Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. hosted Department of Education Chancellor Cathie Black

  On Wednesday, March 16, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. hosted Department of Education Chancellor Cathie Black at a meeting of his education consortia in the rotunda of the Bronx County Building. The consortia, which features school leadership from all levels of education across the borough, meets regularly to discuss issues that concern their schools and to develop common solutions for shared problems. Chancellor Black said she enjoyed the discussion, which was attended by dozens of borough school leaders.

  “I am delighted that Chancellor Black took the time to join us in the Bronx and hear directly from our school leadership about the issues their schools face. I look forward, through meetings like this and other activities, to fostering a strong relationship between my office, Chancellor Black and the schools of the Bronx,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

  In photo above Monica Major, Bronx Representative to the Panel for Educational Policy; Borough President Diaz, Chancellor Black, Deputy Borough President Aurelia Greene

 

Independent Democratic Conference 

IDC Calls for End to Deferral of Key Upstate Development Program

Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit to Leverage $461 M in Upstate Investment; Create 1,600+ Jobs

The Independent Democratic Conference today called for the full reinstatement of an economic development program that would create more than $460 million in private investment and more than 1,600 good-paying jobs in Upstate New York.

The Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit, sponsored by IDC member Senator David J. Valesky, (D-Oneida), allows for an investment tax credit in order to spur development in distressed areas.

The credit is equal to 20 percent of the costs of repairs to qualified historic structures and is capped at $50,000 for residential properties and $5 million for commercial properties that is to be paid out over 5 years. The program, which was modeled after successful programs in other states, was signed into law in 2009.

However, under the 2010 budget, historic rehabilitation tax credits above $2 million will be deferred until 2014. With the credit set to sunset in 2014, this delay effectively kills the program as an economic development tool.

“Reinstatement of the Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit will translate into direct and immediate economic benefits statewide, and especially Upstate, through new investment and job creation,” Senator Valesky said. “This program can reignite economic activity on our Main Streets, and bring people and businesses back to our communities.”

Studies show that for every $1 million paid through an historic rehabilitation tax credit, $1.9 million in economic activity is generated.

In just 10 upstate counties alone, the IDC – using data provided by the New York Preservation League – has identified $461 million in economic investment and 1,644 jobs that could be leveraged with this credit. 

County	Investment Cost of Renovated Projects	Jobs to be Created
Albany	$67 million	300
Erie	$221 million	655
Saratoga	$25 million	150
Dutchess	$24 million	145
Onondaga	$87.4 million	175
Niagara	$14 million	120
Chautauqua	$7 million	n/a
Steuben	$5.7million	76
Tompkins	$3.1 million	23
Monroe	$6.8 million	n/a

10 Counties

$461 million in possible investment

1644 Jobs Created

(*the last column on the right is jobs created, and adds up to 1644) 

A list of specific projects is included in the IDC’s companion report: “Investing in our Upstate Economy: the Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit.”

The deferral, at the IDC's request, was included in the Senate budget resolution and is part of Governor Cuomo's “NY Works Agenda.” It was not, however, part of the Assembly budget plan.

“This is much needed program that will help create jobs and put people back to work,” Senator Diane Savino, (D-Staten Island/ Brooklyn), said. “While new construction costs are usually split between materials and labor, when you rehab an historic structure, 60 to 70 percent of costs are spent just on labor. These are local, good-paying jobs that will help a segment of the workforce that is experiencing 25 percent unemployment.”

New York's program is similar to programs in 30 other states. Between 1997 and 2006, nearly $952 million in private investment was leveraged by the state tax credit program in Virginia, while a 2009 a study by the Abell Foundation showed that $342 million in state tax credits in Maryland has leveraged over $1.5 billion in rehabilitation expenditures -- a threefold return on Maryland’s investment.

“This is a proven model of success that has never been given the the chance to succeed,” said Senator Jefferey D. Klein, (D-Bronx/ Westchester). “Ending the deferral of this vitally important step toward putting New York back on the right track.”

