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Tuesday, January 20, 2015
NYCHCC Empowerment Seminar
I'm running for Congress by Adam C. Powell
This came in from Adam Clayton Powell for Congress.
Hello my friend, I hope the new year is treating you well.
Now that Congressman Charlie Rangel has begun his last term, it's time to begin the journey to replace him. The 13th Congressional District covers most of Northern Manhattan and parts of the Northwest Bronx. It has been represented by two legendary figures: my father, Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. (who created the seat and became the first African American Congressman from NY 1944-1970) and Charles B. Rangel (1970-Present). We need a progressive voice to preserve the rich history of these last 70 years. I intend to run for that seat.
This is not an exploratory committee; I've been exploring this district for over 20 years. It's time to run. I know this congressional district as well as anyone. From El Barrio to Harlem to Washington Heights & Inwood to the Bronx, I've represented various parts of this district in the City Council and in the State Assembly. Most of the leaders in these various neighborhoods are people I know and have worked with throughout the years. I hope you pray for me and join me in this exciting journey.
All the best,
ADAM
| Paid for by Powell for Congress |
Adam Clayton Powell for Congress
420 E. 117th St
Suite 2
New York NY 10035
420 E. 117th St
Suite 2
New York NY 10035
Monday, January 19, 2015
Celebrating the Life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr
These three reflections of Martin Luther King Day come from Public Advocate James, Bronx Assemblyman Sepulveda, and Brooklyn City Council member Williams
.Friends,
Today, Americans from coast to coast are honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
We're doing so because our country - and our world - would not be the same without Dr. King's unmatched success in advancing civil rights and equal opportunity.
Whether it's racial justice, economic justice, or criminal justice, Dr. King's example is not academic. It's a road-map for us to expand fairness for ourselves, our communities and our country. It's a call to action for all of us.
But, just as Dr. King didn't march alone, we too must act with arms locked, heads held high, and a gaze towards a brighter tomorrow where opportunity is present and prosperity shared.
May this day inspire us to recommit ourselves to work together for the betterment of all.
Sincerely,
A civil rights leader, community activist, humanitarian and Nobel Laureate, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. remains a remarkable and influential figure. As we observe Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, Jan. 19, it is important to remember Dr. King’s legacy and how we can continue to honor it with our actions. In the words of Dr. King himself, “An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity.” It is up to us as individuals to follow his lead and embrace his values as we work for the betterment of others and our community as a whole.
Addressing inequality ingrained in society, Dr. King gave a voice to those who needed it the most, tirelessly advocating for civil rights and social justice. He encouraged change through peace and discourse, respect and unity, and he remained committed to these principles. In 1964, Dr. King became, at the time, the youngest recipient of the Noble Peace Prize. His work was integral to the passage of such landmark legislation as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Though his life was cut tragically short in 1968, his philosophy and vision live on.
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere,” said Dr. King. These words ring as true today as they did nearly 50 years ago. Although strides have been made in the fight for equality and social and economic justice throughout our state and our nation, there are still many problems we cannot ignore. As Dr. King said, “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” In facing and dealing with these issues head on, we must act as Dr. King did. By acknowledging our problems and working together, we can enact positive change and restore trust. Only by working together, can we achieve this important work.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is not only a time to reflect on the tremendous achievements of a remarkable man and national hero, but also a day to think about our own actions and how we can contribute to bringing Dr. King’s vision to life today. It’s a vision to embrace as we address those concerns of humanity and rise above the differences that divide us.
Your Assemblyman,
Luis R. Sepulveda
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"Dr. King once said 'Our goal is to create a beloved community and this will require a qualitative change in our souls as well as a quantitative change in our lives.' As our City addresses difficult social issues affecting communities of more color, those words spoken half a century ago couldn't be more applicable to our lives today. Dr. King's agitation and resistance against systemic injustice helped point America in the direction of peace, healing and unity. To celebrate his life and legacy, I encourage community members to see the powerful film 'Selma,' which reminds us that we must all strive to advance his work on civil rights for those in our own communities and beyond. Let us not use this day to sanitize Dr. King's message, but instead, use it to remember that we cannot be afraid to stand up and stand out for what's right. Only then will we reach the mountaintop that he envisioned for all of us."
