STATE SENATOR KLEIN MEETS WITH PRESIDENT OBAMA, SENIOR WHITE HOUSE OFFICIALS TO DISCUSS NEW YORK STATE & NATIONAL PRIORITIES FOR 2016

  IDC Leader Klein travels to Washington, DC; touts progressive accomplishments in New York

State Senate Independent Democratic Conference Leader Jeff Klein visited the White House on Wednesday to meet with President Obama and senior White House officials to discuss New York State and national priorities for 2016. More than 60 legislators from across the country joined Senator Klein for the discussion, which centered on moving forward progressive legislation like paid family leave, college affordability, raising the minimum wage, enacting criminal justice reform and more.

“Paid family leave has been one of my signature policy issues. It’s imperative that workers receive 12-weeks to take care of a newborn or a loved-one without having to sacrifice their paycheck. I’m honored that President Obama has offered his administration’s assistance to help push forward this important policy so that no one in New York will have to choose between what’s in their bank account and what’s in their heart,” said Senator Klein.

“I was tremendously proud to share with legislators the key to passing full-day universal pre-K, as I did in New York. Helping other states provide free education to their four-year-olds is a priority for the Obama administration and I hope my guidance helps other leaders launch fully-funded UPK programs in their states,” Senator Klein added.

Senior White House officials opened the day with an overview of President Obama’s national priorities and their efforts to support state houses across the country on progressive legislation.

The administration pledged to provide resources, data and send cabinet members to states to support important bills like Senator Klein’s paid family leave legislation currently before the New York State Senate and Assembly.

White House officials and state delegates focused round-table discussions on strategies for 2016. Senator Klein provided insight and advice to other states on New York’s monumental passage of Universal Pre-Kindergarten and his efforts to raise the minimum wage statewide.

The day also provided the opportunity for legislators to connect with colleagues at the state level and build partnerships for the future. Senator Klein met with President Obama and the president pledged his full support for Senator Klein’s paid family leave legislation. Other issues discussed included raising the minimum wage and helping to make college more affordable for students across the country.

3 More Cases of Legionnaires’ Disease Reported.- One Death Now in Morris Park Outbreak

  3 more cases of Legionnaires’ Disease have been reported in the Morris Park area, and there is now one death from the latest outbreak. In all 13 cases of  Legionnaires’ Disease have been reported by the city, and we have seen the first person die from this latest outbreak. The victim was under the age of 50, but had underlying health problems which were not disclosed. 

  35 cooling towers have been checked with at first 5 coming back as contaminated, with that number now at 15. I spoke to one local elected official who is disturbed by this lack of information and explanation to the community. It appears that the city is hiding something, and there will be a Town Hall meeting on the Morris Park Outbreak of  Legionnaires’ Disease tomorrow night at Maestro's Caterers located at 1703 Bronxdale Avenue starting at 8 PM. 

  Let's Hope the community can get some real answers this time from the city before more people die.

The following is from State Senator Ruben Diaz Sr.

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

What Are They Hiding From Us? Something is Definitely Going Wrong in the City of New York 

Senator Reverend Ruben Diaz (D-Bronx) has released the following statement about the ongoing Legionnaires Disease Breakout: 

“On one side of the issue, the City of New York says they have controlled the outburst of Legionnaires Disease – and on the other hand, people are dying. 

I have to ask: Why are they keeping what is going on in Brooklyn so quiet? On September 13, 2015 in Woodhull Hospital, 46 year old Andres Martinez died of Legionnaires Disease.  Andres was the son of well-known Bronx community leader, Mr. Gumercindo Martinez. 

This week, we have learned that here in the Bronx another person has died from Legionnaires Disease.  I am afraid that the City’s Administration is hiding some vital information about Legionnaires Disease from us as people continue to die. 

I pray for the families and friends whose loved ones have died and who continue to suffer from this disease, and for the safety and well-being of everyone who lives and works in New York City. 

I am Senator Reverend Rubén Díaz and this is what you should know.”

Jerome Park Reservoir Tours - Postponed for this Weekend Due to Storm

GUIDED TOURS AND LIMITED ACCESS RECREATION AT 

JEROME PARK RESERVOIR POSTPONED DUE TO THE

THREAT OF INCLEMENT  WEATHER 

The New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) today announced that due to the potential for inclement weather this weekend, the special guided tours and limited access recreation planned at Jerome Park Reservoir have been postponed until the weekend of November 14th and 15th.  As was originally planned, there will be two ticketed tours on each day, followed by a non-ticketed opportunity for the public to walk or jog around the 2-mile perimeter of the Reservoir.  Entry will be through a Gate House located on the west side of Goulden Avenue, just south of 205th Street and phones, bags and cameras will not be permitted on the Reservoir grounds.  There will be an opportunity to check phones, but visitors should not bring bags or cameras.  All individuals who had registered for the tours scheduled for October 3rd and 4th will be contacted by DEP and given the first opportunity for tickets to the November 14th and 15th tours.  To the extent any tickets remain after that, DEP will make them available on a first-come, first-served basis.  More information will be made available about any remaining tickets on the DEP website and Facebook page.  

