Senator Klein Announces Launch of 5th Annual Earth Day Poster Contest

Senator Jeff Klein (D-Bronx/Westchester) today announced the launch of the New York State Senate’s 5^th Annual Earth Day Poster Contest to celebrate and honor Earth Day. Kindergarten through sixth grade students from across the Bronx and Westchester are encouraged to participate in this statewide competition.

  

Senator Klein said: “By adopting simple, everyday ‘green’ habits we can work to preserve our environment and keep it clean, healthy and safe for future generations. The Earth Day poster contest is a fun way to raise awareness and teach our children about the importance of recycling and other environmentally-friendly actions we can take to protect our planet."

The theme of this year’s Earth Day celebration is “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.” The winning posters will be displayed on Senator Klein’s official website and social media sites. Participants will also receive a certificate acknowledging their participation.  Students wishing to participate in this year’s event must submit their entry online at www.klein.nysenate.gov by April 6, 2015.

Since the first Earth Day was celebrated in 1970, over 20 million Americans have participated, helping to improve the quality of air we breathe and the water we drink.  In addition, landmark legislation has been passed to help support this effort, such as the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act and the Endangered Species Act.

Bronx Freedom Fund Releases First Year of Results & Inspires City-wide Bail Fund

  BRONX FREEDOM FUND RELEASES FIRST YEAR OF RESULTS

State Senator Gustavo Rivera's First Law Helps 140 Bronxites Successfully Avoid Unnecessary Jail Time in First Year and Inspires City-wide Bail Fund 

  The Bronx Freedom Fund has released its one year report highlighting its success in helping 140 low-income Bronx residents post bail over the nonprofit's first year. The Bronx Freedom Fund was the first organization to be licensed as a charitable bail organization in the State of New York after Governor Cuomo signed into law a bill sponsored by Senator Gustavo Rivera allowing these types of organizations to function in the State.

"No one should be forced to sit in jail awaiting trial or plea to a charge because they cannot afford bail," said State Senator Gustavo Rivera. "Charitable bail organizations, like the Bronx Freedom Fund, provide countless of struggling New Yorkers with a fairer alternative to navigating the justice system, while saving tax payer money. Expanding such programs, including the creation of a city-wide bail fund as Speaker Mark-Viverito recently proposed, would go a long way in ensuring our justice system is more effective and just for all New Yorkers."

The Bronx Freedom Fund has leveraged its revolving bail fund to post bail for low-income Bronx residents facing a misdemeanor case where bail is set at $2000 or less. In its first year of operation, the Bronx Freedom Fund saw the following results:

•  They posted bail for 140 individuals, helping change the trajectory of each of those cases.
•  98 percent of these clients made all required court appearances.
•  56 percent of these cases have ended in dismissals where all of the charges were dropped
•  23 percent of the cases have resulted in non-criminal disposition
• 9 percent of the clients plead guilty to a misdemeanor

"The Bronx Freedom Fund's first year not only proved that our model works, but that it can be the difference between an individual being saddled with criminal charges or allowed to go free," said Alyssa Work, Project Director of the Bronx Freedom Fund. "The success of our model is a great step forward for fairer bail practices in New York State, but there are still too many New Yorkers who are needlessly held in jail before trial or forced to take a plea because they cannot afford bail."

Citing the growing need to reform various parts of our criminal justice system and the Bronx Freedom Fund's success, Speaker Mark-Viverito proposed creating a $1.4 million city-wide bail fund during her first State of the City address. The proposed city-wide fund would be modeled after the Bronx Freedom Fund's successful pilot program in an effort to provide the same effective and cost-saving program to all New Yorkers across the five boroughs.

"Too many New Yorkers are in detention centers because they could not make bail and the bail fund is a common sense reform to this long-standing problem. This is an exciting and innovative idea and I want to especially thank State Senator Gustavo Rivera for his advocacy. I look forward to engaging with my Council colleagues as we seek to create the first ever citywide bail fund," said Council Speaker Mark-Viverito.  

In addition to helping individuals avoid spending unnecessary time in jail, the report also proves that providing low-income individuals with the ability to post bail helps them achieve better outcomes in their cases and avoid the negative consequences that stem from pre-trial incarceration, which can range from becoming homeless and unemployed to facing deportation.

