UNIONS & LEADERS FIGHT TRUMP’S ANTI-LABOR VISION WITH STATE SENATE IDC MEMBERS

Unions and Independent Democratic Conference members stand together against national right-to-work legislation and release four-point protection plan for New York State workers

Standing up against the anti-labor vision of Donald Trump, Senator Marisol Alcantara, Labor Chair of the New York State Senate and Senator Diane Savino, Former Labor Chair of the New York State Senate, joined by Senators Jeff Klein, Jesse Hamilton, and Jose Peralta, with New York City labor leaders called on federal representatives to block right-to-work legislation and announced a four-point Labor Protection Plan to combat anti-worker legislation being pushed at the national level.

Alarmingly, Republicans in Congress have introduced legislation that would expand right-to-work laws nationally. Such laws exist in 28 states and have resulted in lower wages for workers, reductions in employers providing workers with benefits like health insurance and decreases in manufacturing jobs. The IDC’s protection proposal aims to prevent the expansion of right-to-work legislation in New York while calling on federal representatives to block its expansion nationally.

“As a longtime labor organizer and as a student of history, I am well aware of the importance of the labor movement in building the middle class in this country. It is past time that we stopped talking about how to manage the decline of organized labor and started talking about how to revitalize it for the changing conditions of the 21st century. I will fight to ensure dignity and a living wage for all New York State workers, and will stand strongly against any attempts by the federal government to undermine unions,” said Senator Alcantara.

“Unions were born in New York City, and as a former union leader I will always defend the rights of the men and women in labor. Right-to-work legislation is bad policy that decimates unions by tearing apart collective bargaining and overall discouraging workers from benefitting from what unions offer. The truth is when you live in a pro-union state, you earn more, you receive better health insurance benefits and you live more comfortably in retirement. These are important worker dignities that we will always stand by and fight for in this state, and and we will attempt to thwart any interference by the federal government to take those important rights away,” said Senator Savino.

“The attacks on labor across this country through right-to-work laws has had a devastating effect on the lives of workers. Now, with Vice President Mike Pence, a staunch defender of these laws, in the White House we have seen a push to expand them nationally by Congress. We will not stand by idly. The IDC will oppose any law that attempts to disenfranchise labor unions in this state and I urge my colleagues at the national level to do the same,” said Senator Klein.

“The working class is clearly under attack in the country, and one of the weapons being utilized to combat organized labor is the right-to-work laws, a tsunami that has swept labor protections and rights in more than two dozen states nationwide. States that have passed some sort of right-to-work legislation experienced negative economic outcomes, losing manufacturing jobs in an already decreasing workforce. I, alongside my colleagues in the IDC, strongly oppose any attempts to implement any form of right-to-work laws in our State, and we will work to ensure none of these failed policies become law in New York. We are not going to stay passive as elected officials and organizations work to undermine labor rights and protections,” said Senator Peralta.

"Having been a member of DC37 for twenty-eight years, I know first-hand the value of unions. Unions have been at the core of upholding workers’ rights for generations. We need to build on that legacy of protecting worker safety, fighting for fair wages, and upholding the value of shared prosperity. We need to be sure we expand upon our past successes. I am proud to stand with unions and my colleagues to advance the labor movement and uphold values central to every community participating in the American dream,” said Senator Hamilton.

The Independent Democratic Conference’s four point Labor Protection Plan includes opposing right-to-work legislation in New York, calling on federal representatives to block national right-to-work legislation, blocking state funds to organizations like the National Right to Work Foundation that promote the implementation of these laws and opposing a Constitutional Convention in 2019.

As a conference, the IDC is opposed to any legislation that will make New York the 29th right-to-work state and will block any attempt to accomplish that goal, while also blocking state funding to organizations that promote such legislation. In opposing a Constitutional Convention, the IDC will work with labor to educate voters of the potential consequences of such an event, including the influence of outside special interests to push anti-worker amendments as well as the cost to taxpayers.

New York has always been an important state within the labor movement in the United States. It was home to the earliest labor strike in history in 1768 and has been a leader in both early and more recent labor movements.

“Now, more than ever, it is critical that elected officials speak out in support of the right of working people to join together in unions to protect and advance their interests,” said Stuart Appelbaum, President of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union, UFCW. “The IDC Labor Protection Plan provides a blueprint for New York leaders to ensure workers continue to have the right to organize.”

“We applaud Senator Klein and the IDC for standing with the labor movement to protect the rights of workers. It is imperative that working men and women throughout New York State continue to have the right to collectively bargain. The fact is, union members enjoy far better wages, benefits and conditions of employment than non union workers. Working with all of our partners, we will continue to have the largest and strongest state labor movement in the country, which helps raise the standard of living and quality of life for all working people,” said Mario Cilento, President, New York State AFL-CIO.

