STATEMENT FROM COUNCIL MEMBER JUMAANE D. WILLIAMS - TO TRUMP IMMIGRATION EXECUTIVE ORDERS

"As we listen daily, we see a playbook of fear that is used in every authoritarian and fascist regime in the past. The use of a hyperbolic threat is the first step before horrible acts occur. Donald Trump is unraveling all that our country claims to stand for. As the son of Grenadian immigrants, and as representative of a district that has a large number of foreign-born residents, Trump's assault on immigration is offensive and shows the worst of America. 

"His immigration policies are precisely why so many pushed to resist him from day one. We cannot, at all give him the semblance that we will accept or approve of these divisive policies -- to the people who said give him a chance for those who refused to accept reality and suggest we wait. The time for anger and disbelief is over. Now is the time for action." 

STATEMENT FROM BP DIAZ RE: President Trump's Immigration Proposals

  "President Trump's proposal to build a wall along the Mexican border was pandering during his campaign. It takes on a much more serious tone now that he has been elected. New York is a sanctuary city, and we are proud of that designation. I will stand with my colleagues and the people of New York to fight any attempt to enact immigration policy that will harm New York City.

“Rich men and women all over this nation--including Donald Trump--have built their fortunes on the backs of immigrants. It is nothing short of shameful that the President would use the plight of those seeking refuge from persecution, the stereotypes surrounding a single religion, or the desire of many to provide for their families to demagogue on the immigration issue while ignoring the real concerns of those immigrants currently in the United States," said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

My Answer to Councilman Rafael Salamanca's Chief of Staff John Zaccaro Jr. Re Todays Facebook Disagreement

Chief of Staff John Zaccaro to Councilman Rafael Salamanca here is my answer as promised earlier on the Facebook posting about joining community boards.

I am not going to repeat what was written, but will only say that in this blog archive, and the minutes of Community Board 8 are the answers as to why I was not reappointed to Community Board 8. 

It all began with the special election for the 17th City Council district when Maria Del Carmen Arroyo stepped down as of December 31, 2015. This blog archive beginning from the first forum where I was warned by two members of the Bronx Democratic County organization at a January 2016 candidates forum that I was up for reappointment to community Board 8 in June of 2016. One of the two people has made amends to me for saying that since I was not supporting the candidate of the Bronx Democratic County organization. You Mr. John Zaccaro Jr. were the other person who warned me of my reappointment. 

May 31st came along and I received a call from the Chair of Community Board 8 that I was not reappointed. I saw the Bronx Borough President the next night at an event I was covering and asked the good borough president why I was not reappointed to Community Board 8. He was at a loss for words, and I said that I knew the reason since I had been warned about my reappointment to CB 8 by members of the Bronx Democratic County organization. The Borough President jokingly replied that I had been a bad boy. So John Zaccaro there you have it. You now have your answer, and your boss Councilman Salamanca knew this also. I wanted to keep this a secret as not to hurt the borough president, but you Mr. Zaccaro forced my hand.

Robert Press

Former member Community Board 8.

A.G. Schneiderman Announces Settlement With Cigna That Eliminates Policies Which Barred Coverage For Testing Of Psychiatric Conditions

Cigna’s Policies Denied Coverage For Neuropsychological Testing For Psychiatric Conditions And Autism Spectrum Disorder 

Schneiderman: Insurers Must Provide Same Access To Mental Health Services As They Would Any Other Treatment

   Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman today announced that his office has reached a settlement with Cigna, requiring the health insurer eliminate a written ban on coverage for claims for neuropsychological testing of psychiatric conditions and autism spectrum disorder. Cigna will also reprocess denied claims for autism spectrum disorder.

“Insurers must provide the same access to mental health services as they would for any other treatment. We will continue to aggressively enforce our health care parity laws to ensure that no New Yorker faces illegal barriers when seeking mental health treatment,” said Attorney General Schneiderman.  

Attorney General Schneiderman’s Health Care Bureau launched an investigation into Cigna’s administration of mental health benefits following a complaint in 2016 about its written policy for neuropsychological testing. The policy said that “Cigna does not cover neuropsychological testing” for psychiatric conditions and autism spectrum disorder “because such testing is considered educational in nature and/or not medically necessary.”

