Increasing the Minimum Wage in New York State

From Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda,

I am pleased to announce my support for the Minimum Wage bill in the State Assembly. 

During the State of the Union address, President Obama proposed an increase to the federal minimum wage of $9.00 per hour, and, like the State Assembly's plan, to index (i.e. link) it to inflation--which means the amount will increase on an annual basis according to the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

The State Assembly has decided to adopt this plan (originally set at $8.50) proposed by the President. For too long, many of our families and friends have suffered while working for a minimum wage that, even while working full time, does not adequately meet the needs of living in our city. I look forward to being a staunch advocate for this bill in Albany because I understand the needs of our communities, and how beneficial this increase will be. 

Currently, 16 other states and Washington D.C. have higher minimum wages than New York. It is about time that we caught up, and show how progressive our state can be when we fight for what is right. We hope to have this law in place by January 2014, and the indexing of the minimum wage in place by January 2015.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to stop by my office or call. 

 

Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda-87th District
1973 Westchester Ave
Phone: (718) 931-2620
Bronx, NY 10462

 

 

 

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

By Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz
32nd Senatorial District, Bronx County, New York

Who is the real leader? Who is in command?

   You should know that when we, Black and Hispanic elected officials go out campaigning to become elected or re-elected, we promise our communities that we will fight, protect and stand against any and all things that will be detrimental to their benefit and goals.

   That was the reason why in 2009, during the four amigos coup in the New York State Senate, I fought and asked that Blacks and Hispanics were appointed and hired to senior staff positions in the New York State Senate Democratic Conference.

   At that time, all Black and Hispanic Senators were made chairs of committees, and Mr. Angelo Aponte was hired as the first Hispanic Secretary of the State Senate. Senator John Sampson became conference leader and he appointed Blacks and Hispanics as senior staff in the Democratic Conference.

   Those were great achievements for our community and our people. Since then, many things have taken place in the New York State Senate, especially in our Senate Democratic Conference. All those achievements are gone and Black and Hispanic influence and power has evaporated.

   You should know that during this month when we celebrate African American History and this weekend when the Black and Hispanic Caucus of Elected Officials comes to Albany to celebrate Caucus weekend, five people of Black and Hispanic descent functioning as senior staff members in the New York State Senate Democratic Conference have been removed from their positions.  The five who received this St. Valentine’s Day Memo are: Alejandra Paulino, Secretary to the Minority, Tonya Cantlo-Cockfield, Deputy Chief of Staff, Matthew Smalls, Special Counsel, Paul Rivera, Special Advisor, and Anthony Thomas, External Relations.  All of them were appointed and hired as part of the Democratic Conference Senior Staff by Senator John Sampson.

   Today under the leadership of Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins, many have gone and the influence and participation of Blacks and Hispanics as senior staff members in our conference has been evaporating little by little.

   You should also know that there was a coup organized by Senator Liz Krueger and Senator Michael Gianaris to substitute Senator John Sampson with Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins. Since then, one by one, our Black and Hispanic staff, little by little have been disappearing forcing me to ask the following two questions: 1) Who is really in control?  2) Who is the real leader of our conference?

   I am State Senator Rubén Díaz, and this is what you should know.

Stringer Endorses Cohen for 11th Council Seat

  On Friday in front of the Riverdale YMHA Manhattan Borough President (and leading candidate for city comptroller) Scott Stringer gave his endorsement to Andrew Cohen for the 11th Council Seat currently held by term limited Councilman G. Oliver Koppell. Stringer who said that he will be part of a new government in City Hall next year, and people like Andrew Cohen in the council are also needed. Stringer while he still has one term left to serve as Manhattan Borough President said that he is running for the position of City Comptroller to deal with matters of importance to the entire city not just one borough. In endorsing Andrew Cohen Stringer said that Cohen will be one of his partners in the new government at City Hall.

  Stringer is no stranger to the 11th council district, as his parents have lived in the Riverdale section for many many years. When asked if this endorsement was the work of his mother (as was the case in Councilman Vacca when he voted to change the term limit law), Stringer replied "this was a non mom decision". Cohen thanked Borough President Stringer for his endorsement, and the two went inside to chat with some of the Y's members as you will see in the photos below.