“The Subway Surface Supervisors Association is proud to stand with our brother and sisters in labor across the State of New York in support of the IDC's Labor Protection Plan. As the pendulum swings in Washington towards an increasingly anti-labor administration, it is crystal clear that labor needs to support those elected officials who support us, now more than ever. We pledge our full support to IDC Leader Jeff Klein and his entire conference and will do everything possible to make sure that right to work legislation in New York is dead on arrival,” said Michael Carrube, President, Subway Surface Supervisors Association.

STATEMENT FROM MAYOR DE BLASIO ON APPELLATE DIVISION’S DECISION UPHOLDING HEALTH DEPARTMENT’S SODIUM WARNING RULE

   “This is a common-sense ruling. It is smart, effective and important to inform people of the sodium content of their food. We are all tempted to make unhealthy choices, but thanks to the Health Department and the Appellate Division, we have the information to avoid them.”

ENGEL: TRUMP MUST RELIEVE FLYNN and Statement on Court of Appeals Ruling Against The President’s Muslim Ban

   Representative Eliot L. Engel, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, today made the following statement:

“It's clear that concerns about General Flynn's ties to Russia were well warranted. It's unacceptable that during the transition, General Flynn discussed lifting sanctions with Russia's ambassador. This action would be deeply troubling under any circumstances, but considering Russia’s effort to tip the election toward President Trump, the General's actions are disqualifying. And if General Flynn negotiated with Russia to change American policy, he may be in violation of the Logan Act, which bars such conduct.  The President must relieve General Flynn immediately.

“To make matters worse, the Administration has been misleading the public about this situation ever since. Either General Flynn lied to the Administration or the Administration lied to the American people. In any case, the Administration's sloppy handling of such a serious issue creates a threat smack in the middle of our national security apparatus.

“We need to sort this mess out. Congress must conduct a thorough, nonpartisan investigation into Russia's illegal interference in our election and take steps to punish those responsible.”

Engel Statement on Court of Appeals Ruling Against The President’s Muslim Ban

  

"The Court of Appeals did the right thing by keeping President Trump's dangerous and unconstitutional Muslim travel ban on ice. But this misguided policy remains a problem, even if enforcement has stopped. America's enemies continue to seize on this foolish order as a propaganda tool, stoking anti-American hatred and harming our country's standing in the world. President Trump should do the right thing and rescind this order completely.”

MAYOR DE BLASIO ROLLS OUT NEW AFFORDABLE HOUSING INITIATIVES FOR SENIORS, VETERANS AND FAMILIES MOST IN NEED

Mayor announces $1.9 billion for deeper affordability at 10,000 apartments; unveils new Elder Rent Assistance program to be funded by proposed ‘Mansion Tax’ to serve 25,000 seniors

   Mayor Bill de Blasio today announced as part of his upcoming State of the City address two major initiatives to help seniors, veterans and other low-income families afford rent in New York City. The first will increase by 10,000 the number of apartments in Housing New York serving households earning less than $40,000—5,000 of which will be dedicated to seniors and 500 for veterans. The second is a new Elder Rent Assistance program to be funded by the City’s proposed Mansion Tax, in Albany, that will serve more than 25,000 seniors with monthly rental assistance of up to $1,300.

“We are taking our record progress on affordable housing and driving it even deeper. This crisis is hitting seniors on fixed incomes, veterans and struggling families especially hard. We’re fighting for their right to live in this city,” Mayor Bill de Blasio said.

“The City's unaffordable housing crisis is felt by all but particularly by vulnerable seniors who may live on a fixed income. These new initiatives show progress for seniors and low-income New Yonkers, who are struggling to find stable affordable homes,” said Councilman Ritchie Torres of the Bronx. 

“Too many of today's seniors are living in poverty and too many of our Boomers and Gen Xers who are approaching retirement don't have sufficient savings to afford New York City's high cost of living, particularly for housing.  Today's announcement by Mayor de Blasio is great news for city seniors and all New Yorkers,” Chris Widelo, Associate State Director, AARP New York, said.

Allison Nickerson, Executive Director, LiveOn NY, said, “LiveOn NY's study reported 200,000 low income seniors on waiting lists citywide for affordable housing. We appreciate Mayor de Blasio's recognition of the dire need for affordable housing among older New Yorkers by increasing the number of senior apartments to be built by 50% - from 10,000 to 15,000. Older New Yorkers are anchors in their communities. Building affordable housing is a solution that will benefit both seniors and the whole community. LiveOn NY supports the Mayor's efforts to provide a housing safety net for older New Yorkers.”

