By Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz
32nd Senatorial District, Bronx County, New York
Showing posts with label Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
By Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz
32nd Senatorial District, Bronx County, New York
As you know, the latest hot potato in our political world here in Albany is the leap of faith just taken by Democratic Senator Tony Avella from Queens, New York to abandon the every-day weakening Democratic Conference and jump to the Independent Democratic Conference (IDC) led by Senator Jeffrey Klein from the Bronx.
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
A Few Questions for Mayor Bill de Blasio Regarding the New York City Housing Authority
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
By Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz
District 32 Bronx County, New York
By Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz
District 32 Bronx County, New York
A Few Questions for Mayor Bill
de Blasio Regarding the New York City Housing Authority
You should know that the problems within the New York City Housing Authority are among the biggest headaches that our new Mayor Bill de Blasio will have to confront during his tenure as New York City Mayor.
The rampant problems in the New York City Housing Authority are well known and have been well documented in a series of articles written in the New York Daily News by journalists such as Greg B. Smith, Denis Slattery, Lisa L. Colangelo, Jan Ransom, Kerry Burke and Bill Hutchinson among others. They all have written vast stories about the unhealthy conditions, mismanagement, neglect, abuses, poor maintenance and lack of respect and consideration to New York City Housing Authority residents.
“Be careful what you wish for, you may get it,” is an old proverb attributed to a classic horror story that appeared in Harpers Monthly in 1902. I fully realize that Mayor Bill de Blasio was not the Mayor when all these problems occurred. Nonetheless, they were one of the central topics and issues during his campaign. Therefore, I have a few questions for our Mayor Bill de Blasio.
1) As a candidate for Mayor, Bill de Blasio, along with the Rev. Al Sharpton and the other Democratic candidates for Mayor: Christine Quinn, John Liu, Bill Thompson and Anthony Weiner, spent one hot, humid July night sleeping in an apartment in the Lincoln Houses. After that sleepless night, Mr. Mayor, what did you learn from that experience and how will you use that experience to help the millions of residents who live in New York City Housing Authority apartments?
2) As recently as August, 2013, the New York City Housing Authority failed to spend fifty (50) million dollars that was allocated for repairs. While this money was allocated by the New York City Council, it was taxpayer money that should have been used for much needed repairs.
Mr. Mayor, what has happened to the fifty (50) million dollars and have the repairs been made?
3) In July, the New York Daily News reported that while forty-two (42) million dollars had been set aside for security cameras, only 11 had been installed out of a total of 86. Mr. Mayor, what is the status of the installation of the remaining 75 security cameras?
4) In August, in the heat of the summer, raw sewage was flowing from toilets and bathtubs in Senior Citizens’ ground floor apartments in the Throggs Neck Houses.
Mr. Mayor, what has been done to fix this disgusting problem and serious health issue that our Senior Citizens have been living with in the New York City Housing Authority apartments?
5) In December, the New York City Housing Authority agreed to clean up mold and related problems within 15 days and it signed off on a settlement agreeing to the supervision of a federal court.
Mr. Mayor, the 15 days have come and gone. Has anyone been assigned from your administration to find out what is the status of the mold remediation?
6) Senior citizens were freezing in their apartments in the Throggs Neck Houses and Mott Haven Houses two days before Thanksgiving, and just last week the same problem occurred in the PS 139 Conversion Houses in Harlem because the heating systems failed.
Mr. Mayor, what will be done to fix the heating systems in every NYCHA building, especially those that have been so neglected in minority areas such as the Bronx and Harlem, so we don’t have to worry about Senior Citizens freezing to death?
Ladies and Gentlemen, we all know that these problems are not Mayor de Blasio’s fault, but they are now his problem and he has the duty and responsibility to find answers and solutions, because after all, he slept in one of these apartments on the condition and promise that if elected Mayor he would find remedies to these problems. And as I said before “Be careful what you wish for, you may get it.”
And now Mr. Mayor, you got it.
I am State Senator Ruben Diaz and this is what you should know.
You should know that the problems within the New York City Housing Authority are among the biggest headaches that our new Mayor Bill de Blasio will have to confront during his tenure as New York City Mayor.
The rampant problems in the New York City Housing Authority are well known and have been well documented in a series of articles written in the New York Daily News by journalists such as Greg B. Smith, Denis Slattery, Lisa L. Colangelo, Jan Ransom, Kerry Burke and Bill Hutchinson among others. They all have written vast stories about the unhealthy conditions, mismanagement, neglect, abuses, poor maintenance and lack of respect and consideration to New York City Housing Authority residents.
“Be careful what you wish for, you may get it,” is an old proverb attributed to a classic horror story that appeared in Harpers Monthly in 1902. I fully realize that Mayor Bill de Blasio was not the Mayor when all these problems occurred. Nonetheless, they were one of the central topics and issues during his campaign. Therefore, I have a few questions for our Mayor Bill de Blasio.
1) As a candidate for Mayor, Bill de Blasio, along with the Rev. Al Sharpton and the other Democratic candidates for Mayor: Christine Quinn, John Liu, Bill Thompson and Anthony Weiner, spent one hot, humid July night sleeping in an apartment in the Lincoln Houses. After that sleepless night, Mr. Mayor, what did you learn from that experience and how will you use that experience to help the millions of residents who live in New York City Housing Authority apartments?
2) As recently as August, 2013, the New York City Housing Authority failed to spend fifty (50) million dollars that was allocated for repairs. While this money was allocated by the New York City Council, it was taxpayer money that should have been used for much needed repairs.
Mr. Mayor, what has happened to the fifty (50) million dollars and have the repairs been made?
3) In July, the New York Daily News reported that while forty-two (42) million dollars had been set aside for security cameras, only 11 had been installed out of a total of 86. Mr. Mayor, what is the status of the installation of the remaining 75 security cameras?
4) In August, in the heat of the summer, raw sewage was flowing from toilets and bathtubs in Senior Citizens’ ground floor apartments in the Throggs Neck Houses.
Mr. Mayor, what has been done to fix this disgusting problem and serious health issue that our Senior Citizens have been living with in the New York City Housing Authority apartments?
5) In December, the New York City Housing Authority agreed to clean up mold and related problems within 15 days and it signed off on a settlement agreeing to the supervision of a federal court.
Mr. Mayor, the 15 days have come and gone. Has anyone been assigned from your administration to find out what is the status of the mold remediation?
6) Senior citizens were freezing in their apartments in the Throggs Neck Houses and Mott Haven Houses two days before Thanksgiving, and just last week the same problem occurred in the PS 139 Conversion Houses in Harlem because the heating systems failed.
Mr. Mayor, what will be done to fix the heating systems in every NYCHA building, especially those that have been so neglected in minority areas such as the Bronx and Harlem, so we don’t have to worry about Senior Citizens freezing to death?
Ladies and Gentlemen, we all know that these problems are not Mayor de Blasio’s fault, but they are now his problem and he has the duty and responsibility to find answers and solutions, because after all, he slept in one of these apartments on the condition and promise that if elected Mayor he would find remedies to these problems. And as I said before “Be careful what you wish for, you may get it.”
And now Mr. Mayor, you got it.
I am State Senator Ruben Diaz and this is what you should know.
Monday, January 27, 2014
A Democratic Gimmick on the “Dream Act”: Do Nothing and Blame the Republicans
What You Should Know
By Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz
District 32 Bronx County, New York
You should know that here in Albany,
the Capital of the State of New York, where laws for the state are debated
and approved, you will find some elected officials who are doing nothing
to protect our poor and needy communities and instead blame the Republicans
for their inaction and lack of courage to stand for what they promised
their constituents during election time.
You should know that in the Democratic Party in the Capital of the State of New York, we have a Democratic Governor, a Democratic Attorney General, a Democratic Comptroller, a Democratic Assembly, and we Democrats have thirty-three (33) out of 63 in the New York State Senate. Therefore, we have enough control and votes to approve anything we want including the allocation of 25 million dollars ($25,000,000) for the “Dream Act” within the 140 billion dollars that the Governor is proposing in the New York State Budget.
Then you might ask, why is that for the past three years we have not done it? Because there are some members of the Legislature that say one thing back in the City and to the Hispanic media and then say and do something quite different when they return to Albany, or when the Governor calls them.
I was surprised and amazed, to read an article in the New York Daily News, written by Mr. Kenneth Lovett titled: “Decision time.” This article was published on Monday, January 27, 2014 and it detailed how “a top democrat has expressed political concerns about the push to pass a bill to create a State Dream Act authorizing State financial assistance to college kids.” Mr. Lovett continues stating that “Several Legislative Democrats and Dream Act advocates said Senator Michael Gianaris…fears the issue could harm Democratic chances to get re-elected.”
There are also rumors that Governor Cuomo called Assembly members Felix Ortiz, Francisco Moya and others to his office and some of them joined the Governor by stating that “maybe it will be better for us to wait a little bit because the Republicans will not allow the vote to come to the floor.”
You should know that the Republicans never wanted to bring the gay marriage vote to the floor, it was because of Governor Cuomo and the Democrats’ pressure that forced the hands of the Republicans against their will and as you know gay marriage was voted and approved in New York State.
