Budget Equity Act Press Conference

  At 1 PM Monday several current State Senators, members of the State Assembly, and Democratic Party candidates in November held a press conference to discuss what they are trying to do in the state legislature.  It is called the Budget Equity Act, which must be done by August 3, 2020 or they would have to wait three years as some of those currently in office said. The last time this was tried was ten years ago when it was vetoed by the governor then.

The Budget Equity Act would take the power away from the Governor, Senate Majority Leader, and Speaker of the Assembly, and give it to the members of both houses on the state budget, or a restart of the budget process. To the average voter they thought the local assembly and state senate members they voted for had that power already. 

Comments by some of those who spoke (in no particular order) were, That the budget process is dominated by the governor, that the state legislature is not a rubber stamp for the governor, the governor acts like a bully in a playground, and say no to the budget. State Senator Gustavo Rivera said that the Governor cut Medicaid, and did not tax the millionaires, while State Senator Alessandra Biaggi said " I don't know how we gave the governor the power", in a reference to the power to issue executive orders under the pandemic crisis that does not require legislative approval (which she wants removed). The best comments had to come from Assemblyman Charles Barrons who began by calling the governor a racist and many other things, but ended by saying that socialism is needed in the state. 

To me this looked like a remake of 2008 when Democrats finally won control by winning thirty-two of the then sixty-two seats, and wanted change in the upper house. In 2010 Republicans won back control of the state senate winning thirty-two of the sixty-two seats. In January of 2011 four Democrats led by then Senator Jeff Klein formed the Independent Democratic Conference who sided with the then Republican majority. After the 2012 election thirty-three Democrats were elected, but the four Democrats in the IDC stayed with the Republicans thus keeping control of the senate in Republican hands. The senate stayed in Republican hands until the now eight member IDC was dissolved in April of 2018. Then IDC head Jeff Klein and five other members of the IDC lost in their Democratic primaries. Democrats won forty seats to twenty-three for the Republicans, and the senate should remain in Democratic control after the November 2020 elections. The only problem to Senate Democrats now is the Justice Democrats who elected Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to congress in 2018, and should have Jamaal Bowman elected to congress in 2020. Both Senators Alessandria Biaggi and Gustavo Rivera were supported by AOC, and Senator Biaggi supported candidate Bowman. Could there be a Justice Democrat takeover threat in the state senate next?

Governor Cuomo Calls on Republican Members of New York's Congressional Delegation to Fight for State, Local Aid in Federal Stimulus Package

State Liquor Authority and New York State Police Task Force Issued 105 Violations to Downstate Establishments Friday and Saturday

Hospitalizations Drop Again—Down to 637—A New Low Since March 18

3 COVID-19 Deaths in New York State Yesterday

One Percent of Yesterday's COVID-19 Tests were Positive

Confirms 536 Additional Coronavirus Cases in New York State - Bringing Statewide Total to 411,736; New Cases in 50 Counties

  Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today called on Republican members of New York's Congressional Delegation to fight for state and local aid in the federal stimulus package, which is expected to be announced this week. 

"If Washington doesn't provide state and local aid, there will be drastic budget cuts. We have about a $14 billion loss of revenue. We have about a $5 billion cost of this COVID virus," Governor Cuomo said. "I'm calling on Republican lawmakers in this state to stand united with New York. It's time to put your politics aside, stand up and call on your colleagues to do the right thing. You were elected to represent the people of this state, not the Republican Party. Fight for New Yorkers as loudly as you play politics for your party."

The Governor also provided an update on the recently formed multi-agency task force to combat violations of coronavirus-related regulations at bars and restaurants. The State Liquor Authority and New York State Police Task Force issued 105 violations to establishments downstate on Friday and Saturday. Businesses found in violation of social distancing regulations face fines up to $10,000 per violation, while egregious violations can result in the immediate suspension of their liquor license.

Today's data is summarized briefly below:

• Patient Hospitalization - 637 (-9)
• Patients Newly Admitted - 92 (+1)
• Hospital Counties - 30
• Number ICU - 155 (+6)
• Number ICU with Intubation - 90 (-4)
• Total Discharges - 72,716 (+84)
• Deaths - 3
• Total Deaths - 25,106

Operation Cleaner Streets 12th Council District At Sholace Park Bronx Park and East 219th Street July 27, 10:30 AM

JOIN COUNCIL MEMBER ANDY KING, NYC PARKS, BRONX RIVER ALLIANCE, AND NEW YORK NATIONAL GUARD BRONX RECRUITING TEAM FOR OPERATION CLEANER STREETS

With The Bronx Youth Empowerment Program, I'Raise Girls and Boys, NYC H2O, Community and Clergy 

Monday, July 27, 2020 at 10:30 AM

at Shoelace Park ( Bronx Park/ East 219th St) 

Bronx NY 10467 

Over the past 7 years, Council Member King has been cleaning up different parts of the 12th District every month with Operation Cleaner Streets. Due to COVID-19, neighborhood cleanups had to be postponed. 

