Attorney General James’ Statement on Appointment of Lieutenant Governor Brian Benjamin

 

 New York Attorney General Letitia James today released the following statement on the appointment of State Senator Brian Benjamin as Lieutenant Governor of New York:

“State Senator Brian Benjamin has long been a champion for communities in New York City, and as our next Lieutenant Governor, I know he will continue this fight for all New Yorkers. His track record and commitment to public service will help advance our state, and I look forward to working with him in his new capacity. Congratulations to our new Lieutenant Governor, Brian Benjamin. I know you will serve New Yorkers well.”

Governor Hochul Announces Selection of Senator Brian Benjamin for Lieutenant Governor

 

Senator Benjamin and Governor Hochul Share History of Working Together on Key Issues, Including Ending the Opioid Epidemic, Supporting MWBEs and Voting Reforms

  

 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the selection of Brian Benjamin for Lieutenant Governor. Senator Benjamin and Governor Hochul have previously worked together on several key issues, including fighting the opioid epidemic and boosting addiction recovery programs, supporting MWBE business owners and making it easier for New Yorkers to vote.

Senator Benjamin previously served as the New York State Senator for District 30 - which encompasses Harlem, East Harlem, and the Upper West Side - Chairman of the Senate Committee on Revenue and Budget and Senior Assistant Majority Leader, where he distinguished himself as a leader in criminal justice reform and affordable housing. Senator Benjamin remains heavily involved in his community in Harlem.

"I believe that governing is about working together. Teamwork is the essence of effective leadership, and it is more important than ever as we confront the urgent problems facing the state," Governor Hochul said. "My administration is going to attract the best and the brightest -- people who share my values of working hard for the people of this state and who will get the job done - and that includes the newest member Senator Brian Benjamin who has agreed to serve as my Lieutenant Governor. There is so much work to do, and I am grateful to have him by my side as we implement our vision for a safer, healthier and fairer New York."

"I want to thank Governor Hochul for trusting me with the incredible honor of serving alongside her as Lieutenant Governor," said Senator Benjamin. "Governor Hochul is a collaborator who makes sure everyone has a seat at the table, and, like me, is laser focused on listening to the needs of New Yorkers and empowering local leaders. We have a strong history of collaboration that will help us to hit the ground running immediately as we help guide New York through this challenging moment in history."

Reverend Al Sharpton, Founder and President of the National Action Network, said, "Whether it's life experience, race, background or otherwise, New York was built on a foundation of diversity and thanks to Governor Hochul's leadership, that foundation has already become a pillar of her administration with the selection of Brian Benjamin as our state's next Lieutenant Governor. From his early work to build affordable housing in Harlem as a community leader, to his advocacy as a longtime member of NAN, to his efforts as a Senator to solve the issues threatening the health and well-being of New Yorkers like the opioid crisis, Senator Benjamin has made a career of tackling the problems that have prevent far too many working families from lifting themselves up. This is a fantastic choice and I look forward to helping both Governor Hochul and Senator Benjamin begin this next chapter in New York's history."

Dr. Hazel N. Dukes, President of the NAACP New York State Conference, said,"From his work helping fight the opioid crisis to his work to help Minority and Women Owned businesses thrive, Brian Benjamin has spent his career focused on the issues that impact everyday New Yorkers and I am so excited to see him continue that work as our state's Lieutenant Governor. In just a few days, Governor Hochul has already set New York on a path for success and this selection only further solidifies that point. I am so excited to begin working with the Governor's administration to move New York forward and extend my sincerest congratulations to Senator Benjamin."

Senator Benjamin was born in Harlem to a Caribbean mother who came to this country seeking new opportunities. Though they didn't have a college education, his parents were fortunate enough to find well-paying union jobs, which allowed them to provide Senator Benjamin and his siblings with a middle class upbringing. After graduating from high school in New York City, Senator Benjamin sought the quality education his parents had dreamed of providing him with, earning his undergraduate degree in Public Policy from Brown University and his MBA from Harvard Business School.

After school, Senator Benjamin returned to Harlem to build affordable housing, creating over a thousand units of environmentally sustainable, affordable housing at an MWBE while helping young people develop work skills and secure good construction jobs through community youth programs.

