Team AOC - We re-elected Alexandria and cemented our movement’s vision

 

We did it!!! Our opponents raised over $13 million from Trump donors, corporations and billionaires, but we still re-elected Alexandria to Congress with a groundswell of support.

And that’s not all we did. Thanks to your help, we cemented our movement’s values and vision into a gigantic, growing force in the fight for working-class families across the nation. Specifically, because of your support, we:

• Delivered 80,000 meals
• Donated more than 100,000 masks
• Organized over 3,600 volunteers
• Fundraised $1.1 million to provide COVID-19 relief to excluded workers and families in-need
• Empowered our communities through workshops on childcare collectives, eviction defense, workplace safety and more
• Launched a virtual homework helper program to support students and families in our district
• Organized a $1 million census outreach program, which resulted in over $52.6 million returned to our district
• Recruited over 1,000 volunteers to help get out the vote in key swing states

We couldn’t have done that without you!

Progress doesn’t happen without your work. We appreciate you more than words can capture.

But listen. We can’t skip a beat. The work we have ahead of us is deep and transcends elections. It always has been. We are called to do it.

Donald Trump’s premature claims of victory are illegitimate, dangerous, and authoritarian. We need to organize like crazy to count the votes and respect the results.

And as long as working-class families are under siege from corrupt politicians and greedy corporations, we have an obligation to do everything we can to level the field.

This struggle will continue to be a challenging one. But right now, we are showing that we have the grit and determination to overcome the odds. A better world is not only possible – she is in our hands.

So yes, we should take a moment to celebrate what we have worked so hard to achieve – and then get right back to work.

With infinite gratitude,

Team AOC

MAYOR DE BLASIO DELIVERS REMARKS AT BRYANT PARK’S WINTER VILLAGE MARKET

 

Mayor Bill de Blasio: What a beautiful, powerful story, reminding us of the strength of this place, reminding us of what we love about New York City – the power of New Yorkers, the resiliency of New Yorkers, the faith that New Yorkers bring to everything we do and why after everything – and Elizabeth, what you said – remember, everyone, when she said – after hurricanes, after storms, the green markets come back. No matter what happens, people come back and they gathered together to bring our city back. Even after 9/11 – what a poignant thought that after 9/11, there you were, bringing things to help people, bringing food to help people. This is a reminder of who we are.  

 

So, we're gathered here in the middle of a crisis, but it's a crisis we will overcome. That's what we do as New Yorkers. You look around you today and you see people who are ready to move forward. It's not a ghost town, is it? It's a place filled with joy and hope and people making something happen. So, this Holiday Market is more evidence of the strength of the city. You know, some people might say, well, let's not have it – but, we're New Yorkers. In fact, we said, yes, let's have the Holiday Market. Let's celebrate together. Let's help our small businesses. Let's do it in a way that's safe, right? We could do it and we could do it in a way that's safe, and that's what we have done here.  

 

Now, everybody, here’s the most important message. You need to spend your money here. Okay? Let's make it really clear. New Yorkers like straight talk. You need to spend your money here. It's nice to buy things online, but it's a lot nicer to buy things from the person who's actually created them. It's a lot nicer to help a small business and help your fellow New Yorker, help someone who built a small business from scratch, help the people that live here in our own community, help them to have jobs. So, this holiday season, we know a lot families are hurting. We know there won't be as much to spend, but what you do choose to spend, buy local, buy from a small business, buy from a real human being. Come here to the Holiday Market, and every single purchase you make will help the city you love and help your fellow New Yorkers.  

 

So, everyone, with that, look, this Winter Village, it's not only a great thing itself, it helped inspire something we're doing now our Open Storefronts initiative, where we're going to allow businesses to use the sidewalks in front of their stores, so people can purchase things outdoors, where they're going to feel safe, give small businesses a chance to come back. This market and others like it helped inspire that vision. So, all the good here and all the good that will come from this, and now I just want to take a moment, I want to turn to a man who had a lot of partners, but he was the genius behind this – saw what could happen here in Bryant Park years ago and made it one of the truly magical places in this city. Mr. Dan Biederman. 

