Proximity Bill Passes the Senate Crime Victims, Crime and Correction Committee

  State Senator Gustavo Rivera released the following statement today after bill S1474, also known as the Proximity Bill, passed the New York State Senate Crime Victims, Crime and Correction Committee. The Proximity bill, which is sponsored by Senator Rivera in the Senate and Assemblymember Marcos Crespo in the Assembly, will establish a pilot project to place incarcerated individuals in facilities that are close to their home and their families. The bill has now been referred to the Senate Finance Committee.

  "I am proud that my colleagues in the Senate Crime Victims, Crime and Correction Committee have joined me in pushing the Proximity bill towards the next step of the legislative process. The implementation of this pilot program will effectively reaffirm the notion that our criminal justice system should not just focus on punishment, but also on rehabilitation. Placing incarcerated parents in facilities that are close to their children will help preserve their fundamental relationship. This pilot program does not only give the State the opportunity to be an active agent in ensuring the emotional and psychological welfare of these families, but also the ability to study the benefits of such a program, including its impact on decreasing rates of recidivism. If we are truly committed in reforming our State's criminal justice system, this transformative pilot program could represent an auspicious step. I urge my colleagues at the Senate Finance Committee to review and bring this bill to a vote. I will continue working with my colleagues in the Assembly and the Senate to ensure that this measure passes through both houses."

Editor's Note:

It is unfortunate however good this bill is that it can only come into law if State Senate and the State Assembly approves it, and then the Governor signs it into law. This is only one of the many many one house bills that will most likely never be signed into law.

ASSEMBLYMAN CRESPO ON CUBA AND GUN VIOLENCE

CRESPO TO OBAMA: ON YOUR TRIP TO CUBA PLEASE DON’T FORGET ABOUT PUERTO RICO

AND ITS HEALTH CARE AND FINANCIAL CRISIS

    Assemblyman Marcos Crespo, Chair of the Assembly Puerto Rican/Hispanic Task Force, released the following statement on President Barack Obama’s visit to the Republic of Cuba.

“As President Barack Obama visits the Republic of Cuba and becomes only the second U.S. President to do so, I would like to temper the historic nature of this visit with the harsh reality being faced by 3.5 million American citizens 761 miles from Havana.

Normalizing relations with Cuba is consistent with American values of promoting democracy and protecting human freedoms.  As part of President Obama’s significant foreign policy accomplishments, normalizing relationship with Cuba after decades of an antagonistic relationship is a milestone of progress for both our nations.

However, normalizing the economy of Puerto Rico should not take a back seat to any other effort taking place in the Caribbean.

Puerto Rico is drowning figuratively and literally under unmanageable debt and an imposed federal healthcare reimbursement formula which has created havoc in the island’s health care system. 

Both its $72 billion dollar debt, which is now in default, and the pending collapse of hospitals and clinics which are threating the health of the 3.5 million Americans on the island are crisis which the President should continue to highlight, work to resolve and prompt Congress to act accordingly.

The President, in his proposed federal budget for Fiscal Year 2017, has included the need for Puerto Rico to reorganize its debt via Chapter 9 bankruptcy protection and has targeted $30 billion over the next decade to help stabilize and secure the islands health care system.  I applaud these efforts and ask that the President continue to pressure Congress to act on these matters.

As President Obama visits the Republic of Cuba, It is my greatest hope that he will revisit Puerto Rico so that he can, on a first-hand basis, ascertain the deterioration of the economy and health care system of the island since his last visit in June of 2011.”

Bronx Chamber of Commerce - Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony for Advanced Auto Parts' New Co-op City Location

Join us at the special ribbon-cutting ceremony
for Advanced Auto Parts New Location!

STATEMENT FROM BP DIAZ RE: City Council Vote on MIH/ZQA

  RE: City Council Vote on MIH/ZQA

“As our city continues to grapple with the mayor's rezoning proposals—Mandatory Inclusionary Housing and Zoning for Quality and Affordability—I am pleased to see progress has been made at the lower end of the affordability spectrum. While the housing deal does not go as far to assist the low income community as many of us had hoped, it is an encouraging step in the right direction. I commend the City Council for their diligence and commitment on this issue and for listening to the concerns myself, my colleagues, our community boards and the people of this city on other issues, including parking and the need for greater affordability.

“However, I remain concerned that the minor change at the upper end of the affordability spectrum does nothing to encourage developers to create units that would maintain our professionals and foster socio-economic diversity. Preventing developers from using already existing subsidies hinders the opportunity for truly mixed-income development in the borough.

