Assemblymember Pichardo - Assembly budget makes education a priority

   Assemblymember Victor Pichardo announced that the Assembly’s budget proposal provides needed funding for education, with a total of $25.4 billion going toward general support for public schools, an increase of $2.1 billion, as well as a significant investment in our public colleges - including a 20 percent increase to support opportunity programs. Additionally, the New York State DREAM Act was included in the Assembly’s plan, which will support eligible immigrant students for tuition assistance, scholarships and opportunity programs.

            “We must provide the resources and support our students need to reach their full potential,” said Pichardo. “I’ll continue fighting for students at all levels to ensure our schools can provide a quality education, particularly for those students who are most at risk.”

            This year’s budget plan calls for an increase of $1.1 billion in Foundation Aid, which is $875 million over the governor’s budget proposal. This reflects the Assembly’s commitment to fulfill the obligations set down by the Campaign for Fiscal Equality court decision and to provide every child with a quality education, noted Pichardo. 

            The Assembly’s budget also funds the implementation of My Brother’s Keeper, a program to support and encourage education and employment opportunities for boys and young men of color. $50 million is allocated to this program, with $8 million going toward programs in higher education. This would provide funding for family and community engagement programs, professional development and the development of exemplary school models and practices, as well as programs addressing racial disparities and restorative justice.

            Other highlights of the Assembly’s budget include:

           

·         $14.3 million in full restorations for Teacher Resources and Computer Training Centers;

·         $10 million for schools with growing enrollment of English-language learners, as well as $1 million for bilingual services;

·         $10 million in grants for services for homeless students; and

·         an extension of mayoral control by seven years, to June 2023.

The 2016-17 Assembly budget also increases funding for CUNY; it rejects the governor’s plan to shift some of the financial burden of CUNY operating costs to New York City and rejects tuition hikes. Further, the budget includes an increase in capital assistance for CUNY and increases base operating aid for community colleges.

            “Higher education should never be out of reach for my neighbors, their children and for generations after, nor should it force them to be swimming in debt when they complete their degree,” said Pichardo. “Investing in public schools and universities is critical for our future.”

South Bronx Unite - FreshDirect Back in Court

FreshDirect South Bronx Move Back in Court
A Deal Riddled with Controversy for More than Four Years

The Appellate Division, First Department (27 Madison Avenue), will hear oral arguments on Thursday, March 17th

, at 2:00, on the appeal of the constitutional issue of whether public land can be used for purely private benefit.  The subject of the case is FreshDirect’s move to State-owned waterfront land in the South Bronx, which would bring upwards of 1,000 diesel truck trips through a community facing asthma rates eight times the national average from the more than 15,000 diesel trucks already crossing the neighborhood every day.

Harlem River Ventures, the developer subleasing the land to FreshDirect, received a sweetheart deal from the Cuomo administration 21 years ago that allowed the developer to reap a $60+ million profit while paying the State a little over $5 million.  During that time, the developer has subleased the land to a host of environmentally degrading uses that have contributed to the health crisis in the South Bronx, including fossil fuel power plants, 8,000 ton per day waste transfer stations and truck distribution hubs for FedEx and the New York Post.

 “We have a health epidemic in the South Bronx, and our City and State policies are exacerbating it,” said Professor Monxo Lopez, co-founder of South Bronx Unite and a plaintiff in the case.

“No other community would be expected to trade our ability to breathe for a promise of low paying jobs,” said Mychal Johnson, another co-founder of the group spearheading the challenge.

Last October, South Bronx residents met with Mayor Bill de Blasio, City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito and senior members of the city's Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) who promised to look into the changes to the project that would trigger the need for a new inducement resolution from the NYC Industrial Development Agency (NYCIDA).

According to the Bronx Department of Buildings, the FreshDirect footprint has increased by more than 50% since originally reviewed and approved by NYCEDC/NYCIDA. Originally proposed as a 423,530 square foot facility with a $127 million subsidy, the project now stands to be built as a 637,882 square foot facility with a nearly $140 million subsidy. No oversight or approvals have been given for the significant increase in project size and subsidy.

