COUNCIL MEMBER WILLIAMS EXPLAINS "NO" VOTE ON MIH

STATEMENT FROM COUNCIL MEMBER JUMAANE D. WILLIAMS, 

CHAIR OF THE COMMITTEE ON HOUSING & BUILDINGS

For the past year, the City Council and the Administration have been debating Mandatory Inclusionary Housing (MIH). In that time, significant and tangible progress was made and the council, under the leadership of Speaker Mark-Viverito, deserves credit for improving MIH.

Unfortunately, the current plan still does not require enough of a mandatory minimum amount of low-income units, and so today, I have no choice but to vote "no."  

I believe firmly - and have said from the start - that working families, seniors and low income New Yorkers are depending on us to pass a plan that includes a mandatory minimum amount of affordable homes in each option. The plan, as it stands today, can allow entire neighborhoods to be rezoned without including any low income housing; that was, and still is, a nonstarter for me.

The Mayor and the Administration must be applauded for tackling the affordable housing crisis and we shouldn't understate the difficulty in creating a housing plan that meets the needs of our very diverse city. The City Council should also be celebrated for pushing even further and to a plan that, plausibly at least,touches 30% AMI.

I am proud to have been a part of a coalition of Council Members and advocates who fought hard to get the plan this far, with deeper affordability and real commitments around preservation. Given that, I understand why many will vote in favor of this plan, as we will hear many times,  it is the strongest inclusionary housing policy in the entire country. Communities who choose the deep affordability option will benefit tremendously.  

Still, there is an unaddressed problem. While the plan now provides real options for elected officials and communities who welcome low-income units, it ignores a fundamental issue about mandating affordability in neighborhoods that have historically resisted economic integration and are unlikely to choose deep affordability.

Without addressing that question, I cannot in good conscious vote "yes."

To be clear - I'm not saying we shouldn't also include higher income bands within the same options and the exact same neighborhoods. Rather, we should not pass a plan which allows communities to avoid including any low-income options, further segregating this city.

Nearly a third of New Yorkers earn less than $30,000 and would be unable to rent even the most "affordable" apartments built in communities who choose MIH options without deep affordability. The average single mother in NYC makes $25,000 - too little to qualify for housing above 30% AMI. The vast majority of our single person senior households also have incomes too low to qualify for the other two MIH options.

Affordability should not be an opt-in policy. We need a Mandatory Inclusionary Housing plan that works for all New Yorkers, in all neighborhoods, especially our most vulnerable.

It is also true that MIH was not meant to solve all of our cities housing problems and look forward to continuing to work with the administration who has proven dedication to the issues as we move forward in creating additional tools.

SAVINO ANNOUNCES NEW PACKAGE OF MEDICAL MARIJUANA BILLS

Four new bills would expand patient access and increase the number of trained physicians across the state

State Senator Diane Savino announced a new package of bills today, aimed at expanding patient access and increasing the number of trained and available treating physicians.

The package would increase patient access hindered by access to dispensaries, as well as address concerns about an insufficient number of available doctors by encouraging more doctors to sign up for the program. The bills would also double the number of available dispensaries, expand the list of qualifying conditions, direct the Department of Health to add nurses and physician assistants, and establish an advisory committee on the program’s  regulatory development.

“I made history by passing the first medical marijuana program in New York - and have been proud to lead on this issue as we implement the program throughout the state. However, it is not enough to make this medicine theoretically available, it must also be pragmatically accessible. Now is the time to take this program further - and that’s exactly what this package will do. With my new legislation, we will be able to help patients in need become certified more easily, ensure that more of those suffering are eligible to become certified, allow each doctor to treat their patients as they see fit, and make this necessary medicine accessible to more people throughout the state,” said Senator Diane Savino.

The first bill would double the number of dispensaries throughout the state and allow direct education and marketing from companies to physician, in order to engage more doctors. Current law allows each organization licensed to distribute medical marijuana to maintain only four dispensaries each, leaving many geographic areas of the state without practical access to the medicine. Senator Savino’s legislation would double this, allowing each licensed organization to have eight dispensaries. It would also allow these organizations to approach physicians directly, in order to provide education about medical marijuana to encourage more doctors to become trained in the program.