INDEPENDENT DEMOCRATIC CONFERENCE LAUNCHES 2015 POLICY AGENDA
“INVEST NEW YORK”
IDC Unveils 15 Innovative Investments that will Create Long Term Stability, Security and Sustainability for all New Yorkers
Proposals Invest in New York Workers, Students, Seniors and Families and Support a Significant Expansion in New York State Schools, Housing, and Communities
Independent Democratic Conference Leader Jeff Klein (D-Bronx/Westchester) formally announced the IDC's policy agenda, Invest New York, for the 2015 legislative session. Last month, the IDC laid out a comprehensive plan, A New Deal for New York, for investing the $5 billion financial settlement monies due to New York State. Continuing on the IDC’s commitment to invest in New York and New Yorkers, the IDC is unveiling 15 smart investments that will serve to better the everyday lives of the New York worker, student, senior and family while putting more money back in their pockets and promoting common sense programs and policies that create long-term prosperity. The Invest New York agenda also includes key investment in schools, housing and communities to ensure the viability and sustainability of New York cities and counties for many years to come.
Independent Democratic Conference Leader Jeff Klein said: “Invest New York is a bold and ambitious agenda that meets the challenges facing working families head-on. We have a unique opportunity to fundamentally transform the lives of working men and women who ask nothing more than the opportunity to work hard, send their kid to college, and save for a long and prosperous retirement. Each of these investments reflects IDC priorities of making our state more affordable, making our citizens’ lives better, and ensuring that a brighter tomorrow exists for generations to come.”
The Invest New York Agenda is outlined through a combination of five thematic categories that include: 1) investing in a first-rate workforce, 2) investing in educational excellence, 3) investing in vibrant and sustainable communities, 4) investing in New York housing, and 5) providing financial relief for and investing in New York’s working families and our seniors.
Senator David Carlucci (D-Rockland/Westchester) said: “I am committed to providing the hard working people of Rockland and Westchester County with good paying jobs and real tax relief. The Invest New York policy agenda is focused on ensuring our seniors, veterans and the struggling middle class have access to safe and affordable housing, fair wages, and the opportunities they need to live successful and enriched lives."
Senator David Valesky (D-Oneida) said: “Jobs, education, child and family care, and infrastructure are all issues of great importance to our constituents across the state. Invest New York is a comprehensive, common-sense policy agenda that will make a tangible difference in the lives of New Yorkers for years to come.”
Senator Tony Avella (D-Queens) said: “Invest New York is more than an agenda – it’s a map for New York’s future. Through these common sense programs and 15 investments we can improve the lives of each and every one of our working families, students, and seniors. Whether it’s ensuring that New York’s families have the security they need to take time off work to care for a loved one or providing our most vulnerable populations the support they need, Invest New York is our chance to build a better state.”
Senator Diane Savino (D-Staten Island/Brooklyn) said: "Whether it is investing in middle class housing, making college more affordable or creating the next generation of classrooms, Invest New York is a blueprint for meeting the challenges of 21st century realities. This agenda will establish the Empire State as a leader once again in making the critical investments necessary to help working families live, work and raise a family in an affordable environment. We are fully invested in these ideas and along with our signature New Deal for New York plan, we're ready to bolster our workforce and ensure greater security for the middle class for years to come."
The Invest New York agenda incorporates the following proposals:
Investing in a First-Rate Workforce
Raising the Minimum Wage
As demonstrated by years past, the IDC has always been at the forefront of advocating for raising the minimum wage. Thanks in large part to the IDC, New York was only among a handful of states that agreed to raise the minimum wage in the 2013 budget. Going forward, the IDC believes we can go further and supports giving cities and counties throughout the State the power to decide whether they want to increase the minimum wage in their respective localities. Under legislation originally introduced in 2014 by Senator Savino (S7743A), which will shortly be reintroduced in the 2015 session, cities and counties would be given the power to increase their own local minimum wages by up to 30% higher than the State minimum wage. That means that by 2016, a locality could decide to raise their own minimum wage up to $11.70 per hour, based on the $9 per hour statewide minimum wage.
