City of New York Announces Record Job Growth

   Total Number of Jobs Reaches All-Time High

 

Job Growth Since Mayor de Blasio Took Office is Largest Two Year Jump in New York City History

The City of New York today announced that based on an analysis of seasonally adjusted job numbers for January 2016 provided by the New York State Department of Labor, New York City has reached a record 4.29 million total jobs.  Additionally, the data confirm that the average number of jobs added since Mayor de Blasio took office in January 2014 through December 2015 was 249,000, the largest two year job gain in New York City History.  The City added 35,400 private sector jobs in January 2016, with largest growth demonstrated in the Educational Services field.  The City’s unemployment rate is down nearly three percentage points since Mayor de Blasio took office.

 

"The incredible growth we're seeing shows we can make our economy stronger and more fair at the same time," said Deputy Mayor for Housing and Economic Development Alicia Glen. "We're making strategic investments in fast-growing fields with good-paying jobs and real career pathways for New Yorkers."

“These numbers reflect what we’re seeing on the ground. More businesses launching and growing here in New York City. More New Yorkers finding good jobs in all five boroughs,” said New York City Economic Development Corporation President Maria Torres-Springer. “And with the de Blasio administration making major investments in industries like technology, design, and advanced manufacturing, we’re primed for even greater job growth in neighborhoods throughout the city.”

 

During the previous 12 months ending in January 2016, New York City gained 107,000 jobs, an increase of 3.0 percent, compared to the national growth rate of 2.2 percent.  The strongest employment gains since December 2013 are in Health Care & Social Assistance and Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services.

Editor's Note: 

If the picture is so rosey with such good job growth, why is the mayor asking city agencies to be prepared to cut jobs by as much as five percent?

Our Black and Hispanic Children Remain Left Behind by NYC’s “Ivy League” High Schools

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
By Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz

  You should know that our Black and Hispanic children have little or no opportunity to be accepted and enrolled in the best public high schools in the City of New York.

According to an article written by Carl Campanile, “DROP IN BLACK, LATINO KIDS AT BEST SCHOOLS,” that appeared in the March 5, 2016 edition of the New York Post, Asian and White students in New York City’s public school system are being treated better and given greater chances than our Black and Hispanic students to attend our best high schools.

You should already know that throughout the City of New York, there are schools called Specialized High Schools. Among them are: Bronx High School of Science, Stuyvesant, Brooklyn Tech, Staten Island Tech, High School of Math at City College, HS of American Studies at Lehman College, Queens HS for Science at York College, and Brooklyn Latin School.

Those “Ivy League” Public High Schools are packed with Asian and White students with a minimal quota of Black and Hispanic students.

Mr. Campanile wrote: “Blacks (27 percent) and Hispanics (40 percent) combined account for more than two-thirds of city public-school students, but only 8.9 percent of those kids are admitted to the top high schools … The dearth of minorities in each magnet school was startling.”

It is so unfair and irresponsible for any of our leaders to fight against Charter Schools and further deny the excellent educational opportunities that Black and Hispanic children receive in New York City’s Charter Schools.

When you compare the enrollment of Black and Hispanic children in New York City’s Charter Schools to New York’s “Ivy League” Public High Schools, those figures are an embarrassing contrast to each other.  You can see that about 90% of the Charter School students are Black and Hispanic, and less than 10% of the “Ivy League” Public High Schools are Black and Hispanic.

According to the NY Post, the NYC Department of Education sources show the following acceptance rates for New York’s “Ivy League” High Schools:

Out of the 8,062 Asian test takers, 2,741 (34%) were accepted.

Out of the 4,729 White test takers, 1,386 (29.3%) were accepted.

Out of the 6,070 Hispanic test takers, 320 (5.3%) were accepted.

Out of the 5,914 Black test takers, 210 (3.6%) were accepted.

As you can see, it is nearly impossible for Black and Hispanic students to get accepted into these “Ivy League” Public High Schools.  But we all know that more than 90% of Black and Hispanic children enrolled as students in our Charter Schools are given educational opportunities to succeed and compete in college and in the world.

My suggestion to my Black and Hispanic colleagues in government who fight against Charter Schools is to take a close look at these statistics and realize how detrimental their actions really are.  

They should stop opposing the quality educational opportunities that Charter Schools provide for our Black and Hispanic children and instead, concentrate their energies and efforts to make sure that the "Ivy League" Public High Schools give Black and Hispanic children the same opportunities that they give others.