“As I have previously stated, the process that has led us to this point has been flawed. These changes are substantial, and the people of this city—who have been incredibly critical, if not outright hostile to MIH and ZQA to this point—should have been given another chance to voice their opinions prior to any vote. I am hopeful that the City Council will make every effort to explain these changes to community boards and other concerned parties, to ensure both a productive dialogue and appropriate community engagement moving forward,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

Purim Celebration and Film History Presentation at JASA Van Cortlandt Senior Center

 On Tues. March 29^th, dynamic entertainers Hagit, Zvi and Dvir will re-enact the Purim story with songs, costumes and puppets at 11:15 AM for our 4-yr old friends from MMCC Early Childhood program. Following a festive lunch at 12:15 PM, they will provide a program of violin music plus nostalgic songs at 1:00 PM.

Kosher lunch served at 12:15 PM: Shake & bake chicken or tuna salad, egg barley & mushrooms, coleslaw, orange.  Holiday refreshments will be served. Recommended senior meal contribution: $2.25 and $2.00 for event. Non-senior Meal Fee: $5.00 and Event Fee: $3.00

Contact JASA Van Cortlandt Senior Center office at 718-549-4700 for advance reservations by Thurs. March 24th.

Film and Hollywood historian, photo archivist Pierre Montiel will speak about the life accomplishments of the legendary Gary Cooper on Wed. March 30^th at 1:00 PM.  

Kosher lunch served at 12:15 PM: Tilapia Francaise or chicken salad, fusili pasta w/Parsley, steamed peas

& carrots, banana. Refreshments will be served following the presentation.

Recommended senior meal contribution: $2.25

Recommended senior event contribution: $1.00

RSVP by calling senior center office 718-549-4700 by Mon. Mar. 28^th.

The Bronx Chamber of Commerce - Annual Gala April 13, 2016

Bronx Democratic County Committee - Upcoming Events

U P C O M I N G   E V E N T S

Dear Bronx Democrat, Below is a list of upcoming events. Attached you will find flyers for each event.

Hillary Clinton Kick-Off When: Thurs. 3/24/16 from 6 - 8p Where: BDCC HQ - 1640 Eastchester Rd. Bronx, NY The Hillary Clinton campaign is gearing up for the NYS presidential primary! Come help phone bank to get our fellow Bronxites registered to vote for the April 19th primary. Click here to RSVP for the event. Click to Enlarge

AM Michael Blake's Women History Month Event When: Sat. 3/26/16 from 10a - 1p Where: Harriet Tubman Charter School - 3565 3rd Ave, Bronx, NY Please join Assemblyman Michael Blake in celebrating Women's History Month. This event is free and open to the public. To RSVP visit www.votemichaelblake.com. Click to Enlarge

Reception for Mark Gjonaj When: Mon. 3/28/16 from 5:30 - 7:30p Where: V & R Restaurant - 136 Madison Ave, Albany, NY NYS Assembly Speaker Carl E. Heastie, NYS Assembly Majority Leader Joseph D. Morelle, and Bronx Democratic Chairman Marcos A. Crespo invite you to a reception in honor of Assemblyman of the 80th District Mark Gjonaj.  To RSVP call Nathalia Fernandez at 646-996-3537, Claudia Granados at 646-957-6833, or email friendsofmarkgjonaj@gmail.com. Click to Enlarge

CM Vanessa L. Gibson's Women HerStory Month Event When: Wed. 3/30/16 from 5:30 - 7:30p Where: Mullaly Recreational Community Center - 1020 Jerome Ave. (between E. 164 & E. 165 Sts.) Join Council Member Vanessa L. Gibson for a night of awards, guest speakers, entertainment, and refreshments in celebration of Women's HerStory Month. To RSVP contact CM Gibson's District Office at 718-588-7500 or emaildistrict16bronx@council.nyc.gov. Click to Enlarge

Women's Empowerment Dinner When: Thurs. 3/31/16 from 6 - 10p Where: Maestro's Caterers - 1703 Bronxdale Ave., Bronx, NY You are cordially invited to join Hon. Cynthia Cox, Female District Leader of the 79th Assembly District, for the 2nd Annual Women's Empowerment Dinner With Honorees: Letitia James - Public Advocate for the City of New York, Inez Harvey -Community Leader, Annie Oliver - Church Organizer/Church on the Hill A.M.E. Zion,  Pastor Georgiette Morgan-Thomas - Mustard Seed Faith Ministries, Rochelle Mangual -  President of DC 37 Retiree's Association, Isom Malika - Community Activist. For more information or to RSVP, please contact: Florence Davis - (347) 693-8767, Tee Lawton - (646) 463-9917, Diana Diaz - (917) 535-5295, or Ernestine Jackson - (347) 224-2002. Click to Enlarge