 

Left - Manhattan BP Stringer gives his endorsement to Andrew Cohen for the 11th Council District saying why he chose Mr. Cohen over the other candidates..

Right - Mr. Cohen thanks BP Stringer for the endorsement.

Left & Right - BP Stringer and Mr. Cohen meet some of the people inside.

What You Should Know

By Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz
32nd Senatorial District, Bronx County, New York

A Gross Disrespect for the Truth


You should know that the law usually allows people to call names and say all kind of things about elected officials and public figures.  You can call them crooks and just about anything – as long as you don't fall into something called a gross disrespect for the truth, or in legal terms, "a reckless disregard for the truth."  This means that if you knowingly state or publish false statements to damage someone's reputation, it can be a liability for individuals and for news media.

In 1993, when I served as a Commissioner for the Civilian Complaint Review Board, my lawyer, Christopher Lynn filed a lawsuit on my behalf against El Diaro la Prensa newspaper, based upon allegations that they committed a gross disrespect and reckless disregard for the truth about me.  The paper published an apology and we settled for an undisclosed amount of money that I am not permitted to state or disclose here or anywhere.

With that in mind, you should also know that there are some people who, when they fall in love or feel envious, may easily feel rejected.  Any real or perceived rejection could bring them to the edge of absurdity.  Sometimes they even become liars.  This seems to be true in the case of Mr. Gerson Borrero, a reporter, who has issues with me. If you read or hear Mr. Borrero’s writings or commentaries about me, you might think this individual has a deep obsession with me.

You should know that as soon as I started writing my What You Should Know column – and Mr. Borrero saw how well my column was received – he immediately started writing a column under the title Para Que Lo Sepas (For You to Know). You should also know that Mr. Borrero’s column went straight to the bottom of the heap, while my What You Should Know is flourishing! Many people ask me to put them on my email list so they can receive it.  Columnists even tell readers to get on Senator Diaz’s email list.  It seems like everywhere you go, my What You Should Know is being talked about!

Mr. Borrero’s envy of and obsession about me has taken him to the extreme.  He’s clearly in the pits, and he can’t seem to stop himself from throwing poison darts at me. He refers to me as Satan, as Lucifer, as a viper, and has even asked if I am homosexual.  Whoever listens to him might get the impression that he is in love with me.

This past week, Mr. Borrero traveled all the way to the Senate Chamber in the State Capital in Albany with a group of people and reporters from the city to show their support for the nomination of Ms. Jenny Rivera, a Puerto Rican woman whom Governor Andrew Cuomo nominated to fill a vacancy in the New York State Court of Appeals.

Ladies and gentlemen, you should have seen Mr. Borrero.  Not only is he trying to imitate me in his column with his writings, but also – walking through the New York State Senate hallways with a cowboy hat perched on his head – he’s now trying to imitate my dressing style! I guarantee you that his obsession with me made him the laughing stock of Albany when everyone in the Senate came running to me to tell me:  “You have to go outside and see for yourself how Borrero is trying to be like you!” and “Borrero’s trying to imitate you by wearing a cowboy hat!”

Finally, my dear readers, you should know that Mr. Borrero has reached one of his  lowest points of desperation (and absurdity) when he – with full knowledge and premeditation – lied straight into the TV camera this week, directly into the eyes of the public who were watching the NY1 program Road to City Hall.  This past Wednesday, February 13th, Mr. Borerro not only called me a viper, but also lied on two times about me during that segment.