 

MAYOR DE BLASIO ANNOUNCES CITY HAS REACHED $680 MILLION IN LABOR SAVINGS

 

New agreement with Council of School Supervisors and Administrators will save $45 million in FY21  

Mayor Bill de Blasio today announced that the City has reached $680 million in labor savings in fiscal year 2021, following an agreement with the Council of School Supervisors and Administrators that saves $45 million in fiscal year 2021. Today’s agreement follows agreements with District Council 37, the United Federation of Teachers, the Uniformed Fire Officers Association, Doctors Council and Glaziers. The City still needs a minimum of $5 billion in federal or state relief in order to avoid drastic action such as layoffs for fiscal year 2022.   

“As the prospect of a stimulus next year continues to improve, we’ve been hard at work with our labor partners to find savings this year,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “I thank Mark Cannizzaro and all of our educators for doing their part to get New York City out of this fiscal crisis.”   

The agreement with CSA includes:  

Deferred payment: Payment of $45 million is deferred to Fiscal Year 2022.    

Commitment on layoffs: No layoffs of CSA members through June 30, 2021. If the City receives State and Federal assistance of $5 billion or more, the no-layoff pledge is extended to June 30, 2022.  

Bronx Man Charged With Kidnapping Girlfriend And Her 7-Year-Old Child

 

 Audrey Strauss, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, William F. Sweeney Jr., Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), and Dermot Shea, Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), announced the arrest of AQUILINO TORRES in connection with the kidnapping of his girlfriend and her 7-year-old son.  TORRES was arrested yesterday and will be presented in Manhattan federal court later today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Stewart D. Aaron. 

Acting U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said:  “As alleged, Aquilino Torres threatened to kill a 7-year-old child in carrying out a brutal kidnapping of the child and his mother.  Torres then allegedly held his victims captive for several days, during which he physically abused both mother and child, and sexually assaulted the woman.  Thankfully, the victims managed to escape, and thanks to the FBI and NYPD, Torres is in custody and facing federal prosecution for horrific crimes.”

FBI Assistant Director William F. Sweeney Jr. said:  “The conduct we allege in this case is horrific.  Torres allegedly broke a mother’s jaw, tied her hands to a bed frame after physically and sexually assaulting her, and held her and her seven-year-old child against their will for several days.  In spite of all she endured, the victim was able to escape her captor with her son and bring them both to safety.  The resiliency she and her son showed is commendable, and as a result of their heroic actions, Torres will now face justice.  I sincerely hope that provides them some comfort; we will do everything in our power to help them heal.”

NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea said:  “In kidnaping a mother and her son, as alleged in this case, the defendant harmed innocent victims and that will never be tolerated.  I commend our NYPD investigators and federal partners for their hard work to bring justice in this case.”           

According to the allegations in the Complaint[1]:

On or about October 5, 2020, TORRES approached his girlfriend (“Victim-1”) in the vicinity of Harlem in New York, New York, and threatened to kill Victim-1’s 7-year-old son (“Minor Victim-1”) if she did not come with TORRES.  TORRES brought Victim-1 and Minor Victim-1 to a motel in the Bronx, where he proceeded to lock the door and physically assault Victim-1, including by punching Victim-1 several times in the face and body.  TORRES then had sex with Victim-1 against her will.  The following day, TORRES directed Victim-1 to order an Uber to take TORRES, Victim-1, and Minor Victim-1 to an apartment in Washington Heights (the “Apartment”).  TORRES forced Victim-1 and Minor Victim-1 to stay in the Apartment against their will for multiple days.  On at least one occasion, TORRES tied Victim-1’s hands to a bed frame to prevent her from leaving the Apartment while he was away.  TORRES also physically assaulted Victim-1 and Minor Victim-1 while at the Apartment.  On or about October 10, 2020, Victim-1 and Minor Victim-1 escaped from the Apartment.  Thereafter, Victim-1 was admitted to a hospital, where she was found to have a broken jaw that required surgery.

