The Return OF 'ONE PUSHY BROAD"?

   Seen above at the May 2013 Ben Franklin Democratic Club Mayoral Debate, then candidate former City Council Speaker Christine Quinn is said to be eyeing a return to elected office. Just what office Quinn may run for has not been announced, but she did head Governor Andrew Cuomo's Women's Equality Party movement that resulted in the WEP receiving over 50,0000 votes statewide which made it an official state designated party. However since the November 2014 election there has been little if any movement by the WEP since gaining a ballot line. In fact when going to their website there still remains a posting to vote on the Women's Equality Line in November 2014 so it can become an officially recognized state ballot line.   

  Quinn is reported to be regretting having not played up the nickname she received during the election by some like us - "One Pushy Broad'. Quinn took the high road, and tried to win the mayors race on her record which was not enough as we have learned. Then there are some who have said that overturning the term limit law was her demise. 

  We do hope to see former Speaker Quinn take an active role in the 2017 race for mayor, be it as a candidate or some other form such as a consultant. We miss the 'Pushy Broad'.  

Consumer Affairs Hosts Tax Prep Day in Partnership with NYS Senator Rivera and Food Bank For New York City

  Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) Commissioner Julie Menin, New York State Senator Gustavo Rivera and Food Bank For New York City Chief Marketing and Communications Officer Silvia Davi hosted a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Day to promote free tax preparation services available in the Bronx. During the event, tax filers had their tax returns prepared for free and learned about refundable tax credits that will put money back in their pockets such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and NYC Child Care Tax Credit (NYC CCTC). Tax filers who earn up to $53,000 are eligible to free tax preparation. A list of the more than 200 free tax preparation sites is available onnyc.gov/taxprep. 

  New York City is spending 3 million dollars to get the word out to taxpayers who are eligible for the Earned Income Credit, (and other tax credits) through agencies like the Food Bank at 120 full service sites. Silvia Davi (Chief Marketing and Communications Officer) of the Food Bank said 'Due to recent federal and other cuts to programs the equivalent of 56 million meals have been lost". 

  State Senator Gustavo Rivera said "1 in 5 NYC people who are eligible for the Earned Income Credit do not take advantage of the tax credit, which can average $2,500 dollars and up to $10,000 dollars, even if you do not have to file taxes". 

   Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) Commissioner Julie Menin said that the city goal is to increase the number of families taking advantage of the EITC to 150,000 families this year. Last year 96,000 families took advantage of the EITC and the free tax preparation which generated around $160 million dollars of spendable dollars by the families. This year the goal is to increase that figure by $90 million dollars in additional spendable money by the 50,000 new families taking the EITC. 

Above - DCA Commissioner Meng explains why the EITC Credit is so important to families who are eligible, but do not take the credit.

Below - State Senator Gustavo Rivera tells the audience the average EITC credit is $2,500, and up to $10.000.00. Silvia Davi of the Food Bank of New York is on the left in both photos. This event took place at the Bronxworks location at 80 East 181st Street. 

STATE SENATOR JEFF KLEIN FUNDS FREE SPRING BREAK CAMP FOR STUDENTS AT P.S. 83

Photo Left to Right: Brandon Muccino, Principal of P.S. 83; Senator Jeff Klein; Nick Affisco, Program Developer at STS Sports; STS Sports Staff; Community Members; Students of P.S. 83. (Photo courtesy of Senator Klein's office). 

Klein, United Federation of Teachers, P.S. 83 Partner to Provide Week-Long Camp to Students and Families Through NYC Community Learning Schools Initiative

State Senator Jeff Klein visited more than 130 students, parents and administrators at P.S. 83’s Ultimate Enrichment Spring Break Camp in the Bronx on Tuesday, April 7th. The week-long camp, provided to P.S. 83 students and families at no cost, was funded by a $1.5 million state grant Senator Klein secured through the New York City Community Learning Schools Initiative last year.

“Providing our youngsters with access to essential resources, vital supports and meaningful enrichment activities ensures today’s students have the tools they need to be successful tomorrow,” said Senator Jeff Klein. “Not only does this camp help local students learn and grow, it supports hard-working Bronx families who often have difficulty finding a helping hand during school breaks. I want to thank the United Federation of Teachers, P.S. 83, STS Sports and all the local parents for their continued support of the Community Learning Schools Initiative and for making this camp a huge success for our students.”