Local organizations, community residents, and clergy will be coming together tomorrow for a much needed cleanup of Shoelace Park.

Three Individuals Charged in Federal Court With Illegally Possessing Guns or Ammunition in Chicago

Charges Are the First Federal Prosecutions in Chicago Under “Operation Legend”

  Three individuals have been charged with federal offenses for allegedly illegally possessing guns or ammunition in Chicago this week.  The charges are the first federal prosecutions in Chicago under the Department of Justice’s Operation Legend.

DARRYL COLLINS, 30, of Dolton, is charged with one count of illegal possession of ammunition by a convicted felon, while ROMEO HOLLOWAY, 21, of Chicago, is charged with one count of illegal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.  Collins and Holloway were previously convicted of criminal felonies and were not lawfully allowed to possess a firearm or ammunition. 

DARRYL PHILLIPS, 22, of Chicago, is charged with one count of illegal possession of a machinegun. 

All three defendants are currently detained in federal custody.

The federal charges were announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Kristen deTineo, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; and David Brown, Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department.  The government is represented in the Collins case by Assistant U.S. Attorney Julia K. Schwartz; in the Holloway case by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Hasten; and in the Phillips case by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeannice W. Appenteng.

The charges are the first federal prosecutions brought under Operation Legend, a Department of Justice initiative in which federal law enforcement agencies work in conjunction with state and local law enforcement officials to fight violent crime.  As part of Operation Legend, Attorney General William P. Barr directed ATF, FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, and DEA to significantly increase resources into Chicago to help state and local officials fight violent crime, particularly gun offenses.  ATF has deployed its national Crime Gun Intelligence Mobile Command Vehicle to assist local law enforcement with analysis of crime scenes and spent shell casings through the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN).

“Operation Legend has strengthened our efforts to apprehend and charge illegal gun offenders in Chicago,” said U.S. Attorney Lausch.  “Under Operation Legend, we are working closer than ever with the Chicago Police Department, ATF, and other federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to arrest and prosecute individuals engaging in violent crime in the city.”

According to criminal complaints filed in U.S. District Court in Chicago, Collins was arrested Wednesday afternoon by Chicago Police officers for illegally possessing ammunition, which was in a loaded handgun, in the 8200 block of South Maryland Avenue in the East Chatham neighborhood.

Holloway was arrested Tuesday night by federal and local law enforcement officers for illegally possessing a loaded handgun in the 2700 block of West Flournoy Street in the East Garfield Park neighborhood, according to the complaint.  The gun contained ten rounds of live ammunition and had a bullet in the chamber, the complaint states. 

Phillips was arrested early Wednesday morning by federal and local law enforcement officers executing a court-authorized search warrant in the 2700 block of West Flournoy Street in the East Garfield Park neighborhood, according to the complaint.  Officers discovered a semiautomatic handgun in a bedroom, the complaint states.  An ATF special agent reviewed the firearm and determined it was equipped with an auto-sear device, also known as a “switch,” which transformed the firearm into a machinegun capable of automatically shooting more than one shot without manually reloading, the complaint states.

The public is reminded that a complaint is not evidence of guilt.  The defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.  The charges are punishable by up to ten years in federal prison.  If convicted, the Court must impose a reasonable sentence under federal statutes and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.

In addition to the resources allocated under Operation Legend, the U.S. Attorney’s Office holds gun offenders accountable through Project Guardian and Project Safe Neighborhoods – the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction strategies.  Project Guardian focuses specifically on investigating, prosecuting, and preventing gun crimes, and it emphasizes the importance of using modern technologies to promote gun crime intelligence.  The U.S. Attorney’s Office has deployed the Guardian and PSN programs to attack a broad range of violent crime issues facing the district, including by prosecuting individuals who illegally possess firearms.

The Real Story of Federal Agents in Portland (Op Ed) By Jason Dunn, U.S. Attorney, District of Colorado

  As the chief federal law enforcement official in Colorado, I have watched with keen interest what is happening in Portland, Oregon, regarding the use of federal law enforcement personnel. I have also followed closely the announcement this week by President Donald Trump and Attorney General William Barr that they will be sending law enforcement personnel into cities where violent crime has been skyrocketing.