Under the terms of the settlement, the company agrees to comply with Timothy’s Law, New York legislation enacted in 2006 and named for a 13-year-old Schenectady boy who committed suicide after an insurance company denied ongoing coverage for treatment of serious mental health issues.  Timothy’s Law mandates that New York group health plans provide “broad-based coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of mental, nervous or emotional disorders or ailments … at least equal to the coverage provided for other health conditions.” The New York law is similar to federal mental health parity laws, which were passed in 2008.

The settlement requires Cigna to revise its policies, pay autism claims previously rejected, and pay a penalty of $50,000.  Cigna also clarified its policy regarding concussion and mild cognitive impairment. Cigna shall also provide coverage information to its members and members’ health care providers upon request.

Consumers with a complaint regarding health insurance coverage for mental health, or any other health care-related complaint, may always contact the Attorney General’s Office Health Care Helpline at 800-428-9071.

Statement From Councilman Eric Ulrich on Mayor de Blasio's Proposed Budget

"Mayor de Blasio's budget uses smoke and mirrors to mask the real problems facing our city. The Mayor is obviously more concerned with his reelection and raising his own political profile than addressing the homeless epidemic, tackling the affordable housing crisis, and improving the quality of life in every borough.

"The Mayor's budget is indeed a reflection of his values; it rewards the special interests at the expense of the taxpayers.  I will be doing everything I can between now and the budget adoption to ensure our seniors don't get shortchanged, our veterans get the property tax relief they deserve, our children who are at risk are protected, and the plight of the middle class does not go ignored."  

EDITOR'S NOTE:

It should be noted that Councilman Eric Ulrich has announced his intentions to run for mayor on the Republican line in November against current Mayor Bill de Blasio, or whomever is the candidate of the Democratic Party.

MAYOR DE BLASIO RELEASES PRELIMINARY BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2018

“Deepening the progress we’ve made over the last three years, this budget further invests in the foundations central to a strong, fair city – more classroom seats, enhanced traffic safety initiatives, crucial infrastructure upgrades and public safety progress. At the same time, in the face of economic and political uncertainty from Washington, this budget once again will save money through efficiency measures and invest further in reserve funds aimed at safeguarding our city's financial future.”

– Mayor Bill de Blasio“

Today, Mayor Bill de Blasio presented New York City’s Preliminary Budget for Fiscal Year 2018 (FY18).

The FY18 Preliminary Budget is balanced, totaling $84.67 billion. In particular, this budget:

• Allocates resources to critical areas including public safety, investing in our infrastructure, improving our public schools and increasing affordability.
• Maintains reserves at unprecedented highs and continues to build on the Citywide Savings Program with another $1.1 billion in savings and a goal of $500 million more in the FY18 Executive Budget.
• Makes targeted investments, such as $6.3 million in expense funds for 200 new school crossing guards and 100 school crossing guard supervisors who will ensure the safety of our children, and $571 million in capital funds to ensure a state of good repair on our bridges through FY25.

Click here to view the FY18 Preliminary Budget.

RESPONDING TO THE UNKNOWN

Despite another year of economic growth and a national economy that remains strong, unknowns in Washington provide some reason for concern.

New York City is making targeted investments to strengthen the economy, ensure we stay on course and benefit New Yorkers across the five boroughs. Capital investments help drive the city’s impressive record on jobs, as well.  When you compare our NYC to entire states, in 2014-2015 alone, New York City added more jobs than 46 states and employment growth across sectors is outpacing the country as a whole – these investments will build upon that foundation.

We are also forecasting some improvement in tax revenue growth in FY18. While tax revenue is expected to slow to 2.4 percent in FY17, we anticipate modest improvement to 3.9 percent in FY18.

RESPONSIBLE BUDGETING

The City does recognize the need to be cautious in the face of uncertainty. As a result, this administration has put a record amount of funding in reserves. Specifically:

• The General Reserve is at $1 billion in FY18 and every year of the financial plan, compared to the traditional $300 million.
• The Retiree Health Benefits Trust Fund is at $4 billion, $3.3 billion the result of this Administration.
• The Capital Stabilization Reserve that was established under this Administration in FY16 has been modified to include $250 million in every year of the four-year plan, compared to the one-time $500 million previously established.

As a result, independent monitors and rating agencies continue to affirm the City’s strong budgetary management.