"I want to thank Senator Klein for making this Spring Break camp possible. For single and working parents, the five days children are off for spring break can really pose a problem,” said Frank Cassano, Resource Coordinator at P.S. 83 Bronx, United Federation of Teachers. “With our camp, more than 130 students receive a full day of activities. Not only sports and recreation, but science and arts lessons -- plus breakfast and lunch. It is a real partnership between parents, the school and the community."

“At Ultimate Enrichment, it is our goal to create an environment and experience that is unforgettable for all children, filled with fun activities that stimulate their mind and body, as well as  building their confidence and self-esteem,” said Nick Affisco, Program Developer at STS Sports. “Through the assistance from the Community Learning grant and Senator Klein, we were able to provide 135 children with this incredible experience for their Spring Break. Through activities such as science projects, dance, sports training, academic enrichment, arts and crafts, these students experienced an educational atmosphere that was both fun and stimulating.”

The free, week-long camp has enrolled more than 130 students and runs from Monday, April 6th through Friday, April 10th from 7:30 A.M to 6:00 P.M. Breakfast and lunch is provided to students at no cost. Each day, students participate in a variety of enrichment activities including arts, science, dance, sports and games. To date, students have completed a model of the solar system, a demonstration on how blood works, a diagram of the phases of the moon using oreo cookies, a bollywood dance performance and more.

Tomorrow Hundreds of Residents Rally for Mayor to Invest in NYCHA

Hundreds of NYCHA Residents and Supporters Will Urge Mayor de Blasio to Allocate $100 Million Annually in NYC Capital Funds for Major Improvements Needed in Public Housing Buildings

The rally comes a month after the historic mobilization of NYCHA tenants to Albany

WHO: Council Member Torres, NYCHA residents, advocates from Real Affordability For All (RAFA), Comptroller Scott Stringer, Borough President Gale Brewer, Council Members

WHAT:  While the State set aside $100 million for NYCHA in its 2015 budget deal, the funds are only a fraction of what’s needed to improve the deplorable conditions in its public housing developments. That’s why tenants are now counting on Mayor Bill de Blasio to continue his support for public housing by committing to a much-needed long-term investment such as a baseline minimum of $100 million annually for NYCHA in the municipal budget.

WHERE: Steps of City Hall

WHEN: Thursday, April 9, 12 noon.

Diaz Team Announces the Fifth Abrazo Garifuna

What You Should Know
By State Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz
32nd Senatorial District 

You should know that the Diaz Team is comprised of New York State Senator Ruben Diaz, along with Assembly members Marcos Crespo, Luis Sepulveda and Michael Blake – and we are announcing that this Thursday, April 9, 2015 at 7pm there will be more than 500 people attending the Fifth Abrazo Garifuna in New York celebration at Maestro's Caterers located at 1703 Bronxdale Avenue.

This Abrazo Garifuna is celebration of the many contributions of the Garifuna community to the City and State of New York. New York State Senator Ruben Diaz, along with Assembly members Marcos Crespo, Luis Sepulveda and Michael Blake will be honoring from distinguished members of the Garifuna community for their outstanding achievements.  They are: Marcia Gomez, for Community Leadership; Yeny Budari Placios, for Arts and Culture; Deacon Apolonio Mejia, for Religion; and Arnol Guity-Martinez for Youth Leadership.

It is important for you to know that this event for the Garifuna community is completely free - and that there are the 500 seats that will be available to the first 500 people who arrive.

Editors Note:  We call it Team Diaz rather than the Diaz Team.

STACEY DASH NAMED TO BRONX WALK OF FAME

Actress, Writer, and TV Commentator Stacey Dash To Be Inducted Into The Bronx Walk of Fame

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. announced today that actress, author and television commentator Stacey Dash will be inducted into the 2015 Bronx Walk of Fame.

“We are excited about inducting the charismatic Stacey Dash into the Bronx Walk of Fame,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. “Our newest member of The Bronx Walk of Fame is a multi-talented and distinguished Bronxite who represents the fearless spirit of our borough to the fullest, whether it is in movies such as the 1995 classic ‘Clueless,’ or speaking her mind as a television commentator and writer.”

