Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman - $550 Million For New York, Fighting Public Corruption & More

Continuing To Rebuild New York After The Housing Crisis

The Attorney General secured another victory in his efforts to help New Yorkers rebuild in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis: a $3.2 billion settlement with Morgan Stanley. The agreement, negotiated by the joint state federal Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities Working Group co-chaired by Attorney General Schneiderman, brings $550 million to New York. The funds are earmarked to help build affordable housing, combat the proliferation of zombie homes and provide loan reductions to families facing foreclosure. The settlement resolves allegations that Morgan Stanley misrepresented the quality of the mortgage loans it securitized and sold to investors, and that it sold loans with material defects to investors. This settlement delivers resources to the families and communities all across the state that need them the most.

  

Enforcing Wage Theft Laws

Arthur Anyah, the owner of a Peekskill-based Home Health Care, has been arrested for allegedly failing to pay 52 workers more than $110,000 in wages for more than two years. The aides, who provided services to clients such as bathing, preparing food, and assisting with toileting, were allegedly induced to keep working after Anyah and the company stated or implied that they would eventually get paid. The Attorney General has returned more than $21 million in restitution and damages to workers subjected to wage theft since he took office, and will continue to take aggressive action against those who think they can skirt the law and take advantage of hard working New Yorkers.

Stopping Fraudsters From Preying On New Yorkers

MoneyGram Payment Systems is revamping and improving its anti-fraud measures thanks to a multi-state settlement reached with the Attorney General and 48 other states. The settlement follows complaints from consumers who used MoneyGram’s wire transfer service to send money to third parties that were seeking to defraud consumers. As part of the agreement, MoneyGram has agreed to maintain and continue to improve a comprehensive and robust anti-fraud program designed to help detect and prevent consumers from suffering financial losses as a result of fraud-induced wire transfers. Furthermore, the company will pay a total of 13 million dollars to the states to fund a nationwide consumer restitution program and for the states’ costs and fees.

Cracking Down On False Advertisements Online

The Attorney General announced settlements with four companies for their role in posting fraudulent content on the internet. One company called Machinima, which distributes video content related to video games on YouTube, allegedly paid gaming experts to endorse several games the company was promoting online. Premier Retail Group, a chain of cosmetic and beauty stores that offer services for a certain skin treatment brand, solicited reviewers through advertisements posted on Craigslist to write positive reviews in exchange for samples and other forms of compensation. Similar practices were uncovered following an investigation into ESIOH Marketing, which solicited writers over Craigslist to write over 200 fake reviews of its small business clients. Finally, a spa company in New York paid a businessman hundreds to post fake positive reviews on Yelp for their services. Consumers rely on reviews and other endorsements on the Internet to inform themselves in making daily purchasing decisions, and deserve honesty and transparency in the reviews and endorsements they read online.

Rooting Out Public Corruption in Monroe County

The fourth and final defendant involved in a Monroe County bid-rigging scheme has pleaded guilty. It is expected that that Daniel Lynch will be sentenced to two-and-one-third to seven years in state prison and be required to pay approximately $600,000 in restitution and forfeiture. Lynch and co-conspirators were charged in November 2013 with a scheme to rig the bidding process for a number of multi-million dollar public works contracts in Monroe County.  This guilty plea demonstrates that the Attorney General is committed to ensuring that taxpayer funds are being spent appropriately. Those who violate the public's trust will held accountable.

Providing Consumer Relief Under Lemon Laws

The Attorney General announced that over $12 million has been recovered by New Yorkers since 2011 thanks to Lemon laws, which provide a legal remedy for consumers who have repair or warranty issues with new or used cars. The Attorney General’s Lemon Law arbitration program provides both consumers and the auto industry a fair and effective means to resolve disputes. In 2015 alone, $2.5 million was awarded to dozens of consumers. To apply for arbitration, visit here and submit your complaint. 

Protecting New York’s Workers’ Compensation Fund

The Attorney General, working with the State Inspector General, announced the sentencing of a former Department of Transportation employee for fraudulently obtaining nearly $10,000 in Workers’ Compensation Benefits over a period of approximately eight months. It was alleged that Corey Cragnolin claimed he suffered an injury while at work, and claimed that he was not working in any capacity while accepting the benefits. Yet between the period of September 2013 to May 2014, Cragnolin was running his own home improvement and contracting business, which included repairing roofs, cleaning and repairing chimneys, cleaning and repairing gutters, among other projects. Cragnolin must now repay nearly $10,000 as part of his sentencing. 