Under the new benchmark, the number of apartments in the Mayor’s housing program dedicated to families earning between zero and $40,000 per year will rise from 40,000 to 50,000. Of the 10,000 units, half will serve seniors whose fixed incomes have left them struggling to keep up with rising rents and a further 500 will house veterans.

The Mayor’s Housing New York program is on target to build or protect 200,000 affordable homes in 10 years, and has financed a record breaking 62,500 affordable homes in just three years. That was done on-budget and ahead of schedule. The programs that will see increased funding under the adjusted benchmark are the Extremely Low & Low-Income Affordability Program, ELLA, and the Senior Affordable Rental Apartments Program, SARA, among others, which were established in 2014. Now firmly in place and exceeding their targets, the City is committing an additional $1.9 billion to achieve this deepened affordability through the duration of the plan.

In addition, revenues under the Mayor’s Mansion Tax proposal would be lock-boxed specifically for senior affordable housing. The tax would institute a 2.5 percent marginal tax for incremental price over $2 million. According to recent sales data, the policy would affect the top 4,500 residential real estate transactions in the upcoming year and would generate approximately $336 million in Fiscal Year 2018. Those funds would be devoted to a new rental assistance program for 25,000 New Yorkers, 62 years and older who earn less than $50,000 per year.

The rental assistance would ensure a senior living on a Social Security check of $1,350 per month would spend no more than $450 per month on rent—helping them stay in their home and age with dignity.

Patricia Manning Retirement Party from Community Board 8

   The officers of Community Board 8 didn't just want to say thank you and good-bye to their District Manager Pat Manning after she retired on December 30th of 2016. They got together to have a Happy Retirement Party for their former District manager who had begun working at the Community Board 8 office in 1983. The attendees included current and former elected officials, many of the ten board chairs Ms. Manning worked for, current and former CB 8 members, local community leaders, and some of those who attended District Service Cabinet Meetings held by District Manager Manning.  

Above - (l - r) Current Cb 8 Chair Dan Padernacht, Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, Ms. Patricia Manning, Former CB8 chair Bill Stone, Deputy Bronx Borough President Aurelia Greene, Former CB 8 Chair Martin Wolpoff, and current Councilman (and former CB8 member) Andrew Cohen.

Below - Ms. Manning receives a proclamation from Deputy Bronx BP Greene.

Above - State Senator Jeff Klein reads a proclamation from the State Senate for Ms. Manning.

Below - Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz also had a proclamation from the State Assembly for Ms. Manning. 

Above - Since Congressman Engel was busy in Washington, former staffer to the  congressman,and current CB 8 chair of the Public Safety Committee stood in for Congressman Engel in giving Ms. Manning a proclamation from Congress.

Below - Current CB8 Chair Dan Padernacht reads from the proclamation given to Ms. Manning from Mayor Bill de Blasio.

Above - Former Councilwoman and also former chair of CB8 June Eisland congratulates Ms. Manning on her service to the community.

Below - Current Councilman Andrew Cohen and former CB 8 member also congratulates Ms. Manning on her service to the community.

Above - The delicious cake said it all with 'Best Wishes Pat'.

Below - Mr. Randy and Patricia Manning who will now be able to spend much more time together.

Some Photos of Today's Snowfall

  Here are some photos of the  snowfall in the Riverdale area.

Above - While most of the city had 8 - 12 inches of snowfall, the Bronx was hit with 6 - 8 inches.

Below - What the Henry Hudson Parkway southbound looked like at noon from the  West 239th Street overpass.

Above and Below - Plows were out large ones from the Department of Sanitation, and small one from the Department of Transportation.

Above - There were even plows from the New York City Transit Authority.

Below - To help keep the buses rolling. Notice the chains on the rear tires of this bus which had to go up hills.

Above - Even the UPS truck was out making deliveries, but today there were no Traffic Enforcement Agents to write tickets for them. 

Below - One of my favorite eating places in Riverdale Yo Burger may have been closed, but it was quite a scene to see all the snow on the tables and seats outside.

Former DEA Agent Sentenced For Making False Statements Regarding Employment At Adult Entertainment Establishment

   Preet Bharara, United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that DAVID POLOS, formerly an Assistant Special Agent-in-Charge with the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”), was sentenced to one year of probation, 250 hours of community service, and $5,300 in financial penalties for conspiracy and making false statements to the government regarding his and a DEA colleague’s employment at an adult entertainment establishment. POLOS, who was convicted at trial along with co-conspirator and former DEA colleague Glen Glover on June 9, 2016, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Paul G. Gardephe. In sentencing POLOS, Judge Gardephe said that POLOS’s behavior was “truly shocking” for a law enforcement official who held “a great deal of responsibility.”

