Friday, February 19, 2016

North Bronx Democratic Club - Meet & Greet!



Join Us for a Meet & Greet 
The North Bronx Democratic Club
NYS Senator Jeff Klein
NYS Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj
 
Invite you to a
Meet & Greet
with Executive Board & Club Members

Tuesday February 23, 2016 
6:00pm-8:00pm 
Morris Park Community Association  
1824 Bronxdale Avenue 
Bronx, NY 10462 
Light refreshments will be provided

 
To Join or RSVP, please call (718) 684-4888


KLEIN & SAVINO RALLY WITH 1199 SEIU TO ‘FIGHT FOR $15’ FOR CARETAKERS



“Taking Care of Caretakers” lays out wage increases resulting in $330 million in public assistance savings for the state, economic growth and less worker turnover


Independent Democratic Conference Leader Jeff Klein, and State Senator Diane Savino joined George Gresham, president of 1199 SEIU, at a rally for a $15 minimum wage on Thursday, and released, “Taking Care of our Caretakers,” a report laying out the IDC’s proposal to raise the wage for home health aides, direct care workers and personal care aides.

The report highlights how raising the minimum wage for caretakers would result in $330 million in public assistance savings to the state and $535 million in economic growth. Workers would see an average of $5,000 in additional pay per year, as well as an addition of up to 4,200 new jobs across the state.

“Home and healthcare workers are the people we turn to when we need to care for our mothers, fathers and grandparents. However, while these workers are ensuring that our loved ones’ health needs are met, their own financial health is ailing. As “Taking Care of Our Caretakers” shows, raising home and healthcare worker wages to $15 per hour will do more than just raise the wage — it will raise up New York’s economy, save the state and local municipalities $330 million in public assistance funding, and halt the high turnover of workers in this critically important field. This is our opportunity to lift these workers out of poverty-level wages by putting an additional $5,000 in workers’ pockets, and to provide a better quality-of-life for those that we trust to care for our most vulnerable. Let’s care for our caretakers and fight for $15,” said Senator Klein.

“It is unconscionable to think that those who we entrust with the care of our loved ones must struggle to make ends meet for themselves and their own loved ones. While cost of living continues to rise, $11 an hour is not going to pay the bills. No person should have to juggle extra jobs while working full-time in the healthcare industry. That is why Senator Klein and I are committed to fighting for this raise in Albany, so that home and health care workers receive the pay they need to be able to stay in their jobs and support their families,” said Senator Savino.

“Homecare, direct care and all New York healthcare workers thank Senators Klein and Savino and the Independent Democratic Conference for their support. Homecare workers perform all the vital duties that allow patients to live in their own homes – they lift them out of bed, make sure they take their medicine, bathe and dress them. Yet most homecare workers only make around $10 an hour and are forced to rely on public assistance. It is a moral travesty that 30% of New York homecare workers are on food stamps. That’s why we’re fighting for the $15 minimum wage so homecare, healthcare and all working New Yorkers have dignity, security and a better future for their children,” said 1199SEIU President George Gresham.

“Taking Care of Our Caretakers,” details the 274,548 home and healthcare workers who would see an increase in gross wages by a total of $2.287 billion, with a net gain in wages of $1.372 billion dollars. For home health aides, the average net gain would be $5,304, while personal care aides would gain an average of $4,649.

These raised wages would be reflected in overall economic growth, as workers would most likely spend their new wages on needs or expenses they had been previously unable to afford. The result would be increased consumer spending and a rise in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of an estimated $312 million to $535 million, annually.

Higher wages for these workers would also result in higher income tax revenues for the state — to the tune of $97 million to $101.7 million. The higher hourly wage would additionally lower the number of individuals eligible for a number of public assistance programs, including Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Medicaid, and the Earned Income Tax Credit, ultimately saving the state approximately $330 million.

Additionally, higher wages would result in lower worker turnover rates. In an industry known for its high worker turnover, keeping workers in their current roles for longer means more consistent care for patients, and better overall care for those most vulnerable.


Bronx Chamber of Commerce - Women of Distinction Luncheon March 18, 2016



Attend the upcoming 
Business & Networking Mixer!

Take advantage of the 
Early Reservation and Member Discounts!


We look forward to seeing you at this excellent business networking event!

Assemblyman Mark Gjona - Kosova Independence Celebration 2016



You are Cordially Invited to Join
 NYS Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj  
Albanian American Business Network
Albanian American Community Assoc.
Albanian American Educators Assoc.
Albanian American Open Hands Assoc.
Fondacion Plave Guci
Komuniteti Hasan Prishtina Waterbury
Shoqata Batalioni Atlantiku
Shoqata Malesia e Madhe NY
Shoqata Peja
Shoqata Rugova
Shoqata Shqiptare Amerikane Ana e Malit
As We Celebrate the 
8th Anniversary of
Kosova Independence!
 Saturday - February 20, 2016
12:00pm- 5:00pm
Maestro's Caterers
1703 Bronxdale Avenue ~ Bronx, NY 10462

Food & Beverages
 with Special Guest
Miss New York USA Serena Bucaj
Special Performances by:
Alberije Hadergjonaj ~ Hajro Ceka ~ Gezim Nika 

Seating is Limited
You Must RSVP!
 