Meanwhile, FreshDirect continues to be the source of controversy where, in recent months the company has been cited as a source of un-subsidized grocer Fairway’s danger of possible bankruptcy as well as a source of over-congested City streets and new legislation to study the impact of trucks in Manhattan.  In addition, Larry Scott Blackmon, former Parks Department employee hired by FreshDirect, is alleged to have violated the New York City Charter’s conflicts of interest law when he negotiated a sponsorship package with the Parks Department on behalf of the company during a one year ban on appearing before the agency.

Assemblymember Michael A. Blake - Statement Following the Nomination of Chief Judge Garland

Assemblymember and Former White House aide Michael A. Blake released the following statement on the nomination of Chief Judge Garland to the Supreme Court of the United States

 

I stand with President Obama and support his nomination of Merrick Garland to be the next Supreme Court Justice on the United States Supreme Court. From Brown vs. Board of Education to ensuring marriage equality for all, the Supreme Court is the beacon for providing justice for all. The nomination of Chief Judge Garland provides another opportunity for us to bend the moral arc of justice closer to all people in our nation. Garland was a clerk for the late Supreme Court Justice William Brennan, served as Deputy Attorney General in the Justice Department and most recently the Chief Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. In Garland’s words: “The role of the court is to apply the law to the facts of the case before it—not to legislate, not to arrogate to itself the executive power, not to hand down advisory opinions on the issues of the day.” Confirming Garland to the Supreme Court means appointing someone who will remove partisanship when voting on cases before the Supreme Court. Garland’s strong track record and dedication to public service makes him a qualified candidate to fill the current vacancy created by the death of Justice Antonin Scalia.

 

As Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall said, “History teaches that grave threats to liberty often come in times of urgency, when constitutional rights seem too extravagant to endure.”  With the end of President Barack Obama’s second term only 9 months away, we now find ourselves in a time of urgency, and Congress’s determination to block any Supreme Court nomination proposed by the President is threatening the liberty of our citizens.  The President’s constitutional directive to nominate and appoint Supreme Court Justices does not become an extravagant privilege at any point during the President’s term, so the Senate’s resolute refusal to cooperate is legally unfounded.  To the Senators refusing to cooperate, we urge you to #DoYourJob.

 

The Supreme Court will continue hearing cases regardless of whether the bench is full or not, but with only eight justices, many cases are likely to end in a split decision, leaving the rights of the American people in limbo.  Two weeks ago, the Supreme Court heard an important case regarding women’s right to access abortion services without undue burden.  This case has the ability to set a national precedent that will secure women’s rights to easily accessible health services, but without a full court bench, it is possible that the case will wallow in a state of uncertainty.

 

Other upcoming cases will address the public sector union rights, redistricting and voter rights, immigration policy, and affirmative action, cases that will affect tens of millions of people throughout the nation, including tens of thousands of Bronx residents in New York’s 79th Assembly District.  We cannot let inaction hold our country back.  We must move forward.  Congress must fulfill their constitutional mandate.

I urge Congress to end this partisan battle, which only succeeds in threatening the liberty and the rights of the American people.

Assemblyman Mark Gjona - Health & Wellness Fair Friday March 18th

Join me on March 18th at my Health & Wellness Fair!

Date: Friday, March 18th, 2016 Time:   4:00pm - 7:00pm Location:   JHS 80  149 E. Mosholu Parkway  Bronx, NY 10467 This is a great opportunity to learn and obtain information that will help you to live a physically and mentally healthier lifestyle. For more information, please contact  the office of Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj: (718) 409- 0109

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

Reserve today to attend the upcoming 

Business & Networking Mixer!