The current list of eligible diseases and conditions leaves patients in critical need of this medicine out in the cold. However, many of these conditions are already eligible for this treatment in other states. The second bill (S.6999) in the package would expand the current list to help more of those in need. The new list would include PTSD, in response to calls from veterans and veteran advocacy organizations, muscular dystrophy, Alzheimer’s disease, traumatic brain injury, wasting syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.

The legislation would also eliminate the ten milligram limit on THC per dose of medical marijuana, in order to allow doctors to treat their patients with the dosage they think is best, as well as address physician concerns that the dosage language of the law may be in conflict with existing federal law.

In an effort to expand access and available providers, the third bill (S.6998) would direct the Department of Health to add nurses and physician assistants to the list of professionals qualified to certify patients for medical marijuana use. These professionals are already able to prescribe other controlled substances under the law, however, currently only physicians are able to certify patients for medical marijuana. This legislation would allow physician assistants and nurses to undergo the same training as physicians, and thereafter certify patients, eliminating some of the difficulties in finding a cooperating physician for patients.

Implementation of the medical marijuana program has been a complex process, involving experts and professionals from a variety of industries, as well as patients and advocates. Providing an opportunity for all stakeholders to have a voice is critical to its success. The fourth piece of legislation (S.7000) would create an advisory committee of 15 members to assist in the program’s regulatory development by the Department of Health.

The committee would advise the Commissioner, as well as establish a subcommittee specializing in clinical matters. The bill would also assure that regulations remain consistent with the current law and it’s intent, as well as recognize patients certified in other states. By establishing an advisory committee, ensuring that regulations remain consistent with the intent of the law, and recognizing patients from other states, this legislation would increase the overall efficiency of the program.

New York State Continues to Lose Billions in Federal Funding Due to the Undercount of the 2010 Census

The 2010 Census undercount cost New York two congressional districts and hundreds of millions of dollars annually in federal aid, Assemblyman Crespo introduces legislation to create the 2020 Complete Count Commission

    Assemblyman Marcos Crespo, Chair of the Assembly Task Force on Demographics and Reapportionment, was joined by good government groups, anti-poverty advocates and other legislators to unveil legislation (A.9554) which will begin the process to prepare New York State for a proper count during the 2020 Census.  Undercounts during the 2000 and 2010 Census have cost New York two congressional seats and a loss of tens of billions in federal aid for a range of programs from education to housing to transportation.  The legislation begins a multi-year planning process to ensure that state, local and nonprofit sectors are better prepared to ensure a proper count and will prevent future funding losses, including the now projected loss of one more congressional member due to a combination of slow population growth and chronic undercounting of New York State residents.

“With rampant growth in child poverty rates and among our elderly and families, New York can ill afford another census undercount.  It has already cost us tens of billions in lost federal aid which could have been used to strengthen our communities and economy.  It has also cost us political clout in Washington as we continue to lose members of Congress as other states gain members. My legislation begins the process to ensure a proper count and bring billions in needed aid to communities across New York,” stated Assemblyman Marcos A. Crespo.

“Each person not counted by the U.S Census costs New York State $3,054 dollars in lost federal funding.  Now multiply this by the more than 700,000 New Yorkers not counted and what we find is that annually our State loses $1.5 billion in federal aid for a range of programs which help our children, our families, our senior citizens with their education, their housing needs, their medical needs and more,” added Crespo. “And this figure could be much higher because New York State has done little to ensure state and local level participation in ensuring a complete count.”

At a conservative estimate, the loss of $1.5 billion each year for a decade between 2010 and 2020, New York will have lost $15 billion dollars in federal aid provided through 75 programs which are apportioned and distribute to states and localities using statistics gathered by the decennial census. An undercount guarantees not only lose in federal aid but with population shifts in the 50 states New York has lost and will continue to lose seats in Congress.