Saturday, November 14th:

Guided Tours (tickets required)

10:00am – 11:00am

11:00am – 12:00pm

Limited Access Recreation (tickets not required)

12:30pm – 2:30pm

Sunday, November 15th:

Guided Tours (tickets required)

10:00am – 11:00am

11:00am – 12:00pm

Limited Access Recreation (tickets not required)

12:30pm – 2:30pm

This special access to the Reservoir grounds is the result of a continuing dialogue between DEP, elected officials and the community.

Attention Bronx Chamber of Commerced Members: Upcoming Business Opportunities

Request For Proposals 

ATTENTION 

Bronx Chamber of Commerce Member:

NYC Housing Authority Contracting Opportunity :

As part of The New York City Housing Authority's continuing effort to reach out to the MWSBE community, we would like to inform you of some procurement opportunities that may be of interest to your businesses .

-  RFQ62655-2 CPD-GR1519021-RENOVATION OF ENTRANCES AND RELATED WORK

 

 -RFQ62591-2 SMD_MARKVIEW SOFTWARE UPGRADE AND RE-IMPLEMENTATION OF MARKVIEW CUSTOMIZATIONS

 

-  RFQ62755 SMD -Mepco Heating Supplies 

 

 - RFQ62725 SMD_Replacement of Vacuum Pump Units

To register in the Supplier Portal, 

go to NYCHA's website at: 

http://www.nyc.gov/html/nycha/html/business/business.shtml

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The City of New York Department of Parks & Recreation ("Parks")

requests proposals for the

renovation, operation, and maintenance of three (3) snack bars and up to fifteen (15) mobile

food units at Orchard Beach in Pelham Bay Park.

For more information CLICK HERE

To register email:

Michelle@bronxchamber.org

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NYC Department of Design and Construction Event -

11:00AM

  Wednesday, Oct. 21st

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Goldman Sachs 10K Small Business Workshop-

5:30PM

Monday, Oct.26th   

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Friendly Reminder: 

October 15th

October 22nd

October 28th

Workforce Development Workshop 

  

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For more information

Call 718-828-3900 or email Michelle@bronxchamber.org 

Halloween Spooktacular and Pumpkin Fest 2015

Legionnaires' Town Hall in Morris Park Thursday 8 PM

Bronx Town Hall  on Legionnaries'  Disease    Thursday, October 1st 8:00pm Maestro's Caterers 1703 Bronxdale Avenue Bronx, NY 10462 For more information,  contact the offices of  Senator Klein (718) 822-2049,  Assemblyman Gjonaj (718) 409-0109,  Councilman Vacca (718) 931-1721

McFarlane Toys Attacks  New York Comic Con Construction Competition, Toys &  Comic Giveaways, Autograph Signings and More! Todd McFarlane (Spawn, Spiderman) and McFarlane Toys are bringing new bricks and new contests to this years' New York Comic Con. Stop by the McFarlane Toys Booth (1526) to meet and greet with Todd McFarlane and see all the cool new action figures, construction sets and statues McFarlane Toys is releasing this Fall from AMC's The Walking Dead, HBO's Game of Thrones, Halo, Assassin's Creed, The Walking Dead Comic and more! Thursday, October 8th - Sunday, October 12 McFarlane Toys Booth #1526 New McFarlane Build Off Competitions, Life-Size Photo Opportunities, Signings, Giveaways and Signings with Todd McFarlane!

3 More Cases of Legionnaires' Disease in Morris Park Total Now Up to 10 Reported Cases

   There have been 3 more cases of Legionnaires Disease reported in the Morris Park 'Cluster Area' bringing the total of cases reported to 10. One person was released from the hospital today with 9  people remaining hospitalized. As usual The New York City Department of Health and Mayor Bill de Blasio have not said where this outbreak was found, or just how widespread it may be. 

 Let's hope we don't have to wait a month for details from the city, and also hope that the number of people affected does not rise. Below are some tips from State Senator Jeff Klein and Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj on what to do if you suspect that you may have contracted Legionnaires Disease, and what the symptoms are.

Legionnaires' Disease Found In Morris Park

Reports from NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene have confirmed the findings of Legionnaires' disease in the Morris Park section of the Bronx.     http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/pr2015/pr039-15.shtml   Please do not disregard any physical ailment. Symptoms of Legionnaires' disease typically occur within 2-14 days after exposure to Legionella bacteria. Please take all necessary precautions and seek immediate medical attention if you or someone you know exhibits any of the following symptoms: Fever above 104 °F Chills Cough, with or without mucus or blood Other symptoms may include: Headaches Muscle aches Loss of appetite Chest pain Fatigue Nausea Please call a physician immediately if you are feeling ill. Legionnaires' disease is treatable with antibiotics if detected. Legionnaires' disease cannot be spread from person to person.   Please be aware that this outbreak does not affect the water supply in our homes. We will continue to notify as updates become available. A town hall meeting will be announced.   In Good Health,  Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj and Senator Jeff Klein