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Bharara said: “David Polos, a former supervisory DEA agent, was sentenced today for lying on his national security forms. Even more so than others, federal agents, sworn to enforce the law, must first obey it themselves. Polos violated his oath and broke the law. He now stands a convicted felon.”

According to the evidence established at trial:

POLOS, who supervised the Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Strike Force as an Assistant Special Agent-in-Charge, and Glover lied about his employment at, and ownership interests in, an adult entertainment establishment (the “Club”) in Northern New Jersey in connection with a background check that was specifically designed to determine their suitability as employees of a federal law enforcement agency with access to classified information. POLOS also failed to disclose, in response to a question about his relationships with foreign nationals, his intimate relationship with a Brazilian national who danced at the Club. The national security forms POLOS and Glover submitted in connection with the background check required disclosure of outside employment in part due to concerns attendant to certain types of employment, including proximity to crime and persons involved in crime and the risk of employee blackmail.

Glover and POLOS submitted national security forms in August and September 2011, respectively, that stated, among other things, that they did not have employment other than their DEA jobs within the previous seven years, and that POLOS had not had any close, continuing contact with foreign nationals during that same period of time. In fact, Glover was the part owner of, and POLOS had a convertible ownership interest in, the Club. POLOS had, at the time he submitted his form, begun an intimate relationship with a foreign national from Brazil who worked as a dancer at the Club. POLOS and Glover had been warned by others, including Club employees, that at times drug use, drug sales, and illicit sexual activity appeared to be taking place at and outside the Club, which also operated as an all-cash business and did not pay required taxes during its first year in operation.

POLOS and Glover both worked regular managerial shifts at the Club in the months prior to and following their submission of the national security forms. They also hired, fired, and paid bartenders, dancers, and bouncers; supervised the Club’s renovation, advertised the Club in local periodicals; manned a back office available only to employees; remotely monitored video camera feed from the Club when not present; and generally tended to various Club-related matters. POLOS and Glover at times attended to Club matters during DEA work hours.

Had POLOS and Glover truthfully disclosed their employment at the Club, their ownership and involvement in the affairs of the Club would have been investigated as part of their background checks, and the security clearances that they were required to maintain as federal law enforcement employees likely would have been denied.

POLOS, 51, of West Nyack, New York, and Glover, 45, of Lyndhurst, New Jersey, were convicted of one count of conspiracy to make false statements, and were each convicted of one count of making false statements, in connection with their work at the Club. POLOS was convicted of an additional count of false statements in connection with his failure to disclose his relationship with a foreign national. Glover is due to be sentenced on February 10, 2017.

Mr. Bharara praised the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General. He also thanked the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation Division for its assistance.

Statement From A.G. Schneiderman On Decision By D.c. Federal District Court Enjoining Merger Between Health Insurers Anthem And Cigna

  Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman issued the following statement on the decision by the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to enjoin the anticompetitive merger between insurance giants Anthem and Cigna. On July 21, 2016, Attorney General Schneiderman filed a joint lawsuit with the Department of Justice, ten other states, and the District of Columbia, which sought a court order to halt the merger between the two companies:

“This decision is a significant victory for consumers in New York and across the country. The Anthem-Cigna merger had the potential to harm millions of consumers who are covered by health insurance plans—including hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers—in the form of higher premium costs, reduced accessibility, and lower quality of care.  I thank my federal and state partners for their remarkable work in the fight to stop this merger. Effective competition is essential in healthcare markets, and we will continue to vigorously enforce the antitrust laws to prevent mergers that may harm consumers.”

The complaint alleged, and the District Court agreed, that the merger would lessen competition  in the market for national plans sold to large employers covering employees within the fourteen states where Anthem operates as the Blue Cross Blue Shield licensee, including New York. The complaint also alleged that the merger would lessen competition for large employer plans in 35 local markets, including the New York City metropolitan area, and that the merger would drive down reimbursement rates for healthcare providers in a manner that might affect access to and quality of health care services in some areas of the country, including the New York City metropolitan area.  The District Court did not need to reach those issues because it enjoined the transaction based on the national plan allegations alone.

Anthem and Cigna are two of the top five largest national health insurance carriers in the United States and, collectively, provide commercial health insurance to approximately three million individuals in New York City.

The case is captioned United States et al. v. Anthem Inc. et al., and is docketed with the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia under Civil Action No. 1:16-cv-01493 (Jackson, J.).