You should also know that the Republicans never wanted to bring to the floor “The SAFE Act legislation but the Governor and the Democrats one more time forced their hands and the SAFE Act was approved in New York State.
By writing this column, it is my intention to let you know that when we Democrats really want to do something, we do not need the Republicans because we have the votes, the unions, the Assembly, the press and the majority of Senators in the Senate.
It is my intention to let you, my dear readers know, that there is no reason why our community has to be waiting for three years to include 25 million dollars in New York State’s budget and create the “Dream Act.” We don’t have to blame the Republicans, we just have to be honest with our immigrant community and tell them if we really want it or not.
The Governor and my colleagues should put the same efforts, energy and desire that they put into passing gay marriage and the SAFE Act and once and for all stop the gimmick of blaming the Republicans and admit their lack of action.
You should know that in the Democratic Party in the Capital of the State of New York, we have a Democratic Governor, a Democratic Attorney General, a Democratic Comptroller, a Democratic Assembly, and we Democrats have thirty-three (33) out of 63 in the New York State Senate. Therefore, we have enough control and votes to approve anything we want including the allocation of 25 million dollars ($25,000,000) for the “Dream Act” within the 140 billion dollars that the Governor is proposing in the New York State Budget.
Then you might ask, why is that for the past three years we have not done it? Because there are some members of the Legislature that say one thing back in the City and to the Hispanic media and then say and do something quite different when they return to Albany, or when the Governor calls them.
I was surprised and amazed, to read an article in the New York Daily News, written by Mr. Kenneth Lovett titled: “Decision time.” This article was published on Monday, January 27, 2014 and it detailed how “a top democrat has expressed political concerns about the push to pass a bill to create a State Dream Act authorizing State financial assistance to college kids.” Mr. Lovett continues stating that “Several Legislative Democrats and Dream Act advocates said Senator Michael Gianaris…fears the issue could harm Democratic chances to get re-elected.”
There are also rumors that Governor Cuomo called Assembly members Felix Ortiz, Francisco Moya and others to his office and some of them joined the Governor by stating that “maybe it will be better for us to wait a little bit because the Republicans will not allow the vote to come to the floor.”
You should know that the Republicans never wanted to bring the gay marriage vote to the floor, it was because of Governor Cuomo and the Democrats’ pressure that forced the hands of the Republicans against their will and as you know gay marriage was voted and approved in New York State.
You should also know that the Republicans never wanted to bring to the floor “The SAFE Act legislation but the Governor and the Democrats one more time forced their hands and the SAFE Act was approved in New York State.
By writing this column, it is my intention to let you know that when we Democrats really want to do something, we do not need the Republicans because we have the votes, the unions, the Assembly, the press and the majority of Senators in the Senate.
It is my intention to let you, my dear readers know, that there is no reason why our community has to be waiting for three years to include 25 million dollars in New York State’s budget and create the “Dream Act.” We don’t have to blame the Republicans, we just have to be honest with our immigrant community and tell them if we really want it or not.
The Governor and my colleagues should put the same efforts, energy and desire that they put into passing gay marriage and the SAFE Act and once and for all stop the gimmick of blaming the Republicans and admit their lack of action.
I am State Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz and this is what you should know.
Saturday, January 18, 2014
HONORING DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
By Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz
District 32 Bronx County, New York
By Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz
District 32 Bronx County, New York
HONORING DR. MARTIN LUTHER
KING, JR.
You should know, that on Monday
January 20, 2014, we celebrate the life and legacy of the Reverend Doctor
Martin Luther King, Jr. I extend warm greetings to my African-American
brothers and sisters and to all people of good will who follow Dr. King's
example.
You should also know, on April 4,
1968, Dr. King was taken from us, much too quickly and much too violently.
Yet, the manner in which he left us is not what I wish to dwell on as we
commemorate his life. Rather, I believe it is important to reflect on the
lessons he left us, the lessons of his life and the lessons of his legacy.
Dr. Martin King’s life was a life
lived in service to others. His life was a life lived calling for an end
to the injustice caused by racial inequality, the injustice caused by poverty,
and the injustice caused by war. Despite his best efforts and unending
dedication, he did not witness an end to these injustices in his lifetime.
Reverend Doctor King’s legacy to
us is this: that in our time and in our day, right here and now,
we are called to end the injustice of racial inequality, the injustice
of poverty, and the injustice of all war. We are the heirs of Dr. King’s
legacy. We must not falter in our efforts.
I want you to know of a sermon
Dr. King delivered, just two short months before his untimely passing,
at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia on February 4, 1968:
“And so Jesus gave us a new norm
of greatness. If you want to be important—wonderful. If you want to be
recognized—wonderful. If you want to be great—wonderful. But recognize
that he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. That's a new definition
of greatness. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't
have to make your subject and your verb agree to serve. You don't have
to know about Plato and Aristotle to serve. You don't have to know Einstein's
theory of relativity to serve. You don't have to know the second theory
of thermodynamics in physics to serve. You only need a heart full of grace,
a soul generated by love. And you can be that servant.”
As we celebrate the legacy of Dr.
Martin Luther King, Jr. and his message of service and a more peaceful
world, let us continue to imitate him in our deeds and in our actions.
Let us be the servant that Dr. King so eloquently described. I wish God’s
blessings on each and every one of you, my brothers and sisters.
I am State Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz,
and this is what you should know.
Monday, December 30, 2013
The Four Amigos, the IDC, and Council Member Melissa Mark-Viverito: How things change … or are They Just Double Standards?
By Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz
District 32 Bronx County, New York
District 32 Bronx County, New York
You should know that back in 2009, when it came time to elect a new President in the State Senate, there were many candidates for the Democrats to choose from. This was when the Four Amigos – Senators Carl Kruger, Pedro Espada, Hiram Monserratte, and I – got together and talked about how we could unite to get leadership in the Senate and make a difference.
You should know that at the time, in order for someone to become the Democratic Senate Leader, it required 32 votes, and it was a tight race.
In our planning, the Four Amigos decided what to do about each issue that each Amigo wanted to take care of. Senator Pedro Espada wanted to be the first minority New York State Senate President Pro Tem. Senator Hiram Monserratte wanted to Chair the Senate Consumer Protection Committee. Senator Karl Krueger wanted to Chair the Senate Finance Committee. And I wanted a promise that the gay marriage bill would not come to the Senate Floor for a vote.
Because of our success, the reaction to the Four Amigos was labeled a “coup” and a “scandal.” We were vilified as the “Four Banditos.” We were branded as being traitors, corrupt,
blackmailers, thieves, slimy, crooks, extortionists, deadbeats, selfish, greedy, shameful, stooges, clowns, opportunists - and accused us by saying the whole thing was some kind of "quid pro quo." We were called all kinds of disparaging names. Former New York State Governor David Paterson publicly professed that we were “disingenuous” and that we were engaged in “very nefarious practices.”
As of today, we have not recuperated from those attacks, in part because of the unfortunate personal affairs of my three colleagues – none of which were related to the demands we made in 2009.
Since that time, when another chance arose to elect a new Senate President, a different group of four Senators got together and (copied us) forming what is known as the Senate Independent Democratic Conference – the IDC. The IDC is led by Senator Jeff Klein, and is comprised of three Senators: Diane Savino, David Carlucci, and David Valesky. Their power-grab was formed, they claim, because they were fed up with the “selfish antics” of their leaders.
It is well known that the IDC clearly and openly made political demands, which were met by Republican Senator Dean Skelos, who agreed to share the leadership of the State Senate with Senator Jeff Klein. The IDC Members were given Senate Committee leadership – AND a separate budget containing millions of dollars!
Those four IDC State Senators have been routinely praised for their coup/breakaway. The IDC members have been labeled as progressive leaders, virtuous, smart, bold, power-sharing and thoughtful. They have been commended by unions, by the Governor, by editorial boards and reporters … almost everybody praises them because of what they did.
Now I am reading a column written by Michael Gartland in the December 29, 2013 edition of New York Post titled, “BLAS A ‘MARK’ MAN - Council-boss IOUs” casually listing the demands, deals, payouts and “plum paychecks” that are being made in the New York City Council in order for certain concessions to be made so that Council Member Melissa Mark-Viverito will get the 31 votes she needs to be in control as the New York Council as Speaker.
According to Mr Gartland, there are many Council Members who have been promised Committee Chairmanships and other fabulous prizes if they vote for Council Member Melissa Mark-Viverito to be the Speaker.
For example - and if that happens - Mr. Gartland mentioned how Council Member Julissa Ferreras will get to be the Majority Leader and receive an extra $23,000; Council Member David Greenfield will get to be the Chair of the Land Use Committee and receive an extra $18,000; Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer will get to be the Chair of the Finance Committee and receive an extra $18,000; and either Council Member Danny Dromm or Councilman Ydanis Rodriguez will get to be the Chair of the Education Committee and get an extra $10,000. If Council Member Melissa Mark-Viverito gets to be the the Speaker, she will get an extra $28,500.
My dear reader, please keep in mind that “Committee chairmanships carry generous taxpayer-funded stipends over and above the $112,500 base salary council members get annually.”
