funding to expand the program in the Bronx and increase the number of at-risk teens receiving services. In June of that year, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released their 2013 Youth High Risk Behavior Survey, which revealed nationally 26% of Latina teens contemplate suicide, up 5% from 2011 and more than twice the rate of their non-Hispanic counterparts. What’s more, Latina teens represent nearly one out of every six suicide attempts in the U.S. Contributing factors include acculturation stress, economic status and developmental and social disparities.

About Life is Precious™:

In 2008, Comunilife created Life is Precious™ (LIP) to provide culturally and linguistically appropriate educational support, creative art therapy, and wellness activities to Latina teens, aged 12 to 17, who have contemplated or attempted suicide and their families. All participants come from low-income families and most live in New York City’s poorest communities. LIP’s goal is to eliminate suicide by Latina adolescents by giving them tools that build their confidence and provide the skills to succeed.

SENATOR JEFF KLEIN, ASSEMBLYMAN MARCOS CRESPO, SOUNDVIEW HOMEOWNERS & ATTORNEY SUSAN CHANA LASK ANNOUNCE $8 MILLION FEDERAL LAWSUIT AGAINST UNSCRUPULOUS CONTRACTORS & NYC DEPARTMENT OF BUILDINGS

NYC Department of Buildings, Contractors Allegedly Duped Bronx Homeowners Into Spending Life Savings on Unsafe, Uninhabitable Homes

    An unscrupulous contractor and the New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) swindled Bronx homeowners out of millions of dollars by constructing substandard homes and failing to provide new homeowners with valid certificates of occupancy upon closing, alleges an $8 million federal lawsuit announced today by State Senator Jeff Klein, Assemblyman Marcos Crespo, the Soundview Homeowners and Attorney at Law Susan Chana Lask, and Homeowner Johanny DelaCruz

Senator Klein said: “The actions taken by unscrupulous Bronx contractors to dupe unsuspecting families into spending their  life savings on uninhabitable new homes are reprehensible. Not only are these new homes constructed poorly and with shoddy, cheap materials – they pose significant health and safety concerns to the families living there. When scheming agencies and contractors prey on aspiring homeowners, they need to know that we will hold them accountable."

For years, the DOB has permitted its licensee, Bad Ass Inc.,  to build unsafe homes across the Bronx that are not up to New York City building codes and as a result, cannot receive permanent certificates of occupancy. Under constant threat of eviction from DOB, Soundview Homeowners pay more than $400 a month in upkeep to combat leaking roofs, cracked walls, irregular plumbing, black mold and improper insulation. What’s more, because they lack permanent certificates of occupancy they are unable to sell or refinance their homes.

Attorney Susan Chana Lask said: “The Department of Buildings has ignored these people long enough. It is responsible for safe housing, not issuing building permits for illegal housing because its more concerned with its $100 Million a year revenue while people suffer.”

Homeowner Johanny DelaCruz said: “This has been a nightmare to me, my family and my children.  We thought we purchased the American Dream, but the Department of Buildings and Bad Ass gave us a nightmare.  We live in a freezing, damp uninsulated structure that is illegal and frightening." 

Assemblyman Marcos Crespo said: “I stand today with Senator Jeff Klein and these homeowners to support this new filing and to fight for swift justice on behalf of these families. We can no longer allow unscrupulous individuals and shady companies to defraud those willing to invest in our community and make a commitment to raise their families in our neighborhoods. They deserve justice and today we take another step in seeking it!”

The federal lawsuit comes on the heels of a state lawsuit filed in Bronx civil court in December 2013, alleging contractor Bad Ass Inc. conducted an elaborate scheme to scam first time home buyers into purchasing unsafe properties. Attorney Lask recently requested a stay to amend the complaint and Senator Klein submitted a letter of support.

“I ask the court to grant the plaintiffs’ request for a stay in the proceeding so that new motion papers can be filed. These plaintiffs deserve their day in court.” continued Senator Klein.

Senator Klein, Assemblyman Crespo. Lawyer Susan Lask, Homeowner J. DelaCruz, and other people and their children who are some of the 150 home owners in this situation living in homes built by Bad Ass Inc. 

Bad Ass Inc. is still a licensed home builder of the New York City Department of Buildings. 

Could this type of housing be in store for people who will be moving into the 200,000 new affordable housing units planned by Mayor Bill deBlasio?