In his community, Senator Benjamin worked to preserve the character of Harlem and help keep the community affordable. He helped countless young people at Harlem's Wadleigh High School achieve a brighter future since launching a mentoring program in 2013, and he is honored to serve as an alumni-elected trustee of Brown University. Senator Benjamin is also an active member of Harlem's historic First Corinthian Baptist Church.

During his time in the New York State Senate, Senator Benjamin successfully pushed for the divestment of the state public pension funds from private prisons in 2018, and the following year he introduced a bill to forbid state-chartered banks from such investments as well, which helped pressure Bank of America to end their relationship with Geo Group and Core Civic. Senator Benjamin's proposal to keep rent controlled apartments affordable was a part of the history-making Tenant Protection Act of 2019, the largest expansion of tenant's rights in decades. In his first term, he served as ranking member of the Senate Committee on Civil Service and Pensions, where he looked to defend the public pensions of hard working public servants like his parents while ensuring the pension money was invested in a manner that reflected New York's values.

AIR QUALITY HEALTH ADVISORY ISSUED FOR LONG ISLAND AND NEW YORK CITY METRO In Effect for Friday, Aug. 27, 2021

 

 New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos and State Department of Health (DOH) Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker issued an Air Quality Health Advisory for the Long Island and New York City Metro regions for Friday, Aug. 27, 2021. 

The pollutant of concern is: Ozone 

The advisory will be in effect 11 a.m. through 11 p.m. 

DEC and DOH issue Air Quality Health Advisories when DEC meteorologists predict levels of pollution, either ozone or fine particulate matter are expected to exceed an Air Quality Index (AQI) value of 100. The AQI was created as an easy way to correlate levels of different pollutants to one scale, with a higher AQI value indicating a greater health concern. 

OZONE 

Summer heat can lead to the formation of ground-level ozone, a major component of photochemical smog. Automobile exhaust and out-of-state emission sources are the primary sources of ground-level ozone and are the most serious air pollution problems in the northeast. This surface pollutant should not be confused with the protective layer of ozone in the upper atmosphere. 

People, especially young children, those who exercise outdoors, those involved in vigorous outdoor work and those who have respiratory disease (such as asthma) should consider limiting strenuous outdoor physical activity when ozone levels are the highest (generally afternoon to early evening). When outdoor levels of ozone are elevated, going indoors will usually reduce your exposure. Individuals experiencing symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain or coughing should consider consulting their doctor. 

Ozone levels generally decrease at night and can be minimized during daylight hours by curtailment of automobile travel and the use of public transportation where available. 

New Yorkers also are urged to take the following energy-saving and pollution-reducing steps: 

• use mass transit or carpool instead of driving, as automobile emissions account for about 60 percent of pollution in our cities; 
• conserve fuel and reduce exhaust emissions by combining necessary motor vehicle trips; 
• turn off all lights and electrical appliances in unoccupied areas; 
• use fans to circulate air. If air conditioning is necessary, set thermostats at 78 degrees; 
• close the blinds and shades to limit heat build-up and to preserve cooled air; 
• limit use of household appliances. If necessary, run the appliances at off-peak (after 7 p.m.) hours. These would include dishwashers, dryers, pool pumps and water heaters; 
• set refrigerators and freezers at more efficient temperatures; 
• purchase and install energy efficient lighting and appliances with the Energy Star label; and 
• reduce or eliminate outdoor burning and attempt to minimize indoor sources of PM 2.5 such as smoking. A toll-free Air Quality Hotline (1-800-535-1345) has been established by DEC to keep New Yorkers informed of the latest Air Quality situation.  

Additional information on ozone and PM 2.5 is available on DEC's website and on DOH's website.  

The Friday, Aug. 27, Air Quality Health Advisory regions consist of the following: Region 1 Long Island, which includes Nassau and Suffolk counties and Region 2 New York City Metro, which includes New York City, Rockland, and Westchester counties. 

