Monday, January 25, 2016

Combating Climate Change, Fighting Snow Price Gouging & More


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Standing Up For The President’s Environmental Plan

This week a federal appeals court denied an attempt from multiple states and industry groups to block the EPA’s Clean Power Plan, which would regulate greenhouse gas emissions from existing fossil fuel power plants. Attorney General Schneiderman announced in November that his office was leading a coalition of 25 states, counties and municipalities in defense of the Clean Power Plan, and filed a motion to intervene responding to suits challenging the rules. The Attorney General applauds the court’s decision, and will continue to work with states and local governments to defend the Clean Power Plan as the litigation continues, and ensure that necessary progress is made in confronting climate change.

Leading The Fight Against Heroin Addiction

A highly effective heroin overdose antidote will continue to be sold at a discounted price to all New York State agencies, thanks to an agreement the Attorney General reached with Amphastar Pharmaceuticals. The drug Naloxone will continue to be sold to agencies at a reduced rate for another year—with the deal reducing the price of the drug by nearly 20 percent. Lowering the price of Naloxone will save lives and help agencies all across New York fight the scourge of heroin abuse. In addition to the price reduction for Naloxone negotiated by the Attorney General, the office launched the Community Overdose Prevention program in 2014, which made the antidote available to every state and local law enforcement officer in New York. The Attorney General remains committed to a comprehensive approach toward reducing heroin and prescription drug abuse in New York State. 

Protecting New Yorkers Against Price Gouging During Winter Storms

With the threat of dangerous winter weather this weekend, the Attorney General issued a consumer alert warning consumers and businesses about price gouging. State law prohibits merchants from taking unfair advantage of consumers by selling goods or services at an excessive price during serious market disruptions, and the Attorney General wants any consumers who believe they have been the victim of price gouging to report their concerns to his office. The Attorney General has been successful in holding those who engage in price gouging accountable, including filing lawsuits against more than 50 gas stations for violations in the wake of Hurricane Sandy. Inclement weather is not a time for business to exploit New Yorkers in order to line their pockets. 

Creating Fair Access To Employment

The Attorney general announced settlement with Big Lots Stores and Marshalls to “Ban The Box” and eliminate inquiries into criminal history for potential applications on initial employment applications. The settlements follows an investigation finding that the two companies made inquiries in the criminal history of prospective applicants in their Buffalo stores after the City of Buffalo enacted “Ban The Box” legislation prohibiting such practices. In addition to agreeing to comply with the Buffalo law, both companies will remove such inquiries from any applications to any store in the state. The Attorney General believes that if we are serious about reducing recidivism, we must remove barriers to re-entry and create fair access to employment.  

Continuing The Crackdown Against Deceptive Auto Dealerships

When consumers shop for a car, they should not be misled by deceptive auto dealerships looking to make a quick buck. Unfortunately, the Attorney General continues to uncover instances of dealerships selling “after sale” products and services without consumer knowledge, sometimes inflating the price of a car by more than $2,000. The latest instance of these alleged practices comes from Koeppel dealerships in Queens, which now face a lawsuit from the Attorney General. It is charged that the dealership sold these after-sale credit repair and identity theft protection services to 1,426 consumers, allowing Koeppel to collect more than $1 million over nearly two years. The Attorney General also announced settlements with dealerships in Nassau and Suffolk counties in Long Island for engaging in similar practices, which will result in more than $100,000 in refunds for consumers.   

Improving Transparency In Government

The Attorney General announced a re-launch of his office’s online public data portal, NYOpenGovernment.com, which will now allow the public to look at lobbying disclosures in New York State. Users will also be able to track more easily what issues lobbyists and their clients are advocating, and how they result in specific legislation. Users will also be able search data to connect the business of a donor to the political contributions made to a candidate’s campaign. NYOpenGovernment.com is the only statewide resource that aggregates government data such as campaign finance, lobbying, charities, state contracts and corporate registrations.

