Assembly Dems pass DREAM Act - All or Nothing

  The Assembly pass the New York State Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act (A.4311), which he co-sponsored. The legislation would allow children of immigrants to apply for state scholarships and the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) to help with the cost of higher education, as well as establish a private scholarship fund (the DREAM Fund). 

New York State has been at the forefront of giving students a fair shot at attending college. Since 2002, all students who graduate from a high school in New York State – including undocumented immigrants – are eligible for in-state tuition at SUNY and CUNY colleges and universities. The DREAM Act would further assist these youth by increasing access to state educational assistance programs, including the Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP); Educational Opportunity Program (EOP); Collegiate Science and Technology Program

(C-STEP); and opportunity programs available at community colleges.

To be eligible for state tuition assistance and educational opportunity programs, undocumented immigrant students must satisfy certain requirements, including attending high school in New York State for at least two years and having graduated or received a high school equivalency diploma in-state.

The DREAM Act also creates the DREAM Fund, an initiative to raise private funds for scholarships that would assist college-bound students with at least one immigrant parent. The legislation would also expand access to the New York State College Tuition Savings (529) Program, making family tuition accounts available to anyone who provides a valid taxpayer identification number. This would help many families save for their children’s education over time.

Passage of the DREAM Act into law would make New York one of six states – including California, Minnesota, New Mexico, Texas and Washington – to offer state financial aid to undocumented students and children of undocumented immigrants. At least 18 states allow immigrant students to pay in-state tuition at state universities and college. 

Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz said, “Every student should have access to an affordable higher education, regardless of his or her immigration status. The DREAM Act allows hardworking immigrant students to apply for the same funding for higher education that all other students in New York currently have access to.”

“Students who have worked hard to meet admission standards should not be at a disadvantage because of where they came from,” said Assemblyman Dinowitz. “Diversity is a big part of what makes New York so great – nearly all of us are the children or descendants of immigrants. This legislation would help deserving students invest in their own education and pursue their version of the American Dream.”

 All or Nothing 
By Senator Ruben Diaz Sr.

"After hearing that Governor Andrew Cuomo has invited Senator Jeff Klein, (the Leader of 5 Independent Senate Democrats) to become #4 in the 3-Men-In-The-Room for New York State Budget negotiations - and that Governor Andrew Cuomo has ignored Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins, the Leader of the 25 Member Senate Democratic Conference  - I am calling on my Democratic colleagues in the Senate to boycott the Budget vote. 

It is a shame and an insult to every Democrat in the state, especially to each of us 25 Democratic Senators.  It is an insult to Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins, who is the first woman to hold the position of a Senate Conference Leader. It is an insult to the mostly Black and Hispanic constituents she and I - and many of my fellow Democratic Senators represent. 

I have no opposition to Senator Jeff Klein being a part of the Budget negotiations to represent the interests of his 5 Independent Democratic Members. However, to ignore Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins, the Leader of the Senate Democratic Conference and by that the 25 Democratic Senators, is to leave us without a voice. This effects millions of people. 

It is appalling! I ask that once and for all, for my fellow Senate Democrats to stand on their own feet, to stop this abuse and farce, and to boycott the Budget vote. Don't vote for the Budget. They already have the votes to pass the budget without us, and we should stop being part of the farce. 

This insult to Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins affects us all.  Racism and sexism have no place in our government, and I implore my colleagues to have no part in this vote. 

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

Irish Heritage Month Celebration

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. Invites you to His Annual Irish Heritage Month Celebration   Master of Ceremonies        Pat O'Keefe News 12-Sports Director The Rambling House 4292 Katonah Ave Bronx, New York      Thursday, March 12, 2015                 12 noon until 3pm             2015 Honorees Patricia Lynch Government/Media Strategist  Joe McDermott Executive Director for the CWEProclamation Aedin Moloney  Producing Artistic Director   The Fallen Angel Theatre Company, Inc.

Seating is limited please RSVP to 718.590.3989 or smalave@bronxbp.nyc.gov

GOOD - BYE MR. SPOCK Leonard Nimoy Dies at Age 83

 Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease which Nimoy had been battling the past year has been declared the cause of his death. The disease is related to smoking, which Nimoy had given up light years (about 30) ago. 

 Leonard Nimoy 'MR. SPOCK' now joins Deforest Kelly (Dr. McCoy 'BONES'), James Doohan (Mr. Scott, 'SCOTTY'), and Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry in the great beyond. 

 Remaining original cast members include William Shatner 'CAPTAIN KIRK' currently age 83, Michelle Nichols 'LIEUTENANT UHURA' currently age 82, George Takei 'MR. SULU currently age 77, and Walter Koenig 'Ensign Checkov' currently age 78. 