“I am very grateful to have been chosen to be a part of such an important and significant event in the borough of my birth, a place that left an impact in my life and made me who I am – Bronx Strong,” said Dash. “This borough is very special to me and I truly appreciate being inducted into The Bronx Walk of Fame. I want to thank, in particular, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., who has made it his mission to transform The Bronx into a better place for all residents, and for his vision in motivating all Bronxites to follow their dreams.”

Stacey knew that she wanted to act, and from an early age appeared in commercials before landing first small-screen role in the 1982 made-for-TV film Farrell for the People. She then went on to playing a recurring role on The Cosby Show, and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.

She made her feature film debut at 21 years old in Enemy Territory. Since then Dash has led a notable acting career that has spanned more than 20 years. She has appeared in numerous films and television series including roles in Renaissance Man, Mo' Money, and View from the Top.

Her work in Clueless earned her a nomination for a 1995 “Youth in Film Award” for “Best Young Supporting Actress in a Feature Film,” which earned her a role in the television adaptation.

In May 2014, Dash was hired as a contributor for "cultural analysis and commentary" by Fox News, where she voices her opinions and encourages discussion on topics ranging from pop culture to national news and politics across all media platforms.

Her book “There Goes My Social Life”, is scheduled for publication this summer, where Dash discusses how she became a conservative, her upbringing in the South Bronx and her Hollywood career.

Stacey Dash will be officially inducted into the Bronx Walk of Fame as part of the 44^th annual Bronx Week, a program of The Bronx Tourism Council.

Bronx Week 2015 is a highly-anticipated 11-day event where the entire borough, including government, business, and the community-at-large, come together to celebrate “The Best of The Bronx” through festivals, concerts, health fairs, parades, performances and a host of other activities. It will take place from May 8-17. At the end of the 11-day celebration, our hometown heroes like Dash are honored with induction into the Bronx Walk of Fame, where their names are emblazoned on a street sign to reside on the historic Grand Concourse forever.

For more information about Bronx Week 2015, visitwww.ilovethebronx.com.

Croton FMC Meeting on April 20

The Croton FMC will meet on Monday, April 20 at 7:00pm at the DEP office, 3660 Jerome Avenue, Bronx NY 10467.

The agenda will be posted once it is available.

MAYORS DE BLASIO AND GARCETTI ANNOUNCE LEGAL ACTION IN SUPPORT OF IMMIGRATION REFORMS

More Than 70 Cities & Counties Sign Texas vs. United States Appeal Urging Immediate Implementation of President Obama’s Immigration Executive Action

  New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti announced today that 73 cities and counties had filed a new friend-of-the-court brief in the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in the Texas vs. United States lawsuit, urging immediate implementation of President Obama’s executive actions on immigration.

“Continuing to delay implementation of the President’s executive action on immigration hurts our economy and puts families at risk,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “Cities are where immigrants live, and cities are where the President’s executive action will be successfully implemented. Our cities are united, and we will fight for the immigration reform this nation needs and deserves – whether in the courtroom, in Congress, or in our communities. Make no mistake about it: our voices will be heard.”

“Our cities cannot afford delays to immigration reforms that will strengthen our economy and help families,” said Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti. “This isn’t a blue or red issue, but a human and economic one.”

The brief demonstrates robust support from the country’s largest cities – as well as suburbs and rural areas – for the President’s reforms, which will temporarily relieve from deportation thousands of immigrants who have longstanding ties to the U.S.

The cities and counties – representing 43 million people across the country – argue that the district court judge who temporarily blocked implementation of the programs failed to consider the significant harm to America’s local governments caused by this delay.

According to an analysis by the City, each month that the implementation of these programs is delayed, New York City and New York State will lose at least $1.5 million in additional state and local tax revenue that would be generated if 100,000 immigrants in New York City were able to access temporary work permits through executive action.

