ASSEMBLYMAN LUIS SEPULVEDA HOLDS RALLY AGAINST SHOP AND FRISK OUTSIDE MACY"S IN PARKCHESTER

  Close to 35 police officers from the 43rd PCT. and many barricades to hold back the crowd outside of Macy's in Parkchester were on hand as close to 75 people rallied against the Macy policy of "Shop and Frisking" its minority customers. The rally was set up and run by 87th A.D. Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda who had State Senator Ruben Diaz Sr., 85th A.D. Assemblyman Marcos Crespo, Democratic Primary winner in the 86th A.D. Hector Pachardo, Councilwoman Annabelle Palmer, and 87 A.D. District Leaders Julia Rodriguez and William Rivera helping him with the action. 78th A.D. Assemblyman Jose Rivera was also on hand, but he was doing his usual filming of the people and left before the action began. 

  All three assembly members and Senator Diaz bemoaned the use of jails in many Macy stores to hold and intimidate minority people whom Macy's had security follow around the store and accuse of stealing. Senator Diaz said that people of color are then forced to pay a fine to Macy's or face the risk of being arrested. It was said that in many of the cases when the person refused to pay off Macy's the charges were dropped by the judge when it went to court. Sen. Diaz said though "How many people want to go through that, and have the embarrassment of being arrested, they just pay whatever Macy's says they have to pay and are let go". He added if they were stopped for a crime, "Why then does Macy's not call in the police"? Who is letting Macy's do this, and just how many people has this been done to?

  Senator Diaz said he has introduced legislation bill # S5977 to stop this racial profiling that Macy's and other upscale stores are doing. The bill is to be introduced in the assembly by Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda. Each of the elected officials chastised Macy's for this policy, and soon to be Assemblyman Pichardo gave an account of when he was a teenager of being stopped while shopping in one such store. 

  The chant of the crowd went from "No More Shop And Frisk" to "Shame on you Macy's". I noticed some of the Macy employees looking at the crowd with a couple coming outside to see what was going on in the penned in area the police set up for the protest. I went into Macy's to see if there was any comment from the store, and was told "No comment from Macy's". At the end of the protest Assemblyman Sepulveda pledged that this was not going to be the last protest against stores like Macy's. "The protests will continue (and get larger) until Macy's and the others change their policies of racial profiling" he said.

 

Left - Just some of the police on hand for the protest against Macy's in Parkchester.

Right - The protesters as they were penned in across from Macy's.

 

Left - Assemblyman Crespo poses for this photo with a couple of the community affairs officers in the background.

Right - Some more of the police officers at the protest of Macy's.

Left - The crowd stayed for several hours as you see how dark it has become outside of Macy's in this shot. That's Female District Leader, and a community fighter for many years Julia Rodriguez hanging in there next to Senator Diaz as the protest continues.

Right - Soon to be Assemblyman Pichardo tells a story of how he was victimized as a teenager of this same situation Macy's is currently doing.

Adofo Carrion in 2017?

   Already Adolfo Carrion is looking to 2017 as it seems that losing the mayoral race this year has become reality. In a Daily News interview Carrion says that he will stay involved in reforming the political system and if need be to run again in 2017. The Daily News is non the kindest in pointing out Carrion's 3 percent in the latest Quinnipiac poll after spending over a million dollars he had on hand from a previous campaign. They are also quick to point out that Carrion raised only $175,000 in his entire campaign since announcing for mayor, calling it a lackluster effort.

  Carrion says though that he will embark on a 5 borough tour mostly visiting senior centers in Manhattan and the Bronx in the final days of the campaign. The News quotes Carrion  “I’m very happy with the solid foundation that we have poured and the message of my campaign,” when asked if he was content with how his candidacy had panned out. The News ends by saying that it is unclear how much support and money that Carrion received from the Independence Party in his campaign.

New Yorkers Brace for Cuts to Food Stamp Program

 

 The Daily News writes  that 225 million dollars are now gone from the federal food stamp program for New York State. The reason given is that funding added to the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program in 2009 under the federal stimulus program ran out Thursday. This could mean a cut of up to $36.00 in buying power to a family of four, as The News reports that over 2 million New Yorkers are enrolled in the federal food stamp program.