Unfortunately, there has been a conflation of what is happening in Portland — protecting federal property — with the traditional crime-fighting initiatives the Department of Justice has engaged in for decades. The result has been widespread confusion about both. As Coloradans, we would be well-served to take a collective deep breath, tone down the rhetoric, and try to better understand both what has actually happened in Portland and what is actually being proposed elsewhere.

But first, let’s be clear about Colorado. As Colorado’s U.S. attorney, my job is to protect Coloradans by enforcing federal criminal law. I have spoken with our federal agency partners here, and we are all committed to ensuring that federal law enforcement activity in Colorado is conducted in a lawful manner, as it always has been. And while I am hopeful that the need for greater federal resources never arises, Colorado has my pledge that if such a need does arise, it will be done only in cooperation with the relevant state and local law enforcement agencies. As I often say, we have the gold standard of federal-state-local partnership here in Colorado. I intend to keep it that way.

Now, let’s talk about Portland. Over the past few weeks, lawful protests there have devolved into violent attacks on federal employees and the destruction of federal property. I have spoken with my counterpart there and he reports the widespread use of rocks, lasers, slingshots loaded with ball-bearings, explosives, and other methods to assault federal employees. There are also nightly attempts by rioters to storm federal buildings and destroy them. Unfortunately, the size and scale of the violence has so overwhelmed the men and women ordinarily tasked with protecting those employees and buildings that they have asked for help from Washington. In keeping with standard practice, personnel from other agencies came to assist.

In the last few days, there have been various allegations about the conduct of these agents, including charges that anonymous law enforcement officers are wandering the city, whisking away innocent citizens in unmarked vehicles to secret government locations for interrogation. Others allege instances of excessive use of force by officers staged around federal buildings.

While it is apparently true that those federal agents, like virtually all state and local police agencies, have used unmarked vehicles, the other claims are contradicted by the actual evidence on the ground. According to the head of the Customs and Border Patrol, all of their agents wear multiple insignia designating them as police or identifying their agency, and these agents have strict protocols limiting arrests to those engaging in direct violence against federal employees or federal property in and around the federal courthouse.

In fact, dozens of such arrests have been made. There is also no credible indication that federal agents have been more broadly wandering the streets of Portland looking for agitators or taking people anywhere other than back to the courthouse where all federal detainees are taken. And in the very small number of cases where agents have been accused of acting outside their authority, those incidents are being reviewed by the Inspector General for the respective agencies. Time and due process will tell if any laws or procedures were broken. If so, those responsible will be held accountable.

Those are the facts about Portland.

Next, there has been much discussion about the president’s and the attorney general’s announcement this week of Project LeGend, under which federal law enforcement resources and dollars will be targeted and deployed to those cities where violent crime (murders, armed robberies, bank robberies, etc.) has exploded in recent months. In Chicago, where 373 people have been murdered so far this year, the administration has pledged hundreds of agents from the FBI, ATF, DEA, and other agencies, as well as $9.3 million for the hiring of 75 local sheriff’s deputies. While the Chicago mayor originally opposed federal intervention, she now welcomes it after gaining a better understanding of the proposal.

In short, Project LeGend will help address the recent spike in violent crime occurring in many communities across our nation. That is very different than what is being done in Portland to protect federal employees and property. If done properly, both serve a valid purpose.

Nonetheless, many state and local officials in Colorado and elsewhere have incorrectly described the recent proposal as an effort to send in “paramilitary forces” (or even the military) to quash lawful demonstrations. Perhaps unintentionally, the media itself has exacerbated this misunderstanding: The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and The Denver Post all ran headlines this week about the president’s proposal under a photograph of camouflaged and masked law enforcement personnel engaging demonstrators in Portland. Viewed together, this perpetuates the misperception about what is being proposed and heightens public anxiety.

Ultimately, bringing in law enforcement to areas that need support is a good thing, whether it be to defend public property or to help address the jump in violent crime across our nation. And as the U.S. attorney, you have my assurance that federal law enforcement in Colorado will continue to operate in accordance with the law, and will strive to work cooperatively with state and local authorities to make Colorado a safer and better place.

Jason Dunn currently serves as the United States attorney for the District of Colorado. He oversees the prosecution of all federal crimes and the litigation of all civil matters involving the United States government in Colorado.

Governor Cuomo Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress During COVID-19 Pandemic

New York's Numbers Continue to Remain Low and Steady

Hospitalizations Drop Again—Down to 646—A New Low Since March 18

Lowest Number of ICU Patients—149—Since March 16

1.05% of Yesterday's COVID-19 Tests were Positive

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today updated New Yorkers on the state's progress during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The number of new cases, percentage of tests that were positive and many other helpful data points are always available at forward.ny.gov.  