Tickets: $25 each

Event Supporters: 
AAWO Motrat Qiriazi
Albanian American Community Waterbury
Albanian American Council
Albanian American National Org.
Albanian Roots-Rrenjet Shqiptare
Ansambli Bashkimi Kombetar
APEN
Dom Simon Filipaj Foundation
Qendra Kulturale Shqiptaro Amerikane
Shoqata Atdhetare Dibra
Shoqata Atdhetare Kraja
Shoqata Cameria
Shoqata Kelmendi
The Woman's Organization Hope & Peace




Wednesday, February 17, 2016

Eliot Spitzer vs Hiram Moserrate


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


  You should know that back in 2009, my friend and former New York State Senator Hiram Monserrate was accused of slashing his girlfriend in a jealous rage, facing serious charges at trial for those accusations. The only two people in the room at the time the incident took place were Hiram Monserrate and his girlfriend, Karla Giraldo.
 You should also know that they both testified that she got cut by accident, and that Hiram never cut her nor abused her.
It is important for you to know that there was a lynch mob, led by now Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, that took Hiram Monserrate to court where he was convicted of assaulting Karla Giraldo, and had him expelled from the New York State Senate.
 This all took place regardless of both Hiram Monserrate testifying that he was innocent, and Karla Giraldo testifying that it was an accident.
 It is important for you to know that now, it seems that the story is being repeated absent of the lynch mob.
This week, our newspapers are filled with stories about how former Governor Eliot Spitzer is under investigation by the NYPD for assaulting a 25-year old woman at the Plaza Hotel who had called 911 to say that she cut her own wrists. According the media reports, the lady told hospital employees at Mount Sinai West that Eliot Spitzer had choked her.
 Following those news stories about Eliot Spitzer were reports that the lady says it was all a mistake, and Eliot Spitzer’s lawyers insist that he didn’t do anything wrong.
 My dear reader, I have to wonder if the laws that applied to Hiram Monserrate are the same laws that apply to Eliot Spitzer.
 I have to ask myself: Where is the outrage against Eliot Spitzer? Will that same crowd who claim there is a War on Women and who focused their energy to defend and protect Karla Giraldo from what they accused Hiram Monserrate of doing, be dragging Eliot Spitzer into the Criminal Courts to have him tried and convicted under the law?
 Or, unlike Hiram Monserrate, does Eliot Spitzer have extra special privileges? Will Eric Schneiderman and the lynch mob that destroyed Hiram Monserrat's career go after Eliot Spitzer? I wonder.
 I am Senator Reverend Rubén Díaz, and this is what you should know.

Did Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. Give his State of the Borough Speech Already?




  
  Above is a copy of the front page of the Riverdale Review I picked up today Wednesday February 17, 2016. As you can see the front page (and only story in this paper) is about Thursday's February 18, 2016 State of the Borough speech by Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. As one reads the story Bronx Borough President Diaz is quoted as if he has already given the State of the Borough Speech. I have circled several areas where the following is - 'Said Borough President Diaz in his speech'. 

  Also in the story the words 'In his speech, the borough president will note that the borough has seen 23,000 new units of housing and over 68 million square feet of total development since he took office in 2009.  Also mentioned is that Borough President Diaz will also focus on his recent report that considers building a platform over the Concourse Yards adjacent to Lehman College. it is also mentioned that the borough president will also call for all students in public universal pre-K programs to be tested for gifted an talented programs.
  
  In all there are four times 'Said Borough President Diaz in his Speech' appears in the Review story. Today we are leading the way in job creation -said Borough President Diaz in his speech. 
The economic benefits of new transit projects are undeniable, and we look forward to full approval by the State Legislature 'said Borough President Diaz in his speech. 
And, perhaps, we must generate new real estate in areas where none exists 'said Borough President Diaz in his speech'. 
If more students are tested more students will qualify, and more students will be given the same opportunity I was, 'said Borough President Diaz'.

  I almost feel as if I have already heard the Thursday February 18, 2016 State of the Bronx speech by Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. after reading the story in the Wednesday February 17, 2016 story about the State of the Borough Speech by Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. 

  Maybe I can have Deja vu tomorrow when I see the State of the Borough Speech given by Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. 


Statement of endorsement by 17th Council Special Election Candidate Alvarez Is Totally False



In response to 17th City Council District candidate George Alvarez claiming that the Committee of 100 Democrats has endorsed him that statement is false. - The Committee of 100 Democrats has not endorsed any candidate in the 17th City Council special election yet, and The Committee of 100 Democrats Chairman Mr. Ricky Martinez has added that the Committee of 100 Democrats requests a withdrawal of candidate Alvarez's statement. Mr. Martinez continued that this special election is not the Republican primary where candidates like Ted Cruz/George Alvarez can make false statements without any consequences.
The Committee of 100 Democrats awaits the withdrawal of the false statement by 17th City Council special election candidate George Alvarez.