“New York’s immigrants are vital to our economy and we must do all we can to help them grow and thrive. Mayor de Blasio is correct – instead of putting up barriers, we should be looking at ways to help immigrants climb the ladder of economic opportunity and welcome them into our communities. The New York State Assembly Majority strongly supports President Obama’s executive action on immigration, and further delay by those who would derail this important initiative is unacceptable,” said New York State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie.

“Each day we wait to implement President Obama’s bold immigration reforms, millions of hard-working families remain in legal limbo. Immigrant communities built New York City, and they are the heart and soul of urban centers across our country,” said Public Advocate Letitia James. “As Congress and federal courts stall meaningful progress on immigration, New York City will continue to lead the nation.”   

As part of Cities United for Immigration Action, Mayors de Blasio and Garcetti led the effort to organize more than 70 cities and counties, the National League of Cities, and the U.S. Conference of Mayors in arguing that the national public interest is served clearly and overwhelmingly by implementing immigration relief by executive action without delay. Today’s brief more than doubles the number of local governments that had previously voiced opposition to the lawsuit brought by states seeking to block President Obama’s immigration reform efforts.

The brief also argues that the District Court judge’s decision to block executive action with a preliminary injunction is bad for the economy, hurts families, threatens law enforcement priorities, and will stall desperately needed changes to the federal government’s immigration policies.

The de Blasio Administration has a proven track record of spearheading initiatives that integrate immigrants into the civic and economic life of New York City. From the IDNYC municipal identification program to increasing access to federal immigration benefits, New York City is committed to championing pro-immigrant policies that promote equity and create opportunity for all residents.

This collective action to offer the Court the crucial perspective of American cities and counties is an outcome of the organizing efforts of the Cities United for Immigration Action coalition. By filing this brief, America’s mayors and county leaders are making a strong statement in support of the President’s plan to grant administrative relief to over four million undocumented children and adults.

   

Numerous cities and counties signed on to today’s brief are located in states that brought the lawsuit against the Obama administration or have otherwise indicated support for the lawsuit, including five cities in Texas, six localities in New Jersey, two counties in Arizona, and three municipalities in Wisconsin. Cities and counties signed on to the brief (in formation) include the following local governments:

Alexandria, VA

Allentown, PA

Atlanta, GA

Austin, TX

Baltimore, MD

Bell, CA

Boston, MA

Bridgeport, CT

Buffalo, NY

Cambridge, MA               

Central Falls, RI

Chapel Hill, NC

Charleston, SC

Chicago, IL

Coconino County, AZ

Columbia, SC

Columbus, OH

Dallas County, TX

Dayton, OH

Denver, CO

Dolton, IL

El Paso County, TX

Everett, MA

Gary, IN

Haledon, NJ

Hartford, CT

Highland Park, IL

Hoboken, NJ

Holyoke, MA

Houston, TX

Jersey City, NJ

Kansas City, MO

Little Rock, AR

Los Angeles, CA

Los Angeles County, CA

Lucas County, OH

Madison, WI

Milwaukee, WI

Minneapolis, MN

Montgomery County, MD

Newark, NJ

New York, NY

Niagara Falls, NY

North Miami, FL

Oakland, CA

Paterson, NJ

Philadelphia, PA

Pittsburgh, PA

Plainfield, NJ

Portland, OR

Providence, RI

Racine, WI

Ramsey County, MN

Rochester, NY

Salt Lake City, UT

San Francisco, CA

San Jose, CA

Santa Ana, CA

Santa Cruz County, AZ

Santa Fe, NM

Santa Monica, CA

Schenectady, NY

Seattle, WA

Skokie, IL

St. Louis, MO

State College, PA

Syracuse, NY

Tacoma, WA

Tampa, FL

Travis County, TX

Washington, D.C.

West Covina, CA

Yonkers, NY

National League of Cities

U.S. Conference of Mayors

“We stand with New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio’s and Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti’s decision to file a ‘friend-of-the-court’ brief in support of President Barack Obama’s executive action on immigration,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. “The President’s executive action currently being blocked in the courts hurts The Bronx and New York City, with the borough losing out on potential local tax revenues that would be generated by these hard-working immigrants who just want to come out the shadows and positively contribute to our country. We are the land of opportunity, built on the ideal that we are melting pot that promotes equality for all and we must continue to strive for those ideals that make our country great.”