"New York State's numbers continue to show progress in the midst of alarming increases in COVID-19 cases throughout the country and a renewed need to ensure compliance with state guidance here at home," Governor Cuomo said. "Yesterday's numbers show New York's hospitalizations continue to decrease and its rate of positive tests remains low, but it's essential that we stay vigilant by social distancing, wearing masks and washing our hands as this pandemic is far from over. I urge everyone to stay New York Tough and New York Smart.""New York State's numbers continue to show progress in the midst of alarming increases in COVID-

Today's data is summarized briefly below:  

• Patient Hospitalization - 646 (-4)
• Patients Newly Admitted - 91 (+34)
• Hospital Counties - 30
• Number ICU - 149 (-7)
• Number ICU with Intubation - 94 (+1)
• Total Discharges - 72,632 (+80)
• Deaths - 10
• Total Deaths - 25,103 

Mask and Hand Sanitizer Giveaway Monday July 27, 2020

Mask & Hand Sanitizer Giveaway

Monday, July 27 from 2pm-4pm (while supplies last)

Corner of East 233rd Street & Carpenter Avenue

• Bring Your Own (Clean) Bottle/Container •

Governor Cuomo Announces Multi-Agency Task Force Has Inspected Nearly 1,100 Bars and Restaurants for COVID-19 Violations, Leading to Dozens of Charges and Ten License Suspensions This Week

Investigators from Newly-Announced Task Force Documented 84 Violations Over Three Days

Ten Businesses' Liquor Licenses Suspended This Week, Including Six New Suspensions Announced Today

List of Bars and Restaurants Facing SLA Charges or Summary Liquor License Suspensions Can be Found HERE 

  Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that the multi-agency task force to combat violations of coronavirus-related regulations at bars and restaurants conducted nearly 1,100 compliance checks between July 21 and July 23, documenting violations at 84 establishments. The task force is led by State Liquor Authority Chairman Vincent Bradley and State Police Lieutenant Colonel Dominick Chiumento. Businesses found in violation of COVID-19 regulations face fines up to $10,000 per violation, while egregious violations can result in the immediate suspension of a bar or restaurant's liquor license. This week, the SLA has summarily suspended the liquor licenses of ten establishments in New York City and on Long Island - including six in the Bronx, Manhattan, and Queens that were announced today.

"We are very proud of what New Yorkers did to flatten the curve of the virus, but we have to protect our progress because no one wants to do that again," Governor Cuomo said. "That's why we're watching the bar and restaurant violations and the congregations in front of these establishments, as we believe it's connected to the increased infection rate with young people. We've tasked the State Liquor Authority and the State Police to help local governments more aggressively enforce the law and they are doing just that, with dozens of violations found last night alone."  

Over the last three days, investigators from the newly-announced task force led by the State Police and SLA conducted 1,080 compliance checks across the state. During that time, the investigators documented 84 violations. Since the start of the pandemic emergency, the SLA has brought 443 charges against licensees statewide and imposed 33 Emergency Orders of Suspension, immediately closing establishments in order to protect public health and safety. A list of licensees charged, and businesses served with summary suspension orders, can be found HERE.    

The ten establishments facing emergency orders of summary suspension from the State Liquor Authority Board this week include:

"Aqua" at 2241 Washington Avenue in the Bronx, on July 24, 2020

On July 22nd, Chairman Bradley conducted a compliance check of Aqua in the Bronx and found 12 patrons consuming alcohol inside the premises -- which is currently not allowed in New York City. In addition, kitchen staff and servers were observed without facial coverings and patrons were illegally smoking hookah both inside and in front of the premises. 

"Cipriani Downtown" at 372-376 West Broadway in Manhattan, on July 23, 2020

Following numerous complaints, Chairman Bradley conducted a compliance check of "Cipriani Downtown" in Manhattan on July 21st. During the check, he observed 17 patrons drinking and standing around tables with no chairs in front of the business, most without facial coverings. The Chairman entered the premises and observed an employee behind the bar with no facial covering and four patrons purchasing alcoholic beverages at the bar, in direct violation of the Governor's EOs.

"Guaro's Tapas Bar Lounge" at 86-01 Northern Boulevard in Jackson Heights, on July 24, 2020

During the evening of July 18th, SLA investigators observed over 20 patrons congregating in front of Guaro's Tapas Bar Lounge in Jackson Heights, Queens without facial coverings or social distancing. Shortly before midnight -- well past New York City's 11 p.m. curfew for outside service -- SLA investigators returned to find over 25 patrons in a nightclub-like atmosphere, with music blaring and patrons not wearing facial coverings or practicing social distancing. The restaurant was also using an unapproved trade name. In addition, the NYPD reports this location was found in violation of the Governor's EOs on June 26th and June 30th.