 'LIVE LONG AND PROSPER'.

photo credit to Live Journal.com

BP DIAZ RELEASES ANNUAL DEVELOPMENT REPORT

Highlights Over $7.2 Billion in Total Bronx Development Since 2009

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. has issued his annual development report, highlighting the total development seen in The Bronx since he first took office in 2009.

The report notes that, in total, The Bronx has seen more than $7.212 billion in total development in all categories since 2009, when Borough President Diaz first took office. In 2014 alone, The Bronx saw over $1.13 billion in new development.

The report follows last week’s “State of the Borough” address, in which Borough President Diaz outlined his continued vision for the ongoing growth of the borough’s economy.

“The Bronx continues to grow stronger and stronger each year, as we create new jobs, build new housing and improve quality of life in the borough,” said Borough President Diaz. “We will continue to attract the type of investors that want to help The Bronx flourish and reach its full potential.”

The report notes other development highlights from 2014, including a total of $788 million in residential development, $483 million in institutional development and $134 million in commercial development across the borough.

“This is truly an exciting time to visit, work, live and do business in The Bronx. Since 2009, our borough has seen a transformation, with more than $7 billion invested on improving the quality of life of all Bronxites, building more and better affordable housing units, greener business infrastructure and creating thousands of new jobs,” said Marlene Cintron, President of the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation.

“We are witnessing an influx of people returning to their roots in The Bronx.  It is a great time to invest in our borough – build it and they will come,” said Lenny Caro, President & CEO, Bronx Chamber of Commerce.

To read the complete report, visit http://on.nyc.gov/1Ee3Udk.

BOROUGH PRESIDENT DIAZ CELEBRATES THE FLAVORFUL CULTURE OF THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

  On Thursday, February 26, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., hosted his annual Dominican Heritage Celebration at Salsa Con Fuego, honoring Queens City Council Member Julissa Ferreras, Nestor Montilla Sr., Director of Corporate & Community Development at Lehman College, and Rosa Garcia, Entrepreneur and Owner of the Mott Haven Bar & Grill.

“With over 210,000 individuals of Dominican heritage calling this great borough their home, it is a proud moment to recognize the growing population and share their flavorful culture. With their growing businesses and exciting cultural celebrations, the history of this great community is being written each day in our borough,” said Borough President Diaz.

“I could not miss this for anything, because it is more than just being honored. I am here for a great man and the great borough of The Bronx. Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. chooses to recognize the work of individuals everywhere and that is kind of him,” said Council Member Ferreras as she accepted her honor.

“I am very proud to be here, because Dominicans are productive citizens and each day they are getting more involved,” stated Mr. Montilla as he chatted with invited guests and co-workers at the event.

“I am humbled and surprised because when I was growing up, Dominicans were never really recognized and over the years that has changed,” added Ms. Garcia as they all smiled for a picture.

Vice-Consuls of the Dominican Republic in New York, the Honorable Victor Compres and the Honorable Cecilia Santana, were also recognized for their contributions in keeping Dominican culture and heritage vibrant in The Bronx and throughout the city.

WILLIAMS CHAIRS COUNCIL HEARING TO DISCUSS THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AN EMERGENCY REPAIR PROGRAM FOR ELEVATORS

  The New York City Council's Committee on Housing and Buildings, Chaired by Council Member Jumaane D. Williams, Deputy Leader, held a hearing on Int. 462, a bill by Council Member James Vacca regarding the establishment of an emergency repair program for elevators. The Committee received testimony from representatives of the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), the Department of Buildings (DOB), legal service providers, members of the real estate industry, and other interested members of the public.

The DOB's Elevator Division is responsible for overseeing the use and operation of New York City's elevators. Under the law, this oversight includes an annual inspection of each of the City's approximately 60,000 elevators. HPD does not currently have a role with respect to elevator maintenance, however, HPD does have the power to correct Housing Maintenance Code violations determined to be dangerous to human life and safety or detrimental to health.

This legislation would require DOB to refer to HPD immediately hazardous elevator-related violations that have not been corrected within the stated time for compliance. It would also allow HPD to correct such violations or to order the owner of the building or other responsible party to correct the violations.

"Unlike for issues such as leaky roofs, mold, broken windows or a lack of heat and hot water, tenants have few options when an elevator is need of emergency repairs and the owner has failed to make those repairs," said Council Member Williams during the hearing. "Last week alone, the Department of Buildings fielded 182 complaints about elevators citywide. It is clear that this is a major issue for many community members, especially those who are less mobile and require an elevator to get to their apartment. I applaud Council Member Vacca for introducing this legislation which will help resolve this issue."

"In a city where millions of residents live in high rise buildings, working elevators are a necessity, not a luxury. Prolonged elevator outages create an unsafe living condition for residents, particularly the elderly and those with disabilities," said Council Member Vacca.

