Monday, July 31, 2017

Engel, House Dems Continue Push to Improve the Affordable Care Act


  Congressman Eliot Engel, a top member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, cosigned a letter with close to 90 House Democrats calling on Speaker Ryan to take up key reforms to help improve the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) individual markets and expand options for consumers.

The four reforms, devised by Democrats, include reauthorizing and making permanent federal reinsurance programs; ensuring funding for the cost-sharing reduction payments – which President Trump has threatened to cut off – that help millions of American families purchase affordable health insurance; expanding premium assistance to bring down costs; and affording retirement-age Americans the option to buy into Medicare.

“Democrats have long said that, while the ACA has done a wealth of good for the American health care system, it is not perfect. But just because something isn’t perfect doesn’t mean it needs to be scrapped entirely. You don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater,” Congressman Engel said. “Every major piece of legislation, including Medicare and Social Security, has required tweaking after its initial passage to make the law work better. The ACA is no different. But, instead of working with Democrats to build on the ACA’s progress, Republicans have clung to their political crusade against the law. They have worked to sabotage the ACA at every turn, and made a mockery of the legislative process as they rushed to pass bills that would steal health care away from millions. It is time for the GOP to move on from the disaster that was Trumpcare and get down to the business of actually governing.

“Democrats have real ideas on how to restore certainty to insurance markets, bring down costs, and expand consumer choices. Now, we must come together in a bipartisan way to make those ideas a reality. I urge my Republican colleagues to carefully consider our proposals, so we can meaningfully improve the health and lives of our constituents.”

ELECTED OFFICIALS, ADVOCATES ANNOUNCE 24 HOUR "RIDERS RESPOND TRANSIT TOUR" TO GET FIRSTHAND FEEDBACK FROM SUBWAY RIDERS


NYC Council Member Rodriguez, NYS Assemblyman Dinowitz, Riders Alliance, TWU & More Will Travel Subways to Hear About Riders' Concerns Prior to Aug. 8 City Council Hearing on Subways

   Elected officials are ready to ride the rails to hear directly from subway commuters in advance of a City Council hearing on August 8th. After months of delays, derailments, power outages, track fires and more, officials and advocates will take to the tunnels to get feedback, suggestions and concerns from riders, while getting a full picture of the system that sustains our city.
 
Standing outside the City Hall R Train Station, the coalition announced the 24-Hour "Riders Respond Transit Tour." The tour will take place from 7 AM to 7 PM on Thursday August 3rd and Friday August 4th, touching all five boroughs. It is organized by NYC Council Transportation Chair Ydanis Rodriguez, in conjunction with NYS Assembly Corporations, Authorities and Commissions Chair Jeffrey Dinowitz, who each chair committees with oversight over the city subway system. 
 
They will be joined by elected officials, advocates and volunteers, travelling from station to station to document feedback about riders' commutes, assess the state of the system's infrastructure and gain a feel for each line in the city. The results of the tour will be shared at the NYC Council Transportation Committee Hearing on the NYC Subway System, scheduled for August 8th. The full route can be found attached.
 
"Lost over the past few months of subway woes has been the point of view of riders," said NYC Council Transportation Chair Ydanis Rodriguez. "It is our duty as representatives of those who take the subway each day to learn about what they're going through and hear their suggestions for improving the system. As we prepare for our subways hearing at the Council on August 8th, this tour will help to gather information and data crucial to getting a more complete picture of the system. I'm glad so many of my colleagues and interested organizations have signed on to this effort and I'm expecting a very informative tour."
 
"New Yorkers are fed up with the burden shifting between New York City and New York State. Councilman Rodriguez and I, as leaders of two committees that have oversight of the MTA at both levels of government, are working together to identify problems and create solutions. There are many issues with our city's transit including ADA accessibility, platform overcrowding, fire-causing trash on the tracks, derailments, and other problems that have combined to create the crisis we are in today," said Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, Chair of the NYS Assembly Committee on Corporations, Authorities and Commissions.
 