  The bad news is not over with this cut as congress wants to cut the SNAP program even more. House legislation would cut SNAP by $40 billion over a decade, and would further require that recipients work or take work training 20 hours a week and would allow states to subject beneficiaries to drug testing. the Senate alternative would be a cut of $4 billion only.

100,000 People May be Forced to Change Health Plans in NY

   The New York Post writes that insurers are cancelling the insurance policies of close to 100,000 people in New York because the policies do not meet the new standards of "Obama Care" better known as the Affordable Health Care Act. The Post quotes New York State Health Department spokesman Bill Schwarz as saying that the current health plans are not compliant with the new Affordable Health Care Act.

  State elected officials from all over New York have received complaints from constituents that their health plans are being eliminated. The response from Albany based elected officials has been that the state has no control over the new FEDERAL regulations. Read the full New York Post article for more.

WHY I OPPOSE CASINO GAMBLING LEGISLATION

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
By Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz
32nd Senatorial District, Bronx County, New York

  You should know that when Senate Bill 5898, supported by Governor Andrew Cuomo and sponsored by Senator Bonacic, came to the Floor of the Senate to propose an amendment to the State Constitution to authorize casino gambling in New York State, I voted NO. When this vote came to the floor of the Senate on June 21, 2013, I was proud that seven of my colleagues: Senator Espaillat, Senator Hoylman, Senator Krueger, Senator LaValle, Senator Parker, Senator Perkins, and Senator Sanders all joined me and voted against this bill.

You should know that the bill passed, and on Tuesday, November 5, 2013, Proposal 1 will be on the ballot for voters in New York State to decide if they want to legalize and expand casino gambling in New York.

I still don’t support this measure that Governor Andrew Cuomo has been pushing hard to pass, and I will continue to publicly and ardently disagree with Governor Cuomo’s efforts to make this amendment to legalize casino gambling part of the State Constitution.

You should know that the purpose of putting Proposal 1 on the ballot and passing a Constitutional Amendment to allow for more casinos to open New York State is to bring more revenue to the State. The Governor believes that more casinos in New York State will open the coffers so that money will flow and help tourism, revenue and jobs.

The reason why I voted NO to legislation to legalize casino gambling – in a State where poverty levels continue to increase – is because gambling revenues will not draw from expendable income. Gambling revenues will draw from families’ necessities. Instead of helping the many New Yorkers who already suffer from gambling addiction, this amendment will only continue to destroy their worlds and further exploit vulnerable and poor New Yorkers and their families.

As a minister and a community leader, I have seen many good people get hooked on gambling - even senior citizens. I have seen it become an addiction, like drugs. I have seen families dispossessed from their homes. I have seen gambling destroy many lives.

You should also know that by legalizing casino gambling, gambling addiction will increase and more and more families and children will suffer. Rent will not get paid. Food will not be on the tables. People will suffer.

Ladies and gentlemen, I have opposed legislation to expand casino gambling in New York State, and I will continue to oppose it.

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

 

Bronx Young Democrats to Organize Days of Action for Bill de Blasio

  At their Debate Watch Party last night at the Bronx Beer Hall, the Bronx Young Democrats announced that they have organized three Days of Action to help elect Bill de Blasio as the next Mayor of New York City.  With a week remaining until Election Day it is important to identify supporters of Bill de Blasio and get them out to the polls next Tuesday.

“This is truly a historic election for our organization.  For the first time in over 20 years we are going to elect a Democrat to City Hall,” said John Zaccaro, President of the Bronx Young Democrats.  He added, “Over the next week we are going to help Bill de Blasio win with a huge mandate so he can go to City Hall and implement his progressive agenda that will ensure that every New Yorker has a fair shot.”

The three days of action include a phone banking operation this evening, Thursday October 31^st, canvassing and visibility on Saturday November 2^nd and a GOTV phone bank on Monday night, November 4^th.  The dates, locations and times of the Days of Action are below:

Thursday October 31^st, 6:00-8:30pm at the Benjamin Franklin Reform Democratic Club, 304 West 231^st Street Bronx, NY 10463

Saturday November 2^nd, 1:00-5:00pm at Ritchie Torres HQ, 609 East 188^th Street Bronx, NY 10458

Monday November 4^th, 6:00-9:00pm at Bronx Democratic County Committee HQ, 1640 Eastchester Road Bronx, NY 10461

Some photos from the Debate Watch Party.