Establishing Paid Family Leave and Raising Temporary Disability Insurance Benefits
As other states like New Jersey and California have already done, the IDC continues to advocate for the adoption of a meaningful paid family leave program in New York that truly meets the needs of working families. The IDC proposal would allow workers to claim a weekly benefit for up to six weeks per year equal to half their weekly wage to care for a new child or take care of a sick loved one. This plan extends to both public and private sector employees and ensures that businesses do not bear any direct out of pocket costs.
In addition, under a bill sponsored by Senator Tony Avella (S.7752), families would be able to secure greater flexibility by allowing workers to use accrued sick time benefits for the purpose of taking care of ill members of one’s family.
In order to meet the rise in cost of living, the IDC proposes increasing the weekly TDI benefit for workers through a gradual yearly phased-in process. Through a small increase in employee contributions and with the assistance of a State subsidy, working families will gain expanded financial benefits of up to a $250 a week maximum in order to accommodate their time away from work. Under the plan, New Yorkers would still be able to claim the benefit at the current maximum duration of 26 weeks per year.
Agricultural Resurgency Program
The IDC recognizes that agriculture has traditionally been a leading industry in New York State, but could be on the radical decline as the current population of farmers ages and there are no newcomers to fill the gap. Therefore, the IDC envisions the creation of a Agricultural Resurgency Program (ARP), a matching grant program which would be developed to assist new and beginning farm businesses with start-up or expansion costs. Funding would be used to purchase equipment, seed and/or stock, infrastructure, or other expensive capital improvements that present a barrier to opening or expanding a farm in New York and making it a viable business option. This program would ensure that high initial capital costs would no longer be a major impediment, especially to young entrepreneurs who want to open farms or expand existing family farms.
Investing in Educational Excellence
Student Loan Debt Relief and Prepaid College Tuition
With the cost of student tuition skyrocketing faster than inflation and drowning students in debt, the IDC proposes a grant program that would compensate students who graduated from an undergraduate or graduate school based in New York and are employed in public service in the state. A grant of up to $2,000 per individual would be applied towards the outstanding student loan balance. Additionally, New York would create a state tax deduction for interest paid on an undergraduate loan to match the federal deduction at 100%.
In addition, the IDC proposes strengthening tuition affordability in New York State by enabling parents and students to pre-pay college tuition. This would be accomplished by locking-in present day tuition rates at public and private colleges statewide. Already other states like Florida and Texas have implemented similar programs, and in doing so, will ensure that parents get a head start on financial planning for decades to come. This will ultimately save working families thousands of dollars of their own hard earned money.
Creating an Education Investment Tax Credit (EITC) for Public and Private Schools
When it comes to effectively educating our children, New York’s schools need every dollar they can get. The IDC believes in rewarding New Yorkers which opt to voluntarily donate to their local public or private school by finally making these donations tax deductible. In order to make sure every dollar is spent fairly and effectively, tax deductible donations made to private schools must be used to fund scholarship opportunities that qualify.
School Construction Trust Fund
The IDC proposes $400 million for the creation of a School Construction Trust Fund that would be a dedicated revenue stream for school improvements and expansions. The fund would address downstate issues of overcrowding in classrooms and accommodate upstate issues with regards to aging infrastructure of schools.
Investing in Vibrant and Sustainable Communities
The Sustainable Communities Program
In order to combat the effects of sprawl and decaying urban infrastructure, the IDC proposes the creation of a $150 million fund that would provide matching grants for smart-growth investments that create communities that are more pedestrian focused, use environmentally friendly construction techniques and revitalize waterfront property.
Green Homes Tax Credit
In order to spur development of environmentally efficient and green friendly homes the IDC proposes a refundable tax credit that would be offered to offset the cost of green development or retrofitting.
Zombie Property Act
The Abandoned Property Neighborhood Relief Act of 2014 would expand the 2009 signature law requiring lenders to maintain foreclosed properties from falling into disrepair. It would now require lenders to frequently inspect delinquent properties to determine if they are abandoned, while also requiring to maintain them regardless if a foreclosure judgment has been issued.