I don’t see anybody calling Council Member Melissa Mark-Viverito or anyone involved in these dealings crooked or deadbeats - or requesting any investigation about possible ethical wrongdoings, or being accused of engaging in any type of "quid pro quo." On the contrary, outgoing Council Member Lew Fidler is calling this a "standard." He said: “No speaker has taken that job since I was there without discussing committee assignments with possible supporters. This is standard.”
Now it is a standard thing for all City Council Members to partake in the practice of "quid pro quo" so Council Member Melissa Mark-Viverito can be the Speaker of the New York City Council and in return, give back to the Council Members whatever they want or demand.
My dear reader, how things have changed!
Are we sure this is now a standard, and not a double standard? How come it was not a standard for Senator Espada, Senator Monserrate, or Senator Kruger to ask for leadership posts? How come it was not a standard for me to ask for the gay marriage not to come to the Senate Floor?
For us, it was considered corruption - but when I read about how Mr. Frank Seddio, the Chair of the Brooklyn Democratic organization is going around and asking and demanding (according to Mr. Gartland’s article) that “de Blasio promise his allies several city marshal’s jobs” – I have a few questions.
What would have happen if it weren't Kings Democratic Chair Frank Seddio demanding these appointments and political favors, but instead, if Bronx County Democratic Chair Carl Heastie was the one making these demands? I can assure you that everyone under the sun would be calling for an investigation. I can assure you that my very best friends, Gerson Borrero and Bob Kappstatter, along with the editorial boards of El Diario la Prensa and other publications would be accusing Carl Heastie of serious wrongdoing. Where are you guys now? Why are you being so quiet? Where are all of my friends in the media who seeks purity and truth? Where is the outrage about all of the backroom dealings and threats that are going on right now?
I also have to ask myself, what ever happened to Curtis Sliwa who likes to talk about the leadership of Bronx County, and now he is keeping his mouth shut about Mr. Frank Seddio and the Brooklyn Democratic organization? What about Governor Andrew Cuomo's Joint Commission on Public Ethics (JCOPE), and what about the Honorable Eric Schneiderman who is New York State's Attorney General? Ladies and gentlemen, where are the subpoenas and the investigations - and the press conferences?
I have to say that, at least to me, that this is much, much worse than what we were accused of doing. And I ask myself: Is this how things have changed … or is it just a gross case of double standards?
I am State Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz, and this is what you should know.
Monday, December 23, 2013
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
By Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz
District 32 Bronx County, New York
District 32 Bronx County, New York
Governor Andrew Cuomo Just Did
it Again to
Get Even with Me and Assemblyman Marcos Crespo
You should know that on Monday,
December 16, 2013, the leaders of the New York State Republican Party,
Chairman Ed Cox, New York State Senate Republican Conference Leader Dean
Skelos, Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino and others, at the request
of myself and Assemblyman Marcos Crespo, came to the South Bronx to distribute
2,000 toys to our needy and poor children for my annual event “Christmas
In The Bronx.” You should have seen the excitement that radiated from
the faces of all these children!
Two days later on December 18, 2013, Governor Andrew Cuomo signed and vetoed over 60 bills. One of his vetoes, Veto #249 to be exact, was the Immigrant Service Enforcement Act (A.158A-S.786A). I am the Senate sponsor of this bill, and Assemblyman Marcos Crespo, who is also the Assembly Chair of the Task Force on New Americans, is the sponsor in that house.
Two days later on December 18, 2013, Governor Andrew Cuomo signed and vetoed over 60 bills. One of his vetoes, Veto #249 to be exact, was the Immigrant Service Enforcement Act (A.158A-S.786A). I am the Senate sponsor of this bill, and Assemblyman Marcos Crespo, who is also the Assembly Chair of the Task Force on New Americans, is the sponsor in that house.
You should also know that on the
very next day, December 19, 2013, not one, but two articles were published
in the New York Times: Immigration Remakes and Sustains New York, Report
Finds and Life Expectancy of New Yorkers Rises With Influx of Immigrants,
Study Finds.
Ladies and Gentlemen, when the venerable
New York Times published not only one, but two articles on the positive
impact immigrants bring to New York City, we have a Governor vetoed a bill
that would strengthen protections against the rampant fraud to which immigrants
are frequently subjected. How could the Governor veto a bill that requires
immigrant service providers to register with the State? How could the Governor
veto a bill that increases fines against immigrant service providers who
seek to cheat the very people they are supposed to serve out of their hard
earned money? How could the Governor veto a bill that is essentially a
comprehensive consumer protection bill?
This bill is not only about protecting
immigrants who speak Spanish. This bill is about protecting immigrants
who speak Chinese, Russian, Creole, and even English speaking immigrants
from Guyana, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago. Consequently, the Governor’s
veto is not only about his failure to protect immigrants who speak Spanish.
His veto fails to protect the millions of immigrants who call New York
City home.
Since Assemblyman Crespo and I represent
communities in the Bronx, our concern is naturally for our constituents
who are immigrants and who make their home here. According to the New York
Times: “From 2000 to 2011, the Bronx’s foreign-born population increased
by about 85,300, the largest growth of any borough.” This growth, however,
is not only evident in the Bronx. Again, according to the New York Times,
in Staten Island the “immigrant population grew 36 percent, the largest
percentage increase of any borough.”
Ladies and Gentleman, a bill of
this magnitude and scope does not get introduced, negotiated, amended and
passed, unanimously in the Assembly and one vote shy of unanimous in the
Senate, overnight. For three long years, Assemblyman Crespo has been working
tirelessly with the legislative leaders in both houses, with the Governor’s
office and with New York City’s leading immigrant service providers and
advocacy groups, including the Coalition for Asian American Children and
Families, the Northern Manhattan Coalition for Immigrant Rights, the Queens
Chapter for League of United Latin American Citizens, the New York Immigration
Coalition, Casa Puebla and New Immigrant Community Empowerment, to craft
a bill that everyone could support. Clearly, this bill had wide-spread
community and legislative support.
Even as final negotiations were taking place with the Governor’s office prior to the Governor’s veto, Assemblyman Crespo was willing to amend the bill further to address the Governor’s concerns. Instead of a good faith effort on the part of the Governor, the immigrants who contribute so much to the vitality, health and well being of New York City were given a slap in the face.
You should know that when the Governor vetoes a bill, he is required by state law to issue what is referred to as a “veto message.” The Governor’s veto message in part states:“Unfortunately, this bill fails to achieve its stated purposes, because, among other things, some of its key provisions are preempted by federal law, so they are unenforceable as State law.”
Even as final negotiations were taking place with the Governor’s office prior to the Governor’s veto, Assemblyman Crespo was willing to amend the bill further to address the Governor’s concerns. Instead of a good faith effort on the part of the Governor, the immigrants who contribute so much to the vitality, health and well being of New York City were given a slap in the face.
You should know that when the Governor vetoes a bill, he is required by state law to issue what is referred to as a “veto message.” The Governor’s veto message in part states:“Unfortunately, this bill fails to achieve its stated purposes, because, among other things, some of its key provisions are preempted by federal law, so they are unenforceable as State law.”
Since when did the Governor of New
York State become the lawyer for the Federal Government? Our Governor is
not the United States Attorney General. Why is the Governor hiding behind
Federal law as an excuse to veto this bill? There is no Federal gay marriage
law, yet the Governor pushed that bill through, going so far as to force
the Senate leaders to dispense with Senate Rules that govern floor debate.
There is no Federal law that allows for the use of medical marijuana or
is there a Federal law that decriminalizes marijuana, yet Governor Cuomo
seems more determined than ever to make marijuana more readily available
in our minority communities. There is no effort on the Federal level to
expand abortion the way Governor Cuomo wants to expand abortion here in
New York State.
You should also know that this is
not the first time that the Democratic Governor who is the head of the
State Democratic Party, the Party that is supposed to be the champion of
the immigrant, has treated New York City and its residents with such disrespect.
Governor Andrew Cuomo’s refusal to include funding for the Dream Act in
the State budget and his effort a few years ago to slash funding for senior
centers which serve many immigrants, are among two of the horrible examples
of how our Governor has treated the immigrant community.
You should know my dear reader,
that Governor Andrew Cuomo just did it again and I am afraid that he did
it to get even with Assemblyman Marcos Crespo and me for allowing Ed Cox,
Dean Skelos, and Rob Astorino to come to the South Bronx to give 2,000
toys to our needy and poor children.
I am State Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz,
and this is what you should know.
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
By Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz
32nd Senatorial District, Bronx County, New York
32nd Senatorial District, Bronx County, New York
Is Governor Cuomo Taking New York City For Granted?
You should know that on Wednesday, December 11, 2013 Governor Andrew Cuomo
awarded $715.9 million in Economic Development Funding through the third
round of his Regional Economic Development Council initiative. A grand
event to announce this multi-million dollar jackpot was held in Albany
in the Hart Theatre at the Empire State Plaza. The Master of Ceremonies
for this event was none other than Maria Bartiromo, the former television
host of “CNBC’s Closing Bell.”