 BYD Councilman Andy King rallies the troops as he sees better days ahead for the Bronx when Democratic candidate Bill deBlasio is elected Mayor on Tuesday November 5th. BYD president John Zacarro Jr. (center) and Organizer Daniel Johnson (right).

 BYD Daniel Johnson of Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz's office gets his say in.

Senator Ruben Diaz & Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda will Introduce Legislation to Protect Macy's Shoppers

  New York State Senator Rev Ruben Diaz (D-Bronx) and Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda (D-Bronx) have introduced legislation SB ____ to “amend the general obligations law, in relation to requiring mercantile establishments to cease collections upon a court order finding of not guilty of larceny in mercantile establishments.” This legislation is in response to the growing number of news stories about people who have shopped at Macy’s and other stores and have been erroneously charged with shoplifting.

Senator Rev Diaz stated: “This legislation is intended to protect consumers – especially Black and Hispanic men and women who shop at Macy’s or elsewhere – and who are not guilty of any criminal activity and do not deserve to be fined by the stores for crimes they did not commit.”

Assemblyman Sepulveda stated: “Our city is known for its rich diversity of persons of varying socio-economic backgrounds. Everyone has the right to purchase goods without fearing that they will be suspected of shoplifting. New York State Senator Ruben Diaz and I are proposing legislation that would require merchants to cease attempts to collect fines against a customer falsely accused of shoplifting. It is shameful that innocent people are blacklisted. We, as legislators, will continue to fight against these inherently unfair and unjust practices.”

NEWS From City Comptroller John Liu

LIU TO DEPT. OF HOMELESS SERVICES: DUMP AGUILA AND GET YOUR ACT TOGETHER

New Audit Highlights Continued Failures of Agency and of Shelter Operator

  
Comptroller John C. Liu called on the Department of Homeless Services (DHS) to discontinue its use of shelter provider Aguila Inc. in light of repeated failures to account for millions of dollars spent and the continued placement of people in shelters that are unsafe or unclean. He also called on City Hall to drop its lawsuit against the Comptroller’s office with regards to proposed contracts with Aguila.

“Despite their claims to the contrary, Aguila’s appalling record has not improved and DHS continues to turn a blind eye. At this point, DHS should just dump Aguila as a shelter operator, and City Hall should direct its resources towards fixing DHS rather than litigating against my office,” Comptroller Liu said. “Continued dysfunction is a grave disservice to the homeless in need as well as communities whose concerns and input have been bypassed.”

A new audit underscores a fraught history with DHS and Aguila. In a November 2011 audit, Liu called on DHS to recoup $1.4 million from Aguila and examine another $9 million in bills to see if taxpayers were entitled to recover more.

Today’s audit found that DHS has recouped only $558,412, and didn’t even investigate more than half of the total $10.4 million identified by the earlier audit as improper or insufficiently supported payments.

Additionally, the audit found the following deficiencies with DHS operations:

·         The agency continued to do business without written agreements, in violation of the City Charter;

·         DHS did not adequately explain how rates the City paid for different shelters were set;

·         DHS did not appropriately follow up after more than 80 percent of units subject to spot inspections failed.

The audit also found that, as of June 2013, Aguila facilities owed the City $605,439 in unpaid water and sewer charges.

In light of the multitude of problems, rather than reining in Aguila, DHS rewarded it instead. DHS payments for Aguila-operated shelters surged from $46.3 million in Fiscal Year 2011 to $57.1 million in Fiscal Year 2013.

The new audit made 18 new recommendations. They include:

·         Periodically review Aguila per diem rates, allocation plans, and budget line items to ensure accuracy, reasonableness, and appropriateness, and ensure items are adequately supported.

·         Further investigate and recoup the balance of funds as identified in the previous audit.

·         Enter into written contracts with Aguila for directly-operated facilities that, at minimum, specify or restrict how funds may be expended.

·         Immediately eliminate the practice of placing clients in facilities with hazardous and unsanitary conditions.