Bronx Young Dems' Spring Gala When:   Wed. 4/20/16 from 7 - 10p Where:    Michaelangelo's - 2477 Arthur Avenue, Bronx, NY The Bronx Young Democrats' request your attendance at their first Spring Gala. Proceeds from this fundraiser will go to the New York State Young Democrats Convention, hosted in the Bronx this May. The Gala will honor the following Bronx Young Dem Elected Officials: Hon. Michael Blake, Hon. Marcos Crespo, Hon. Vanessa Gibson, Hon. Latoya Joyner, Hon. Victor Pichardo, and Hon. Ritchie Torres. To purchase tickets to this event please visitthebyd.org. Click to Enlarge

In solidarity,   Hon. Marcos A. Crespo, Chair The Bronx Democratic County Committee 1640 Eastchester Rd.

Statements Re: Dr. Betty Rosa’s Election as Chancellor of the New York State Board of Regents

STATEMENT FROM BOROUGH PRESIDENT DIAZ - 

“Dr. Betty Rosa is a longtime ally, close advisor and a dear friend, and I am proud that she has been chosen by her colleagues on the New York State Board of Regents to serve as our chancellor.

“I have worked closely with Dr. Rosa throughout my career as an elected official, first in the New York State Assembly and now as Bronx Borough President. Dr. Rosa is a fighter for our children, and during her years of service as a member of the New York State Board of Regents she has demonstrated her passion on education through her advocacy on a myriad of issues. She is fiercely independent, and has never shied away from criticizing the powers-that-be when she feels they have erred.

“Through her decades of experience as a teacher, superintendent and as a member of the Board of Regents, Dr. Rosa has demonstrated that she has been the right choice for the children of The Bronx and now for all of New York State.

“Dr. Betty Rosa is the very definition of a trailblazer—the first Latina to serve in this position, and the first Bronxite, as well—and I am proud and excited that my good friend has been selected as the Chancellor of the New York State Board of Regents. I look forward to continuing to work with her towards greater education outcomes for children not only in The Bronx, but across this city and this state,” Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz applauded the New York State Board of Regents for its election of Dr. Betty Rosa, an eight year veteran of the board, to be Chancellor. 

“The election of Dr. Betty Rosa as Chancellor of the New York State Board of Regents is a huge victory for our schools and more importantly - the children who attend them. Dr. Rosa’s qualifications to serve as chancellor are unmatched,” said Assemblyman Dinowitz. “I was privileged to have nominated Dr. Rosa when she was first elected to the Board of Regents representing the Bronx back in 2008, and she has served in that position with distinction for nearly eight years. During her tenure as Superintendent of Community School District 8 in the Bronx she oversaw over 25,000 students in 30 schools, and founded M.S. 101, the Maritime Academy for Science and Technology, which would eventually become one of the top ranked middle schools in the City of New York. Her founding of the Office of Conflict Resolution in the Division of Special Education, in addition to the work she’s done for multilingual and special education students further exemplify her commitment to all students – especially those who need the most help. I can personally attest that Dr. Rosa has been an independent voice and a relentless advocate for school children on every issue that has come before her and I look forward to working with her in the coming years.”

Assemblyman Marcos Crespo, chairman of the Assembly Puerto Rican/Hispanic Task Force Said - 

 “Last week a  joint Session of the New York State Legislature voted to confirm three new members to the New York State Board of Regents and  today, the Board has chosen a new Chancellor of the Board in the selection of Dr. Betty Rosa.  There is great optimism that long-sought reforms to improve our children's academic attainment will be reached,"

Statement from State Senator Gustavo Rivera

"Throughout her distinguished career, Dr. Betty Rosa has demonstrated a deep commitment to improving the quality of education for the Bronx and all of New York State, while being a tireless advocate for our most vulnerable students. I am very proud that a fellow Bronxite has been appointed to be the first Latina to serve as the Chancellor of the Board of Regents and I look forward to working with her to ensure all the children in our State receive the education they need and deserve."