Taking Down Identity Theft Schemes

A Manhattan man has been indicted by the Attorney General for the second time for allegedly perpetrating an identity theft scheme. Sharif King has been charged with pretending to run a bus company and stealing the identity of a prospective employee to purchase a $58,000 Mercedes Benz. This past June, King was indicted for allegedly purporting to have a record label company, which he used as a front to lure job candidates. It is then alleged that King stole the personal information of these individuals, which he then used to open credit cards and apply for a $29,000 loan. As thieves constantly come up with new and creative ways to target and take advantage of victims, the Attorney General wants all New Yorkers to exercise caution when disclosing personal information, and to immediately report if they believe they have been scammed. 

Protecting Medicaid Against Fraud

CenterLight Healthcare will return more than $28 million to New York State following a settlement, which resolves allegations the company’s Select Medicaid Managed Long Term Care Plan (MLTCP) fraudulently billed Medicaid for services they did not provide to more than 1,200 Medicaid recipients. Under the settlement, CenterLight Healthcare admitted that it enrolled Medicaid beneficiaries who were referred by social adult day care centers even though the beneficiaries were not eligible to receive managed long-term care under the plan, and that the centers were providing services that did not qualify for reimbursement. It’s simple: CenterLight HealthCare did not play by the rules, and the Attorney General won’t tolerate companies which seek to exploit state resources for profit.   

Safeguarding State Resources

Two New Rochelle residents have pleaded guilty to stealing more than $69,000 in unemployment benefits. Stephanie Vega and Dennis Broccolo were each charged with twice submitting false applications for unemployment insurance benefits by claiming to have worked at two different companies at which they were never employed.
In a separate case, the Attorney General announced the sentencing of a non-profit executive for pocketing taxpayer dollars intended for her non-profit corporation Agneldocs, Inc. It was alleged Ogundu took over $300,000 grants from the federal government, New York State and New York City by using the money to pay the mortgage and utilities on a commercial property she owned, make improvements to that property to increase its value, purchase and ship vehicles to Nigeria, and make other purchases for her personal benefit and for the benefit of her for-profit business. 
Have a question, comment, or complaint? Click here. You can also learn more about the various initiatives of the Attorney General's office by visiting our website at ag.ny.gov

Winter Storm Update Monday January 25, 2016



   The city received 26.8 inches of snow in Central Park--the second largest total since 1869. The Mayor urged New Yorkers to refrain from travel except when necessary in order to allow plows to continue clearing our streets. 
"While the storm is over, there is still work to be done. We urge all New Yorkers not to travel on our roads except when necessary, and to be extremely careful when driving. Our tireless sanitation workers are out in full force and we must give them space to clear the roads. If you go outside, use caution and stay alert for ice and cold temperatures," said Mayor Bill de Blasio. 
Schools

NYC Public Schools are open.
NYPD
· A total of 25 summonses were issued in relation to the Mayor's Executive Order.
· Assisted in 367 tows across the City.
Department of Sanitation
· DSNY has plowed all streets at least once. Focusing on secondary and tertiary streets today.
· DSNY has more than 2,300 pieces of snow clearing equipment out.
· Sanitation workers remain on two 12-hour shifts, with 2,300 workers per shift.
DOT
· Alternate Side Parking rules suspended through Friday 1/29. Meters remain in effect.
· DOT has deployed more than 350 workers and 240 trucks and pieces of equipment to assist in snow removal.
· JC Decaux has cleared several hundred bus shelters across the City.
NYC Emergency Management

· NYCEM Emergency Operations Center remains activated.
· NYCEM has deployed Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) volunteers citywide to assist with clearing fire hydrants of snow, and is working with NYC Service to provide help to those who may need assistance shoveling. Anyone needing assistance should call 311.
FDNY

· Maintaining approximately 300 additional fire and EMS personnel on duty through 6 PM hours today to staff additional ambulances plus extra firefighter on all engine companies.
· Hydrant clearing operations underway today - there are approximately 110,000 hydrants throughout the city. FDNY will survey and clear as necessary, and is asking the public to help clear hydrants.
· Fire and EMS personnel responded to 6,000 emergency calls during the storm, including nearly 4,000 medical calls.