"I found myself charged with a misdemeanor for driving under the influence and was unable to post bail," said Billy, a Bronx Freedom Fund client. "If the Bronx Freedom Fund had not stepped in to help, I would have had to stay in jail until my trial was completed and I would have lost my job as a senior care aide. Thanks to them, I was not only able to return home immediately, but I was also able to fight my case and resolve it by attending an alcohol treatment program.

CHANCELLOR FARIÑA ENCOURAGES PARENTS TO GET INVOLVED BY RUNNING FOR AN EDUCATION COUNCIL SEAT

Editors Note:  What you should know

   As a former parent leader when Community Education Councils were brought in to replace school boards under Mayoral Control they have been a sham from the beginning, and continue to be a wastes of taxpayers dollars.  

  The current Chancellor Carmen Farina was a Deputy Chancellor in the Joel Klein/Michael Bloomberg era of 12 years of nothing but failure. It appears that Mayor Bill deBlasio is continuing that Bloomberg era of failure with Carmen Farina as Chancellor.

    Mayoral control has been the worse thing that has happened to the public school system, and needs to be ended. It is to bad that when Mayoral control is up in June of this year that the politicians in Albany will just renew it, maybe with one or two minor changes. 

The 36 Community Education Councils include 32 District Councils and Four Citywide Councils, one each for High Schools, English Language Learners, Special Education and District 75

CCECs Offer Parents an Opportunity to Shape Educational Policies in their Districts and Make a Direct Impact in their School Communities

          New York City Schools Chancellor Carmen Fariña today encouraged parents across the city to make a direct impact on their child’s education by running for an Education Council seat. Parents interested in becoming members of a Community or Citywide Education Council (CCEC) can apply starting today through March 11, and should visitNYCParentLeaders.org for more information.

“The Community and Citywide Education Councils help shape education policies and maintain strong relationships with families and the community,” said Schools Chancellor Carmen Fariña. “Education Councils make important contributions to their communities and I want to encourage parents across the city to apply for a seat. We need strong CECs in every district and citywide.”

Elections take place every two years, and this year, the DOE is engaging in a citywide effort to reach parents and raise awareness of these leadership roles, reflecting the Chancellor’s ongoing commitment to collaborating with families in the imperative work of preparing our city’s students for college and the workforce.

“Education Councils provide parents a voice in public education and an opportunity to make grass-roots level impact in their school districts,” said Jesse Mojica, Executive Director of the Division of Family and Community Engagement. “All New York City public school parents should consider participating in this unique opportunity to become transformative leaders in their communities.” 

Parents serve two-year terms on 36 Councils throughout the City, which include 32 district councils and four citywide councils, one each for High Schools, English Language Learners, Special Education and District 75. The 32 district CECs are responsible for approving school zoning lines, holding hearings on the Capital Plan, and providing additional input on important policy issues. Citywide Councils evaluate and advise on school policy concerning their areas of focus.

After applications are submitted, candidates will engage parents and parent leaders at forums planned between March 18 and April 18.

After the forums, three officers from each school’s Parent Association (PA) and Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) – the President, Recording Secretary, and Treasurer – will cast ballots online for their preferred district candidates between April 19 and May 8. On May 12, the results will be posted online at NYCParentLeaders.org.

Elected parents will receive trainings and leadership development sessions, ensuring they are able to use their positions effectively to make their voices heard, advocate for students, and form functional Councils.

Candidates for district CEC positions must be parents of a student enrolled in a district elementary or middle school, while candidates for the Citywide Council on High Schools must have a student in high school. Candidates for the other three Citywide Councils must have a student receiving the relevant services.

There is no experience or language requirement for candidates to run. Translation services are available at meetings for CEC members who may not speak English. Immigration status is never a consideration for an Education Council position. 

“Serving on an Education Council is rewarding because you have a direct influence on shaping education policies in your child’s school district,” said Arlenis Morel, a member of CEC 24. “We are our kids’ fiercest advocates and Education Councils allow us to ensure that their academic needs are met.”