MAYOR DE BLASIO ANNOUNCES TENTATIVE CONTRACT AGREEMENT WITH SERGEANTS BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION

Four out of five police unions now under contract

  Mayor de Blasio today announced that the City of New York has reached a tentative contract agreement with the Sergeants Benevolent Association, which covers 4,602 full-time sergeants of the NYPD.

With today’s agreement, the de Blasio administration has reached contract agreements with more than 76 percent of the City workforce—including four out of five police unions—and eight uniformed unions have are now ratified. 

This agreement is pattern-conforming with the Uniformed Superior Officers Coalition agreement negotiated in December 2014. The agreement also incorporates the unprecedented health care savings agreed upon with the Municipal Labor Committee, ensuring that these raises are affordable and responsible for the City and its taxpayers.

The proposed seven-year contract would begin, retroactively, on August 30, 2011 and expire on August 29, 2018.

“Sergeants risk their lives every single day to keep the city safe, and this agreement recognizes and honors the difficult and dangerous work they do day in and day out,” said Mayor de Blasio. “I’m proud of the progress we’ve made over the past year to settle contracts with more than 76 percent of the city’s workforce and establish a respectful dynamic between the City and its employees. And with today’s agreement, four out of five police unions have agreed to contracts that have delivered fair wages for these men and women who protect all of us each day, while protecting the City’s long-term financial health.”

“I am grateful we have been able to reach a contract agreement. As a result of the last administration, NYPD Sergeants have been working with no contract agreement for nearly three and half years. Mayor de Blasio has been understanding and receptive to the concerns and needs of these NYPD Sergeants, and I thank him for his time and effort in helping to reach this agreement,” said Sergeants Benevolent Association President Ed Mullins.

In total, the MLC and the City have agreed to secure $3.4 billion in health care savings through Fiscal Year 2018, and $1.3 billion in savings every year thereafter. The City and the municipal unions will work to secure cost-cutting measures aimed at bending the curve of rising health care costs for the first time. These savings are guaranteed and enforceable by arbitration.

After the guaranteed health care savings and funds from the

stabilization fund, the net cost of the tentative settlement will be $252.1 million through FY2019. This agreement will not require any additional funds be added to the financial plan.

Fair Wages

The contract is based on existing labor patterns in place for all other City unions, with the addition of a 1 percent raise in Year One—consistent with the pattern established with the Uniformed Superior Officers Coalition in December 2014.

Wage increases will constitute 11 percent over seven years, on the following dates:

1% – Effective 8/30/11

1% – Effective 2/28/13

1% – Effective 2/28/14

1% – Effective 2/28/15

1.5% – Effective 2/29/16

2.5% – Effective 3/30/17

3.0% – Effective 3/30/18

Like the agreement reached with the Uniformed Superior Officers Coalition, this contract does not include the one-time $1,000 ratification bonus and includes a change in terminal leave policy in allowing employees to opt for a one-time lump sum payment in lieu of taking all leave time prior to retiring. Additionally, this agreement provides for increases in longevity payments. The cost of these provisions and the payment of the first wage increase on the first day of the agreement is offset by savings from a reduced welfare fund contribution, a one month delay in the last two wage increases, and an agreement to amend the existing work rules and practices to reduce overtime costs for the City.

Affordable costs

The costs of today’s tentative agreement, across the Financial Plan from FY2015 through FY 2019 are as follows:

Gross Cost: $326.2 million

Health Savings and Stabilization Fund: ($74.1 million)

Net Cost: $252.1 million

Council Member Andy King Announces Passage of His Piece of Legislation to Help Expedite the Removal of Downed Trees Damaged By Severe Storm

 City Council Member Andy King (12^th District/Bronx) applauded the NYC Council’s passage of Int. No. 74-A today, which creates a protocol for removing trees damaged by severe weather.

Council Member King’s legislation requires increased communication between city agencies and utilities and limits the amount of time affected communities will be without power.

“The purpose of Int. No. 74-A is to bring about a more accountable – common sense approach between our city agencies and local utilities in cases where downed or damaged trees on city property must be removed. Had this tree protocol removal been in place during the time of Hurricane Sandy, or any other severe weather condition that left numerous downed trees, which caused thousands of New Yorkers to lose power, the removal process would have been much simpler and swifter,” explained Council Member King.

In addition, the New York City of Parks and Recreation will post on its website after a severe storm the instructions on how residents can notify the city of downed or damaged trees or downed wires.

“Communications is everything! This piece of legislation helps our agencies, utilities and residents communicate better. I want to thank Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito and my colleague Council Member Mark Levine, chair of the Committee on Parks and Recreation, for their leadership in pushing forward this legislation,” said Council Member Andy King.

Int. No. 74-A will take effect 90 days after its enactment.

“Our Perseverance In The Future Lies in the Resiliency of Our Past”—Council Member Andy King