First, he said that in my speech during the Senate Confirmation hearing for Ms. Jenny Rivera, that I named some Hispanic judges who were better prepared than Ms. Jenny Rivera, and that I did not mention a single woman – that I only mentioned men.  (I, in fact, mentioned several qualified women.) Mr. Borrero was there, he listened to my speech, and I am including a youtube link to my speech so you can judge for yourself and see what a liar this guy has become. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-sL6ZFjZJA&feature=share)

As for lie number two for that day, Mr. Borrero said that I was the only Democrat who voted against Ms. Jenny Rivera.  In the official Senate video, I never said that I was voting against her.  She won, and since the vote was a voice vote, nobody knows who voted for and who voted against. There is a clear difference between a voice vote and a roll call vote.  It’s time for someone to try to educate Mr. Gerson Borrero and tell him that it was a voice vote and not a roll call vote, and suggest to him that the next time, he should pay less attention to his obsession with me, and more time to what I actually say, and what I write.

My advice to Mr. Gerson Borrero and to some news media that allows this kind of thing to happen in their newspapers and other forms of media, be careful!

This is Senator Reverend Rubén Díaz, and this is what you should know.

 

Assembly Amends Bill to Increase Minimum Wage to $9 Per Hour

Change mirrors President Obama’s proposal to increase the minimum wage and index it to inflation

Over a year ago, the Assembly Majority introduced legislation to raise the state’s minimum wage from $7.25 per hour to $8.50 per hour and index it to the rate of inflation in order to help hardworking South Bronx families get ahead. In his State of the Union address on Feb. 12, President Obama announced a proposal to increase the federal minimum wage to $9.00 per hour and, like the Assembly Majority’s plan, index it to inflation. In light of this development, the Assembly amended its legislation (A.38-A) to match the president’s proposal.

The amended bill calls for the minimum wage to increase to $9.00 per hour in January 2014. Beginning in 2015, the minimum wage will be indexed, requiring an increase each year to adjust for inflation according to the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The measure also sets wages for food service workers who receive tips at $6.21 per hour.

While the national attention to this vitally important issue is encouraging, it is essential that we do not wait for Washington to take action. With overwhelming public support to increase the minimum wage here in New York State, we have to act now.

For too long, families living on minimum wage salaries have been forced to make do with inadequate wages. New Yorkers are working harder than ever for pay that makes it difficult to put food on the table or keep a roof over their families’ heads. By increasing the minimum wage, working families will see a rise in their purchasing power and are likely to spend the money from their hard-earned paychecks at local businesses, helping strengthen our economy. 

Currently, the District of Columbia, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont and 16 other states have higher minimum wages than New York State. In addition, 10 other states have already passed legislation indexing the minimum wage to inflation. The minimum wage in New York has increased just 10 cents per hour in the last six years and was raised with the most recent federal minimum wage increase from $7.15 to $7.25 an hour in 2009. That is simply not good enough.

It is time to get this done for hardworking South Bronx families and help provide them with a better quality of life. I urge our partners in state government to work with the Assembly Majority to pass a robust minimum wage increase into law as soon as possible – and index it to inflation. As always, please feel free to contact me about this or any other important community issue at 718-893-0202 or via email at Crespom@assembly.state.ny.us. 

 

This has come from New York State Assemblyman Marcis Crespo of the Bronx.

 

 

 

 

Wave Hill Events March 1–March 8

Just a reminder that our hours change on March 15: Starting that Friday, we are open until 5:30pm, taking advantage of the increasingly long, lovely days of spring.

SAT, MARCH 2   FAMILY ART PROJECT—FAMILY ROOTS AND BRANCHES

Family Roots and Branches/Ramas y Raices Familiares

Make a family album featuring your family’s global roots. See and sketch trees from around the world and use your sketch in a collaged, hand-made book bound with a found twig. Bring family photos, if you like, to adorn your album. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.

ECOLOGY BUILDING, 10AM‒1PM

SAT, MARCH 2    GARDENING DEMONSTRATION: INDOOR ORCHIDS

Isabel Lopatin grows orchids in her home and exhibits her exceptional plants at shows throughout the northeast. Discover the system she calls “strategic orchid growing”—a technique for getting the best results for the least work—and find out how to select and care for orchids that will thrive in your home.  A range of interesting orchids, especially suitable for indoor culture, will be for sale in The Shop. Free with admission to the grounds.

PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 2PM

SUN, MARCH 3    FAMILY ART PROJECT—FAMILY ROOTS AND BRANCHES

Family Roots and Branches/Ramas y Raices Familiares

Make a family album featuring your family’s global roots. See and sketch trees from around the world and use your sketch in a collaged, hand-made book bound with a found twig. Bring family photos, if you like, to adorn your album. Free with admission to the grounds.

ECOLOGY BUILDING, 10AM‒1PM

SUN, MARCH 3    WINTER WORKSPACE: SCULPTING IMAGINARY PLANTS  WORKSHOP FULL

Visitors gain insight into Winter Workspace artist Lina Puerta’s creative process and explore the winter landscape as a source of inspiration. The artist demonstrates how she creates images of the environment using natural materials such as mud and beeswax sourced from the site. Using these techniques, participants will make their own drawings of the local landscape. Art materials are provided unless otherwise noted. Workshops are open to all visitors ages 12 and over when accompanied by an adult. Space is limited, so registration is recommended. Drop-ins will be accommodated as space permits. Free with admission to the grounds. This program also takes place on March 12.

GLYNDOR GALLERY & ON THE GROUNDS, 1–4PM

SUN, MARCH 3    BIRDING BOOTCAMP  NEW

Can you tell a catbird from a cowbird? New and experienced birders are invited to join us to learn proven techniques for simple bird identification using visual and audible clues. Ages 10 and older welcome with an adult. Free with admission to the grounds.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 2–4PM

SUN, MARCH 3    GARDEN HIGHLIGHTS WALK

Join us for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free with admission to the grounds.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 2PM

MON, MARCH 4

Closed to the public.

TUE, MARCH 5    WINTER WORKSPACE: VISUALIZING THE IMAGINERY—LANDSCAPE COLLAGE  WORKSHOP FULL

Visitors gain insight into Winter Workspace artist Naomi Reis’s creative process and explore the winter landscape as a source of inspiration. Participants will create collages of imaginary landscapes by adding tracings and drawings of plant life to photographs of existing buildings at Wave Hill. Art materials are provided unless otherwise noted. Workshops are open to all visitors ages 12 and over when accompanied by an adult. Space is limited, so registration is recommended. Drop-ins will be accommodated as space permits. Free, and admission to the grounds is free all day. Reis is offering a second, different workshop on March 9.

GLYNDOR GALLERY & ON THE GROUNDS, 10AM–1PM

A 28-acre public garden and cultural center overlooking the Hudson River  and Palisades, Wave Hill’s mission is to celebrate the artistry and legacy of its gardens and landscape, to preserve its magnificent views, and to explore human connections to the natural world through programs in horticulture, education and the arts.

HOURS  Open all year, Tuesday through Sunday and many major holidays: 9AM—4:30PM. Closes 5:30PM, March 15—October 31.  

ADMISSION  $8 adults, $4 students and seniors 65+, $2 children 6—18. Free Saturday mornings until noon. Free all day Tuesdays in February and March. Free to Wave Hill Members and children under 6.

PROGRAM FEES  Program s are free with admission to the grounds unless otherwise noted.

Visitors to Wave Hill can take advantage of Metro-North’s one-day getaway offer. Purchase a discount round-trip rail far and discount admission to the gardens. More at http://mta.info/mnr/html/getaways/outbound_wavehill.htm

DIRECTIONS – Getting here is easy! Located only 3o minutes from midtown Manhattan, Wave Hill’s free shuttle van transports you to and from our front gate and Metro-North’s Riverdale station, as well as the 242^nd Street stop on the #1 subway line. Limited onsite parking is available for $8 per vehicle. Free offsite parking is available nearby with continuous, complimentary shuttle service to and from the offsite lot and our front gate. Complete directions and shuttle bus schedule at www.wavehill.org/visit/.

Information at 718.549.3200. On the web at www.wavehill.org.

 

 

NYC TEACHERS' PENSION FUND DIVESTS FROM GUN INDUSTRY

Becomes Largest Pension Fund in the Country to Divest Since Newtown Tragedy

  
City Comptroller John C. Liu today announced that the New York City Teachers’ Retirement System (“TRS”) has divested its publicly traded commercial gun and ammunition manufacturers. The move follows a thorough review process of the fund’s exposure to such investments in light of recent gun-related tragedies.