We all know that $715.9 million is a huge sum of money and you might ask: where did all this money go? Let me tell you. The largest prizes were awarded to areas outside of New York City including Long Island that received $83 million, the Capital Region which includes Albany, Warren and Washington Counties, received $82.8 million, the Mohawk Valley, which includes the City of Utica, received $82.4 million, the Southern Tier which includes Elmira, the Town of Margaretville and Delaware County, received slightly under $82 million, and the North Country, which is near the Canadian border and includes Saranac Lake, Tupper Lake and Watertown, received slightly over $81 million.
Surprise, surprise, by now you must be asking, of that $715.9 million, how much did a Democratic city like New York City receive from a Democratic Governor? Sit down and hold on to your chair, I don’t want you to fall off your chair when you find out how much the City of New York, which includes the Boroughs of Manhattan, the Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn and Staten Island received. We just received only $57.4 million for the five boroughs. And as you and I know, any one of the five boroughs has a larger population than those counties that received more money.
Ladies and Gentleman, our Democratic Governor should know that he is the Governor because of the Democratic voters in New York City. As a matter of fact, the State Comptroller, the Honorable Thomas DiNapoli, the State Attorney General, the Honorable Eric Schneiderman, and the Assembly Speaker, the Honorable Sheldon Silver are all from New York City and hold elected office because of New York City voters.
One could only imagine why a Democratic Governor, who is the head of the New York State Democratic Party, would discriminate against the voters who are the very reason he is the Governor.
What is Governor Cuomo’s message to the voters of the City of New York? Is it “later for you?” Or is it “I don’t need you now; I only need you at election time, when I will come back to you and tell you I am a Democrat like you?” How is it that the largest city in New York State with the largest Police Department and the city that has more children attending its elementary, middle and high schools than the population of many upstate counties combined, was awarded less money than anybody else?
My dear reader, I think that New York City has been taken for granted for too long. I want to make myself clear. I am not pitting Upstate against Downstate. I am aware that Upstate needs as much support and as many services as anybody else. But for the City of New York to receive only $57.4 million out of $715.9 million is too much for me to swallow. I believe that New York City has been discriminated against and taken for granted because I also believe that resources should be awarded based on population and not based on future political plans.
I am State Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz, and this is what you should know.
We all know that $715.9 million is a huge sum of money and you might ask: where did all this money go? Let me tell you. The largest prizes were awarded to areas outside of New York City including Long Island that received $83 million, the Capital Region which includes Albany, Warren and Washington Counties, received $82.8 million, the Mohawk Valley, which includes the City of Utica, received $82.4 million, the Southern Tier which includes Elmira, the Town of Margaretville and Delaware County, received slightly under $82 million, and the North Country, which is near the Canadian border and includes Saranac Lake, Tupper Lake and Watertown, received slightly over $81 million.
Surprise, surprise, by now you must be asking, of that $715.9 million, how much did a Democratic city like New York City receive from a Democratic Governor? Sit down and hold on to your chair, I don’t want you to fall off your chair when you find out how much the City of New York, which includes the Boroughs of Manhattan, the Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn and Staten Island received. We just received only $57.4 million for the five boroughs. And as you and I know, any one of the five boroughs has a larger population than those counties that received more money.
Ladies and Gentleman, our Democratic Governor should know that he is the Governor because of the Democratic voters in New York City. As a matter of fact, the State Comptroller, the Honorable Thomas DiNapoli, the State Attorney General, the Honorable Eric Schneiderman, and the Assembly Speaker, the Honorable Sheldon Silver are all from New York City and hold elected office because of New York City voters.
One could only imagine why a Democratic Governor, who is the head of the New York State Democratic Party, would discriminate against the voters who are the very reason he is the Governor.
What is Governor Cuomo’s message to the voters of the City of New York? Is it “later for you?” Or is it “I don’t need you now; I only need you at election time, when I will come back to you and tell you I am a Democrat like you?” How is it that the largest city in New York State with the largest Police Department and the city that has more children attending its elementary, middle and high schools than the population of many upstate counties combined, was awarded less money than anybody else?
My dear reader, I think that New York City has been taken for granted for too long. I want to make myself clear. I am not pitting Upstate against Downstate. I am aware that Upstate needs as much support and as many services as anybody else. But for the City of New York to receive only $57.4 million out of $715.9 million is too much for me to swallow. I believe that New York City has been discriminated against and taken for granted because I also believe that resources should be awarded based on population and not based on future political plans.
I am State Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz, and this is what you should know.
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
By Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz
32nd Senatorial District, Bronx County, New York
32nd Senatorial District, Bronx County, New York
Let's Hope This is The First
of Many
You should know that Christmas came a little early this year as New York State's Republican leaders descended upon the South Bronx like Santa Claus at a very special event held on December 16, 2013, where close to 2,000 children received over 2,000 free Christmas toys. Everyone in the auditorium of I.S. 216, the Rafael Hernandez School, had a great time. The smiles on the faces of the boys and girls grew into cheering and even standing ovations!
You should know that this event was co-hosted by yours truly, Senator Reverend Rubén Díaz, along with the New York State Republican Party Chairman Ed Cox, Assemblyman Marcos Crespo, and Mr. Rafael Salamanca, District Manager of Community Planning Board #2. We were impressed that Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino and New York State's Senate Republican Majority Leader Senator Dean Skelos joined us to celebrate Christmas in the Bronx. Even a die-hard Democrat like Bronx Borough President Rubén Díaz, Jr. attended this activity!
I would like to extend my deepest thanks to everyone who participated, especially Assemblyman Marcos Crespo; Mr. Rafael Salamanca District Manager of Community Planning Board #2; the United States Marine Corps Toys for Tots; the New York Hispanic Clergy Organization; and New York Republican Party leaders. This was a great blessing to many families in the South Bronx who are suffering during these critical economic times.
You should know that for many years, I have hosted a Three Kings Day Event on the South Bronx with music and games and free toys for children in an effort to allow families to gather and celebrate our cultural pride with friends and neighbors. The 2014 Three Kings Day celebration will be held on Saturday, January 4, 2014 at 12:00 noon at PS 5 which is located at 564 Jackson Avenue, on the corner of 149th Street in the Bronx.
Ladies and gentlemen, even though nothing like the 2013 Christmas in the Bronx event has ever happened here before, I am hopeful that this will not be the last time for us to witness elected officials from the Democratic and Republican parties coming together for the benefit the poor and needy children here in the South Bronx.
I hope and pray that on Saturday January 4, 2014, the leadership of the Republican Party will be there to help us - along with any other elected officials and organizations and people of good will who want to make the Christmas season brighter for our children.
My dear friend, this was bipartisanship at its best. This is an example of what a concerned leader can do when he or she puts the community first and brings together Republicans and Democrats to bring benefit to a disadvantaged, forgotten, underprivileged and under-served minority community. It was great, it was marvelous - let's do it again!
This is Senator Reverend Rubén Díaz, and this is what you should know.
You should know that Christmas came a little early this year as New York State's Republican leaders descended upon the South Bronx like Santa Claus at a very special event held on December 16, 2013, where close to 2,000 children received over 2,000 free Christmas toys. Everyone in the auditorium of I.S. 216, the Rafael Hernandez School, had a great time. The smiles on the faces of the boys and girls grew into cheering and even standing ovations!
You should know that this event was co-hosted by yours truly, Senator Reverend Rubén Díaz, along with the New York State Republican Party Chairman Ed Cox, Assemblyman Marcos Crespo, and Mr. Rafael Salamanca, District Manager of Community Planning Board #2. We were impressed that Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino and New York State's Senate Republican Majority Leader Senator Dean Skelos joined us to celebrate Christmas in the Bronx. Even a die-hard Democrat like Bronx Borough President Rubén Díaz, Jr. attended this activity!
I would like to extend my deepest thanks to everyone who participated, especially Assemblyman Marcos Crespo; Mr. Rafael Salamanca District Manager of Community Planning Board #2; the United States Marine Corps Toys for Tots; the New York Hispanic Clergy Organization; and New York Republican Party leaders. This was a great blessing to many families in the South Bronx who are suffering during these critical economic times.
You should know that for many years, I have hosted a Three Kings Day Event on the South Bronx with music and games and free toys for children in an effort to allow families to gather and celebrate our cultural pride with friends and neighbors. The 2014 Three Kings Day celebration will be held on Saturday, January 4, 2014 at 12:00 noon at PS 5 which is located at 564 Jackson Avenue, on the corner of 149th Street in the Bronx.
Ladies and gentlemen, even though nothing like the 2013 Christmas in the Bronx event has ever happened here before, I am hopeful that this will not be the last time for us to witness elected officials from the Democratic and Republican parties coming together for the benefit the poor and needy children here in the South Bronx.
I hope and pray that on Saturday January 4, 2014, the leadership of the Republican Party will be there to help us - along with any other elected officials and organizations and people of good will who want to make the Christmas season brighter for our children.
My dear friend, this was bipartisanship at its best. This is an example of what a concerned leader can do when he or she puts the community first and brings together Republicans and Democrats to bring benefit to a disadvantaged, forgotten, underprivileged and under-served minority community. It was great, it was marvelous - let's do it again!