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

Editor's Note:

  Just how long has State Senator Ruben Diaz Sr, been in office? He first is awakened to this now. Where has he been all the years he has been in elected office, and as a parent. Also just what did he do to change this over the years he has been in office?  

100 PERCENT SATURDAY MARCH 5, 2016

100 PERCENT

By Robert Press

Trump - Kasich

    After today's results from the Republican primaries and caucuses the call for Rubio and Kasich to drop out has come from both Donald Trump and Ted Cruz the two front runners in the Republican Presidential race. However the anybody but Trump or Cruz Republican establishment may have to settle for Trump or Cruz as the candidate for president. What the Republican establishment however can get would be the Vice-President candidate along with several key cabinet positions in a deal with either Trump or Cruz. That could be the reason that Rubio and Kasich are still in the race to make sure that neither Trump or Cruz can get to the magic number of 1,237 delegates needed to be automatically nominated. 1,612 delegates are available, and currently Trump has 382, Cruz has 300, Rubio has 128, and Kasich has 35, with about 736 delegates left to gather. However those delegates who were chosen to a candidate who is no longer in the race are also available to those candidates left in the race. That would mean that only Trump or Cruz would have any chance of making it on the first ballot, thus a Trump - Kasich ticket would be the best case scenario for almost all in the Republican Party. 

   In local races, the Bronx Democratic County organization has come out with an endorsement of Keith Wright one day after Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie had endorsed candidate Wright to replace Charlie Rangel in Congress. It was the worse kept secret as everyone knew that Heastie was going to endorse Wright for Wright's support in becoming the new Speaker of the State Assembly. Score two now for not so new Assembly Speaker Heastie, with the first one being the nomination and easy victory of New Bronx DA Darcel Clark. 

  Bronx State Senator Gustavo Rivera and Bronx Assemblyman Victor Pichardo endorsed State Senator Adriano Espaillat last week, while Bronx Assemblyman Jose Rivera has endorsed Adam Powell to replace Rangel in congress. So much for party unity in the Bronx, and it looks like there may be more defection from the Bronx Democratic County organization in endorsements from others in the Northwest Bronx in this congressional race. 

    This is a big week for events as two are scheduled for Wednesday. The Bronx Chamber of Commerce holds its Irish Heritage Luncheon from 12 - 4 PM at the Rambling House located at 4292 Katonah Avenue in Woodlawn. RSVP to the BCC at 718-828-3900. Wednesday evening Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. hosts his Greek Heritage Celebration from 6 - 8 PM at St. Peter the Apostle Greek Orthodox Church located at 3245 Kingsbridge Avenue. RSVP to the BP's office at 718-590-3989. Thursday March 10th Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. celebrates Women's History Month at Scavello's on the Island located at 101 City Island Avenue with special guest speaker Ms. Coline Jenkins. Breakfast is being served from 11 AM - 12:30 PM as the program begins at 12:45 PM. RSVP to the BP's office at 718-590-3522. Friday March 11th is the TEAM DIAZ Annual Abrozo Garifuna being held at Maestro's Caterers located at 1703 Bronxdale Avenue from 7PM - 12 AM. This is an invitation only event and you can call the district offices of State Senator Ruben Diaz Sr. at 718-991-3161, Assembly members Michael Blake at 718-538-3829, Marcos Crespo at 718-893-0202, or Luis Sepulveda at 718-931-2620 for an invitation. Saturday March 12th Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj is hosting a Women of Distinction Breakfast at the Pelham Bay Diner located at 1920 E. Gun Hill Road. from 9:30 - 11:30 AM. The honorees include Marissa Soto ESQ., Ms. Diane Cerino, Ms. Andrea Siegel, Ms. Avril Francis, and Ms. Barbara Stronzer. RSVP to Assemblyman Gjonaj's office at 718-409-0109. Please note that the seating is limited at all the events listed so please call the phone numbers listed and make reservations if you plan to attend any of them. 

     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.   

Council Member Cohen, Assembly Member Jeffrey Dinowitz, Senator Jeff Klein and Community Board 8 Host Health & Wellness Fair

Above - Councilman Andrew Cohen, Community Board 8 Chairman Dan Padernacht, Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, and State Senator Jeff Klein are joined by a few of the many visitors that attended the Health and Wellness Fair held at Vladeck Hall. The site is in all three elected officials districts, and in Bronx Community Board #8, who were joint co-sponsors of the event.  

Below - The three elected officials are joined by a representative of Thrive NYC. Thrive NYC was one of the many exhibitors at the health and wellness fair. 

Above and Below - Some more of the exhibitors who had information tables at the health and wellness fair. 