"Set L.E.S" at 127 Ludlow Street in Manhattan, on July 24, 2020

On July 23rd, Chairman Bradley conducted a compliance check of "Set L.E.S" in Manhattan, finding eight patrons drinking directly in front of the restaurant and approximately 30 patrons congregating near the premises, all without facial coverings and not practicing social distancing. The establishment was operating an obvious outdoor, self-service bar from a window -- exactly the kind of service the Executive Orders and SLA restrictions do not allow.

"Kandela" at 150-03 Cross Bay Boulevard in Queens, on July 23, 2020  

On July 16th, SLA investigators responding to numerous complaints about "Kandela" in Queens conducted a compliance check, finding loud music and dancing directly in front of the business. On follow up inspections on July 17th and July 20th, SLA investigators observed a DJ playing music outside the premises, creating a nightclub-like atmosphere where patrons were clustered, in addition to a bouncer and waitstaff serving patrons without facial coverings. The conduct observed was consistent with complaints received from neighbors. The location was also observed in the past week serving well past New York City's 11 p.m. curfew for outside service. 

"La Pollera Colorada II" at 82-13 Northern Boulevard in Jackson Heights, on July 22, 2020

La Pollera Colorada II's non-compliance began on May 4th, when NYPD officers found patrons drinking inside the restaurant who refused to disperse. On June 17th, the SLA charged the licensee with violating the Governor's EO based on an NYPD referral that intoxicated patrons were consuming alcohol directly in front of the establishment. On June 26th, SLA investigators observed servers without facial coverings, in addition to patrons drinking and lingering in front of the business, and on July 18 -- after multiple charges and multiple warnings -- an SLA investigator observed continuing non-compliance at the location, with over 25 patrons congregating without facial coverings and without exercising social distancing.  

"Brik Bar" at 32-16 Steinway Street in Astoria, on July 20, 2020

Brik Bar is one of the worst offenders on Steinway Street in Astoria, Queens, where large crowds have assembled for drinking and partying. The bar had been warned and served with SLA violations for allowing crowds to congregate and drink outside on multiple occasions in June. They were observed again in flagrant violation of the Governor's EOs this past weekend on July 16th and again on July 18th, ultimately resulting in the NYC Sheriff 's Office serving the location with a cease and desist order on outdoor service, issued by the New York City of Department of Transportation.

"Maspeth Pizza House" at 55-60 60th Street in Maspeth on July 20, 2020

Another repeat offender, Maspeth Pizza had been cited and warned on multiple occasions for serving alcohol to standing patrons who were congregating outside its location. On July 10th and 19th, SLA Investigators observed this premises continuing its unlawful service, including after the 11 p.m. curfew, with numerous patrons standing, dancing and drinking alcoholic beverages in violation of social distancing rules. Investigators also witnessed servers with no facial coverings and patrons smoking hookah, in violation of the establishment's license.

"M.I.A Made in Astoria" at 27-35 21st Street in Astoria, on July 20, 2020

In another problematic section of Astoria, M.I.A was found to be serving alcohol to dozens of patrons who were standing, drinking, and congregating -- and not dining -- well past the 11 p.m. NYC curfew for outside dining.   M.I.A. had previously been cited and warned for earlier violations of the Governor's Executive Orders.

"Secrets Gentleman's Club" at 3A Saxwood Street in Deer Park, on July 20, 2020

On July 17th, investigators with the SLA and Suffolk County Police Department conducted an undercover inspection of Secrets Gentleman's Club in Deer Park. The detail observed employees and patrons inside the premises without facial coverings, including dancers performing while sharing the same stage pole and giving lap dances in violation of the Governor's EOs and SLA Guidelines.  When the owner was confronted by an SLA investigator about the problematic conduct, he claimed it must have started without his knowledge after he had left -- unaware that he had already been caught on videotape buying drinks for the undercover agents and bragging about getting away with violating the Executive Orders.

On July 23rd Governor Cuomo announced the creation of a multi-agency task force to crack down on violations of regulations meant to stop the spread of COVID-19 at restaurants and bars across the state. New York State Police and SLA Chairman Vincent Bradley will lead the effort, employing real time data to enhance enforcement efforts by rapidly deploying investigators to respond to dangerous social distancing violations as they happen. The Task Force will include investigators from the Department of Health, Department of Financial Services, Department of Motor Vehicles, Department of Taxation and Finance, the New York State Insurance Fund and the Department of Agriculture and Markets.