This is Senator Reverend Rubén Díaz, and this is what you should know.
Friday, December 13, 2013
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
By Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz
32nd Senatorial District, Bronx County, New York
32nd Senatorial District, Bronx County, New York
LILLIAM BARRIOS-PAOLI HAS A MESS
TO CLEAN UP
You should know that I applaud Mayor-elect Bill DeBlasio's selection of Lilliam Barrios-Paoli as his Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services. I especially applaud him for taking time during that announcement to talk about the 11-year old girl, Dasani, who has been highlighted in recent New York Times series about homeless families in New York City's shelters. These families include more than 20,000 children.
The New York Times' December 2013 series of articles, Invisible Child, Dasani's Homeless Life, written by Andrea Elliot, focus on many aspects of the incredibly disturbing legacy left by outgoing Mayor Michael Bloomberg. The series details the shameful lack of compassion that Mayor Bloomberg had for desperate families in New York's shelter system. At Brooklyn's Auburn Family Residence, where Dasani lives, these injustices include: "[i]nadequate food, inadequate medical attention, a leaky roof, moldy rooms and bathrooms with broken sinks and doors ... insufficient security and fire safety protections, fetid odors, and leaks from waste containers."
While there is nothing in these articles that can be ignored, I cannot help but ask myself how, under Mayor Bloomberg's fiscal stewardship, millions of New York City taxpayer dollars were allegedly being spent annually to operate just one family shelter building - where Dasani and so many other children languish in filth and trauma.
I have to ask how, in 2009-2010, New York City's Department of Homeless Services spent $8 million dollars in a capitol renovation project to replace all exterior windows in this one homeless shelter with new energy efficient windows.
Yes, my dear reader: as part of Mayor Bloomberg's legacy, $8 million dollars was spent to replace windows in the Auburn Family Residence’s 10-story building. These were not stained glass windows, and the families who live in that building after the repairs still sleep in layers of clothing and prop mattresses against the new windows to keep out the cold. Another example of Bloomberg’s fiscal irresponsibility.
You should know that during the very same time that $8 million dollars of our public resources were spent to replace 10 stories of windows, the Empire State Building spent about half of that - $4.6 million dollars - to refurbish its 6,514 windows.
With this in mind, it is even sadder to re-read the part of the Times article that describes how Dasani would sit at her window and "see all the way across Brooklyn to the Empire State Building, the first New York skyscraper to reach 100 floors. Her gaze always stops at that iconic temple of stone, its tip pointed celestially, its facade lit with promise."
Is there anyone who thinks that
if I had allocated $8 million dollars to replace the windows in any single
building that there would not be a full blown investigation about what
was really going on with that money? Is there anyone who thinks this isn't
the tip of the iceberg of how the Bloomberg Administration grossly mismanaged
New York's tax dollars on the backs of the poor and needy?
As the Bloomberg era finally comes to an end, I am hopeful that there will be an outcry for justice for all involved in this $8 million dollar window debacle, and the millions allegedly spent by the Department of Health and Human Services on improving a deteriorated system. I hope this outcry will take place not only in the court of public opinion, but in the courts of law as well. I am hopeful that reporters and editors will investigate this incident and many more that remain ignored or have fallen through the cracks.
As the Christmas Season draws closer, I ask for everyone to keep Dasani and her family and all homeless New Yorkers in their prayers.
And ladies and gentlemen, I also ask you to keep Deputy Mayor Lilliam Barrios-Paoli and Mayor-elect Bill DeBlasio in your prayers because they have a very big mess to clean up.
This is Senator Senator Reverend Rubén Díaz, and this is what you should know.
As the Bloomberg era finally comes to an end, I am hopeful that there will be an outcry for justice for all involved in this $8 million dollar window debacle, and the millions allegedly spent by the Department of Health and Human Services on improving a deteriorated system. I hope this outcry will take place not only in the court of public opinion, but in the courts of law as well. I am hopeful that reporters and editors will investigate this incident and many more that remain ignored or have fallen through the cracks.
As the Christmas Season draws closer, I ask for everyone to keep Dasani and her family and all homeless New Yorkers in their prayers.
And ladies and gentlemen, I also ask you to keep Deputy Mayor Lilliam Barrios-Paoli and Mayor-elect Bill DeBlasio in your prayers because they have a very big mess to clean up.
This is Senator Senator Reverend Rubén Díaz, and this is what you should know.
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
By Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz
32nd Senatorial District, Bronx County, New York
32nd Senatorial District, Bronx County, New York
The Magnificent Seven Members of the Moreland Commission
Late Monday afternoon, after most
people had left work for the day, the Moreland Commission to Investigate
Public Corruption released its preliminary report. The Moreland Commission,
as it is commonly called, was convened by Governor Andrew Cuomo in July
and included significant involvement from members of his staff.
As expected, the report painted
a very bleak picture of New York State politics. According to Thomas Kaplan
of the New York Times: “While providing limited details, the report described
‘a pay-to-play political culture driven by large checks,’ in which wealthy
interests exchanged campaign contributions for legislation; candidates
spent campaign money on personal items like clothing and cigars; and the
Board of Elections consistently failed to enforce election laws. The report
suggested that campaign finance laws were so lax that fund-raising can
amount to ‘legalized bribery’.”
As was also expected, the Moreland
Commission presented recommendations to clean up New York State’s political
mess, including the public financing of campaigns similar to the system
that is already in place in New York City and implementing limits on campaign
contributions.
Ladies and gentlemen, you should know the report did not have the unanimous consent of all the members of the Commission. There were seven dissenters and I stand with these magnificent seven members of the Moreland Commission. I stand with these magnificent seven members of the Moreland Commission in their statement that public funds should not be used for political campaigns. Why should public funds be used for my political campaign when just the other day the New York Daily News described the Bronx as “the hungriest borough?” Why should public money be used to finance political campaigns when our homeless shelters are overflowing and affordable housing is so scarce? How can any politician in good conscience accept public money for his or her campaign when so many of their constituents continue to struggle to support their families?
You should also know that the majority of politicians who have been indicted, found guilty and who are presently serving or waiting to serve prison sentences, are not in prison as a result of campaign finance and election law violations. They are in prison or have been found guilty for other unrelated crimes. The simple reality is that had the Moreland Commission’s recommendations already been in place, the recommendations would not have prevented these politicians from committing the types of crimes for which they were found guilty and subsequently sent to prison.
My dear reader, don’t get me wrong, the current system needs to be fixed and loopholes exist that you could drive a Sherman Tank through. Take for example Governor Cuomo’s birthday fundraiser bash he held at the Roseland Ballroom in New York City on Tuesday night. The top ticket came with a price tag of $50,000. How can he honestly look at any politician with a straight face, especially on the heels of his Moreland Commission’s report, and call for campaign finance reform while he blatantly increases his already-bloated war chest? Shouldn’t the Governor be the role model for campaign finance reform? Shouldn’t the Governor eliminate the influence of big money donors who have business before the State? Shouldn’t the Moreland Commission be looking into the Governor’s campaign contributions as well as the Legislature’s?
You should know that just because the Governor’s big money fundraiser is not technically illegal, it doesn’t mean that it is morally and ethically justifiable. As I have written before in this column, “In ancient Rome there was a saying that says Caesar’s wife should not only be pure, but have the appearance of purity.”
That is why I agree with the Magnificent Seven Members of the Moreland Commission. And I hope that all my colleagues in the Senate do the same.
I am Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz and this is what you should know.
Ladies and gentlemen, you should know the report did not have the unanimous consent of all the members of the Commission. There were seven dissenters and I stand with these magnificent seven members of the Moreland Commission. I stand with these magnificent seven members of the Moreland Commission in their statement that public funds should not be used for political campaigns. Why should public funds be used for my political campaign when just the other day the New York Daily News described the Bronx as “the hungriest borough?” Why should public money be used to finance political campaigns when our homeless shelters are overflowing and affordable housing is so scarce? How can any politician in good conscience accept public money for his or her campaign when so many of their constituents continue to struggle to support their families?
You should also know that the majority of politicians who have been indicted, found guilty and who are presently serving or waiting to serve prison sentences, are not in prison as a result of campaign finance and election law violations. They are in prison or have been found guilty for other unrelated crimes. The simple reality is that had the Moreland Commission’s recommendations already been in place, the recommendations would not have prevented these politicians from committing the types of crimes for which they were found guilty and subsequently sent to prison.
My dear reader, don’t get me wrong, the current system needs to be fixed and loopholes exist that you could drive a Sherman Tank through. Take for example Governor Cuomo’s birthday fundraiser bash he held at the Roseland Ballroom in New York City on Tuesday night. The top ticket came with a price tag of $50,000. How can he honestly look at any politician with a straight face, especially on the heels of his Moreland Commission’s report, and call for campaign finance reform while he blatantly increases his already-bloated war chest? Shouldn’t the Governor be the role model for campaign finance reform? Shouldn’t the Governor eliminate the influence of big money donors who have business before the State? Shouldn’t the Moreland Commission be looking into the Governor’s campaign contributions as well as the Legislature’s?