This event is supported by a growing list of elected officials and advocates, including NYC Public Advocate Letitia James, NYC Comptroller Scott Stringer, U.S. Congressman Adriano Espaillat, Brooklyn and Manhattan Borough Presidents Gale Brewer and Eric Adams, NYS Assemblywoman Carmen De La Rosa, State Senator Brad Hoylman, Council Member Carlos Menchaca, Riders Alliance, Straphangers Campaign and TWU Local 100 and many more.
 
**Route Below**

Thursday: Manhattan & The Bronx

TimeStation (Train line)
7:00-7:30am242nd St (1)
Travel time: 15 min
7:45am-9:00am168th St (1/A/C)
Travel time: 10 min
9:10am-9:40am125th St (A/B/C/D)
Travel time: 10 min
9:50am-10:20am59th St (A/B/C/D/1)
Travel time: 30 min
10:50am-11:35amCity Hall/Chambers St (4/5/6/J)
Travel time: 25 min
12:00pm-12:45pmEast Broadway (F)
Travel time: 45 min
1:30pm-2:00pm125th St (4/5/6)
Travel time: 25 min
2:25pm-2:55pmMosholu Pkwy (4)
Travel time: 30 min
3:25pm-3:55pm161st St-Yankee Stadium (4/B/D)
Break 3:55pm-4:25pm; Travel time: 20 min
4:45pm-5:15pm3rd Ave & 149th St (2/5)
Travel time: 25 min
5:40pm-6:10pmGrand Central (4/5/6/7/S)
Travel time: 10 min  
6:20pm-6:50pm   Times Squae (A/C/E/1/2/3/7/N/Q/R/S)

FRIDAY - Queens, Brooklyn & Staten Island
 
TimeStation (Train line)
7:00am-7:30amQueensboro Plaza (N/W/7)
Travel time: 15 min
7:45am-8:45amJackson Heights/Roosevelt Ave
Travel time: 20 min
9:05am-9:35amSutphin Blvd-Archer Ave (E/J)
Travel time: 25 min
10:00am-10:30amBroadway Junction (A/C/J/Z/L)
Travel time: 20 min
10:50am-11:20amJay St./Metro Tech (A/C/F/R)
Travel time: 60 min
12:20pm-12:50pm36th St (R/N/D)
Break 12:50pm-1:20pm
Travel time: 30 min
1:50pm-2:20pmConey Island (N/D)
Travel time: 1 hour
2:20pm-2:50pmMetropolitan Ave (G)/ Lorimer St. (L)
Travel time: 1h 20 min
4:10pm-4:40pmStapelton (SI Railroad)
Travel time: 1 hour
5:40pm-6:10pmUnion Square (4/5/L)

1199SEIU ENDORSES ASSEMBLYMAN MARK GJONAJ FOR CITY COUNCIL


  1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East, the largest healthcare union in New York, has endorsed Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj to represent the New York City Council’s 13th District.

“1199SEIU is proud to support Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj for City Council,” said Helen Schaub, New York State Director of Policy and Legislation. “Time and time again, the Assemblyman has shown strong leadership and dedication to the lives of New Yorkers. He has been an outspoken advocate for working people, especially for those in the healthcare field. He has continually fought to increase the minimum wage and the scope of worker benefits, and has worked to develop a more comprehensive system of access to health insurance. We are confident Mark Gjonaj will bring a new level of accountability to our caregivers, seniors and people with disabilities. “We admire his authentic progressive platform, and his positions on the most important issues of our time.”

“I am honored to receive the heartfelt endorsement of 1199SEIU,” said Assembly Member Mark Gjonaj. “Since my election to the Assembly I have worked alongside them to ensure that fair pay and benefits are given to caregivers, and that those in need of their services are aware of the treatments available to them. Just as I did in Albany, I will continue to partner with 1199SEIU in the fight for quality healthcare and good jobs for all from City Hall.

Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj is running for City Council to represent the 13th District. He currently represents the 80th Assembly District, which encompasses the neighborhoods of Allerton, Bedford Park, Morris Park, Mosholu Parkway, Norwood, Pelham Gardens, Pelham Parkway and Van Nest sections of The Bronx. He serves as Chair of the Subcommittee on Micro Business and is a member of several committees: Banks; Local Governments; Real Property Taxation; Small Business; Tourism, Parks, and Sports Development; and Puerto Rican/Hispanic Task Force.

1199SEIU, representing over 400,00 members, including 200,000 in New York City’s five boroughs and its suburbs, is the largest and fastest-growing healthcare union in the nation.

EDITOR'S NOTE:

 In 2012 the union 1199SEIU had endorsed the incumbent 80th Assembly candidate when then first time candidate Mark Gjonaj defeated the incumbent.

Saturday, July 29, 2017

DOI RELEASES REPORT ON NYPD’S HANDLING OF U VISA CERTIFICATION PROGRAM FOR UNDOCUMENTED CRIME VICTIMS


  The New York City Department of Investigation (“DOI”) issued a Report today detailing its analysis of the Police Department’s (“NYPD”) U visa certification program. The U visa, also known as U nonimmigrant status, is a special visa granted to undocumented immigrants who are victims of crimes and who help law enforcement investigate and prosecute those crimes. A U visa provides undocumented crime victims with a pathway to legal permanent resident status, employment authorization, and other benefits. Although the U visa is provided by the federal government, a law enforcement agency like NYPD must first certify that the applicant was helpful in the investigation of a qualifying crime. Law enforcement agencies, like DOI, regularly rely on victim cooperation to identify suspects, investigate illegal activity, and prosecute criminals. The U visa program encourages members of this vulnerable community to bring perpetrators to justice, while helping to build community trust with the police. In light of recent federal policy shifts in immigration enforcement that have amplified fear in this community, the public safety value of the U visa program has taken added importance. In the past several years, NYPD has taken steps to improve its handling of the U visa process, as well as other actions to protect this community. The Report found NYPD has made positive chan ges to the administrative management of the U visa program, but needs to strengthen certain aspects of the certification process. A copy of the Report with recommendations is attached to this release and can be found at the following link: http://www1.nyc.gov/site/doi/newsroom/public-reports.page

  DOI Commissioner Mark G. Peters said, “Victim cooperation is critical to all law enforcement work. In the current environment, where the immigrant community has been the target of fear mongering and attacks, all of us in local law enforcement have been working to ensure that immigrants – documented or undocumented – are protected and feel safe stepping forward to report crimes. Strengthening NYPD’s U visa program helps New York City achieve that goal.” 

  DOI’s Inspector General for the NYPD Philip K. Eure said, “For undocumented people who are victims of crimes, fear of deportation often stands in the way of cooperation with law enforcement – a fact their abusers readily exploit. This Report demonstrates that NYPD’s U visa program has taken steps to improve and needs to go further, specifically strengthening its internal standards when reviewing these certifications. By making the NYPD’s U visa program more consistent and transparent, the Department can help protect immigrant communities and make the City safer.” 

  The number of certification requests made to NYPD has increased more than seven -fold in the last six years – from 87 in 2011 to 713 in 2016 – and NYPD receives the highest number of requests of any certifying City agency. DOI reviewed a random sample of more than 80% of applications denied by NYPD in 2015. DOI determined NYPD has taken numerous steps to improve its U visa policies and protect the immigrant community. In 2016, for instance, NYPD made adjustments to its administrative processing of U visa certification requests, including fixed timeframes for handling requests and new protocols governing appeals. However, DOI also found that several issues require additional attention.

  The report makes 10 recommendations in the areas of discretionary standards for certification, transparency, public information, and training. Recommendations include: 

 NYPD should develop concrete, written standards on how to conduct an assessment of an applicant’s criminal background and on the types of criteria that warrant denial of the certification request. 