We thank Mr. Anthony Rivieccio and his Northwest Bronx Dems for bringing this to the attention of the Committee of 100 Democrats.

As to questions of a Queens chapter of the Committee of 100 Democrats endorsing Mr. Alvarez - The Committee of 100 Democrats as founded by Mr. Dominick Fusco was and is based in the borough of the Bronx, and any Queens chapter has not been established by the current leadership of the Committee of 100 Democrats.

Monday, February 15, 2016

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Files Civil Rights Suit And Enters Settlement With Developer To Enhance Accessibility At More Than 2,500 Rental Apartments



       Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that it has settled a federal civil rights lawsuit against GLENWOOD MANAGEMENT CORPORATION (“GLENWOOD”) and GLENWOOD’S affiliate, LIBERTY STREET REALTY, LLC, by consent decree.  Under the settlement, GLENWOOD agrees to make retrofits at three residential rental complexes in Manhattan – Liberty Plaza, Hawthorne Park, and The Sage – to make them more accessible to individuals with disabilities.  GLENWOOD further agrees to inspect six other residential rental complexes in Manhattan and, where necessary, make retrofits at those buildings as well.  Additionally, GLENWOOD must establish procedures to ensure that its ongoing and future development projects will comply with the accessibility requirements of the federal Fair Housing Act (“FHA”).  Finally, GLENWOOD agrees to provide up to $900,000 to compensate aggrieved persons and pay a civil penalty of $50,000.  The consent decree was approved yesterday by U.S. District Judge J. Paul Oetken.
            Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said: “This is the tenth lawsuit that this Office has brought to ensure that the promise of the Fair Housing Act – that newly built residential buildings are accessible to people with disabilities – is being fulfilled in New York City.  This settlement shows our enforcement efforts have motivated major developers like Glenwood to embrace their obligations under the law by making retrofits in thousands of apartments, compensating aggrieved parties, and establishing procedures to ensure accessibility at ongoing and future development projects.”
           The FHA’s accessible design and construction provisions require new multifamily housing complexes constructed after January 1993 to have basic features accessible to persons with disabilities.  According to the allegations in the Complaint, Liberty Plaza, a 287-unit rental complex located in Manhattan, was designed and constructed with numerous inaccessible features, including excessively high thresholds interfering with accessible routes into and within individual units, insufficient spaces in bathrooms and kitchens for people in wheelchairs, and bathroom configurations preventing installation of grab bars.  These inaccessible conditions at Liberty Plaza were first brought to the attention of the United States by testing performed by the Fair Housing Justice Center. 
            Under the settlement, GLENWOOD agrees to make extensive retrofits at Liberty Plaza and to commit to make retrofits at two other rental complexes that have been inspected, The Hawthorne and The Sage, to make them accessible.  GLENWOOD also agrees to arrange for inspection at its six other rental complexes in Manhattan and, where necessary, to make retrofits at those properties as well.  Together, the nine buildings covered by the consent decree contain more than 2,500 rental apartments.
            The settlement also requires GLENWOOD to establish procedures to ensure FHA compliance at its ongoing and future development projects.  These include retaining an FHA compliance consultant to ensure each residential building developed by GLENWOOD will, as constructed, comply with the FHA’s accessibility requirements.  The FHA consultant also will conduct a site visit to identify non-compliant conditions and recommend appropriate solutions prior to the completion of construction.  In addition, GLENWOOD agrees to institute policies and training to ensure that its own employees and agents will comply with the FHA’s accessibility requirements.
            Finally, the settlement requires GLENWOOD to provide up to $900,000 in funds to compensate aggrieved persons.  GLENWOOD also agrees to pay a civil penalty of $50,000. 
            The government’s lawsuit also asserted claims against the architect of Liberty Plaza, STEPHEN B. JACOBS GROUP, PC.  The United States is currently engaged in negotiations with that architect regarding a potential settlement. 
            Aggrieved individuals may be entitled to monetary compensation from the fund created through today’s settlement.  Aggrieved individuals may include those who were:
  • Injured by a lack of accessible features at Liberty Plaza or the other properties constructed by GLENWOOD;
  • Discouraged from living at Liberty Plaza or the other properties constructed by GLENWOOD because of the lack of accessible features;
  • Required to pay to have an apartment at Liberty Plaza or the other properties constructed by GLENWOOD made accessible;
  • Prevented from having visitors because of a lack of accessible features at Liberty Plaza or the other properties constructed by GLENWOOD; or
  • Otherwise injured or discriminated against on the basis of disability as a result of the design or construction of Liberty Plaza or the other properties constructed by GLENWOOD.
            People who may be entitled to compensation should file a claim by contacting the Civil Rights Complaint Line at (212) 637-0840, using the Civil Rights Complaint Form available on the United States Attorney’s Office’s website http://www.justice.gov/usao/nys/civilrights.html, or by sending a written claim to:
                        U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of New York
                        86 Chambers Street, 3rd Floor
                        New York, New York  10007
                        Attention:  Chief, Civil Rights Unit
            The case is being handled by the Office’s Civil Rights Unit.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Li Yu, Jessica Jean Hu, and Jacob Lillywhite are in charge of the case.