You should know that just because the Governor’s big money fundraiser is not technically illegal, it doesn’t mean that it is morally and ethically justifiable. As I have written before in this column, “In ancient Rome there was a saying that says Caesar’s wife should not only be pure, but have the appearance of purity.”
That is why I agree with the Magnificent Seven Members of the Moreland Commission. And I hope that all my colleagues in the Senate do the same.
I am Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz and this is what you should know.
Monday, November 4, 2013
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
By Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz
32nd Senatorial District,
32nd Senatorial District,
Look Who’s Talking About Treason?
You should know that I am reading Fred Dicker’s column in today’s 11/4/13,
New York Post about how New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is getting leaders
of the Democratic Party together for fight against the Independent Democratic
Conference (IDC) Leader Jeff Klein and his fellow IDC Members: Senator
Diane Savino, Senator David Valesky and Senator David Carlucci – calling
them “traitors to the Democratic Party.”
As you know, IDC Leader Senator Jeff Klein formed an alliance with the Senate Republican Party Leader, Senator Dean Skelos, where they both serve as Co-Chairs to the State Senate. They share the authority to bring and stop legislation from coming to the Floor of the Senate. They both run the Senate.
According to Fred Dicker, Governor Andrew Cuomo has pressured Members of the IDC to support him on certain issues, and since they refuse, Dicker quotes a Cuomo administration source: “He said members of Klein’s IDC would be “prime targets’’ of the governor’s attacks. “The governor thinks the IDC members are most vulnerable in Democratic primaries as traitors to the Democratic Party,’’ the source continued.”
You should know this is laughable. It is pure hypocrisy – and the biggest farce any leader could bring to the Democratic Party. If we really want to talk about treason and the Democratic Party, let’s talk about Governor Andrew Cuomo himself.
You should know that Governor Andrew Cuomo did everything possible from stopping the Democrats from taking control of the State Senate. We all know that it was Governor Andrew Cuomo who stopped Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins from becoming the Leader of the New York State Senate by working behind doors to create the IDC.
Today we have a coalition of Democrats in the State Senate – something called the Independent Democratic Conference – and we can all thank Governor Andrew Cuomo for it. It was formed behind the scenes with his full support. Governor Andrew Cuomo did not want the Democrats to be in control of the State Senate, so he pushed for the formation of this coalition hoping to manipulate it – and of course, he blessed it.
And while we’re on the subject who is the traitor to the Democratic Party, you should know that it was Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Budget that cut services to senior citizens, closed community service organizations, cut services to Medicare, and hurt the poor and needy New Yorkers. He even refused to include the Dream Act in his Budget.
Governor Andrew Cuomo’s opposition to helping and supporting the most vulnerable New Yorkers goes completely against the heart of the Democratic Party. He may want to take a look in the mirror if he really wants to see who is committing treason against basic Democratic issues.
You should also know that during the last election, Governor Andrew Cuomo, the standard bearer of New York State Democratic Party, publicly supported Republicans running for State Senate. He backed GOP Senators Roy McDonald and Stephen Saland. He even backed GOP Mark Grisanti over Democrat Mike Amodeo.
You should know that while Senator Jeff Klein has just announced that he will be the major advocate of Bill de Blasio's plan to use tax hikes on the wealthy to fund universal prekindergarten – Governor Andrew Cuomo remains opposed to taxing the rich.
My dear reader, when anyone tells me that Governor Andrew Cuomo is attacking Senator Jeff Klein and the IDC and calling them traitors, I have to say: Please, GIVE ME A BREAK!
Senator Jeff Klein looks like a hero compared to Governor Andrew Cuomo. Even though I oppose Senator Klein’s efforts to promote the Reproductive Health Act, I have to applaud him because at least he was able to grab and hold on to some of the power and protect some legislation that helps the poor and the needy – and he does not ignore the needs of minority New Yorkers.
So ladies and gentlemen, when we talk about treason and who is the real traitor, all eyes, all fingers, all arrow and all darts have to be pointed at our beloved Governor Andrew Cuomo.
This is Senator Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz and this is what you should know.
As you know, IDC Leader Senator Jeff Klein formed an alliance with the Senate Republican Party Leader, Senator Dean Skelos, where they both serve as Co-Chairs to the State Senate. They share the authority to bring and stop legislation from coming to the Floor of the Senate. They both run the Senate.
According to Fred Dicker, Governor Andrew Cuomo has pressured Members of the IDC to support him on certain issues, and since they refuse, Dicker quotes a Cuomo administration source: “He said members of Klein’s IDC would be “prime targets’’ of the governor’s attacks. “The governor thinks the IDC members are most vulnerable in Democratic primaries as traitors to the Democratic Party,’’ the source continued.”
You should know this is laughable. It is pure hypocrisy – and the biggest farce any leader could bring to the Democratic Party. If we really want to talk about treason and the Democratic Party, let’s talk about Governor Andrew Cuomo himself.
You should know that Governor Andrew Cuomo did everything possible from stopping the Democrats from taking control of the State Senate. We all know that it was Governor Andrew Cuomo who stopped Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins from becoming the Leader of the New York State Senate by working behind doors to create the IDC.
Today we have a coalition of Democrats in the State Senate – something called the Independent Democratic Conference – and we can all thank Governor Andrew Cuomo for it. It was formed behind the scenes with his full support. Governor Andrew Cuomo did not want the Democrats to be in control of the State Senate, so he pushed for the formation of this coalition hoping to manipulate it – and of course, he blessed it.
And while we’re on the subject who is the traitor to the Democratic Party, you should know that it was Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Budget that cut services to senior citizens, closed community service organizations, cut services to Medicare, and hurt the poor and needy New Yorkers. He even refused to include the Dream Act in his Budget.
Governor Andrew Cuomo’s opposition to helping and supporting the most vulnerable New Yorkers goes completely against the heart of the Democratic Party. He may want to take a look in the mirror if he really wants to see who is committing treason against basic Democratic issues.
You should also know that during the last election, Governor Andrew Cuomo, the standard bearer of New York State Democratic Party, publicly supported Republicans running for State Senate. He backed GOP Senators Roy McDonald and Stephen Saland. He even backed GOP Mark Grisanti over Democrat Mike Amodeo.
You should know that while Senator Jeff Klein has just announced that he will be the major advocate of Bill de Blasio's plan to use tax hikes on the wealthy to fund universal prekindergarten – Governor Andrew Cuomo remains opposed to taxing the rich.
My dear reader, when anyone tells me that Governor Andrew Cuomo is attacking Senator Jeff Klein and the IDC and calling them traitors, I have to say: Please, GIVE ME A BREAK!
Senator Jeff Klein looks like a hero compared to Governor Andrew Cuomo. Even though I oppose Senator Klein’s efforts to promote the Reproductive Health Act, I have to applaud him because at least he was able to grab and hold on to some of the power and protect some legislation that helps the poor and the needy – and he does not ignore the needs of minority New Yorkers.
So ladies and gentlemen, when we talk about treason and who is the real traitor, all eyes, all fingers, all arrow and all darts have to be pointed at our beloved Governor Andrew Cuomo.
This is Senator Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz and this is what you should know.
Thursday, October 31, 2013
WHY I OPPOSE CASINO GAMBLING LEGISLATION
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
By Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz
32nd Senatorial District, Bronx County, New York
By Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz
32nd Senatorial District, Bronx County, New York
You should know that when Senate Bill 5898, supported by Governor Andrew
Cuomo and sponsored by Senator Bonacic, came to the Floor of the Senate
to propose an amendment to the State Constitution to authorize casino gambling
in New York State, I voted NO. When this vote came to the floor of the
Senate on June 21, 2013, I was proud that seven of my colleagues: Senator
Espaillat, Senator Hoylman, Senator Krueger, Senator LaValle, Senator Parker,
Senator Perkins, and Senator Sanders all joined me and voted against this
bill.
You should know that the bill passed, and on Tuesday, November 5, 2013, Proposal 1 will be on the ballot for voters in New York State to decide if they want to legalize and expand casino gambling in New York.
I still don’t support this measure that Governor Andrew Cuomo has been pushing hard to pass, and I will continue to publicly and ardently disagree with Governor Cuomo’s efforts to make this amendment to legalize casino gambling part of the State Constitution.
You should know that the purpose of putting Proposal 1 on the ballot and passing a Constitutional Amendment to allow for more casinos to open New York State is to bring more revenue to the State. The Governor believes that more casinos in New York State will open the coffers so that money will flow and help tourism, revenue and jobs.
The reason why I voted NO to legislation to legalize casino gambling – in a State where poverty levels continue to increase – is because gambling revenues will not draw from expendable income. Gambling revenues will draw from families’ necessities. Instead of helping the many New Yorkers who already suffer from gambling addiction, this amendment will only continue to destroy their worlds and further exploit vulnerable and poor New Yorkers and their families.
As a minister and a community leader, I have seen many good people get hooked on gambling - even senior citizens. I have seen it become an addiction, like drugs. I have seen families dispossessed from their homes. I have seen gambling destroy many lives.