Homeless Services
Code Blue protocols are in effect. No one seeking shelter in New York City will be denied. Anyone who sees a homeless individual or family out in the cold should call 311 immediately and an outreach team will be dispatched to assist them.
Heat and Hot Water
Any tenant lacking heat and hot water should immediately call 311. The Department of Housing Preservation and Development has crews responding.
NYC Transit and MTA Bus Service
Subway service has been restored to portions of the above ground network hit hardest by this weekend's record snowfall. Service will be limited and most express service is suspended. Service on NYC Transit and MTA bus has resumed on a modified Sunday schedule. Limited buses are making all local stops. Access-A-Ride service has resumed scheduled trips.
Ferry Services
Staten Island Ferry in service and running on normal schedule. Seastreak service is suspended.
Further Notifications
For information and updates related to weather and travel conditions, visit sign up for Notify NYC, the City's free emergency notification system. Through Notify NYC, New Yorkers can receive phone calls, text messages and/or emails alerts about traffic and transit disruptions and other emergencies. To sign up for Notify NYC, call 311, visitNYC.gov/notifynyc, or follow @NotifyNYC on Twitter.   
Travel Safety Tips
New Yorkers are urged to staff off the roads unless travel is necessary so that the Sanitation department can continue to clean streets throughout the day:
· Use mass transportation whenever possible. If you must drive, drive slowly and use major streets or highways for travel whenever possible.
· If you're walking outdoors, be careful as sidewalks may be snowy and icy.
· Have heightened awareness of cars, particularly when approaching or crossing intersections.

Snow Removal Safety Tips

· Stretch before you go out.
· Cover your mouth. Protect your lungs from extremely cold air by covering your mouth when outdoors.
· Avoid overexertion. Take frequent rest breaks, and drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
· Keep dry. Change wet clothes frequently to prevent a loss of body heat.
· Do not cover fire hydrants with snow when clearing sidewalks and driveways. Do not shovel snow into manholes and catch basins.
· Offer to help individuals who require special assistance, including seniors and people with disabilities and access and functional needs.
· Promptly remove ice and snow from tree limbs, your roof, and other structures. If snow/ice accumulates, remove it using a snow rake with a long extension arm so you can remove it safely while standing on the ground, or hire a snow removal contractor.
· Clear tree branches or limbs that could potentially fall on your home or power lines.
· Clear leaves and other debris from gutters.

We hope this information proves helpful and that you take precaution when traveling. Please call 311 for any issues you may be experiencing in relation to the snow. For any emergencies, please call 911.
Thanks go out to Councilman Ydanis Rodriguez for this information.