As part of the broader Community and Citywide Education Council selection process, elected officials urged parents to apply.

“I encourage public school parents citywide to join Community and Citywide Education Councils, which present the best opportunity to be involved in the future of our schools, and directly connect parents to the resources in local communities,” said Public Advocate Letitia James. “Our children deserve the best, and no one understands that better than parents. Their voice is integral to our education system.”

“CECs are meant to ensure parental input in our school system,” Queens Borough President Melinda Katz said. “It is critical to have parents be an integral part of the decision-making process to shape and set education policies. As a mom of two young boys, I can attest firsthand to the impact that parental involvement has on our education system. Queens parents are some of the most active, vocal and effective in the city, and the difference is clear. The nexus of collaboration between families, educators and surrounding community is the key to the success of our schools.”

“Through Community Education Councils, parents can shape and support their neighborhood schools and influence decisions that affect the entire school system,” said Manhattan Borough President Gale A. Brewer. “I strongly encourage parents to apply for seats on their district CECs. Their insight, experience, and energy are crucial to improving our schools.”

“We need a variety of voices, viewpoints, and opinions serving in our CECs,” said Staten Island Borough President James Oddo. “For those parents who have ever thought about getting more involved in the school system, now is the time to do so by running for a spot on the CEC.  Share your talents and your experiences with us, and help us improve our schools.”

“Parental participation in the educational process is an important component that needs to be emphasized as much as hitting the books, which is why the Community Education Council elections are very important,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.  “As a parent, I understand how important it was for my children to feel they had me as an advocate on their behalf. As the Bronx Borough President, I understand how important it is to be an advocate for not only my children, but all of the Bronx’s children. We urge parents to become a part of this process to make sure the voices at the table are diverse and representative of our communities and the needs of our children.”

“Parent leaders who are part of Community Education Councils advocate for those most deserving of your time and attention – our students,” said Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams. “Even with all the challenges, there is no greater honor than representing your community and making Brooklyn a better place to live, work, and raise a family.”

For more information, parents can visit NYCParentLeaders.org, a key resource for understanding the structure and roles of the Education Councils. Information available on this website includes eligibility guidelines, key dates, and frequently asked questions.

The Councils

Community Education Councils (CEC)
The CECs work closely with the district superintendents, approve school zoning lines, hold hearings on the Capital Plan, and provide input on instructional and policy issues. There are 32 CECs. Each CEC has nine elected members who are parents of students currently in grades K-8 in district schools, and two Borough President appointees.

Citywide Council on High Schools (CCHS)
The CCHS advises on education policy and issues involving high school students. The CCHS has 10 elected members, two from each borough, who must be the parents of students currently attending a public high school.

Citywide Council on English Language Learners (CCELL)
The CCELL advises on education policy and issues involving students in bilingual or English as a Second Language (ESL) programs. The CCELL has nine elected members, who must be parents of students currently or recently classified by the DOE as English Language Learners.

Citywide Council on Special Education (CCSE)
The CCSE advises on education policy and services for students with disabilities. The CCSE has nine elected members, who must be parents of students receiving special education services provided by the DOE.

Citywide Council for District 75 (CCD75)
The CCD75 advises on education policy and services for students with disabilities who attend D75 programs. The CCD75 has nine elected members, who must be parents of students in a D75 program.

Important dates

February 11 - March 11 Parents interested in running for a seat on an Education Council submit an application online (computers will be available at schools and libraries).  

March 18 - April 18 – District and borough parent leaders, along with the DOE, host forums for parents to meet and ask questions of Education Council candidates.

April 19 - May 8 – Presidents, Treasurers, and Recording Secretaries of Parent Associations and Parent-Teacher Associations vote for the new Community and Citywide Education Council Members for the 2015-2017 term.

May 12 – Election results are published on NYCParentLeaders.org.

July 1 – Elected and appointed Community and Citywide Education Council Members for the 2015-2017 term take office.