You should also know that by legalizing casino gambling, gambling addiction will increase and more and more families and children will suffer. Rent will not get paid. Food will not be on the tables. People will suffer.
Ladies and gentlemen, I have opposed legislation to expand casino gambling in New York State, and I will continue to oppose it.
This is Senator Reverend Rubén Díaz, and this is what you should know.
You should know that the bill passed, and on Tuesday, November 5, 2013, Proposal 1 will be on the ballot for voters in New York State to decide if they want to legalize and expand casino gambling in New York.
I still don’t support this measure that Governor Andrew Cuomo has been pushing hard to pass, and I will continue to publicly and ardently disagree with Governor Cuomo’s efforts to make this amendment to legalize casino gambling part of the State Constitution.
You should know that the purpose of putting Proposal 1 on the ballot and passing a Constitutional Amendment to allow for more casinos to open New York State is to bring more revenue to the State. The Governor believes that more casinos in New York State will open the coffers so that money will flow and help tourism, revenue and jobs.
The reason why I voted NO to legislation to legalize casino gambling – in a State where poverty levels continue to increase – is because gambling revenues will not draw from expendable income. Gambling revenues will draw from families’ necessities. Instead of helping the many New Yorkers who already suffer from gambling addiction, this amendment will only continue to destroy their worlds and further exploit vulnerable and poor New Yorkers and their families.
As a minister and a community leader, I have seen many good people get hooked on gambling - even senior citizens. I have seen it become an addiction, like drugs. I have seen families dispossessed from their homes. I have seen gambling destroy many lives.
You should also know that by legalizing casino gambling, gambling addiction will increase and more and more families and children will suffer. Rent will not get paid. Food will not be on the tables. People will suffer.
Ladies and gentlemen, I have opposed legislation to expand casino gambling in New York State, and I will continue to oppose it.
This is Senator Reverend Rubén Díaz, and this is what you should know.
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
The Daily News Just Couldn’t Resist!
WHAT YOU SHOULD
KNOW
By Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz
32nd Senatorial District, Bronx County, New York
By Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz
32nd Senatorial District, Bronx County, New York
The Daily News Just Couldn’t Resist!
You should all know that for years and years, I have been writing columns – just like this one – titled "What You Should Know.” While I am certainly no friend of the Daily News nor most of the media, from time to time, my columns appear in part or in their entirety in different publications.
You should also know that whether or not my "What You Should Know" columns get the media’s attention, I am constantly receiving greetings and warm handshakes in the halls of the State Senate, on the streets of New York, phone calls, emails, Facebook postings, and twitter communications from constituents and friends and leaders – all letting me know that my "What You Should Know" column is the talk of the town. I have been told that my “What You Should Know” column is “one of the most highly anticipated emails in New York.”
My dear reader, just imagine the smile on my face when I read today’s New York Daily News top editorial titled "What New York Needs to Know." You bet I was flattered!
The Daily News didn't make any mention of or reference to my October 28, 2013 "What You Should Know" column titled "It Is About Time To Investigate Macy’s" even though (you should know) that what I wrote included some of the exact subject matter that was covered in their editorial. But surprise, surprise ... apparently, they couldn’t resist imitating my signature “What You Should Know” title - without giving me credit.
You should know that there is an old saying: “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.” And so, to the editors and staff at the Daily News, all I have to say to you today is: “Thank you!”
This is Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz, and this is what you should know.
You should all know that for years and years, I have been writing columns – just like this one – titled "What You Should Know.” While I am certainly no friend of the Daily News nor most of the media, from time to time, my columns appear in part or in their entirety in different publications.
You should also know that whether or not my "What You Should Know" columns get the media’s attention, I am constantly receiving greetings and warm handshakes in the halls of the State Senate, on the streets of New York, phone calls, emails, Facebook postings, and twitter communications from constituents and friends and leaders – all letting me know that my "What You Should Know" column is the talk of the town. I have been told that my “What You Should Know” column is “one of the most highly anticipated emails in New York.”
My dear reader, just imagine the smile on my face when I read today’s New York Daily News top editorial titled "What New York Needs to Know." You bet I was flattered!
The Daily News didn't make any mention of or reference to my October 28, 2013 "What You Should Know" column titled "It Is About Time To Investigate Macy’s" even though (you should know) that what I wrote included some of the exact subject matter that was covered in their editorial. But surprise, surprise ... apparently, they couldn’t resist imitating my signature “What You Should Know” title - without giving me credit.
You should know that there is an old saying: “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.” And so, to the editors and staff at the Daily News, all I have to say to you today is: “Thank you!”
This is Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz, and this is what you should know.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
By Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz
District 32 Bronx County, New York
IT IS ABOUT TIME TO INVESTIGATE MACY'S
District 32 Bronx County, New York
IT IS ABOUT TIME TO INVESTIGATE MACY'S
You should know that there has been a lot of media hype about Macy’s and
the lawsuit actor Robert Brown has brought against Macy’s for (allegedly)
parading him through the store in handcuffs after he bought a $1350.00
watch for his mother. Mr. Brown’s case may very well be the tip of the
iceberg as to what actually goes on inside Macy’s Herald Square Store,
located on West 34th Street in New York City.
My dear friend and former legal counsel, Christopher Lynn, Esq. told me about his experience representing a Hispanic man who was arrested and accused of shoplifting at Macy’s two years ago.
Mr. Lynn’s client went to exchange a coat purchased at Macy’s the day prior and he brought the coat and his receipt for which he paid cash. He was arrested for stealing the coat. The security claimed that the receipt was found on the floor.
Mr. Lynn’s client was taken to the private jail in the store - yes, bars and all. There, he was given a choice: to face arrest with NYPD, or to pay a fine to Macy’s with a credit card or debit card for violating the New York State General Obligation Law section 11-105 Law which allows a store to sue a shop lifter.
Mr. Lynn’s client refused. While he was in custody waiting for the NYPD to arrive, he saw dozens of such detentions, all involving people of color. Many, not wishing arrest, surrendered to the coercion and used their cards to pay a fine.
Mr. Lynn’s client was formally arrested by the NYPD and taken to the midtown criminal court where Presiding Criminal Court Judge Richard Weinberg, upon learning the facts and looking at the receipt, dismissed the charges.
Judge Weinberg recommended that Mr. Lynn subpoena the store videos and records and to start a civil action against Macy's. Mr. Lynn’s client told his attorney about Macy’s private jail. When Mr. Lynn went to serve the subpoenas, he saw the Macy’s jail. According to Mr. Lynn, “It was just like central booking.”
Of course, Macy’s settled.
My dear reader, we all know that people steal, but as Mr. Lynn stated – repeating the words of Judge Weinberg: "They don’t steal in the numbers represented by the arrests. There are not that many stupid, dishonest shoppers. And why are they all minorities? And why is Macy's using that part of the State Law?”
I fully agree with Judge Weinberg and with Mr. Lynn that we need to look at this law. Is Macy's using the New York State General Obligation Law as a stream of revenue? Are their security guards licensed? Are they under quotas for shoplifting detentions? Do they use racial profiling in the store to determine who may or may not be a shoplifter? Why is Macy’s allowed to run a private jail and offer thieves the choice to pay or to get arrested? What does NYPD have to say about this? What records does Macy's keep?
I agree with anyone and everyone who wants to ask Macy’s for the statistics on these "collections." I agree with all who want to know if Macy’s allow those falsely arrested at Macy’s to get a minimum dollar amount if they sue Macy’s in small claims court and win. (If anyone were to ask me how much I think they should pay, I might suggest for Macy’s to pay $5,000 per false arrest.)
You should know that I have sent letters demanding that the New York State Division of Human Rights and the New York City Commission on Human Rights to investigate these matters. I have also sent letters demanding that the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District take a first-hand look at this jail at Macy’s 34th Street Flagship Store.
Ladies and gentlemen, I hope the authorities will focus on these matters before things get even more out of control, and before the rush of Christmas shoppers fills the store.
This is Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz, and this is what you should know.
My dear friend and former legal counsel, Christopher Lynn, Esq. told me about his experience representing a Hispanic man who was arrested and accused of shoplifting at Macy’s two years ago.
Mr. Lynn’s client went to exchange a coat purchased at Macy’s the day prior and he brought the coat and his receipt for which he paid cash. He was arrested for stealing the coat. The security claimed that the receipt was found on the floor.
Mr. Lynn’s client was taken to the private jail in the store - yes, bars and all. There, he was given a choice: to face arrest with NYPD, or to pay a fine to Macy’s with a credit card or debit card for violating the New York State General Obligation Law section 11-105 Law which allows a store to sue a shop lifter.
Mr. Lynn’s client refused. While he was in custody waiting for the NYPD to arrive, he saw dozens of such detentions, all involving people of color. Many, not wishing arrest, surrendered to the coercion and used their cards to pay a fine.
Mr. Lynn’s client was formally arrested by the NYPD and taken to the midtown criminal court where Presiding Criminal Court Judge Richard Weinberg, upon learning the facts and looking at the receipt, dismissed the charges.
