Friday, December 1, 2017
Salamanca Legislation Holding ACS Accountable Passes Council
Legislation by Council Member Rafael Salamanca, Jr. bringing greater accountability to the Administration on Children's Services (ACS) unanimously passed the City Council today.
Part of a package of bills aimed at reforming ACS, Salamanca's legislation, Intro 1609-A, would require the ACS to report annually on the findings and recommendations of its child fatality reviews during the previous calendar year.
Such a report would include the number of fatalities known to ACS for the previous year, the cause of death in such fatalities, the age, gender, race and ethnicity of children with such fatalities, any relevant trends identified and systemic recommendations, and a summary of any case practice findings and agency policy changes made in response to child fatalities in the previous 12 months.
The legislation comes after ACS came under increased scrutiny in reports highlighting a persistent lack of progress in meeting its own targets for how investigations surrounding fatalities are conducted, supervised and managed, including a number of child deaths in the last two years.
"While I believe that the administration has taken steps to rectify problems at ACS, it is my belief that the Council is taking meaningful and needed steps forward today to reform ACS through this package of legislation," said Salamanca.
'While we will never forget the names Michael Guzman, Jaden Jordan and Zymere Perkins - three beautiful kids who tragically lost their lives on a fatality list that’s way too long, my hope is that we can prevent all fatalities of young children in the future. I appreciate the support I received today on Intro 1609-A."
Assemblymember Michael Blake - Statement on the 62nd Anniversary of Rosa Parks refusing to give up her seat, which lead to the Montgomery Bus Boycott
Today, December 1st, 2017 marks the 62nd anniversary of Rosa Parks not giving up her seat that lead to the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Please see Assembly Member Michael Blake's statement:
In an environment where women are taking courageous and bold stances to speak up for justice, equity and fairness, we pause to never forget how Rosa Parks refusing to give up her seat 62 years ago today gave all of us a chance to stand up as a people for generations to come. Moreover, at a time where eyes of political and societal discourse are forthcoming in Alabama, it is a powerful reminder that all women, Black women and women of color have and continue to be transformational leaders for change in our communities who move our prospect of the promise forward. It may have been a seat on a bus, but, it was a movement far greater than one vehicle.
Whether it is Rosa keeping her seat to Colin taking a knee, true courage is realizing that you will suffer personal attacks for the sake of your people achieving progress. The realization that it is not about the individual but the collective is why Rosa Parks is a Shero!
Never forget that Rosa Parks was arrested for refusing to give up her seat on December 1st, 1955 which later lead to the bus boycott from December 5, 1955 until December 20, 1956. We may not realize that our one act of courage can shift the course of history forever. We must also recognize that justice does not come quickly, and we should not be deterred if the reward is not immediate. Because Rosa Parks was not going to have her justice denied any longer, we have a chance to move history's journey of justice further down the road to a new vision unseen.
Thank you Rosa Parks for not standing up. It is our moment to be descendents of your lineage of courage and refuse to give in to present day injustices until we all can move forward together.
Thursday, November 30, 2017
Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj - Join me for these upcoming Holiday Events
Annual Holiday Tree Lighting
Rudy Macina Peace Memorial Plaza !
Thursday, December 7th 3:30pm
Rudy Macina Peace Memorial Plaza
Pelham Pkway, North at Esplanade
Annual Holiday Tree Lighting
at Loreto Park !
Thursday, December 7th 5:00pm
Loreto Park
Corner of Morris Park Ave. & Haight Ave
Join us for hot cocoa, caroling, and a special appearance by Santa!
Corner of Morris Park Ave. & Haight Ave
Join us for hot cocoa, caroling, and a special appearance by Santa!
Breakfast with Santa !
Saturday, December 16,2017
9:30AM - 11:30AM Maestro's Caterers
Menorah Lightings !
Tuesday, December 12th,2017
3:30PM - Bronx House
4:30PM - Einstein Hospital
Corner of Morris Park Avenue and Eastchester Rd
Bronx, New York 10461
5:30PM - Rudy Macina Peace Memorial Plaza
Pelham Parkway N at Esplanade
717-822-2049.
NYC Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez - MTA Should Only Focus on Maintenance, Repair and the Signal System
Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez, Chair of the Council Committee on Transportation, today proposed measures to improve service delivery by the MTA.
"Throughout the years we have witnessed how the City and State of New York have taken on great challenges and succeeded. Creating 3-K for All; the construction of the Mario Cuomo Bridge; the decrease in the unemployment rate to 6.4 percent, the lowest in six years; the renovation of the LaGuardia Airport, among other important projects, are just some examples our accomplishments.
"Motivated by our achievements as New Yorkers, I proposed earlier this week that the MTA should put a hold on starting new projects, focus completely on finishing all maintenance and repair work throughout all subway lines, and upgrade the New York City subway signal system by 2028.
"Since the 1980s, more than $100 billion have been invested in the infrastructure of the New York City subway. These dollars have not been effectively spent to improve service and safety. They have been bandages preventing the subway system from further collapsing. The Regional Planning Association's call for a "subway reconstruction public benefit corporation" echoes my proposal to make repair and maintenance the priority.
"In addition to working solely on maintenance, repairs and the signal system, the board should be reorganized to include two members of the New York City Council. Straphangers deserve to be more fairly represented. The MTA is not delivering the service New York City residents deserve and they need more voices that better reflect their experience riding the subway.
"New Yorkers need to see more results and transparency in the subway improvement process. We can raise over $27.1 billion over 10 years by implementing Comptroller Stringer's state bonds plan, Move NY's proposals, Mayor De Blasio's "Fair Fix" and Dinowitz' income tax set-aside. This revenue would be fully dedicated to funding the work I am proposing for the next ten years.
