AG James Wins Second Green Light Lawsuit, Helping Immigrants Legally Obtain Drivers Licenses

  New York Attorney General Letitia James released the following statement after U.S. District Judge for the Northern District of New York Gary L. Sharpe granted a motion by the Office of the New York Attorney General to dismiss a lawsuit brought by Rensselaer County Clerk Frank Merola to block the Green Light law from taking effect:

“The Green Light law is legal and enforceable, and two separate federal courts have now already dismissed the meritless claims of two county clerks. Beginning Monday, the law will help make our roads safer, our economy stronger, and will allow immigrants to come out of the shadows to sign up as legal drivers in our state. We expect all public officials to comply with the law, and, as the state’s attorney and chief law enforcement officer, I will continue to vigorously defend it.”

This is the second lawsuit in the last month to be dismissed against the Green Light law. In November, U.S. District Judge Elizabeth Wolford similarly dismissed a suit brought forth by Erie County Clerk Michael (Mickey) Kearns to block implementation of the law.

Assembly Member Marcos A. Crespo Leads the Way to Secure an Unprecedented $1.8 Billion State Investment in the South Bronx

Unprecedented $1.8 Billion State Investment in the South Bronx Because of government leaders and the infrastructure work of Robert Moses, The Bronx has for decades been dealt an unfair hand. The South Bronx particularly became home to highways like the Sheridan Expressway, blocking residents from access to parks and the Bronx River waterfront. The Bronx was not only robbed of its natural amenities but, residents were also exposed to gas emissions from trucks traveling through local streets, which in turn increased asthma rates among other health issues. BUT IN 2017, AT THE URGING OF MY OFFICE AND OTHER COMMUNITY LEADERS, NEW YORK STATE GOVERNOR ANDREW CUOMO ANNOUNCED A HISTORIC $1.8 BILLION INVESTMENT TO ADDRESS THIS CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDS. We Made History... "When I first got elected, I immediately requested to be assigned to both the Transportation & Environmental Conservation Committees for one reason: the re-design of the Sheridan Expressway." "With a historic investment of $1.8 billion dollars to redesign the Bruckner and Sheridan Expressway, the State of New York addresses an injustice that for decades impacted the health and quality of life of generations of Bronx residents." "Not only will residents have access to our restored waterfront, new and increased parkland, access to a complete Bronx River Greenway; the elimination of truck traffic and emissions in local streets, improved business access and job growth, a developed community marketplace in underutilized public space, but this project also ensures that future generations breath cleaner air, diminishing the prevail ace of asthma and other respiring ailments in our borough." "This is truly the most impactful and transformational project we’ve seen in decades in The Bronx, and it has been possible because of the leadership and constant support of our Governor Andrew Cuomo." "I am proud of this moment because we are now are able to say that we were able to accomplish a decades old mission. The New Sheridan Blvd. will now reconnect an entire community that for years has been kept from its very own resources. I look forward to the completion of this work and looking forward to fully enjoying the many benefits alongside all my Bronx neighbors."

Carlucci & Rivera Release Senate Report on Troubling Suicide Crisis in NYS

 Senator David Carlucci and Senator Gustavo Rivera released a joint report today highlighting a troubling suicide crisis in NYS, which is affecting people from all ethnicities, genders, and age groups across our state.

The report cites that suicide is the 12th leading cause of death in New York and one person dies by suicide every five hours in the State. This year alone, three people committed suicide by jumping to their deaths from the Verrazano Narrows Bridge in New York City. Twelve NYPD officers committed suicide in 2019, including two retired officers, causing the Department to declare a mental health emergency. Reports are now public concerning the crisis of Black youths committing suicide at an alarming rate, and Latinas, LGBT people, white middle-aged men, Asian immigrants, and the elderly are experiencing devastating record high numbers of people committing suicide.

Carlucci, Chair of the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Committee, and Rivera, Chair of the Committee on Health issued the report's findings and recommendations after a public hearing on suicide and suicide prevention, which included testimony from more than 20 health and mental health professionals with organizations on the front lines of this crisis. A common theme observed in this testimony was ending the stigma of suicide. Advocates believe breaking down the barrier of stigma associated with suicide and suicide ideation is vital to address this crisis.

Key findings in the report included that the NYS Office of Mental Health (OMH) must improve its ability to identify individuals at risk of suicide, more prevention must be focused in schools, hotlines where people can seek help must be improved, and stigma surrounding suicide must be addressed. To this end, the report suggested tracking more data about suicide, "to identify clusters, optimize services, design policies, and create messaging aimed at eliminating suicide attempts and death."