Investing in New York Housing
Enhance funding for Mitchell-Lama 2020 & Middle Income Housing Tax Credit
The IDC continues to believe that a cornerstone plank to making New York more affordable is through the availability of affordable middle class housing. That said, the IDC proposes investing $675 million in middle income housing: $650 million in the Mitchell – Lama 2020 program that would provide capital subsidies of up to $125,000 per unit for the construction of middle class housing that remains affordable for 30 years; and $25 million for the Middle Income Housing Tax Credit which would provide tax credits for developers financing the construction of middle class units.
Public Housing Revitalization Plan
A significant portion New York City Housing Authority units are in vital need of an upgrade. The IDC proposes a three-point plan that will provide much needed funds for NYCHA to repair and maintain current units. This includes (1) $500 million through a Public Housing Revitalization Fund for repairs, rehabilitation and upgrades (2) a restoration of $12 million in annual State operating subsidies for NYCHA, and (3) a long-term revenue generating strategy that will ensure NYCHA’s long-term viability through redevelopment of underused NYCHA land for affordable housing and mixed use. The IDC also supports giving preferences to disabled veterans (S.1702, sponsored by Senator Avella) and victims of domestic violence who meet all other requirements to apply for a public housing unit.
Making Housing Available for Our Vulnerable Populations
In order to ensure that those who are physically challenged, have mental health issues and our seniors have a safe and comfortable place to call home, the IDC calls for: (1) a $40 million fund dedicated to providing a direct subsidy for developers to incentivize housing for middle and low income seniors; (2) a REPAIR 2015 tax credit of up to $7,500 for repairs to seniors’ homes where the resident cannot afford the cost of the project; (3) the creation of a $25 million housing disability fund that would be used to leverage up to $180 million in private financing to be used to develop or retrofit up to 1,400 housing units for people with disabilities.
Investing in New York Families & Seniors
Dependent Tax Credit
The IDC understands that today’s economy requires both parents to work to make ends meet. Critical to both working parents and single parent families is affordable child care. Therefore, the IDC proposes continuing New York State’s effort to aid these families in their child care costs by increasing the Child and Dependent Care Credit by approximately 50 percent.
Senior Support Package
New York senior citizens face rising costs, yet most have to survive on a fixed income, therefore the IDC proposes reducing their financial burden through a senior utility circuit breaker program. This refundable tax credit would be available starting tax year 2015 and allow senior filers to be able to claim a credit equal to 50% of out-of-pocket utility expenses, over 7% of their income.
The IDC is also proposing providing a 10% discount on senior DMV transactions since one must pay registration and reregistration fees to drive in New York.
Child Care Subsidies
The IDC believes strongly in the importance of affordable child care and is calling for not only a full restoration of funding for the block grant back to 2010 funding levels, but an increase beyond that level to take into account rising needs. The IDC supports spending $100 million more in child care subsidies than we spent in the 2014 budget. The IDC also proposes an expansion of Facilitated Enrollment subsidy to $25 million within the NYS Child Care Block Grant into those cities that have demonstrated both need and momentum.
Sunday, January 18, 2015
State of the State Budget Address
Just some of the items to be discussed in the State of the State Address by Governor Andrew Cuomo will be the proposal to increase the state minimum wage to $10.50 an hour. There would also be a provision for the minimum wage in New York City to be $11.50 an hour at the same time, but would not allow the city to change the minimum wage without state approval as is currently done.
There will be mention opf giving small businesses a tax break. The current 6.5 percent rate would be lowered over a three year period down to 2.5 percent. This would cost the state 32 million dollars in tax revenue, and be the lowest tax rate for small businesses since the tax was imposed on small businesses in 1917.
As for his planned trip to Cuba, Governor Cuomo replied the following at a press conference. "I want to be one of the first to open trade with the Island of Cuba. New York has much to offer the people of Cuba."
Saturday, January 17, 2015
Official Statement From Community Board 9 Re: District Manager
This is the official statement from Community Board 9 as to the removal of the District manager Mr. Francisco M. Gonzalez at the Thursday January 15th board meeting.
"On Thursday January 15, 2015, Community Board #9's general board voted to remove our district manger, Francisco Gonzalez, effective immediately. We wish Mr. Gonzalez well in his future endeavors and thank him for his past service."