Bronx County Democrats Back Keith Wright for Congress

Big news, Bronx County Democrats 
Back Keith Wright!

“Keith Wright is the choice to deliver the  critical resources we need right here in the  Bronx. He will fight for all of us” -Assemblyman Marcos Crespo,  Bronx County  Democratic Leader

Inva Mula; Diva in New York

Artistic Promotions, Inc. Presents:

Inva Mula Diva in New York

Gala concert with the International  star  Albanian soprano Date:  Sat. March 26, 2016 Venue:  Town Hall NYC at 123 43 Rd. St. New York Time:  7:30 PM  Pianist   Genc Tukici Symphonic orchestra conductor Maestro Bujar Llapaj Guest performances Deshira Ameti Kerliu, Soprano Kreshnik Zhabjaku, Baritone Riad R. Ymeri, Tenor Tickets on Ticketmaster as: Inva Mula in New York $62-$102 For full information please check this website:artistispromotions.org/events

Croton Filter Project - Croton FMC Meeting on Tuesday, March 22, 2016

   The Croton FMC will next meet on Tuesday, March 22nd at 7pm at the DEP Croton office, 3660 Jerome Ave, Bronx 10467.  An agenda will be forwarded when it is available.

  Special Note: The meetings of the CFMC are normally held on Thursday night, but Thursday March 24th falls on Holy Thursday. In order to allow for more participation the date was changed to Tuesday March 22nd. 

News From State Senator Jeff Klein

KLEIN BILL TO  SENTENCE VANDALS TO CLEAN UP THEIR OWN HANDIWORK PASSES SENATE & WOULD ENHANCE GRAFFITI PENALTIES

Legislation would create new Class-E felony &
require diversity education for hate-fueled graffiti

State Senator Jeff Klein announced that his comprehensive bill to clean up graffiti passed the State Senate today.

The legislation (S.849) would take a multi-faceted approach to tackling vandalism by enhancing penalties through the creation of a new, heightened crime — making graffiti in the first degree. The crime would address graffiti that promotes gang activity or is placed on religious property, making it a Class-E felony.

“Graffiti creates blight, damages property, and causes financial hardship for business owners and the community. My legislation will provide relief to graffiti victims, while giving these vandals an up-close look at the damages that they caused. By allowing judges to order vandals to clean up their own mess, allowing for diversity education to counteract hate-fueled graffiti, and creating a new Class-E felony for graffiti that encourages gang activity or targets religious property, this multi-faceted approach combats every aspect of this ever-rising crime,” said Senator Klein.

The bill would also hold vandals directly accountable to their victims, and require diversity education for hate-fueled graffiti. In order to ensure that vandals fully comprehend the severity of their crime, this legislation would allow a judge to sentence a vandal to clean and repair the property they damaged. Additionally, the bill allow a judge to require a vandal to complete a diversity training program for graffiti that is used as a tool of harassment based on race, religion, gender or other related factors.

The bill passed the Senate by an overwhelming majority, and has been sent to the Assembly where it is carried by Assemblyman Michael Benedetto.

SENATOR JEFF KLEIN LAUNCHES COUNTDOWN TO FITNESS

State Senator Jeff Klein and Urban Health Plan launched the Spring Countdown to Fitness program at Harding Park Community Center on Thursday. Over 100 people participated.

“The Bronx bears the dubious distinction of being the unhealthiest county in New York State and we must change that. I’m proud that through my grant, Urban Health Plan is bringing an exciting fitness program to our residents. Countdown to Fitness, which is free of charge, promotes increased physical activities, offers healthy cooking demonstrations, and encourages participants to adapt to a healthier lifestyle through educational seminars. Last year’s evaluations reflected significant improvement in healthy lifestyle habits for the participants, and I’m confident that we’re going to see the same positive results over the next ten weeks,” said Senator Jeff Klein.

Senator Klein allocated $50,000 in state funding for this ten-week fitness and wellness program held by Urban Health Plan, which kicked off in the fall. The spring Countdown just started with twice-a-week sessions.

Participants take Zumba, kickboxing and dance classes; learn how to make healthy and delicious recipes like baked apples, sauteed cauliflower and cucumber blueberry salad; and learn about immunizations, heart disease, cancer screenings and stress management.

As the program kicks off, baseline metrics are taken (blood pressure screening, weight check-in, and body mass index measurement) and at the conclusion those personal health statistics help each participant assess their success.  Last year’s evaluations reflected significant improvement in healthy lifestyle habits for the participants.