Have a question, comment, or complaint? Click here. You can also learn more about the various initiatives of the Attorney General's office by visiting our website at ag.ny.gov. 

100 PERCENT Saturday February 13, 2016 The 78th A.D. Race Shapes Up

100 PERCENT

By Robert Press

78th A.D. Race Shapes Up

    Before I get into the 78th A.D. race, yesterday was the taping for the Monday night Bronxtalk 17th City Council Special Election Debate. It was an interesting hour, but I have to wait until after the show airs to report on it. You do however want to watch the show as there is more insight into the six remaining candidates that currently are on the ballot. Host Gary Axelbank was excellent in the way he moderated the debate, but I can tell you no one pulled out a rubber hatchet as was the case in the infamous Espada/Rosado debate many years ago. The 17th City Council Special Election debate will air Monday night at 9 PM on channel 67 for Cablevision viewers, and on channel 33 for Fios customers. You can also go to Bronxnet.org on Tuesday to see a replay of the show. 

Host Gary Axelbank on the left, candidates Rafael Salamanca, Julio 

Pabon, George Alvarez, Marlon Molina, Loren Russell, and Joann Otero.

   On to the 78th Assembly District. The former Executive Director of the Bronx Democratic County organization Ms. Ischia Bravo has just announced (after rumors had been circulating) that she intends to be a candidate for the position of Assembly member of the 78th A.D. Ms. Bravo in a press release says that women voters outnumber male voters six to one. She claims that the women of the 78th Assembly District need a women who can speak for women's rights and other issues that are important to women, and to all the voters of the district.

   This will not be an easy battle for Ms. Bravo who knows that the Bronx Democratic County organization will be endorsing all incumbents including her opponent the current assemblyman. There is however a rumor that the current assemblyman's daughter the former 80th A.D. Assemblywoman who was defeated four years ago of being a replacement candidate after petitions are circulated for her father who would withdraw before the deadline. If that was to be the case then there would be no incumbent and Ms. Bravo could receive the endorsement of the Bronx Democratic County organization. One would have to guess now that I have exposed that scenario, it looks like Assemblyman Jose Rivera is going to have to go through another election, which many hope will be his last. 

    Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. will be giving his 'State of the Bronx Address' on Thursday Feb. 18th at the Cardinal Hayes High School starting at 11:30 AM. The school is located at 650 Grand Concourse, and seating is limited so call 718-590-6116 to reserve your seat. 

   The Independent Democratic Conference led by State Senator Jeff Klein has outlined a proposal calling for a $765 million dollar investment in after school programing, Community Learning Schools, and full day Kindergarten. Check this blog archive on the left for the Report: IDC Proposes 50 Hour Learning Week to read more. 

   Finally, this Wednesday State Senator Gustavo Rivera is hosting a Kingsbridge Armory Community Meeting from 6:30 - 8 PM at Monroe College King Hall located at 2501 Jerome Avenue. 

   If you have any political information that you want to share or have checked out, any comments about this column or would like to have an event listed or covered in this column or on this blog, you can e-mail us at 100percentbronxnews@gmail.com or call 718-644-4199 Mr. Robert Press. 

    

WOMEN FOR BRAVO

Editor's Note:

  It has been rumored that Ms. Ischia Bravo would run for the 78th Assembly seat currently occupied by Jose Rivera. The announcement below is clear that Ms. Bravo will be a candidate for the 78th Assembly seat. Rumors have also gone around that former 80h A.D. Assemblywoman Naomi Rivera would run for her father's seat in the 78th A.D. This was advanced by the former assemblywoman appearing at several Bronx Democratic County events. One scenario has Assemblyman Jose Rivera collecting petitions, and then withdrawing so that his daughter could replace him as the candidate. The Bronx Democratic County organization has said that it would be endorsing all incumbents, but that would not happen should Assemblyman Rivera choose not to run for re-election leaving an open seat even if his daughter was to replace him as the candidate. 

The following is from Ms. Ischia Bravo candidate for the 78th A.D.

Dear Friends,

As you know, I am running to represent the 78^th District of the Bronx in the New York State Assembly.  This was not an easy decision for me to come to.  As a young woman, Latina, mother and activist, it is extremely difficult to shatter the glass ceiling of opportunity.  However, I look forward to this exciting and tremendous journey to fill a gap in leadership in our community!

In the 78^th Assembly District, female voters outnumber male voters 6-1.  With this impressive voting power, we must exercise our political power to enact the changes we want to see - not only for women’s rights, but for issues concerning our youth, seniors, and housing.