There will be five borough-based information sessions for prospective candidates. Each will be held from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm on their respective dates:

Brooklyn:            February 17

Brooklyn Borough Hall

209 Joralemon St.

Brooklyn, NY 11201

Queens:               February 24

Queens Borough Hall

120-55 Queens Blvd, Room 200

Kew Gardens, NY 11424

Staten Island:      February 24

Staten Island Borough Hall

10 Richmond Terrace

Staten Island, NY 10301

Bronx:                 February 26

Bronx Borough Hall

851 Grand Concourse

Bronx, NY 10451

Manhattan:         March 2

Municipal Building

1 Centre Street, 19th floor South

New York, NY 10007

###

Contact:  Chancellor’s Press Office (212) 374-5141

What You Should Know Senator Diane Savino Called City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito an Idiot

By State Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz 
32nd Senatorial District 

Senator Diane Savino Called City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito an Idiot 

  

You should know that the political war between New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo and New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio has been expanded to include Senator Diane Savino and New York City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito (the one who refuses to salute the American Flag). 

  

 As you know, Senator Diane Savino is a Member of the Senate Independent Democratic Conference (IDC) – a group of five renegade Democrats that includes Senators David Carlucci, David Valesky, and Tony Avella and is led by Senator Jeff Klein – who separated from the State Senate Democrats to make an alliance with the Republicans. 

  

The love/hate relationship between Governor Andrew Cuomo and Mayor Bill de Blasio has been on display for so long that all of us understand how even though they cannot stand each other, in public they tend to deny it. But like people say, actions speak louder than words – and the actions shown by both Governor Andrew Cuomo and Mayor Bill de Blasio toward each other speak for themselves. 

  

Now that contempt has spilled over into the hearts of their presumed legislative surrogates – the war rages on. 

  

On Friday, February 13, 2015, Senator Diane Savino threw down the gauntlet by writing on her Facebook page: “Let me say this clearly Madame Speaker, you are an idiot! On any given day, I will match my legislative record of real accomplishments against yours! No matter how many sycophants suck up to you, you could never match Jeff Klein’s 20 year record. And his bravery to lead legislators that produce real change for real people!” 

  

Senator Savino even tweeted her outrage: “How dare the Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito insinuate the #IDC has never made public housing a priority?!?!?!” 

  

Wow! 

  

You should know that Senator Diane Savino is apparently very angry with Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito after hearing remarks the New York City Council Speaker made on WNYC’s “Brian Lehrer Show” where she accused Senator Jeff Klein and the IDC of never caring about New York City housing or its residents. 

  

The New York Observer’s Ross Barkan used the following lead for his February 13, 2015 column titled "Council Speaker ‘Surprised’ IDC ‘Suddenly’ Cares About Public Housing":“For Melissa Mark-Viverito, IDC may be stand for “I don’t care.” 

  

Mr. Ross also reported: 

  

Her comments came a day after their leader, Bronx State Senator Jeffrey Klein, rolled out a report slamming the New York City Housing Authority for failing to properly maintain their buildings. 

“Let me just say this, I am surprised that the IDC suddenly finds public housing of interest,” Ms. Mark-Viverito, with a strong hint of skepticism in her voice, told WNYC’s Brian Lehrer. 

  

“IDC being that branch of the Democratic Party that was aligned with the Republican Party in the last session?” Mr. Lehrer asked. 

“Yes and I welcome any interest in helping support our public housing stock. Maybe Senator Klein can help us advocate for state funding for the New York City Housing Authority,” she continued. 

  

My dear reader, as you can see, the stain of Albany is not only tainted by the scandals and corruption of state officials who have been indicted, or who are accused of rape and sexual abuse, or who misuse travel expenses or campaign funds, or who engage in bribery, or who are running for cover to hide from the tenacious U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara. New York politics is now overshadowed with the obvious war between Albany and New York City Hall, where legislators are adding themselves to the ground troops. 

  

Ladies and gentlemen, we all remember the chilling words that U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara left us with on January 23rd when he said: “Stay tuned.” With all due respect to U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara, I would like to borrow his phrase to tell all of you: Stay tuned for more dirt between Albany and City Hall. 