·         Conduct surprise inspections and vary the inspectors.

·         Ensure that all Aguila facilities pay their City fines and water and sewer charges.

Download Letter to City Hall

Background:

November 2011, Liu audit calls on DHS to recoup money from Aguila: https://comptroller.nyc.gov/wp-content/uploads/documents/FK10_130A.pdf

May 2013, Liu proposes vouchers to help homeless families: http://comptroller.nyc.gov/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/20130509_NYC_RentalSubsidyProgram_v12.pdf

May 2013, Liu issues report on how Mayor Bloomberg’s shelter policies are failing communities and the homeless: http://comptroller.nyc.gov/wp-content/uploads/documents/20130509_NYC_ShelterSiteReport_v24_May.pdf

June 2013, the State Supreme Court, Bronx County rules in favor of the Comptroller’s office in a suit challenging the Mayor’s practice of establishing shelters and paying for those services without going through required public procurement processes. Liu statement: http://comptroller.nyc.gov/newsroom/liu-on-westchester-square-shelter-suit/

July 2013, Liu rejects Aguila shelter contracts in the South Bronx and West 95th Street in Manhattan: http://comptroller.nyc.gov/newsroom/liu-rejects-aguila-shelter-contracts/

LIU ISSUES CITY’S COMPREHENSIVE ANNUAL
FINANCIAL REPORT FOR FY 2013

  City Comptroller John C. Liu today released the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for Fiscal Year 2013. The report, which provides a detailed look at the City’s finances, shows that for the 33rd consecutive year New York City completed its fiscal year with a General Fund surplus, as determined by the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).

“Economic growth improved in Fiscal Year 2013 compared with the previous year despite the strains of Superstorm Sandy,” Comptroller Liu said. “Unemployment edged downward and the City’s workforce saw healthy wage growth for the first time since the financial crisis. But the City must remain vigilant against growing budget gaps, the continuing cost impact of Sandy recovery, and potential risks from the dysfunction in Washington as exemplified by the recent shutdown.”

The CAFR shows the General Fund had revenues and other financial sources in Fiscal Year 2013 totaling $71.029 billion and expenditures and other financing uses of $71.024 billion, resulting in a surplus of $5 million.

It also shows that as of June 2013, $1.7 billion had been spent on the Sandy recovery, and the City continues to incur costs associated with the storm.

Among other important economic findings, the report contains updates on New York City’s finances, including:

·         The City Pension Funds paid benefits totaling $12.0 billion during FY 2013. As of June 30, 2013, the City pension funds had an aggregate value of $137.4 billion, an increase of $15.3 billion from the June 30, 2012 value of $122.1 billion.

·         The Comptroller’s Bureau of Audit issued 84 audits and special reports in FY 2013 identifying approximately $184 million in actual and potential revenues and savings. Reviews of claims filed against the City identified another $15.7 million in cost avoidance.

·         In FY 2013, the City paid $562.4 million in settlements and judgments (tort and non-tort).

·         The City and its blended component units issued $10.15 billion in long-term bonds in FY 2013 to finance the City’s capital needs and refinance outstanding bonds for interest savings. In addition, the New York City Municipal Water Finance Authority issued $2.30 billion in long-term bonds for capital and refinancing purposes. As of June 30, 2013, the City’s outstanding General Obligation debt totaled $41.59 billion, consisting of $33.93 billion in fixed rate bonds and $7.66 billion in variable rate bonds.

·         From June 2012 through June 2013, the City added more than 76,400 private-sector jobs. Although the number of new jobs created was lower than that of the previous 12 months, the gain still represented a solid 2.3 percent increase in the City’s jobs base. Overall, the city’s economy grew by an estimated 1.8 percent in FY 2013, slightly faster than the 1.3 percent recorded in the previous fiscal year.

·         The City’s unemployment rate fell to 8.9 percent in FY 2013 from 9.3 percent the previous year. The average weekly earnings of private-sector workers in New York City increased by 4.9 percent in the fiscal year, twice the national increase. The combination of rising employment and higher earnings produced an estimated 6.3 percent increase in year-over-year income tax withholdings.

The full CAFR report is posted here: http://on.nyc.gov/Hu1DRZ