Nunzio Del Greco
President and CEO
Bronx Chamber of Commerce

"The Network For Business Success"
1200 Waters Place, Suite 106
Bronx, NY 10461
718-828-3900
Nunzio@bronxchamber.org

Bronx Jewish Community Council - Project HOPE Passover Delivery 2016

Save The Date!! Project HOPE Passover  Package Delivery  Sunday, April 10 - 9am-11:30am Volunteer with your friends and family this Passover  and deliver food packages to lonely home-bound  seniors. An hour and a half of your Sunday morning  will brighten the day of an older Jewish adult during  the holidays!   Sponsor a food package for $25     Please RSVP  to:  Niti Minkove, Director of Volunteers at  nminkove@bjcconline.org or (917) 693-3084

Bronx Jewish Community Council, 2930 Wallace Avenue, Bronx, NY 10467

State Senator Gustavo Rivera on the Senate Budget Resolution

  STATEMENT FROM STATE SENATOR GUSTAVO RIVERA ON THE SENATE BUDGET RESOLUTION 

"Once again, the recently passed Senate's budget resolution has shortchanged New York City. The Senate Majority continues to demonstrate an unwillingness to properly address the issues that affect everyday New Yorkers.

How does this budget resolution fail New Yorkers? Let me count the ways:

I am incredibly troubled that this resolution takes further steps to shift costs from the state to the city for both Medicaid and for the City University of New York. The impact of these unconscionable cuts would prove to be catastrophic to the millions of New Yorkers that heavily rely on these basic services. 

While this resolution proposes extending an education investment tax credit that does not necessarily financially benefit our city's public schools or those students that are most in need, it fails to include the DREAM Act and the necessary funding for the State to finally fufill its obligation under the Campaign for Fiscal Equity settlement. 

After a long history of struggling with one of the worst AIDS epidemics in the country, I also find it disturbing that this budget resolution does not provide the full funding needed to meet the goals set by the Ending of AIDS Epidemic blueprint. This funding is essential to prevent thousands of new HIV infections and improving HIV health outcomes throughout our State. 

Additionally, I'm disappointed that critical measures such Campaign Finance Reform and Raise The Age were not even included in this resolution. It is imperative that we make these issues a priority if we are to restore New Yorker's trust in both our government and in our criminal justice system. 

It is also a disservice to both our economy and New Yorkers that this resolution does not include a $15 minimum wage. By not doing so, we are turning our back to the millions of New Yorkers who continue to struggle with a current minimum wage that does not come close to covering the cost of living of an individual and much less of a family. A study is not enough, we need a raise our minimum wage now. 

As one of the state's most vibrant economic engines, it is time that New York City is treated as fairly as the rest of the State. I am committed to continuing to work with my colleagues in the Democratic Conference to strongly advocate for the inclusion of progressive principals in our State's budget that reflect the priorities and needs of all our residents, in particular the working-class and our most vulnerable, especially as it relates to the proposed cuts to the City University of New York's budget.

On this last point, let me be clear. The proposed $485 million budget cut to the City University of New York represents a pernicious and indefensible attack not only on New York City, but on the almost 500,000 working class New Yorkers that consider CUNY their only opportunity to pursue a higher education degree. We should not jeopardize our students' academic future by playing dangerous games with their hopes and dreams. I will be relentless in protecting this critical funding for our students and their future."

IDC: Senate one-house lays foundation for a ‘Better New York;' Paid Family Leave, ‘50 Hour Learning Week,’ and NYCHA upgrades among signature policy issues in budget resolution

   Independent Democratic Conference Leader Jeff Klein and members of the IDC on Monday applauded the State Senate’s one-house budget resolution which advances key policy issues from NY 2020: A Blueprint for a Better New York.

Members of the IDC laid out a robust four-year agenda divvied into four pillars: Learn NY 2020, House NY 2020, Work NY 2020 and Live NY 2020 to uplift New Yorkers in every corner of the state.

Paid Family Leave, the “50 Hour Learning Week,” and capital improvements for NYCHA were chief among the proposals adopted in the Senate’s budget resolution.