  

For my part, you should know that there is no love lost between City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito and myself. We don’t communicate, speak at all – we don’t even like each other.  And I really believe that she is some of the things that she has been called in the past: a communist, anti-American, a terrorist sympathizer, a socialist, a left-winger – but an idiot? I don’t think so. Especially after her State of the City speech. 

  

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

Editors Note: We happen to disagree with Senator Rev. Diaz Sr. on his opinion of City Council Speaker Meeeelisa Mark-Viverito. State Senator Diane Savino has excellent knowledge of what is going on around her. Savino is an elected Democrat representing Staten Island, and also has great taste in the men in her life. 

Council Speaker Mark-Viverito ‘Surprised’ IDC ‘Suddenly’ Cares About Public Housing

  In a New York Observer article New York City Council Speaker Meeeeelisa Mark-Viverito (as State Senator Gustavo Rivera calls her) showed surprise that the Independent Democratic Conference is showing concern for public housing. In fact the Observer writes that she says that IDC stands for 'I Don't Care'.

  The Observer says that the speaker dismissed the Klein report–which surveyed 49 buildings at five developments in each borough, as nothing new. The speaker then said that she and the mayor backed Senator Klein in 2014 for re-election, and that Klein helped secure the much needed state funding for the mayor's P-pre-K program. 

 Klein spokeswoman Candice Giove is quoted in the Observer article as saying Senator Klein had allocated 3.71 million to upgrade three public housing developments in his district, secured hundreds of thousands of dollars for other NYCHA Houses, and is well aware of the problems in public housing and wants to be a part of the solution. 

  

  Bronx Councilman Ritchie Torres may be in the middle of this as one of the speakers allies, and a friend of Senator Klein. Torres (Chair of the councils Public Housing Committee) rushed to Klein's defense  “He’s been my senator for the last decade and he is one of the best advocates for public housing I know,” Mr. Torres told the Observer.

  The Speaker has since softened her comments to Senator Klein, and now is willing to work with Senator Klein and the IDC on improving public housing.

  The next day the the Observer had this story "Diane Savino Calls Melissa Mark-Viverito an ‘Idiot’ After IDC Jab". State Senator Diane Savino is a member of the IDC, and also very close to Senator Jeff Klein.  

  Could it be that Speaker Mark-Viverito was mad about not being part of the press conference?

  . 

State Senator Jeff Klein and NYC Councilman Ritchie Torres release “Worst Landlord in NYC?”

Joint investigative report detailing deplorable conditions in NYCHA buildings

Elected Officials and Housing Advocates call  for state funding with stronger accountability to repair and upgrade NYC’s public housing stock

State Senator Jeff Klein and New York City Councilman Ritchie Torres today released a joint report, “Worst Landlord in NYC?” detailing the deteriorating conditions of some of the New York City Housing Authority’s developments throughout the five boroughs.

Klein and Torres, joined by State Senators Diane Savino and  Adriano Espaillat, Senior Policy Analyst Victor Bach of Community Services Society of New York, Maritza Silva-Farrell of the Real Affordability for All Coalition and Ann Valdez, a public housing resident and member of Community Voices Heard, also called for a City and State funding reinvestment in NYCHA with stringent accountability procedures and benchmarks in order to ensure that the widespread state of disrepair and serious personal and public safety issues are remedied in a timely and efficient manner.

The joint report included photographs taken by Klein staff that exposed decaying, unsafe conditions in various New York City public housing buildings.  The investigators captured scenes of hallways strewn with debris that had recently caught fire, dark stairwells with blown lights and collapsed plaster ceilings. Surveyors also discovered buildings that lacked working fire exit safety doors as well as unsecured entrance doors and rooftop building access.

“It’s shameful that public housing residents in this city live in such unpleasant and clearly unsafe conditions. Plaster raining from ceilings, charred hallways and fire doors that don’t work, garbage littered throughout buildings, and unrepaired damages that could cause personal injury or harm are simply unacceptable,” said Senator Klein. “The IDC’s NYCHA 2020 proposal addresses this public housing crisis by reinvesting in NYCHA, and I am confident that by working with the city and its new NYCHA commissioner we can make certain that any investment of state funds is spent wisely.”