The Administration is also managing out-year gaps and continuing to find savings across City government. As of the Preliminary Budget, agency and debt savings will reduce expenses by $1.1 billion in FY17-18. This is addition to the $1 billion found in the FY17 November Plan and with more to come in the Executive Budget this spring.

TARGETED INVESTMENTS IN NYC’S FUTURE

This budget continues building upon three years of pursuing progressive policies while remaining fiscally responsible. Mayor de Blasio’s prior budgets have invested in priorities that can be felt across the five boroughs, such as 200,000 affordable housing units; free high-quality, full-day Pre-K for All; and moving nearly 2,000 additional NYPD officers onto the street.

The FY 2018 Preliminary Budget builds on that foundation through targeted investments that touch the lives of New Yorkers across the city:

• Hiring 200 part-time school crossing guards and 100 full-time school crossing guard supervisors to ensure 100 percent coverage at all school crossing posts citywide through $5.4 million in FY17 and $6.3 million in FY18.
• Keeping officers safe through the installation of bullet-proof window inserts - $5.2 million in FY17 and $5.2 million in FY18 – and upgrading the Rodman’s Neck Firearms Training Facility, a capital investment that will total $275 million over FY18-FY19.
• Building and maintaining pedestrian ramps to become compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, funded by an additional $478 million in FY17-FY27 capital investments.
• Ensuring thousands of NYCHA residents have fully functioning roofs due to a $1 billion capital commitment to repair 729 roofsover the next ten years.
• Keeping the Mayor’s commitment to complete the third water tunnel. An additional investment of $303 million in FY17-FY22 to ensure that the tunnel is activation-ready and can be used in the event of an emergency by the end of 2017 and fully fund remaining construction.
• An additional $571 million in FY17-FY21 capital funds to ensure astate of good repair on all city bridges through FY25.
• Street regrading projects in Southeast Queens to address flooding issues – an additional $162 million in capital funds from FY19-FY24.
• Continuing historic levels of road repaving through an additional $147 million in FY19 capital funds to increase lane miles resurfaced from 630 to 1,300.
• Build upon great progress made through Vision Zero by allocating an additional $317 million in capital funds for FY18-FY23 to fund new investments to reduce pedestrian fatalities, including pedestrian and traffic safety street reconstruction projects, signal improvements and street lighting at intersections.
• Renovation of the Orchard Beach Pavilion to restore direct beach access, renovate the seating area and space for potential concessions, through a capital commitment of $20 million in FY20-FY21.
• Funding for 22,800 School’s Out NYC (SONYC) slots for summer 2017, which costs $14.9 million in FY18.
• Adding an additional 5,000 slots in the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) to baseline the program at 65,000, funded by $9.3 million in FY18, $10.6 million in FY18 and $11.9 million in FY20 and out.
• $6.2 million in FY18 and out to establish new beacon programs in underserved communities and create cultural competency for training providers.
• Furthering Equity in Excellence through advancing the administration’s universal literacy program by the expansion ofSummer in the City (SITC). This program expansion, which will cost $1.9 million in FY17, $14.3 million in FY18 and $14.6 million in FY19 and out, will target second graders at risk academically in math and reading, allow 5,000 second- through fifth-grade students to participate in DYCD COMPASS programs, expand the career awareness program for Renewal high schools and expand summer programs from four hours to six.
• Funding critical upgrades and improvements to Special Education Student Information System to better deliver special education service. This is funded through $12.7 million in FY17 and $16.2 million in FY18 with additional funding in the out years.
• Improving internet speed in all of our schools through a commitment of $23.6 million in FY17, $16.4 million in FY18, $8.6 million in FY19, $11.2 million in FY20 and $11.5 million in FY21.
• Increasing K-12 capacity by adding $495 million in capital expenses in FY20-FY24 to keep the Mayor’s commitment to increase capacity for 38,487 new school seats at a total of $4.6 billion.
• Expanding Gun Violence Crisis Management to serve an additional 500 at-risk youth, for a total of 1,700, across seventeen neighborhoods with the highest rate of gun violence and hiring an additional 60 outreach workers at a cost of $4.5 million in FY18, continuing in the out years.
• Providing a wage increase to nearly 90,000 employees ofcontracted human service employees by 2020.