"As a society, we are truly in crisis. More and more people are choosing suicide as a way to cope with depression, stress and grief," said State Senator David Carlucci. "Senator Rivera and I issued this report with the intent of bringing comprehensive reforms to the table. Suicide can't be hidden behind a curtain, but must be discussed and addressed before we lose more lives."

"Senator Carlucci and I have a profound responsibility to support and expand suicide prevention efforts across our state. Our report is a comprehensive overview of the heartfelt testimony and unyielding dedication that experts and advocates shared with us at our Public Hearing," said State Senator Gustavo Rivera. "These recommendations and insights will help us grow and develop initiatives that save lives and heal communities. I look forward to putting our agenda into action in collaboration with our fellow legislators."

Further, recommendations from Carlucci's and Rivera's report, included: passing legislation to require Mental Health First Aid education in schools K-12 and colleges, establish a Black Youth Suicide Prevention Task Force, improve intake and discharge procedures when a person has a self-inflicted injury, continuing education for teachers, college administrators and staff in Youth Mental First Aid training, and specialized training for doctors and other medical professionals.

Video from Suicide Prevention Hearing on June 4, 2019: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzI28P0ibw0&feature=emb_logo

New Report on Suicide Prevention can be found here:

https://www.nysenate.gov/sites/default/files/press-release/attachment/carlucci_rivera_suicide_report.pdf

350,000 NEW YORKERS RECEIVING FREE LEGAL HELP TO FIGHT EVICTIONS THROUGH RIGHT TO COUNSEL

Historic Right to Council program expanding next week to five additional neighborhoods: Morris Heights in the Bronx, East New York in Brooklyn, East Harlem and Inwood in Manhattan, and Far Rockaway in Queens

  The de Blasio Administration today announced the expansion of its right-to-counsel initiative to five new neighborhoods: Morris Heights in the Bronx, East New York in Brooklyn, East Harlem and Inwood in Manhattan, and Far Rockaway in Queens. The City’s right-to-counsel initiative is the first in the nation plan to provide guaranteed free legal representation to tenants facing eviction in housing court.

“No person should lose their home because they cannot afford a lawyer, and New York City is the first city in the country to make this a reality. Over 350,000 New Yorkers have received free legal assistance so far, setting us on the course to be the fairest, big city in America,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio.

Through this initiative and the Administration’s unprecedented investments in increased legal services for tenants citywide—a staggering 21-fold increase from $6 million to $128 million—more than 350,000 New Yorkers have received free legal representation, advice, or assistance in eviction and other housing-related matters since 2014, with 30 percent fewer evictions in 2018 than 2013 as a result.

Since the City began implementing its ‘Universal Access’ initiative in 2017, 1 in 3 New Yorkers facing eviction now have right to free legal representation in court. Prior to this administration, approximately 1 in 100 tenants facing eviction had access to such services.

Last fiscal year alone, legal organizations funded by the City through HRA’s Office of Civil Justice (OCJ) provided legal assistance to more than 105,000 New Yorkers across 41,000 households––the first time OCJ’s tenant legal services programs have provided assistance to over 100,000 New Yorkers in a single fiscal year. This reflects a 24% increase in households served compared to the prior year and a 74% increase compared to FY2017, before the formal launch of right-to-counsel.

Right-to-counsel in New York City is being implemented via a phased-in “ZIP-by-ZIP” approach that has enabled OCJ to partner with the Housing Court administration and legal services providers to facilitate meaningful and effective method of providing access to counsel based on need. As a result, communities in need have seen a significant increase in the availability of legal services. Next week, the following ZIP Codes will begin receiving right-to-counsel services:

• 10453, Morris Heights, Bronx
• 11207, East New York, Brooklyn
• 10029, East Harlem, Manhattan
• 10034, Inwood, Manhattan
• 11691, Far Rockaway, Queens

Implementation through 2022 will follow the same “ZIP-by-ZIP” approach.

The expansion will be accompanied by a citywide campaign to launch in 2020 getting the word out about available resources and encouraging families experiencing housing instability to reach out. If you or someone you know is worried about losing your home, our City is here to help. Don’t hesitate—talk to a lawyer today.

Cities across the country have looked to Universal Access as a success. Unlike in New York City where investments in legal services are helping reduce evictions, evictions are up nationwide. As a result, cities across the country are looking at this Administration’s programs and successes as models, implementing their own versions of this program to provide similar protections to their residents:

• Cities with established right-to-counsel laws, programs, and/or initiatives:

• Washington D.C., May 2017
• San Francisco, June 2018
• Minneapolis, November 2018
• Newark, December 2018 
• San Antonio, April 2019
• Philadelphia, November 2019

• Localities where right-to-counsel is being considered and/or pursued:

• Cleveland
• Boston/Massachusetts
• Connecticut
• Seattle
• Los Angeles
• Detroit
• Santa Monica
• National

“Helping New Yorkers stay in their homes is a cornerstone of our work to prevent homelessness,” said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Dr. Raul Perea-Henze. “The legal services provided by the Office of Civil Justice in our Human Resources Administration empower New Yorkers with tools to bridge the justice gap, and build the foundation for more stable and healthier communities. With the expansion to new zip codes, these services will continue to make a strong impact where the need is greatest.”