That is why I want you join me and hip-hop pioneer and radio personality Angie Martinez on Feb 25^th, 2016 for a special gathering in support of my campaign to transform the 78^th Assembly District! 

For years, Angie Martinez has been at the forefront of radio entertainment and social activism, inspiring countless young women to pursue careers in entertainment, music and the arts.  Trailblazers such as Ms. Martinez consistently defy barriers to success,  and serve as inspiration for our young girls, wives, mothers and daughters to accomplish goals both large and small.

I commend Angie on all that she has done and I am honored that she supports me on my journey to restore the faith that has been lost in our electoral process!

From music to social activism, from entertainment to politics - let’s give all little girls from the Bronx an incentive to be the voices they want to hear!  I hope that you will join us on February 25^th.

Ischia Bravo
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ischia.bravo 

Twitter: @Bronxbravo
Instagram: Bronx Bravo

Senator Adriano Espaillat - CELEBRATE DOMINICAN HERITAGE MONTH WITH TWO GREAT EVENTS

CELEBRATE DOMINICAN HERITAGE MONTH WITH TWO GREAT EVENTS Including a Concert with World Renowned Singer Miriam Cruz Senator Adriano Espaillat and Councilman Ydanis Rodriguez will host two Dominican Heritage events in partnership with the Washington Heights BID in celebration of Dominican Heritage month. Hundreds of community members will join in this year's festivities, which will highlight Dominican-American culture and progress with a focus on education and the arts. We hope you will be able to join us. For more information please email info@adrianoespaillat.org.   First Night: WHAT: Los Tres Grandes / The three leaders. Three experts will discuss three Dominican figures who helped shape the Dominican Republic's political system: Joaquín  Balaguer, Juan Bosch, and Jose Pena Gomez.  WHO:  State Senator Adriano Espaillat Councilman Ydanis Rodriguez Three expert panelists  Open to the public  WHERE: William Black Medical Research Building (650 W. 168 St New York, NY 10032) WHEN: Sunday, February 21st, 2016  from 5:00pm - 7:00pm   Second Night: WHAT: Dominican Heritage Concert, with world renowned singer Miriam Cruz and The Young People's Chorus of New York City at Washington Heights.  WHO:  State Senator Adriano Espaillat Councilman Ydanis Rodriguez Open to the public  (1,300 seats)  WHERE: George Washington High School Media and Communications WHEN: Monday, February 22nd 6:00 - 9:00 pm

REPORT: IDC PROPOSES 50-HOUR LEARNING WEEK

  Proposal calls for $765 million investment in afterschool programming, community learning schools and full-day kindergarten

  Independent Democratic Conference Leader Jeff Klein, and members of the IDC, on Friday released, The 50 Hour Learning Week, a policy report calling for a total $550 million investment to expand afterschool programming, $155 million to create community schools and a $60 million fund to ensure every child has a seat in full-day kindergarten.

This comprehensive approach to education targets students’ needs both inside and outside of the classroom by expanding traditional school hours and filling after hours time with enriching activities that wind up saving taxpayers billions of dollars in the long run on childcare costs, remedial education programs and crime reduction benefits.

“New York State’s students deserve rich learning opportunities that seal their future success. Afterschool programs and the expansion of community schools place students in innovative learning environments well beyond traditional classroom hours, keeping them focused and performing at higher levels. The best investment we can make is in our children which is why the IDC wants to implement its 50 hour Learning Week proposal,” said Senator Klein.

“Our upstate students need expanded programming to receive the education they deserve — and that’s exactly what The 50 Hour Learning Week report and proposal will do. Many schools upstate would significantly benefit from the community learning school model — and this proposal would provide those schools the funding they need to support their students and families. Expanding afterschool programming and full-day kindergarten would also ensure that our students are receiving the education they need to prepare them for a bright future,” said Senator David Valesky.

“The 50 Hour Learning Week proposes an ambitious program that would expand education for all of New York’s students. These three key areas — afterschool programming, community learning schools, and full-day kindergarten are vital programs to ensure that our education system is supporting our students and families outside of the traditional school hours. In addition to helping students and families throughout the state, this proposal would save taxpayers millions in educational development costs and crime prevention, while resulting in higher earnings for New York’s future. It’s common sense — let’s support our students, families and the state,” said Senator Diane Savino.

“Students across our state deserve the best education that New York has to offer. The proposed 50 Hour Learning Week will provide our students with the tools they need to shape their academic success both inside and outside of the classroom. Their future is in our hands, let’s ensure that future is bright” said Senator David Carlucci.