Rep. Jamaal Bowman Statement on Kabul Bombings

 

 Rep. Jamaal Bowman issued the following statement Thursday after suicide bombers at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul killed at least 12 American service members and at least 60 Afghan civilians:

 

“The act of terrorism today in Kabul and loss of life are absolutely devastating. Our prayers and condolences are with the families and loved ones of the 12 U.S. service members and scores of Afghans killed and injured today. It is because of the work and bravery of our service members that more than 100,000 people have been able to evacuate safely so far. We are praying for the safety of those still trying to evacuate and the service members still on the ground. 

 

“The Biden administration’s top priority must be to continue to evacuate as many Americans and Afghans as possible over the coming days and avoid any additional violence, and we stand ready to help however we can. My office is working with federal agencies to facilitate evacuations and are monitoring how the bombing today affects those efforts. Constituents looking for assistance on cases pertaining to Afghanistan, or anyone who knows someone who is looking for help, should reach out to our office at the following address: bowman.casework@mail.house.gov, and our team will get back to you as quickly as possible.”

 

Espaillat Statement on the Terrorist Attack at Hamid Karzai International Airport

 

Today, Representative Adriano Espaillat released the following statement in response to President Biden's remarks on the bombings at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan that killed 12 American service members, dozens of innocent civilians, and injured many more: "The terrorist attack that took place today outside of Kabul airport was horrific, heinous, and an act of cowardice. I mourn the loss of innocent life lost to this tragedy, and I express my deepest condolences to the loved ones of the servicemembers, American citizens, and Afghan allies we lost today. The United States must do everything possible to ensure justice for those who lost their lives in the line of duty carrying out these evacuation efforts," said Rep. Espaillat. "I thank the brave men and women of our Armed Forces, as well our nation's diplomats, who continue to put their lives on the line to ensure the United States' evacuation mission continues - even in light of today's attacks. We must not - and will not - be deterred from the critical mission at hand, and I thank President Biden for his commitment to our troops, our allies, and the American people in continuing this evacuation. "To forfeit the evacuation mission would dishonor the sacrifice these men and women made for our country and for the people of Afghanistan," Espaillat concluded.

132 Days and Counting - Hey Bill Why Do Your Top Doctors Tell Me I Am Immune to the Virus?

 

Mayor Bill de Blasio your Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Chokshi told me that I was immune to the COVID Virus. Dr. Katz your head of HHC told me I am Immune to the virus. I went last Friday to an NYC vaccination bus that was on Allerton Avenue (in the Bronx), and was told by the technician that I do not need the vaccination because I am immune to the virus. Why would two of your top doctors and a technician at one of your Vaccination sites tell me I am immune to the COVID virus if I wasn't. 

I caught the COVID virus the first week of March on a subway (before they were being cleaned) coming home from one of your press conferences. My bare hand was on the metal pole, a man was coughing to my right, and a woman was sneezing to my left. Two days later I started to get symptoms of the virus, but didn't know I had it until day three when I had ten of the indicators. Day six I woke up in a pool of sweat, and all ten indicators were gone, I was back to being healthy again. My antibody count was high, and remains high eighteen months later. 

How many more people are there in the city like me who are now immune to the virus, that you are trying to force to get vaccinated. I was told that if I do get vaccinated, the vaccine would kill my good antibodies, and replace them with others that would die off and I would continue to need booster shots as we see happening now. 

We found out former Governor Cuomo was lying about the death rate, what else was the public being lied to about. Come clean Mayor de Blasio, it is people's lives you are playing around with. What is really going on with the COVID virus?

Long Island Chiropractor Settles Federal Fraud Allegations

 

Gary Stein Resolves Claims for Billing the Department of Labor’s Office of Worker’s Compensation Programs for Purported Treatment That He Did Not Provide

 Gary Stein, a licensed chiropractor in Levittown, New York, has paid the United States $290,197.24 to resolve civil allegations that he submitted false claims to the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP) for services that he did not provide to a federal employee receiving Federal Employees Compensation Act (FECA) program benefits.  

Jacquelyn M. Kasulis, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Matthew Modafferi, Special Agent-in-Charge, U.S. Postal Service, Office of the Inspector General (USPS-OIG), Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent-in-Charge, U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General, New York Region (DOL-OIG), and Christopher Godfrey, Director, OWCP, announced the settlement. 