"Tenant harassment and unlawful evictions are the front lines of the City's affordability crisis. When New Yorkers know their rights and have access to free legal counsel, they can stay in their homes," said Deputy Mayor for Housing and Economic Development Vicki Been." We look forward to more families getting the help they need, and will continue to preserve and build affordable housing to keep people in their homes and in the neighborhoods they love.”

While evictions are up all across the country, they are down in New York City because of the game-changing impact of providing lawyers for tenants in eviction cases, with the result that more than 100,000 New Yorkers have been able to avoid eviction and homelessness,” said Department of Social Services Commissioner Steven Banks. “When the de Blasio Administration took office, only 1 in 100 tenants facing eviction in housing court had a lawyer or access to legal services, with New Yorkers in need navigating a complex process that all too often stacked the deck against them. In less than three years, our City’s right-to-counsel initiative has helped dramatically level the playing field, with 1 in 3 tenants now receiving City-funded legal services in eviction cases. Access-to-counsel is not only keeping New Yorkers in their homes, but preserving stability and affordable housing across the five boroughs.”

“Our right-to-counsel results show that New York City is leading the nationwide fight to put the power back in tenants’ hands,” said Human Resources Administrator Grace Bonilla. “The incredible success this initiative has had in reducing residential evictions across New York City is inspiring the country to follow suit, with similar programs being implemented from San Francisco to Newark. We are on track to take this progress even further and look forward to delivering this resource to more New Yorkers across more neighborhoods, ensuring that all New Yorkers facing housing instability are provided with the legal resources they need to stay in their homes and communities.”

“With our latest expansion of the City's groundbreaking Universal Access initiative, HRA’s Office of Civil Justice and its partners will continue to close the "justice gap" for tenants facing eviction, and will continue making New York City the national leader in increasing, innovating and improving access to civil justice for people in need," said Civil Justice Coordinator Jordan Dressler.

"The expansion of Right-to-Counsel further demonstrates this Administration's dedication to leveling the playing field and making NYC the fairest big city," said Mayor's Public Engagement Unit Director Omar Khan. "As with any smart progressive policy, we must ensure that tenants facing eviction or other housing-related issues are aware of the free City services available to them, and I am pleased that PEU's proactive outreach on this issue will continue to expand as the Universal Access program is rolled out citywide."

“Right to counsel is one of the biggest accomplishments of the Council’s last session and I thank my colleagues Mark Levine and Vanessa Gibson and my predecessor Speaker Mark-Viverito for their leadership and determination in making it happen. This Council welcomes this expansion and will continue to do everything in our power to protect tenants,” said Council Speaker Corey Johnson.

Ritchie Torres - I support the impeachment of Donald Trump

  Today, after weeks of compelling testimony and damning evidence, the House Judiciary Committee approved two articles of impeachment against Donald Trump. One for abuse of power, and a second article for obstruction of Congress.

Our democracy has endured this long in part because no one is above the law, not even a president.  A concept so fundamental to our core values should be defended at all costs. For that reason, I fully support the impeachment of the president of the United States.

This historic moment comes after Trump attempted to pressure a foreign power into weakening his political rival before next year's election. It’s noteworthy that no one disputes whether or not this happened. He withheld critical military aid meant to fight back against Russian aggression -- and did so without consideration of national security interests in the region. Those are the facts.

It's also indisputable that Trump has attempted to scuttle the investigation at every turn. From ordering officials not to testify before key committees, to blatantly withholding key documents requested by Congress, Trump is creating a new chaotic normal where concepts like "accountability" and "rule of law" are rendered meaningless. 

I applaud Democrats in Congress for putting country before party and for living up to their oath. Here's hoping that Republicans come to their senses and do the same.

Onward,

Ritchie

Bronx Democratic Party - Next DEMS TALK

Happy Friday, Are you or anyone you know interested in becoming a part of The Bronx Democratic Party? If so, you won't want to miss the next DEMS TALK. Join us this upcoming Monday, December 16 at 7:00PM. Bronx Dems Headquarters 1534 Boone Avenue The Bronx, NY 10460 Sincerely, The Bronx Democratic Party

Council Member Ruben Diaz Sr. - Never Again, Never Again, Never Again

What You Should Know

By Councilman Rev. Ruben Diaz

District 18, Bronx County

You should know that everywhere that I go and preach, regarding the people of Israel I often address them as the “chosen ones”.