“Right now, there are too many children that have not yet reached their full potential because we have not given them the tools yet to reach it. Studies have been conclusive: Access to after-school programming and the availability of all-day kindergarten has a far reaching butterfly effect on the life of a child and we need to do everything we can to ensure that they have an opportunity for a successful life. Like everything, success lies in building a strong foundation and it is exactly that foundation that the IDC is trying to establish for kids throughout New York State,” said Senator Tony Avella.

Afterschool Programming

Extensive research has shown that afterschool programs lead to overall student development, lower a child’s risk of criminal activity, alleviate parents of child care stress, and reduce long-term financial costs to the state. Students who participate in afterschool programs are less likely to be referred to remedial or special education courses and are 2.1 percent less likely to repeat a grade, all of which have higher costs to the state.

The report reveals that for every $1 invested in afterschool programming, taxpayers save a whopping $3 —  a savings of 300 percent.

For afterschool crime prevention programs, the benefits are even larger. Research shows that violent juvenile crime arrests peak by 20 percent, each hour, and youth victimized by violent crimes peak by 25 percent, each hour, during the after school hours. However, every $1 invested yields $5.92 in crime reduction benefits to the state.

The IDC proposes investing an increase of $301 million in afterschool programs to create 128,000 new seats for 167,000 students. This investment could save New York State taxpayers nearly $1 billion and yield nearly $2 billion in crime reduction benefits.

Community Learning Schools

Initially established by the Community Schools Grant Initiative in 2014, community learning schools provide students and their families rich, comprehensive programming for before and after school hours aimed at supporting communities through social services, as well as nutritional, medical, dental and mental health services. Analysis of 130 existing community learning schools has shown that this programming can increase student attendance, reduce chronic absenteeism and improve high school graduation rates by an average of 11 percent.

The IDC proposes a $50 million investment this year for Community Schools on top of the proposed $100 million by the Executive. In total, a the IDC would like to see a $200 million investment over four-years to establish 400 new community schools across the state. In addition, another $5 million should fund existing Community Schools.

Full-Day Kindergarten

For many young students, kindergarten can close the achievement gaps that are a result of income and education disparities in the home. Studies have shown that students who attend full-day kindergarten perform better throughout their academic years, and eventually obtain higher paid jobs, which in turn also leads to more tax revenue for the state.

It is estimated that if each student was given the opportunity to attend full-day kindergarten, the state could receive an additional $25 million in accumulated benefits.

While many school districts have a demand for full-day kindergarten, they lack the operation funds and capital expense money to expand their program. Over 30 school districts could benefit from new funds that would cover capital expenses for kindergarten program expansion.

Senate Bill S. 863-A, sponsored by Senator Carlucci and championed in the IDC’s New York 2020 Agenda: A Blueprint for a Better New York, would establish the Kindergarten Conversion Fund, which would use unclaimed lottery money to fund kindergarten programs, as well as related capital expenses, throughout New York State. The Kindergarten Conversion Fund could result in $60 million in additional funding for kindergarten programs, annually.

Elected Officials to celebrate the 4th “African American Abrazo in New York”

   Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz, in conjunction with  New York State Assemblymen Marcos Crespo, Luis Sepulveda and Michael Blake, will celebrate the 4th Annual “African American Abrazo in New York.”  This event will honor the contributions of the African-Americans to the State and City of New York .   

This event, which is by “invitation only will be attended by more than 500 people, will take place at Maestro’s Caterers located at 1703 Bronxdale Avenue, Bronx, New York, Friday, February 19, from 7:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. 

The elected officials organizing the event, will  be presenting proclamations to (4) distinguished members of the African-American Community. 

For more information and tickets  please contact  the office of Assemblymen Michael Blake718-538-3829,  Marcos Crespo 718-893-0202, Luis Sepulveda 718-931-2620 or Senator Ruben Diaz at (718) 991-3161. 

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.'s State of the Borough Address

The Honorable Ruben Diaz Jr.

President, Borough of The Bronx

cordially invites you to

The State of The Borough Address

Thursday, February 18, 2016

11:30 a.m.

Cardinal Hayes High School

650 Grand Concourse

The Bronx

seating is limited

Click Here to R.S.V.P.

or call 718-590-6116

The Office of Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. | 718-590-3500
webmail@bronxbp.nyc.gov |  bronxboropres.nyc.gov

Kingsbridge Armory Community Meeting

Click on the imager to make it larger, and for more information call Senator Rivera's office at 718-933-2034.