“The Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit Program is an important tool not only to preserve our historic buildings but also to stimulate our local economies and create much needed jobs,” Senator David Carlucci (D-Rockland/Orange) said.  “Reinstating this program will provide relief to local residents and small businesses during these difficult economic times.”

While Upstate stands to benefit the most from this program, there are also approximately 16,200 properties in New York City that qualify for these credits. Distressed areas are defined as being located within a Census tract identified at or below 100 percent of the median family income.

Assemblyman Crespo: Assembly helps thousands of unemployed New Yorkers

Critical legislation extends unemployment benefits through this year

Assemblyman Marcos A. Crespo announced the Assembly passed legislation he sponsored to help unemployed New Yorkers receive extended federally funded unemployment insurance benefits through 2011(A.6091). The bill awaits Senate passage.

“While we await for the job market to bounce back it is crucial that we extend unemployment benefits as a fundamental step towards strengthening the states economic and helping those who need it most,” Assemblyman Crespo said.

In May 2009, the Assembly enacted legislation that allowed New York State to receive a federal grant of $645 million for unemployment compensation. The law extended jobless benefits for an additional 13 weeks, bringing the total to 72 weeks of benefits. In December 2010, Congress extended the federally funded program for an additional year.

The new bill will amend state law and allow New York to qualify for a third year in the program. It is estimated that 166,000 unemployed New Yorkers will be affected by this legislation. This legislation will provide crucial aid for unemployed New Yorkers, because without it the state will forfeit an estimated $620 million in federally funded unemployment insurance benefits.

 “Extending this program will ensure those Bronx families and other New Yorkers who currently depend on unemployment benefits get the help they need while they continue to focus their efforts on finding a job.”

If you need any further information please contact Assemblyman Crespo’s office at 718-893-0202

 

LIU GREEN LIGHTS RESTRUCTURED CONTRACT FOR 911 CALL CENTER

New York City Comptroller John C. Liu today registered a $95 million fixed-price contract for the Emergency Communications Transformation Program (ECTP). This $95 million contract replaces the prior contract request of $286 million.
In December, Comptroller Liu had rejected the $286 million contract because the bulk of the contract was allotted to unspecified ‘time and expense’ costs. This type of vague budgeting formula allows contractors to bill on an hourly basis and collect exorbitant fees.
Working together with City Hall, the Comptroller’s Office was able to change the contract to a fixed-price agreement for design work that is now tied to results. This represents the first of three phases City Hall has agreed to in order to allow for more cost oversight.
In addition to the changes in the contract structure, the Department of Information Technology and Telecommunications (DoITT) has also agreed to the following:
- Every request for payment or change order submitted to the Comptroller will be accompanied by a comparison between the budgeted amount and the revised estimate.
- DoITT will provide the Comptroller with a copy of the master schedule developed under the contract. The agency will provide updated schedules each time a request for payment or change order is sent to the Comptroller.
“ECTP was intended to improve public safety for New Yorkers,” said Comptroller Liu. “Current fiscal constraints compel tighter cost management. This restructured contract enables City Hall to achieve that intent, and to do so in a timely manner within our means.”

Yes that is New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo pumping his own gas this morning into what looks like a state owned car that he travels around the state in at a self service station, and answering a reporter from the Adirondack Daily Enterprise's question, but why? Where is the security detail, and staffers that travel with and protect the governor? Also did the governor save the state any money by pumping his own gas?

 

 

 

BRONX APARTMENT WORKERS WIN NEW CONTRACT THAT RAISES WAGES, PROTECTS FAMILY HEALTHCARE

32BJ of the SERVICE EMPLOYEES INTERNATIONAL UNION
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, March 14, 2011

BRONX RESIDENTIAL WORKERS WIN NEW CONTRACT THAT RAISES WAGES, PROTECTS FAMILY HEALTHCARE
--Borough-Wide Strike Averted--
--Workers Maintain Healthcare and Retirement Savings--

32BJ and the Bronx Realty Advisory Board (BRAB) reached a tentative four-year agreement this evening that raises standards for more than 3,000 apartment building workers by  providing annual wage increases while maintaining employer-paid family health care and secured pension benefits. The agreement narrowly averted a strike, which would have affected 250,000 Bronx residents throughout the borough including Riverdale and the South Bronx.