“The City and State’s historic disinvestment from  NYCHA represents a level of neglect that no elected official would ever tolerate from a private landlord,”  said Councilmember Torres.  "I commend Senator Klein, Senator Espaillat, and all of our champions in Albany for their commitment to the future of public housing.”

“We heard NYCHA Chairwoman Oyatole talk about ‘deplorable’ conditions at a City Council hearing — and we agree. Those conditions don’t just exist in the developments the city is looking to sell to private developers. We found deplorable conditions in many buildings operated by NYCHA and we want to help NYCHA Chairwoman Oyatole fix these problems,” said Senator Savino.

“The New York City Housing Authority should be a beacon of support for those communities most in need. Instead, the “Worst Landlord in NYC?” report reveals the grim truth about the disgraceful state of NYCHA housing. We must make certain that these communities receive the safety, cleanliness and respect that they deserve, and that any taxpayer dollars that are invested are well spent. The IDC’s NYCHA 2020 proposal will ensure that we address these fundamental problems at their core, all while sensibly investing public funds,” said State Senator Tony Avella (D-Bayside).

“The City’s housing crisis will not be fully addressed until we repair NYCHA’s poorly maintained housing stock. The plan laid out today for revitalizing NYCHA would set a new standard of transparency and efficiency at the agency, and provide the resources it needs to repair and properly maintain the homes of thousands of hard working New Yorkers. The State and City must work together to ensure everyone has access to adequate affordable housing,” said Senator Espaillat.

“‎The Community Service Society welcomes this Albany initiative to commit significant capital dollars to help meet the infrastructural needs of NYCHA's aging buildings. It is time for the state to fulfill, not ignore, it's responsibilities to NYCHA and its residents,” said Victor Bach, Senior Policy Analyst, Community Services Society of New York.

“Public housing is a vital but neglected source of affordable housing for hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers. We cannot have real affordability for all until the quality of public housing is strengthened. For too long, NYCHA has operated as one of the worst landlords. The findings of this investigative report are deeply disturbing and cannot be ignored by NYCHA. We are proud to join this campaign for greater accountability of NYCHA, and to help push for increased state investment in public housing to ensure that long overdue repairs finally get made,” said Maritza Silva-Farrell of the Real Affordability for All Coalition.

“Community Voices Heard is glad that there is a call for Albany to dedicate more funding to NYCHA, especially given that a real commitment on their part has been missing for a number of years and we believe that this funding is a great starting point,” said Ann Valdez, a public housing resident and member of Community Voices Heard.

The IDC’s Invest NY proposal includes a NYCHA 2020 plan to remedy challenges currently facing public housing in New York City. The plan includes:

•        $500 million investment – The state would provide $250 million in capital funding to NYCHA with the requirement that NYC provide another $250 million in matching funds. These funds would be available immediately for repairs, reconstruction and upgrades. Continued use of this funding beyond January 1st, 2016, would be contingent on NYCHA’s adoption of the NYCHA 2020 Revitalization & Reform Plan. This plan creates accountable guidelines to reform the authority’s management, streamline its procurement and repairs, improve its customer service, reduce its bureaucracy, and set NYCHA on a path to long-term financial sustainability.

•        Restoration of $12 million in state aid – The IDC proposes restoring the state’s annual subsidy of $12 million to NYCHA. In addition, the state would also match any savings in operating costs that NYCHA realizes through implementing the NYCHA 2020 reform plan.

•         NYCHA Repair Certificate – This program would allow private developers to obtain a zoning bonus (higher FAR) in areas being up-zoned in exchange for conducting expeditious repair work in NYCHA buildings. This would increase the repair speed since NYCHA’s work orders can extend as long as two years.

•        NYCHA Watchdog – An annual public report, compiled by an independent watchdog, would be sent to the City Council, the Office of the Mayor of the City of New York and the Department of Housing and Community Renewal detailing the conditions of each NYCHA development and the status of repairs.

A copy of the full report: “Worst Landlord in NYC?” is available through Senator Jeff Klein’s website: http://www.nysenate.gov/senator/jeffrey-d-klein.

YouTube videos of conditions found in NYCHA developments as part of the investigation are available on channel - IDC NYCHA Report.