“The Senate’s budget resolution addresses the needs of all New Yorkers. I’m extremely proud that today we’re advancing so much of the IDC’s vision to build up this state through inclusion of the IDC’s ideas on education, housing and employment. I’m particularly proud that we are one step closer to making Paid Family Leave, an issue I’ve long championed, a reality in New York State. No person should ever have to choose between what’s in their heart and what’s in their bank account,” said Senator Klein.

“Upstate revitalization depends on new job creation and meeting the needs of industries facing demand for skilled employees, and that’s exactly what this one-house budget resolution accomplishes. I applaud the State Senate for ensuring that, through our New Deal for New York’s Manufacturer’s Intermediary Apprenticeship Program, we can help companies create apprenticeship programs that simultaneously provide training and also put unemployed New Yorkers back to work. I am happy to announce the inclusion of the farm toll discount, which will provide meaningful relief to New York’s hardworking farmers. I am also pleased by the total elimination of the GEA. This is an ambitious budget resolution that will help keep upstate strong, and I am proud to support it,” said IDC Deputy Leader David Valesky (D-Oneida).

“The steps we take in this one-house budget resolution ensure that we will improve the education, housing, work and overall lives of all New Yorkers, not just for today, but for tomorrow. Our continued commitment to the New York Public Housing Authority addresses the deplorable conditions that tenants face, our renewal of the SCRIE/DRIE and SCHE/DHE expansions will help keep our seniors in their homes, and our funding the credentialing of direct care workers will ensure that our most vulnerable New Yorkers are well cared for, among other important programs. With this resolution, we have built a strong foundation for the New York of tomorrow,” said Senator Diane Savino (D-SI/Brooklyn).

“New York's middle class families deserve proposals that improve their quality of life and make government work for them. I strongly believe that the Senate's ambitious budget proposal laid out by the Majority Coalition will do just that by including a historic increase in school aid with the full elimination of the GEA, the inclusion of paid family leave, a Thruway toll freeze and middle class tax relief,” said Senator David Carlucci (D-Rockland).

“Building an even stronger New York for the latter half of this century means leaving no one behind. It means giving schools the funds they need to deliver a quality education to every student, regardless of their color or their neighborhood. It means setting limits on the taxes that are forcing people out of their own neighborhoods while ensuring that the taxes they do pay directly improve their quality of life. It means not separating the human factor from our policies by allowing individuals to care after a sick family member, to have a child without sacrificing a career, to give our seniors the dignity of reliable housing and services. I am proud to stand with my colleagues in advancing a multi-pronged agenda that helps New Yorkers from every walk-of-life,” said Senator Tony Avella (D-Queens).

Included in the State Senate’s one house:

LEARN NY 2020

Schools across the state receive $1.655 billion in school aid, a $700 million increase over the Executive’s proposal.

The Senate supports the “50 Hour Learning Week,” to expand afterschool programs, create new Community Schools and ensure children receive full day kindergarten.

New York City’s specialized high schools lack diversity and the IDC wants to change that statistic by preparing students for the rigorous entrance exam. The Senate supports over $5 million for entrance exam preparation, school outreach coordinators and the expansion of gifted and talented programs in underserved areas.

The Senate supports the elimination of the Gap Elimination Adjustment to address school district deficits in upstate New York.

College students in New York, on average, wind up $26,000 in the red. To address the burden of student debt, the Senate recommends doubling the tuition tax credit, increasing tax-deductible deposits into 529-a college savings accounts and advances the pre-paid college tuition plan.

The Senate advances Erin Merryn’s Law to teach children about sexual abuse from grades K-8.

HOUSE NY 2020

NYCHA tenants face deplorable conditions like mold, leaking roofs and crumbling infrastructure. The Senate supports funding NYCHA capital improvements  and empowering the New York City Council to have increased oversight over the Authority. The Senate supports Senator Klein’s NYCHA Repair Certificate to allow experienced builders to receive upzoning in exchange for major repairs to NYCHA buildings. The Senate also recognizes that our veterans and victims of domestic violence should receive preference for NYCHA apartments.

