100PercentBronx

Wednesday, June 15, 2016

Engel, House Pass Puerto Rico Relief Bill

Congressman Eliot Engel, a senior member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and House colleagues last week passed a bill aimed at helping Puerto Rico resolve its debt crisis. The Puerto Rico Oversight, Management and Economic Stability Act (PROMESA) will allow the island to restructure its $70 billion debt, though other provisions in the bill have raised concern among lawmakers who feel it will hurt Puerto Rican workers.

“This is a deeply flawed bill, but the reality is that without swift action, Puerto Rico’s already tenuous economic situation is going to balloon into a humanitarian crisis,” Congressman Engel said. “I voted in favor of this legislation because the people of Puerto Rico cannot wait any longer. They don’t deserve to live in a place where hospitals and schools are shutting down because there’s no money to keep them open. But there are parts of this bill that I find deeply problematic. I was disappointed that House Republicans insisted on extracting concessions from Puerto Rican workers in order to secure basic legal protections for the island that every American municipality enjoys. These men and women are American citizens and they do not deserve to be treated—quite literally—like second-class citizens by House Republicans.

“I am hopeful the Senate will give swift consideration to this legislation and send it to the President for his signature. Puerto Rico needs this legislation to address their debt crisis and avoid defaulting on their legal obligations which come due July 1.”

Van Cortlandt Jewish Center Annual Journal-Dinner

On Sunday, June 26, 2016 at 12 noon, Van Cortlandt Jewish Center, 3880 Sedgwick Ave; Bronx, NY is having its Annual Journal-Dinner honoring Jack Kleinfeld and Jack Spiegel, a Pair of Jacks. These two men highly deserve being honored for all the volunteer work they've done for VCJC.

Jack Kleinfeld has stepped up in both creating and chairing the "Future of the VCJC" Committee and has recruited Center Light (VCJC newsletter) and Web-Advertisers as well as business and individual supporters. Besides running his own business, Mr. Kleinfeld is currently the President of the Bronx Chapter of the National Society of Professional Engineers.

Jack Spiegel has been assisting fundraising, keeping up the VCJC web site (http://vcjewishcenter.org/index.html), photographing all events and doing what’s needed to be sure VCJC is front and center in people’s minds. He set up programs like a free NYFD taught CPR class for the community. Mr. Spiegel is currently volunteering for many organizations, including VP of VCCFCU, Deputy Chief Bx8 CERT and Treasurer of A.H. Consumers Society and HLMF.

The dinner will include an open bar and full buffet for $100. Cocktail hour – 12 noon – will include hot and cold hors D’oeuvres. The dinner will include a Salad Mélange and five Captains stations - Steak House; From the Sea; Chef’s Carving Board; Little Italy and Pacific Rim. Dessert will end the meal with a Viennese table.

This year’s event promises to be extraordinary and it is open to the public. Anyone wishing to come and honor these gentlemen should call VCJC at 718-884-6105.

COUNCIL MEMBER ANDY KING CALLS FOR RESIGNATION OF GEORGIA SENATOR FOR PRAYER ABOUT OBAMA’S DEATH

“The words in the Bible are very clear and so was Sen. David Perdue, who knew exactly what he was saying when he said it!” said Council Member Andy King, who is an executive member of the Black, Latino and Asian Caucus and sits on the Civil Rights Committee. “It is unacceptable to stand before any audience and publicly urge them to put out a spiritual curse on a sitting U.S. President and his family. Sen. Perdue has a responsibility to respect the people he works for and the office of the President. Since Perdue offers no apology for his statement, I’m urging members of Congress and the Senate to call for Perdue’s resignation. Words of hate, by any elected official representing the people of the United States, must not be tolerated.”

Learn How to Protect Yourself from Identity Theft and ATM Fraud

Learn How to Protect Yourself

from Identity Theft and ATM Fraud

A Bronx Chamber of Commerce / Country Bank

Networking Event

Wednesday, June 29, 6:00-8:00pm

at Applebee's in Riverdale

STATE SENATOR GUSTAVO RIVERA AND ASSEMBLYMEMBER LATOYA JOYNER'S LEGISLATION TO NOTIFY THE NEXT OF KIN OF THE DEATH OF AN INCARCERATED INDIVIDUAL PASSES THE LEGISLATURE

State Senator Gustavo Rivera and Assemblymember Latoya Joyner released the following statement after bill (S5427A/ A7500A), passed the New York State Senate yesterday. This bill, which requires the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) to be responsive to inquiries from family members or other designated representative about the circumstances surrounding the death of an incarcerated individual and to provide such person with an original preliminary death certificate, passed the New York State Assembly on March 28 and has now been sent to Governor Cuomo's desk for signature.

"The death of a loved one is one of the most difficult situations a person can go through, and it is even more challenging when this person is behind bars. In implementing this measure, our State will ensure that the family members of a deceased incarcerated individual can navigate such a heartbreaking and largely bureaucratic process in a timely and compassionate manner. I urge Governor Cuomo to join the Legislature in enacting this bill into law," said State Senator Gustavo Rivera.

"With unanimous support from the Assembly and the Senate's passage this week, I am happy that my colleagues have recognized the rights of families and their loved ones behind bars. Every inmate is someone's mother or father, brother or sister, son or daughter. No one should have to wait 18 months before receiving details regarding the death of someone they care about that is in custody," said Assemblywoman Latoya Joyner (D-Bronx, 77th AD). "This bill will help family members gain clarity by speeding up the process by which they obtain information, and make it somewhat easier to grieve the loss by offering some closure and details surrounding their passing."

Every year, approximately 150 incarcerated individuals die while in the care, custody and control of DOCCS. Currently, the process the family of a deceased incarcerated individual has to undergo to gain information about their loved one is filled with obstacles. For instance, outside hospitals and county coroners only respond to DOCCS and routinely tell the family member that they must contact the facility where the incarcerated individual had been in custody, while the facility in question, will refer them back to the hospital or coroner.

Additionally, the State Commission of Correction (SCOC), the agency responsible for the full investigation of an incarcerated individual's death, does not complete a full investigation until 12 to 18 months after the passing. In the meantime, family members are left in the dark. They are not notified of the causes of death or provided with a preliminary death certificate, which only furthers the uncertainty and delays their grieving process.

Monday, June 13, 2016

Senator Jeff Klein Hosts Children's Festival at St. Margaret of Cortona School

State Senator Jeff Klein hosted a children’s festival commemorating the end of the school year at St. Margaret of Cortona School on Sunday.

Hundreds of Bronx families gathered to celebrate the Bronx students’ hard work during the academic year. The festivities began with lunch and were followed by arts and crafts, such as spin-art and sand-art activities. Children danced to pop music throughout the celebration and enjoyed a bouncy castle. The excitement continued as attendees received elaborate face painting designs and enjoyed cotton candy and popcorn stations as well.

“I am thrilled to host this children’s festival and celebrate the dedication and achievements of our students. Today, we enjoyed quality time with our families and friends and created lasting memories. I am also thankful to the participating parents, teachers, and faculty who demonstrate an unwavering commitment to the children and contribute to their academic success and well-being,” said Senator Klein

“We at St. Margaret of Cortona are delighted we could join with Senator Klein to offer this wonderful end-of-the-school year festival to our students and community. The 2016 school year was filled with amazing experiences and being able to celebrate all of them is a tradition we hope to repeat for years to come,” said Hugh Keenan, principal of St. Margaret of Cortona School.