Judge Weinberg recommended that Mr. Lynn subpoena the store videos and records and to start a civil action against Macy's. Mr. Lynn’s client told his attorney about Macy’s private jail. When Mr. Lynn went to serve the subpoenas, he saw the Macy’s jail. According to Mr. Lynn, “It was just like central booking.”
Of course, Macy’s settled.
My dear reader, we all know that people steal, but as Mr. Lynn stated – repeating the words of Judge Weinberg: "They don’t steal in the numbers represented by the arrests. There are not that many stupid, dishonest shoppers. And why are they all minorities? And why is Macy's using that part of the State Law?”
I fully agree with Judge Weinberg and with Mr. Lynn that we need to look at this law. Is Macy's using the New York State General Obligation Law as a stream of revenue? Are their security guards licensed? Are they under quotas for shoplifting detentions? Do they use racial profiling in the store to determine who may or may not be a shoplifter? Why is Macy’s allowed to run a private jail and offer thieves the choice to pay or to get arrested? What does NYPD have to say about this? What records does Macy's keep?
I agree with anyone and everyone who wants to ask Macy’s for the statistics on these "collections." I agree with all who want to know if Macy’s allow those falsely arrested at Macy’s to get a minimum dollar amount if they sue Macy’s in small claims court and win. (If anyone were to ask me how much I think they should pay, I might suggest for Macy’s to pay $5,000 per false arrest.)
You should know that I have sent letters demanding that the New York State Division of Human Rights and the New York City Commission on Human Rights to investigate these matters. I have also sent letters demanding that the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District take a first-hand look at this jail at Macy’s 34th Street Flagship Store.
Ladies and gentlemen, I hope the authorities will focus on these matters before things get even more out of control, and before the rush of Christmas shoppers fills the store.
This is Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz, and this is what you should know.
Monday, May 13, 2013
What You Should Know
By Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz
32nd Senatorial District, Bronx County, New York
32nd Senatorial District, Bronx County, New York
My Two Cents on Election Reform
You should know that starting with my son, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr., and going all the way down the political landscape, I am feeling a lot of pressure to support Governor Andrew Cuomo’s campaign finance and election reform legislation. There have been many, many conversations about election reform to try to get me on board … the pressure has been tremendous!
You should also know that yes, we are in need of election reform – but not just any old window-dressing reform. We are in need of real, deep and serious campaign finance and election reform. Therefore, I would like to contribute my two cents about how I believe we should start.
First, let’s start by giving four-year terms to our New York State Senators and Assembly Members.
Everybody else has four-year terms. The Governor, the Lieutenant Governor, the Attorney General, the New York City Mayor, and the New York City Council Members – they all serve four-year terms. This gives them all ample time to dedicate themselves to the business of the people – without having to be distracted too much about making time to raise money for their next election. Instead, as soon as New York State’s Senators and Assembly Members get elected, they have to start raising money to get re-elected
instead of honestly and faithfully dedicating most of their time to their duties as legislators. It is important to give Senators and Assembly Members four-year terms. I assure you that this will be good, and it will help to lessen corruption and desperation for some legislators to raise money for their next campaign.
Second, it would be ideal if New York State’s election reform would also include a mandate to stagger elections.
You should know that in the United States Senate, Senators have six-year terms and every two years, one third of the Senate is elected. If the New York State Senate and Assembly would have elections staggered so that only half of the body would be up for re-election every two years, we would have continuity and seniority and experience. It would be more stabilizing for our government, and for our election cycles.
Third, we must be sure that every elected official – especially the lawyers who serve in the Senate and the Assembly – report who their clients are and who gives them money.
We need legislators to provide a full disclosure about all their business dealings, as well as every aspect of their operations. If election reform changes the status of Senators and Assembly Members from a part-time to a full-time job, it would help eliminate a lot of the temptation and the hanky-panky of lawyers in elected office who currently do business with firms and serve as 'of counsel' to companies that do business with cities, local municipalities, and the State. A legislator should be a full time legislator, with no other part-time jobs. Fourth, Governor Andrew Cuomo should donate to charity the $20 million dollars plus in campaign funds that was raised for him.
Those $20 million dollars plus were raised for Governor Andrew Cuomo in cooperation with the Committee to Save New York, and by people doing business with New York State. As part of his call for transparency,
Governor Cuomo should require the release of the names of all of the people who made donations to the Committee to Save New York. Like everyone else, Governor Andrew Cuomo should start from scratch. It’s not nice for him to say, “Hey, I have $20 million dollars and can continue raising money, but the rest of you can go and start from scratch to raise your money.”
Fifth, you should also know that there are indications that the proposed election reform bill will give more power and control to groups, unions, organizations and PACS.
Right now, they can only contribute limited amounts of money to candidates. As things stand now, they are limited to how much money they can spend on a candidate. If Governor Andrew Cuomo’s election reform bill passes as it is, they most certainly will have even more power and ability to raise money.
For example, if a political party decides to ask every one of their members to contribute at least $25 dollars to a candidate of their choice to oust an opponent, and they all contribute, the government matching funds for
each of those $25 dollar donations grows to $150. If you multiply that amount by the number of party members who donate, that’s a lot of money – and a powerful tool for the party to either oust or help an incumbent or an insurgent. I am deeply concerned that political parties and Super PACS and organizations backed by wealthy individuals will make it much easier to say “Bye-bye!” to any incumbent who has the strong support of his or her constituents.
Finally, you should know that I personally never liked using public funds to support political candidates. I especially don’t like it now when Governor Andrew Cuomo has cut the Senators’ and the Assembly Members’ member items and capital funds. These cuts prevent legislators from helping their communities. If the justification for Governor Andrew Cuomo is because he believes the State cannot afford member items and capital funds, or if he says they need to money to balance the State Budget, then how can he allow for public funds to be used to support political candidates.
If there really is no money to help community organizations, senior citizen centers, little leagues, block associations and community watch groups, then we should not use public money to support political campaigns. After eliminating resources to community groups and not-for-profit organizations that serve the people, why should we instead be giving money to politicians to run their campaigns? New Yorkers would be much better served if their tax money is given to our senior citizens for computer labs, little leagues for uniforms and baseball equipment, and block associations to strengthen the role of our families and neighbors.
Ladies and gentlemen, as people attempt to pressure me and discuss ways to approach the much-needed election reform, you should know that I feel obligated to share my two cents with all of you.
This is New York State Senator Reverend Rubén Díaz and this is what you should know.
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Tuesday, April 23, 2013
What You Should Know
By Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz
32nd Senatorial District, Bronx County, New York
32nd Senatorial District, Bronx County, New York
HISTORY ALWAYS REPEATS ITSELF
You
should know that a lot of people have been calling me and asking me about the
endorsement by Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda to Mayoral Candidate Bill de Blasio.
They are also asking me if my relationship with Luis Sepulveda has gone sour.
As
you know, Luis Sepulveda was my protégé and when the Bronx Democratic Chairman
and Committee did not want to endorse him, I was there to support, pressure and
fight for their support. I was the only elected official, that four years ago,
came out in support of Luis Sepulveda against an 18-year incumbent leader,
Peter Rivera. That election was lost by almost 400 votes, but it was a
stepping-stone for Luis Sepulveda to regroup and continue to fight and making
Assemblyman Peter Rivera to resign and become New York State Commissioner of
Labor and open the opportunity for Luis Sepulveda to be who he is today, a New
York State Assemblyman for the 87th District in the Bronx.
Now,
Luis Sepulveda has gone on his own and has supported Bill de Blasio for Mayor
against my candidate, Rev. Erick Salgado.
All
of my friends, all of my colleagues, and everyone in the media know that I am
supporting a candidate whose name is Rev. Erick Salgado who announced his
candidacy for Mayor earlier this month. Rev. Erick Salgado is a conservative
Democrat and a businessman who is ready and willing to unite with all New
Yorkers to fix our broken city. He is the only Hispanic running in the
Mayoral Democratic Primary.
My
candidate, Rev. Erick Salgado and I know that at this moment, he is at the
bottom rung and has only one way to go - up - and he will!
We
all saw how Christine Quinn's poll numbers took a real hit after Senator
Gustavo Rivera endorsed her for Mayor. Before his endorsement, Christine
Quinn had the support of 37 percent of those polled. She was so close to that
coveted 40 percent mark. After Senator Gustavo Rivera's endorsement, she's down
to 26 percent.
My
advise to my dear friend Luis Sepulveda is to work very hard, especially in the
Hispanic community, to be sure that Bill DeBlasio's poll numbers, which even
last week were said to be sluggish, don't come down because as a Hispanic, I
could imagine that Bill de Blasio is expecting him to deliver the Hispanic
vote. One way to prove real leadership is when you and your followers endorse a
candidate and after doing so, the poll number rise. When you endorse a
candidate and your candidate gets pummeled, you will lose credibility.
And
to those that are questioning why this is happening, I must say that this is
America where people can decide what is best for them. I should remind them,
that this is not the first time and it will not be the last time that people
come to our churches, meet our ministers, kiss our babies, tell us to pray for
them, ask for our support and once elected, they vanish. We shall continue our
struggle because some of us are in this business because of conviction and
others only seek convenience.
This
is Senator Rev. Ruben Diaz and this is what you should know.
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