The proposed legislation creates a 61 member planning body called the 2020 Complete Count Commission.  It is responsible for putting together an action plan for state, local and nonprofit agencies to ensure a complete count.  The commission must produce three reports to document the plan and progress on implementing it prior to the 2020 Census. The commission is also required to recommend state funding levels to implement their proposed action plans prior to the enactment of budgets for FY 2017-18 through FY 2019-20.

Crespo remarked, “In 2009, NYS appropriated $2 million dollars to help with public awareness on the importance of the 2010 Census.  That amount translated into roughly a ten cents investment in every New Yorker.  That low level of investment and attention given to the important functions of the Census led to the documented undercount.   This mistake cannot be repeated.”

The undercount of the 2010 Census was very evident in New York City. There, over 8 million people living in only about 305 square miles were told that the City had only grown by about 100,000 residents even though over the previous 10 years over 1.25 million births had been recorded by the Bureau of Vital Statistics.  Simultaneously, there had been only about 500,000 deaths during that period.   The U.S. Census told New York State that it had only grown by 164,000 residents. Upstate New York covers almost 47,000 square miles and has over 9 million of the State’s 19.4 million residents.  “It is obvious that if an undercount has occurred in a smaller and highly dense populated area that Upstate New York has probably been subject to a worse undercount,” declared Crespo.

Prior to the beginning of the 2010 Census, the NYC population was estimated to be at 8.1 million residents and City officials had estimated it had grown to 8.4 million.  However the US Census enumerated only 8,175,133 residents.  Parts of Upstate and Long Island had seen growth as well but the Census count enumerated NYS residents at 19,378,102, a probable under count of some half a million residents.                                                                 

“To compound this problem, the US Census announced late last year that New York was in line to lose another congressional district based on slow population growth and rapid growth in other parts of the country.  The need for a complete and accurate count and the need for New York State to begin the planning process now for the 2020 Census is very clear,” Stated Crespo.

According to Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda, member of the Assembly Standing Committee on Housing, “In the last Census, undercounting of New York’s population, especially in New York City, cost the state and city millions of dollars in aid and almost certainly — and unfairly — weakened New York’s representation in Congress,” said Assemblyman Luis Sepúlveda (D, Bronx). “This cannot be allowed to happen again. Consequently, it is imperative that we plan ahead to ensure that the 2020 Census accurately counts all New Yorkers.”

Bronx BP Ruben O'Diaz Jr. Hosts Irish Heritage Celebration

On Wednesday the day before St. Patrick's Day Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. held his Annual Irish Heritage Celebration in the heart of Woodlawn at the Rambling House. Mary Murphy of WPIX television was the Mistress of ceremonies As you will see in the photos below it was a great time that was had by all. The Honorees were Keith Klain Ceo of Doran Jones, and James P. Quent of Partner Statewide Public Affairs Inc. There was also a Proclamation Presented to the Honorable Shane Cahill the Vice-Consul General of Ireland in New York.

Above - The New York State Courts Pipes & Drums played as the procession led by Bronx BP Ruben Diaz Jr. entered the room.

Below - Mistress of Ceremonies Mary Murphy (of WPIX TV) enters, followed by 80th A.D. State Committeeman Joe McManus (background left).

Above - Mistress of Ceremony Mary Murphy speaks to the audience.

Below - Amara Valerio Yonkers Junior Idol of 2014 sings the United States National Anthem.

Above - Michael Fogarty sang the Ireland National Anthem.

Below - BP Diaz Jr. congratulates Mr. Fogarty on his excellent performance.

On hand was former Councilwoman June Eisland who also congrated Mr. Fogarty after his singing of the Ireland National Anthem. 

Comptroller Scott M. Stringer Cordially Invites You to a Bronx Town Hall on March 31 @ 6:30PM

The Town Hall meeting is being held at Bronx House located at 999 Pelham Parkway South/

State Senator Jeff Klein, Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj, and Councilman Jimmy Vacca are expected to be in attendance.

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.