“A strike would have been costly, not only to building workers and to landlords, but to the  Bronx tenants whose buildings would have been affected. I am pleased that a deal has been reached, and that we have avoided what would have been a devastating strike,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. 

Senator Gustavo Rivera (D-Bronx) praised 32BJ and Bronx Realty Advisory Board for coming to the table to reach a tentative four-year agreement that provides for annual raises and maintains healthcare and pension benefits for building workers. Senator Rivera joined Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. and other legislators on Sunday, March 13, 2011 in calling for the Bronx Realty Advisory Board and 32BJ to reach a fair agreement to avoid a Bronx-wide strike of building workers.
"Bronx workers stood together to make sure these jobs remained good jobs.  Thousands of Bronx families will benefit from this contract, which provides much needed wage increases during this tough economy," said Kyle Bragg, 32BJ Vice President. "We want to ensure workers can support their families and save for their futures."
The tentative agreement provides a 6 percent wage increase.  In addition, the agreement maintains employer paid family healthcare and pension benefits, which were sticking points during negotiations.
"We were able to keep what’s most important to our families, affordable healthcare and pensions," said Angel Ortega, who is a father of five and a Riverdale super. "It was a tough few months, but we're glad we didn’t inconvenience the residents and are eager to keep serving the Bronx."
The new tentative contract covers more than 3,000 supers, assistant supers, janitors, handypersons, porters, firepersons, doormen, elevator operators and garbage handlers. This deal averts a strike that would have directly affected a quarter of a million New Yorkers living in over 1,000 apartment, condo and co-op buildings in the Bronx.

Bronx members of 32BJ will vote on ratifying the contract later this month.
With more than 70,000 members in New York, 32BJ is the largest private sector union in the state. For more information, visit www.standwithbuildingworkers.org .
 

  

Borough Taxis: Let the City Know What You Think! New York City is Looking for Your Opinion. 

You may have heard about the Mayor’s proposal to establish a new category of livery cars that can make on-street pickups outside of Manhattan ­– just like yellow cabs do.  It will give New Yorkers in all five boroughs another safe, reliable and convenient option for getting around. The program aims to improve taxi availability while bringing yellow-taxi-like amenities (e.g., metered fares, credit/debit card payment, easier-to-spot cabs) to the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island. The City wants to hear from residents about your experiences with taxis and car services, and has a developed a short online survey where your voice can be heard.  The survey, available in both English and Spanish, is available at www.nyc.gov/taxi. Spread the word!

 

 

Title XX Funds Restored in Senate Budget Bill

March 14, 2011 For Immediate Release

State Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz (SD 32) announced today that the New York State Senate has completely restored Title XX funding for discretionary programs in its one-house budget bill.

 “I am pleased and grateful that Senator Skelos and the Senate Republicans, as well as my conference Leader John Sampson and the Senate Democrats, worked to ensure that this very important funding was restored,” stated Senator Díaz.

New York State receives $103 million in Title XX funding from the federal government which is allocated to the Office of Children and Family Services.  $66 million is used for mandated programs: Adult Protective Services and Domestic Violence Programs. The remainder, $37 million, is distributed to the counties to fund programs at local discretion.  These discretionary programs may include senior services, low income day care, and supportive housing services, as an example.

“Governor Cuomo’s Executive Budget for the 2011-2012 Fiscal Year would have eliminated all the funding for the discretionary programs and kept it for mandated services.  While the mandated programs are important, I could not stand by while other programs, such as services to senior citizens faced the possibility of being completely decimated,” continued Senator Díaz.

The New York City Department for the Aging recently released a list of 105 Senior Centers in all five boroughs that were slated to close, resulting in the loss of 2.5 million meals, in order to cope with this expected loss of funding.

“Now that we have passed this first hurdle and restored Title XX funds for discretionary programs, I call on  Governor Cuomo to follow our example,” concluded Senator Díaz.