“In billing for medical services he didn’t provide to his patient, the defendant defrauded a taxpayer-funded program designed to assist federal employees who are disabled by on-the-job injuries,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Kasulis.  “This Office and its law enforcement partners are committed to protecting taxpayer-funded programs from fraud and abuse.”

“The Special Agents of the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General will vigorously investigate those who commit frauds against federal benefit programs and the U.S. Postal Service,” stated USPS-OIG Special Agent-in-Charge Modafferi.  “I’d like to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Office of Inspector General at the U.S. Department of Labor for their continued support in our agency’s mission.”                 

“Investigating health care fraud offenses against U.S. Department of Labor programs is an important mission of the Office of Inspector General. We will continue to work diligently with our law enforcement partners to hold accountable those who seek to defraud DOL programs and siphon taxpayer funds for personal gain,” stated DOL-OIG Special Agent-in-Charge Mellone.

“This settlement allows OWCP to recover $290,197.24 in medical bill payments under the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act and return those funds to the U.S. Postal Service,” stated OWCP Director Godfrey.  “The Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General, as well as various other agencies’ offices of inspector general, devote significant investigative resources to detecting cases of possible abuse within the FECA program, and this settlement demonstrates the commitment of the DOL and its OIG in helping to ensure that funds issued through the program are paid appropriately.”

Certain federal employees who become disabled due to occupational injuries sustained during the performance of their official duties qualify for OWCP benefits.  When health care providers bill OWCP for services rendered to FECA beneficiaries, they use Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes that specify what services have been provided.  In doing so, they signify that the services were performed as described and properly billed in accordance with accepted industry standards.  Applicable industry standards preclude billing for an extended medical appointment when a FECA beneficiary actually received only a routine service.

An investigation by the DOL-OIG and USPS-OIG revealed that, from March 6, 2014 through April 14, 2019, Stein routinely used CPT codes which falsely indicated to OWCP that he had conducted detailed examinations of the patient when in fact he had not done so. The settlement resolves potential claims that Stein’s alleged conduct violated the False Claims Act. The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only.

Nos Quedamos' OPEN HOUSE Series Resumes TODAY (8/26/21) After Covid-19 Pause

Facebook Instagram Twitter Website Subscribe Join Nos Quedamos TODAY as we resume our community Open House series that was paused as a result of Covid-19 back in March 2020 when the World Health Organization declared we were in the midst of a related Pandemic. During the next three months of 2021, Nos Quedamos will continue to host Open House sessions to engage with community residents, local leaders, and activists/advocates in casual meet-and-greet networking sessions as we prepare for 2022.  Each monthly session will pivot around a thematic such as affordable housing, gentrification, Covid-19, the environment and land-use, culture & arts, social services, among many others. These family-friendly events will also be coordinated to help regional stakeholders bring issues of relevant concern to our attention in order to maintain an ongoing dialogue around community resiliency and collectively safeguarding our quality-of-life in the region. Download flyer All sessions are from 5-7pm. Snacks and beverages served. Click on staff block for more info on our people. August 26th ~ We Stay/Nos Quedamos To Heal: Get to know NQ and unite as a community to talk about the hardships we've encountered through Covid-19 and discuss how to move forward, together. Brook Park Community Garden - Brook Ave & E. 141st St. September 23rd ~ We Stay/Nos Quedamos To Connect:  We stayed and flourished, now what? Join us as we talk about the changes we want to see in our community and how we can get there. Palacio del Sol Community Room - 760 Melrose Ave & E. 157th St.  October 28th ~ We Stay/Nos Quedamos To Build: We figured out what needs to change, so how do we get there? Learn how to strengthen our resiliency and  determination through community ownership. Palacio del Sol Community Room - 760 Melrose Ave & E. 157th St.  If you would like to know more about these community events, contact Carmen De Jesús at: 718-585-2323 or cdejesus@nosquedamos.org Space is limited and Covid-19 safety regulations will be observed. FREE and Open to ALL. Click on map for directions.