Friday, January 16, 2015
FORUM AIMS TO BUILD RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN BRONX YOUTH AND LAW ENFORCEMENT ON JAN. 21
Councilman Andy King and the 47th Precinct
FORUM AIMS TO BUILD RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN BRONX YOUTH AND LAW ENFORCEMENT
In order to open the line of communications between youth and law enforcement, the Bronx Youth Empowerment Program (YEP), in partnership with NYC Council Member Andy King and NYPD’s 47th Precinct, will host a “Connections” forum on Wednesday, January 21, 4 p.m. at Evander Childs High School Campus, Blackbox Theater Room, 800 East Gun Hill Rd., Bronx.
“There was a time when community residents knew the officer who walked the beat in their neighborhood and that officer knew the various families and youth in the community by their first names. The purpose of the Bronx YEP Connections program is to get back to that familiarity and close the communications gap in order to create a friendlier ‘connection’ between the NYPD and our youth,” explained Council Member King.
In addition, the forum is an opportunity for youth to learn what to do if they are stopped by a police officer and it also gives youth a chance to ask questions of their local NYPD officers.
Students from all District 12 schools have been invited to attend the forum, but it is open to any youth between the ages of 13 & 21.
“We want them to know that the officers’ job is to protect and serve our community and not be the adversary,” explained Council Member King.
“Why I am Visiting Israel”
by Ruben Diaz Jr., Bronx Borough President
The people of the United States have stood strong with the people of Israel from the day that country was founded in 1947. As the only democracy in the Middle East, and as our key ally in the fight against terrorism, Israel holds a special place in the hearts and minds of Americans. This is especially true in New York City, which has shared a unique and significant relationship with the Jewish people and the state of Israel for decades.
Tomorrow, I will travel to Israel with the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York, leading a delegation of our city’s growing Latino population. This group, which includes business, civic and non-profit leaders, will spend a week discovering what Israel has to offer, learning about why Israel’s continued strength is so important, and exploring the growing relationship between the people of the Promised Land and Latinos across the world.
This is of critical importance, given not only the continued vitality of the Jewish population at home, but the longstanding history of Jewish acceptance in countries like the Dominican Republic and growing Jewish population in places like Argentina, Brazil and Panama, as well. On this trip, I will lead a discussion about the future of Jewish/Latino relations, both here and abroad, and take the first steps toward cementing a lifetime bond between these two communities.
I have been to Israel before. I have seen, firsthand, the attacks the Israeli people face every single day. But the people of Israel persevere. Now, more than ever, their example deserves our praise and our support.
The horror of the attacks on the French newspaper Charlie Hebdo and the kosher supermarket—and the subsequent exodus of Jews from Paris—show us just how critical our support of Israel is right now. As Martin Niemöller wrote, reflecting on the Nazi atrocities of World War II, “First they came for the Jews…”
Following these acts of terror, the Paris Grand Synagogue closed for the first time on Shabbos since World War II. The meaning behind such imagery cannot be understated. Israel is one of our strongest allies. Israelis and all Jews must know that our Latino community, and in fact the American people, are on their side during these troublesome times. As we saw world leaders standing arm-in-arm in solidarity following these attacks, we too stand arm-in-arm with Israel and the world’s Jewish population.
Does a borough president have an interest in promoting Israel? Of course. At one point more Jews lived in The Bronx than in Israel, and our Jewish community remains vibrant and strong. Across the entire city, Jews and Latinos are already working hand-in-hand on the issues that unite us, be it economic development, housing, education and more.
Israel has produced and continues to work on some of the most amazing technological and scientific advancements the world has ever seen. Israel is a partner in our security, and what keeps their country secure helps keep our borough and our city secure. Israel is worthy of not only our respect, but our support.
As we celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. next week, we must also remember his message that we are all God’s children, including the people of Israel. "Peace for Israel means security, and we must stand with all our might to protect its right to exist, its territorial integrity,” said Dr. King. “Peace for Israel means security and that security must be a reality."
Both the nation of Israel and Jews everywhere around the world are under perpetual attack. Their peace today, as Dr. King so eloquently put it, requires our commitment to their continued security. I will work to join the Latino and Jewish communities together in new bonds of strength, and I will help create new friendships during difficult times.
Israelis do not let terrorism and hate keep them down. Neither do Americans, and neither do I.