 NYPD can do more to assess applicants who have a reasonable basis for not cooperating with an investigation. Specifically, NYPD should take affirmative steps to contact both the NYPD personnel who investigated the underlying incident and the party requesting the certification, and such steps should be documented. 

  NYPD should create and publish its complete standards for certification eligibility. 

 NYPD should develop written materials regarding the U visa program for dissemination at precincts and other locations where victims may encounter police. 

 NYPD should develop informational training on U visas for specialized NYPD units that frequently encounter immigrant communities.  

The New York City Department of Investigation (DOI) is one of the oldest law-enforcement agencies in the country and is New York City’s corruption watchdog. DOI investigations may involve any agency, officer, elected official, or employee of the City, as well as those who do business with or receive benefits from the City. DOI’s strategy attacks corruption comprehensively, through systemic investigations that lead to high-impact arrests, preventive internal controls, and operational reforms that improve the way the City runs. Bribery and Corruption are a Trap. Don’t Get Caught Up. Report It at 212-3-NYC-DOI. Learn more at www.nyc.gov/doi.

  DOI’s Office of the Inspector General for the NYPD (OIG-NYPD) is an oversight office charged with investigating, reviewing, studying, auditing, and making recommendations relating to the operations, policies, programs, and practices of the New York City Police Department (NYPD). The goals of OIG-NYPD are to enhance the effectiveness of the police department, increase public safety, protect civil liberties and civil rights, and increase the public's confidence in the police force, thus building stronger police-community relations. OIG-NYPD is part of the New York City Department of Investigation and is independent of the NYPD. Inspector General Eure reports to DOI Commissioner Peters.  



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August Events 2017


Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj, Senator Jeff Klein 
& Assemblyman Michael Benedetto 
present
International Family Day 
August 26th,2017
12pm - 4pm
2551 Westchester Square 
Bronx, New York 10461

Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj & Senator Jeff Klein 
Invite you to attend the 
5th Annual Job Fair 

August 19th,2017
12:00PM - 3:00pm
990 Pelham Parkway S
Bronx, New York 10461

- Dress for Success, business attire
only 

Explore your career choices, meet employers, gather information and apply for jobs on the spot. 


Abrazo Dominicano 2017


  As he always has throughout the year State Senator Reverend Ruben Diaz Sr. and TEAM DIAZ hold different events called Abrazo's for the different heritages of the people of the Bronx. Last night it was the Abrazo Dominicano, and as usual Maestro's Grand Ballroom was packed with happy people to help celebrate Abrazo Dominicano.

  Last night TEAM DIAZ members include State Senator Reverend Ruben Diaz Sr., Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda, Assemblyman Marcos Crespo, Assemblyman Victor Pichardo, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., Councilman Rafael Salamanca, and last night included Councilman Fernando Cabrera. The event begins with picture taking with members of TEAM DIAZ, the national anthems of America and the country being honored, the invocation, one or two speeches, then the honorees are presented. Afterwards the real party begins, as the dance floor is opened up. 

  The honorees for last night's Abrazo Dominicano were, for State senator Ruben Diaz Sr. - Mr/ George Alvarez, Assemblyman Marcos Crespo - Ms. Luz Tavarez, Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda - Mr. Michael Levalle, Assemblyman Victor Pichardo - Ms. Venecia Fernandez, and Councilman Rafael Salamanca - Henry Garrido. Some photos of the event are below.


Above and Below - Photo ops with TEAM DIAZ members.



Above and Below - More photo ops as members of TEAM DIAZ arrived.




Above - Reverend Carmen Hernandez with the two elected officials who represent her.
Below - J.C. Polanco stopped in to say hello, and then left for another event in a different room at Mastro's.





Above - Two of the young dancers.
Below - Another photo op.





Above - Honoree Nr, George Alvarez dances his way up front when introduced.
Below - Mr. Alvarez joins Senator Diaz on the podium..