For seniors and disabled tenants, the SCRIE/DRIE program, which freezes rent at an affordable rate, is a lifeline. The IDC successfully pushed for the income cap to increase to $50,000 to address the needs of more middle-class New Yorkers that sunsets this July and drops down to a $29,000 threshold. The Senate eliminates the sunset for SCRIE/DRIE so that tenants can live out their golden years at home — affordably.

Senior and disabled homeowners also need help and the Senate enhances the SCHE/DHE property tax break for additional residents living on fixed incomes. Income eligibility for these crucial property tax exemptions to keep seniors and disabled citizens in their home would rise to between $50,000 and $58,400 from $29,000 with sliding scale rates up to $37,400.

New York City’s homeowners face major increases to their property tax bills because of a broken property tax assessment system. The Senate wants relief for these overburdened New York City homeowners through a 2% property tax cap.

The Senate supports funding a New York State Mortgage Assistance Program which helps keep New Yorkers facing foreclosure in their homes and a Community Restoration Fund which will address the fallout of the foreclosure crisis by establishing a revolving loan fund to stabilize properties and uplift communities impacted by the crisis.

The Senate advances the spirit of Mitchell Lama housing through funding the Middle Income Housing Program. The Senate also funds the Middle Income Housing Tax Credit at $25 million per year over the next ten years to help spur the creation of affordable, middle-income housing.

WORK NY 2020

Paid Family Leave will allow working- and middle- class New Yorkers 12-weeks off to care for a newborn or a seriously ill loved one. It will be funded by minimal employee contributions.

The New Deal for New York’s Manufacturers’ Intermediary Apprenticeship Program will be piloted in Syracuse. This program cuts the bureaucratic red tape small- and medium-sized manufacturers face in establishing apprenticeship programs to bring more skilled, good-paying jobs to New York.

The Senate supports funding for credentialing direct care workers who take care of our most vulnerable citizens.

The Senate adopts a farm toll discount to help New York State’s farmers stay in business.

The Hire-a-Vet tax credit, designed by Senator Klein to put our veterans back to work, is renewed. Businesses receive up to $5,000 for each veteran hired and up to $15,000 for each disabled veteran hired.

LIVE NY 2020

New York residents shell out the highest percentage of their paychecks for child care compared to any other state. The Senate alleviates the burden working parents face by expanding the child care dependent tax credit, funding more subsidized child care slots and increased funding for facilitated enrollment.

The Senate also wants children to be in safe facilities where their minds grow. The Senate supports funding the QualityStars program which helps child care centers improve their educational and organizational plans.

Modeled after a federal program to help low-income residents with heating costs, the Senate supports the creation of the IDC’s Senior Heating Assistance Program (SHEAP) to help seniors with their heating costs.

The Senate supports measures to prevent the financial exploitation of the elderly.

The Senate eliminates the sunset on Lauren’s Law, which creates expanded organ donation options on New York State driver’s license applications.

Funding for SNUG, an innovative anti-gun violence program that sends reformed gang members to high crime areas to help mediate disputes, is included in the resolution. In targeted areas in The Bronx gun incidents fell in two precincts by 53% thanks  to this program.

The Senate advances Senator Klein’s social service siting policy to ensure that communities have a say before a homeless shelter or other social service provider opens. This would then allow the New York City Planning Commission to decide whether a proposal to site a shelter was approved, disapproved or needs modifications.

The Senate supports the creation of a courtroom on Rikers Island to alleviate the backlog in cases in The Bronx District Attorney’s Office and supports funding a Bronx/Rikers prosecution bureau to address this issue further.

The Senate recommends the MTA and NYPD study bus routes to zero-in on which lines have the highest crime rates so that police officers could be placed in these routes.