Sunday, January 24, 2016

100 PERCENT Saturday January 23, 2015


100 PERCENT
By Robert Press

17th City Council Special Election 

   First, if you have not looked outside the second largest snow fall in the history of NYC fell yesterday. A total of 26 inches, missing the record by only a few snow flakes. So how did it go yesterday? It seems that Governor Andrew Cuomo trumped Mayor Bill de Blasio once again by declaring a State of Emergency for the New York City Metro area, and it seemed that no one gave the mayor advance warning. The Governor also put a travel ban into effect, stopped bus and above ground rail service in the afternoon, and again it looked like the mayor could only confirm what the governor did. Both the Governor and Mayor had several press conferences during the day, and they were always separate from one another. I was waiting to see the Governor's choice to run against Mayor de Blasio at one of his announcements, but that did not happen, or did it? Anyway Mayor de Blasio will come out a loser no matter what he does, and right now he was only able to suspend alternate side of the street parking for Monday. What about school, and will the streets be cleared of snow so school buses can run and safely pick up and drop off children? 
  On to the 17th City Council Special Election. 11 candidates filed petitions by the close of the Board of elections deadline. The names include Rafael Salamanca, Julio Pabon, George Alvarez, Joann Otero, Marlin Molina, J. Loren Russell, John Perez, Carlton Curry, Amanda Septimo, Elliot Quinones, and Helen Hunt. 
  Former Assemblyman turned journalist Michael Benjamin has reported that candidates Curry and Hunt will be thrown off the ballot for not filing an acceptance of the nomination, and that the petition of Amanda Septimo will be thrown out for having the word Democratic on the petition in an non partisan election. 
  I have been told other candidates may also fall as the challenges are heard by the Board of Elections and then the court challenges are heard. The Bronx Democratic County organization under the leadership of Assemblyman Marcos Crespo whose assembly district just happens to be part of the 17th City Council district is heavily involved in the candidacy of Rafael Salamanca the current District Manager of Bronx Community Board #2. Elected officials have maxed out on contributions to Salamanca's campaign. and it looks like there may be some problems as to just when Salamanca was a candidate for the city council, and his use of the community board office for political gain. I am sure the NYC Conflict of Interest Board is looking into this, and I would not be surprised to see an investigation by the U.S. Attorney's office. 
  One question is, Bronx Democratic County Leader Assemblyman Marcos Crespo may have jumped the gun by announcing on Saturday December 18, 2015, after interviewing candidates who were interested in running for the soon to be vacant 17th City Council Special Election, that the Bronx Democratic County organization has chosen Rafael Salamanca as its candidate. The Bronx Democratic County Executive Director Mr. Anthony Perez later tried to downplay this by saying that the Bronx Democratic County Organization has not officially made its choice. Mr. Anthony Perez is also a member of a Bronx Community Board. 
  Candidate Julio Pabon was also interviewed by the Bronx Democratic County organization before December 18, 2015 for the not yet vacant 17th City Council seat, and it is said that Pabon thought the choice was already made. This are other Conflicts of Interest by Bronx Community Board #2 District Manager Salamanca. Salamanca also was campaigning at various Christmas events held by State Senator Ruben Diaz Sr. I attended two such events that were held in Public Schools where Mr. Salamanca was electioneering while still being the District Manager of Bronx Community Board #2. It appears that there are other problems with Mr. Salamanca's campaign, and even Bronx Community Board #2 that needs to be investigated further. I submitted a Freedom of Information Letter to Bronx Community Board #2 requesting six items including minutes of general and Executive Board meeting that are part of Mr. Salamanca's job, but unavailable for viewing, if they do exist. In fact I was able to get hold of the October 29, 2014 minutes of the general meeting that was held at Urban Health Plan 1054 Simpson Street. On Mr. Salamanca's Campaign Finance Disclosure statement are contributions from about a dozen employees of Urban Health Plan. I thank the person who sent that to me. It appears that there needs to be much more investigation into Bronx Community Board #2 District Manager Rafael Salamanca, Bronx Community Board #2, and the Bronx Democratic County organization. I would suggest to candidate Rafael Salamanca that he withdraw from the 17th City Council Special Election now. More in upcoming columns, and there is a candidates forum scheduled for Wednesday January 27th at the Pregones Theater located at 575 Walton Avenue starting at 5:30 PM running until 9 PM. From the look at the listing of topics for questions that Mr. Benjamin posted, it looks to be geared to someone in the position of a Land Use Committee Chairman or Community Board District Manager.  
  If you have any political information (especially about the 17th City Council special election) that you want to share or have checked out, any comments about this column or would like to have an event listed or covered in this column or on this blog, you can e-mail us at 100percentbronxnews@gmail.com or call 718-644-4199 Mr. Robert Press.   
    

Saturday, January 23, 2016

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.'s State of the Borough Address







The Honorable Ruben Diaz Jr.
President, Borough of The Bronx

cordially invites you to
The State of The Borough Address
Thursday, February 18, 2016
11:30 a.m.
Cardinal Hayes High School
650 Grand Concourse
The Bronx
seating is limited
The Office of Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.
 