Rubén Díaz Jr. For Mayor, This Year

   In a statement to the New York Observer Bronx Borough President said the following to a question of if he is running for mayor against popular Democratic incumbent Bill de Blasio - Diaz Jr. said that he doesn’t know “right now what may or may not happen,” but he refused still to rule out the possibility. 

   Diaz Jr. is close with New York Governor Andrew Cuomo who in his state budget may have saved the Kingsbridge National Ice Center proposal at the Kingsbridge Armory by giving more state EDC aid to the project which has been stalled in the courts. Because of the court problems and lack of financing, it had seemed that Diaz Jr.'s hallmark project to revive the Kingsbridge Armory and surrounding area had failed. Now with new state financing the KNIC project could be back on tract which would give Diaz Jr. a lift, but have him owe the governor a favor. 

   City Comptroller Scott Stringer has said that he would run for Mayor only if current Mayor Bill de Blasio was indicted. This could be the favor Diaz Jr. is to repay the governor by running against the mayor that the governor is said to be at odds with, and looking for a candidate to run against the mayor. There would always be the probability of a high paying state job if Diaz Jr. was to lose. 

News From Congressman Eliot L. Engel

Engel Statement On MTA Plans to Expand Testing For Sleep Apnea  

Renews push for implementation of Positive Train Control on railways

Washington D.C.—Congressman Eliot L. Engel, a top member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, released the following statement regarding MTA plans to expand testing for sleep apnea across all divisions:

“The MTA’s proposal to expand sleep apnea testing is a good step in helping to identify issues that may affect some of our engineers and conductors. Safety in our train system is paramount, and we should be doing all we can to ensure our passengers are at not at risk when utilizing rail travel. But what we really need to prevent future rail accidents is Positive Train Control (PTC).

“In 2008, the U.S. Congress passed legislation requiring PTC implementation, which I supported and voted to enact.  Today we are approaching a decade since that legislation was passed, and still railways in the busy Northeast Corridor are without this vital, lifesaving technology. According to the Federal Railroad Administration, PTC technology  is ‘capable of reliably and functionally preventing train-to-train collisions, over speed derailments, incursions into established work zone limits, and the movement of a train through a main line switch in the wrong position.’ As the tragic incidents of trail derailments continue to occur across the country, it is obvious that more could and should be done to improve rail safety. We need to upgrade our rail lines and retrofit all our trains with PTC technology, and we need to do it immediately.”

Rep. Engel Statement in Opposition of H.R. 7

  Congressman Eliot L. Engel, a top member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee and a member of the House Pro Choice Caucus, released the following statement on H.R. 7, No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act, which the House passed this afternoon:

“House Republicans have chosen once again to target women’s personal freedoms, just days after hundreds of thousands filled D.C.’s streets to defend them. The No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act, which I vehemently oppose and voted against, expands and makes permanent abortion coverage bans. As a result, women seeking abortions are cut off from care on account of where they get insurance or where they live. Policies like this are even more harmful for low-income families and women of color.

“Congress should not determine what is best for a woman’s health. As a proud participant in this weekend’s Women’s March, I regret that House Republicans have once again targeted women in this dangerous way.”

Rep. Engel on House Republicans’ Refusal to Act on Paris Climate Agreement

Congressman Eliot L. Engel, a top member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, offered an amendment to the Republican Authorization and Oversight Plan of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for the 115th Congress. The amendment would have required the Committee to consider actions needed to meet our obligations under the Paris Climate Agreement. 

“The Republican plan for the new Congress says nothing about how our national energy policy should prevent or mitigate the effects of climate change,” Engel said.“My amendment would have added language to ensure that the Committee considers actions needed to meet our obligations under the Paris Agreement. Sadly, my suggested language was voted down, as partisan politics once again got in the way of protecting our environment and our children’s future.

“The Paris Agreement was a historic moment in the fight against climate change by establishing a strong global consensus to reduce carbon pollution and set the world on a path to a clean-energy future. We have an opportunity to implement policies that encourage American businesses to invest in new technologies and drive innovation, but my Republican colleagues remain singularly focused on the fossil fuel industry. To ignore such a large component of energy and climate policy is an enormous mistake.”

As President Trump and the Republican Party prepares to boost fossil fuel production, a new Pew Research Center poll finds that 65 percent of Americans would rather the U.S. focus on developing clean energy. 

The Engel amendment was defeated 21-30 on a party-line vote.