Sometimes, depending upon the different circumstances, we might ask ourselves, chosen for what? The reply might be, chosen to suffer given their history.

It’s important for you to know that the struggle of the Jewish people throughout history compares to no other nation or peoples in the world.

Even in modern times the distaste for the Jewish people, every now and again will manifest. We must not forget and must talk about the destruction of Jerusalem and the holy temple, in the year 70 AD by Titus the Roman General. The Romans under Titus, took more than 100,000 Jews and enslaved them. We must also talk about the inquisition’s, the crusades and the holy wars that targeted and persecuted the Jews that resulted in the killing of thousands innocent Jewish lives.

The Christian kings, and the nobles pillaged their possessions, their money, their houses, their artwork and many other valuables. The Christian bishops wrote books against the Jewish people. Others would openly persecute and kill Jews in public view without any fear of punishment. The suffering of the Jewish people continued following the crusades.

In the year 1096 Geoffrey Bullion swore that he would not let one single Jew live. In Mallen, in Regensburg, in Travis, in Prague, the Jews were killed by the thousands.

In the year 1215, the Catholic Church issued a decree to prohibit the Jews from appearing or being seen in public without displaying the Jewish symbol of the Star of David affixed to their clothes. In the year 1290, 17,000 Jews were expelled from England. In 1394 the Jews were expelled from France.

In 1480 Spain started the Inquisition that killed more than 400,000 Jews. By 1881, ladies and gentlemen, after the death of Alexander II, the Jews in Russia and Romania started to experience persecution.

By that time anti-Semitism had begun to flourish all over Europe and other parts of the world. In Germany a political party was organized with the sole purpose of stripping the Jews of all social and political rights. Anti-Semitic newspapers began to appear, falsely accusing the Jews of horrendous crimes.

Throughout Jewish history, Jews have been persecuted, assassinated, and it spread to other countries. However, ladies and gentlemen, nothing can compare to the anti-Semitism of Adolf Hitler and Adolf Eichmann. They are responsible for the killing of more than 6 million Jews under the “Final Solution”.

In 1887 Theodore Herz started the Zionist movement. In 1917, the British Chancellor, Lowell Alfred Bedford, proclaimed the British would support the making of a Jewish state in Palestine. General Edmundo Allenby directed the British forces across the Sinai desert to Palestine. David Ben-Gurion was part of the Jewish battalion who aided and assisted General Allenby in the liberation of Palestine from England in December 9, 1917.

On November 29th, 1947, the United Nations issued a resolution creating the State of Israel. On May 14, 1948, David Ben-Gurion declared, during a meeting, that the establishment of a Jewish state would be called the State of Israel.

We must not forget that in Israel’s struggle and their battles for survival, the creation of the State of Israel, and the return of the Jewish people to their homeland were made possible by the contribution of many courageous individuals among them are leaders such as Golda Meir, Yashik Shamir, Ariel Sharon. Yitzhak Rabin, Shimon Peres, and many, many others.

Many enemies have sworn to destroy and wipe Israel off the face of the earth. On June 5th, 1967, 12 Arab nations declared war against Israel.  Those nations were Morocco, Algeria, Libya, Egypt, Yemen, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Syria and Iraq.

In the Middle East terrorist groups such as Hamas, Al Qaeda, the PLO, and nations such as Iran and others have sworn to destroy the State of Israel. News organizations such as Al Jazeera and people like the late Yasser Arafat and Osama Bin Laden joining together to seek the destruction of Israel.

Here in the United States, there are some people, even among the elected officials, who voice their displeasure with the Jewish people and the existence of the State of Israel.

Recently, in a city as “diverse”, and “tolerate” as New York City we have seen an increase of anti-Semitism.  But we all have to join hands together and repeat the words of the great Menachem Begin, “never again, never again, never again.”

God bless the people of Israel and the State of Israel.

I am City Councilman Rev. Ruben Diaz, and this is what you should know.

Bronx Progressives Meeting & Holiday Mixer - December 17th, 2019 at 6:30 pm

Happy Holidays Bronx Progressives members! Bronx Progressives is proud to invite you to our upcoming meeting on December 17th at 6:30pm at Molina Rojo, 101 161st Street, Bronx, NY 10451. We will be voting on endorsing Bernie Sanders and what races to prioritize in 2020! After the meeting at 8 pm, we will have our holiday mixer! We encourage everyone to sign up at this meeting as a 2020 member. The address is reachable by taking the 4 or D train to 161st Street. We look forward to seeing you all on October 29th at 6:30pm! There will be light refreshments served with food/drink specials! ***This meeting is ADA accessible and is a safe space for all races, religions, sexes, gender identities, ages and beliefs***