The school shooting in Newtown, Conn., and the continued prevalence of gun violence across the country prompted TRS’ Board of Trustees to request an evaluation of the system’s investments in the gun industry. The analysis concluded that divestment would be consistent with TRS’ fiduciary standards and overall investment process.

“There is no need to support these companies, whose products can destroy lives and shatter communities in the blink of an eye,” said Comptroller Liu. “Our investment portfolio gains nothing by doing business with these firms, and this is a sound decision that sends an important message about our commitment to addressing the plague of gun violence in every possible way.”

“This is the right thing to do,” said Michael Mulgrew, President of the United Federation of Teachers. “After the tragedy at Sandy Hook, we, as educators, had to make sure that guns were not part of our holdings.”

The five companies TRS divested from are: Alliant Techsystems Inc. (NYSE: ATK), Olin Corporation (NYSE: OLN), Forjas Taurus SA (IBOV: FJTA4), Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ: SWHC), and Sturm, Ruger & Company (NYSE: RGR).

The $46.6 billion fund is the nation’s largest pension fund to divest its gun industry holdings since the school shooting in Newtown, Conn., on December 14, 2012. Similar reviews are under way at pension funds across the country.

In addition to Comptroller Liu, who also serves as investment advisor to the fund, the New York City Teachers’ Retirement System trustees are Mayoral Representative Carolyn Wolpert, Deputy Chancellor Kathleen Grimm, New York City Department of Education; and Sandra March, Melvyn Aaronson (Chair), and Mona Romain, all of the United Federation of Teachers.

Visit www.comptroller.nyc.gov for the latest news, events, and initiatives.

Follow Comptroller Liu on Twitter. To receive Twitter updates via text message, text “follow johncliu” to 40404. View the latest Comptroller’s office videos on YouTube.

Comments on Mayor Bloombergs Final State of the City Speech

 City Comptroller John C. Liu today made the following statement in response to Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s State of the City address:

 

“Obviously, Mayor Bloomberg can point to some accomplishments after 11 years, especially in improving New Yorkers’ health through reductions in smoking. But his selective retelling of history leaves out some troubling facts: near record unemployment, record numbers of homeless, record income disparity, record stop and frisks, record claims against the NYPD, record numbers of school closures, and a failed education record that has only one in five high school students graduating from college.  How can we be satisfied with that? No one can say that New Yorkers of all walks of life shared equally in the accomplishments he claims as his legacy.  Bloomberg’s third term was a great mistake, and this entire City is paying the price for that act of hubris.”

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STATEMENT FROM BOROUGH PRESIDENT DIAZ

RE: Mayor Bloomberg’s ‘State of the City’ Address

 

“I congratulate Mayor Bloomberg on both his final ‘State of the City’ address and his promise to not only rebuild those communities that were devastated by Superstorm Sandy but to do so in a matter consistent with his 12-year commitment to making all of New York City cleaner, greener and more sustainable.

“I also thank Mayor Bloomberg for his continued push for federal gun and immigration reform, bold environmental initiatives and his commitment to continue to work with my office on the responsible redevelopment of the Kingsbridge Armory.

“I agree with the mayor’s echo of President Obama’s call for greater technology education opportunities in our City, and I urge that one of these new tech schools be opened right here in the Bronx. I am also happy to hear that the mayor has proposed a new health careers high school in the South Bronx. The children of the Bronx need access to lucrative career training, and this high school is a great first step towards that goal.

“However, the mayor’s insistence that the police department’s ‘stop and frisk’ program is perfect and needs no reform is unfortunate. As I have stated in the past, I believe that the NYPD’s ‘stop and frisk’ program, as it is currently constituted, needs considerable reform, so that the police can keep our streets safe while also respecting the constitutional rights of our citizens.

“We must return to the ‘stop, question and frisk’ policy of years past, and I remain prepared to work with the police department and this administration on meaningful reform of these policies, provided they are ready to do that work as well,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.