718-590-3500
webmail@bronxbp.nyc.gov |  bronxboropres.nyc.gov

Bronx Democratic County Committee Upcoming Events



Bronx Dems' Winter Reception
When:  
Thurs. 2/18/16 from 6:30 - 9:30pm
Where  
Michaelangelo's - 2477 Arthur Avenue, Bronx, NY

You are cordially invited to join Hon. Marcos A. Crespo & the Bronx Democratic County Committee for a Winter Reception.

To RSVP or for more information, please call347.281.9759 or email events@bronxdems.org

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State of the 79th Assembly District Address
When: Sat. 1/30/16 at 4p
Where: Dreamyard - 1085 Washington Avenue The Bronx, NY
The Honorable Michael A. Blake cordially invites you to the State of the 79th Assembly District Address. 

RSVP by calling (718) 538-3829.
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BYD General Board Meeting: #Not62
When: Mon. 1/25/16 at 7p
Where: New Settlement Community Center - 1501 Jerome Ave, Bronx, NY
Join the Bronx Young Democrats as they take the #Not62 pledge & learn ways to develop a healthier mind & body.

For more information, please contactbydtreasurer@bronxdems.org.
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Free Smoke/Carbon Monoxide Alarm Giveaway
When: Wed. 1/27/16 from 2 - 5p
Where: AM Pichardo District Office - 2175C Jerome Ave, Bronx, NY

The Office of Assemblymember Victor M. Pichardo in partnership with the American Red Cross and the FDNY are giving away free smoke/carbon monoxide detectors. First come, first served. 

For more information call (718) 933-6909.
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Stonewall Democratic Club Presidential Endorsement Meeting
When: Wed. 1/27/16 from 8 - 9:30p

The SDNYC are hosting a presidential endorsement meeting to decide who Stonewallers will support in the 2016 presidential campaign! Representatives from Senator Bernie Sander's campaign and from Secretary Hillary Clinton's campaign will be in attendance.

Visit their Facebook page for more information.
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Free Health Care EnrollmentWhen:  Thurs. 1/28/16 from 3 - 7pmWhere: 940 E. Gun Hill Road, Bronx, NY
Join Council Member Andy King, MetroPlusHealth Plan, and LiveOn NY for free healthcare enrollment. Metro-Plus will provide free enrollment in low to no-cost health insurance. LiveOn NY will provide help with benefits such as Medicare, SCRIE, SNAP and other referrals.
For more information contact Andy King's office at (718) 684-5509
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New Leaders Council 2016 Gala
When:  
Thurs. 1/28/16 from 6:30 - 9:30pm
Where  
Atwood Kitchen & Bar Room -
986 2nd Ave (at 52nd St), NY, NY

Join the NLC NYC Advisory Board and friends on January 28th as they welcome a new class of 2016 Fellows and celebrate New Leaders Council's impact in NYC - with a keynote from Assemblywoman Diana Richardson!
For more information and to purchase tickets click here
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CM Gibson & the NYPL Mini College & Job Expo
When:  
Fri. 1/29/16 from 11am - 4pm
Where  
Morrisania NYPL Branch, 610 E. 169 St. Bronx, NY (corner of Franklin Ave.)

Council member Vanessa Gibson and the New York Public Library present the Mini College & Job Expo. Bring your resume and business attire. 

For a list of colleges and employers, please go to the Morrisania NYPL Branch website.

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In solidarity,
 
Hon. Marcos A. Crespo, Chair
The Bronx Democratic County Committee
1640 Eastchester Rd.

BLIZZARD UPDATE - Travel Ban - MTA Shutdown



  There has been a travel ban announced by Governor Cuomo for the New York City, Long Island, and Westchester County area to begin at 2:30 PM due to the heavy Snow continuing to come down. This means that drives must be off any roads unless it is an emergency, or risk being fined for ignoring the travel ban.

   The MTA has announced that all Metro North trains, Long Island Railroad, and above ground Subway lines will be shut down at 4 P.M. until further notice. Underground subway routes will be in operation until it becomes unable to do so. 

 NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio has said that over two feet of snow can be expected in the NYC area. This is expected to be one of the five worse storms in the history of the city.