"As New Yorkers, I know we can take on this feat and work together to bring our subway system to the 21st century."
ENGEL on Reports of Tillerson Being Replaced by CIA Director Pompeo
Representative Eliot L. Engel, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, today made the following statement:
“I have serious concerns with how Rex Tillerson has performed at the State Department, but regardless of who is Secretary of State, it’s clear that Donald Trump has been trying to undermine the Department and hollow out our diplomatic corps. With his 31% budget cuts and the exodus of so many of our most senior foreign service officers, morale at the Department is hitting rock bottom. And without skilled diplomats working on national security issues like North Korea, every American is less safe.
“Here's what America needs going forward: A Secretary of State who strongly supports the diplomatic corps, fully funding the State Department, USAID, and our other foreign affairs agencies, and showing the world that we want to extend a hand of friendship, rather than building walls of division.”
Assemblyman Dinowitz and State Senator Alcántara Pass Law to Combat Lead Poisoning
Newly signed legislation will require the New York State Department of Health Commissioner to take tangible action when a designation of lead poisoning risk is made.
The recent revelations about NYCHA failing to disclose the presence of lead paint in some of their buildings has made a new law from Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz and State Senator Marisol AlcaÌntara particularly timely, however the pursuit of protections against the dangers of lead has been two decades in the making. Under the new law, first proposed by Dinowitz in 1997, the New York State Department of Health Commissioner will be required to take such steps which will not only increase public awareness but also increases accountability on the part of landlords and other parties to address potential lead paint conditions. Previously when an area was designated to be at risk of lead poisoning, the NYS Health Commissioner was not required to provide written notice to affected residents or conduct a formal hearing if the condition was not remediated.
The health impacts of lead poisoning are well-documented and most acutely affect young children, ranging from neurological impediments and developmental delays to coma conditions and death. However, many individuals are unaware if and when they are living in an area that puts them at risk of lead poisoning. Lead paint was commonly used in homes built prior to a federal ban was implemented in 1978, and lead pipes and solder were used until 1986. Improperly performed renovations, industrial contamination, or old water pipes that have not yet been replaced are all examples of risk factors for lead poisoning.
The new law will first require written notice and demand for the remediation of lead paint conditions that are conducive to lead poisoning. If the notice and demand is not complied with, then the NYS Health Commissioner is able to conduct a formal hearing and may order abatement of the condition and assess a fine of up to $2,500. The abatement and fine cannot be ordered if the property owner is able to sufficiently prove that their lead paint condition will not cause lead poisoning.
Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz said: “While NYCHA failing to disclose lead paint in some of their buildings has generated recent headlines, we have long known about the health risks associated with lead. Lead poisoning most severely affects young children and can cause irreversible neurological damage. The first step for parents to protect their children is to be made aware that there is a risk of lead poisoning in their area. I thank Governor Cuomo for signing this important bill into law.”
State Senator Marisol Alcántara said: “Lead poisoning creates severe and lasting developmental delays in young children, and can even be fatal in extreme cases. Thousands of buildings across New York City were built before the federal ban on lead paint was instituted in 1978, and New Yorkers deserve to know if they or their children are at risk for lead poisoning. Low-income New Yorkers are especially vulnerable to poorly maintained or aging buildings that may contain lead, and I am very glad that Governor Cuomo has signed our bill, which I made a priority last session.”
STATEMENTS FROM MAYOR DE BLASIO AND DEPUTY MAYOR GLEN ON CITY COUNCIL APPROVAL OF EAST HARLEM PLAN AND BEDFORD ARMORY DEVELOPMENT
“As we work to make this city more equitable, we are building and preserving affordable housing at a record pace. Alongside the East New York and Downtown Far Rockaway plans, the East Harlem plan and Bedford Armory Recreation Project mean thousands of affordable homes for neighborhood families. They mean jobs for local residents, community spaces for learning, growing and gathering, and investments in parks, schools, and roads. As we plan for the future, we protect the core values of our city and our neighborhoods – and most importantly the very residents who built these communities. We are making progress, and today we applaud Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, Council Members Bill Perkins and Laurie Cumbo and the dedication of the East Harlem and Crown Heights communities for working with us to guarantee a fairer future for New York,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio.
“This is big. We are making investments in communities that need more affordable housing for working families and seniors, better recreation space for kids and a clearer path to good jobs. These are important links in our growing housing plan that will shape these neighborhoods for decades to come. The City agencies, Council Members and communities that brought these plans together should be proud of the outcomes,” Deputy Mayor Alicia Glen said.
In addition to significant City investments to build and preserve nearly 4,000 affordable homes for the community, the East Harlem plan brings $178.2 million in City investments:
Capital improvements in NYCHA developments within East Harlem: $50 million.
Expand the Harlem River Greenway Link to connect 125th and 132nd streets: $83 million.
Improvements to the East River Esplanade: $15 million.
Build a comfort station in Harlem River Park: $4.7 million.
Create a small business Workforce 1 satellite center to increase access to employment opportunities for local residents: $500,000.
Renovate La Marqueta: $25 million.
Redevelopment of the 138,000-square-foot Bedford Union Armory will create:
250 homes for families earning less than $50,000 year, including for formerly homeless New Yorkers.
State-of-the art recreation center affordable to community residents.
Low-cost space for local nonprofits and a new medical facility for uninsured New Yorkers.
More than 750 construction jobs and 200 permanent jobs at the Armory.
In partnership with Council Member Cumbo, the project was greatly improved:
The City will maintain ownership of the entirety of the Bedford Union Armory property.
The City will prohibit the sale of market-rate residential condominiums.
The City will study the feasibility of redeveloping 516 Bergen Street, a City-owned parking lot, into more than 30 affordable homes for seniors.