TORRES is charged with: one count of kidnapping, which carries a maximum term of life in prison, and one count of kidnapping of a minor, which carries a mandatory minimum term of 20 years in prison and a maximum term of life.  The maximum potential sentences and the mandatory minimum sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant would be determined by the judge. 

Ms. Strauss praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI and NYPD, in particular, the Violent Crimes Task Force.  The prosecution of this case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit.  Assistant United States Attorney David Robles is in charge of the prosecution.

The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

 [1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint, and the description of the Complaint set forth herein, constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.

Governor Cuomo Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress During COVID-19 Pandemic - NOVEMBER 4, 2020

 

Positive Testing Rate in All Focus Zone Areas is 2.69 Percent; New York State Positivity Outside All Focus Zone Areas is 1.42 Percent

Statewide Positivity Rate is 1.59 Percent

14 COVID-19 Deaths in New York State Yesterday

 Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today updated New Yorkers on the state's progress during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

"The surge in cases around the country and the globe is a stark reminder that this pandemic is far from over, and while we are doing a good job keeping our positivity rate comparatively low, the numbers in Western New York are a caution flag," Governor Cuomo said. "We're staying on top of this situation by continuing our aggressive micro-cluster strategy, expanding testing capacity and enforcing compliance of the public health law. But New Yorkers must continue to practice the basic daily behaviors that make such a difference in our ability to slow the spread. Be vigilant, wear a mask, stay socially distanced and wash your hands. We can beat this virus but only if we work together and stay New York Tough."

The Governor noted that the positive testing rate in all focus areas under the state's Micro-Cluster strategy is 2.69 percent, and outside the focus zone areas is 1.42 percent. Within the focus areas, 18,581 test results were reported yesterday, yielding 499 positives. In the remainder of the state, not counting these focus areas, 114,953 test results were reported, yielding 1,627 positives. Full results for tests reported yesterday, the day prior. 

Today's data is summarized briefly below:

• Patient Hospitalization - 1,253 (+26)
• Patients Newly Admitted - 180
• Hospital Counties - 47
• Number ICU - 284 (+16)
• Number ICU with Intubation - 129 (+9)
• Total Discharges - 80,109 (+119)
• Deaths - 14
• Total Deaths - 25,868

High-Ranking Member Of Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods Sentenced To 24 Years In Prison After Trial

 

 Audrey Strauss, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that ANTHONY ELLISON, a/k/a “Harv,” was sentenced to 288 months in prison in connection with his participation in the Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods (“Nine Trey”), the July 22, 2018, kidnapping of Daniel Hernandez, a/k/a “Tekashi 6ix 9ine,” and the October 24, 2018, slashing of a victim in furtherance of the Nine Trey enterprise.  ELLISON was convicted following a three-week jury trial in October 2019 before U.S. District Judge Paul A. Engelmayer, who imposed today’s sentence.

Acting U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said:  “Anthony Ellison was a high-ranking member of the Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods, a violent gang that wreaked havoc across New York City, and he was convicted of racketeering, kidnapping, and a violent assault with a dangerous weapon.  Now, thanks to the outstanding work of our partners at the NYPD, HSI, and ATF, he will spend the next 24 years in federal prison.”

According to court documents and the evidence presented at the trial of ELLISON and co-defendant Aljermiah Mack:

Nine Trey was a criminal enterprise involved in committing numerous acts of violence, including shootings, robberies, and assaults in and around Manhattan and Brooklyn.  Members and associates of Nine Trey engaged in violence to retaliate against rival gangs, to promote the standing and reputation of Nine Trey, and to protect the gang’s narcotics business.  Members and associates of Nine Trey enriched themselves by committing robberies and selling drugs, such as heroin, fentanyl, furanyl fentanyl, MDMA, dibutylone, and marijuana.

The leadership structure of Nine Trey is divided into two parts: the Prison Lineup, which consists of incarcerated members, and the Street Lineup, which consists of members who are not incarcerated.  ELLISON was a high-ranking member of the Street Lineup.

ELLISON was found guilty after trial of racketeering conspiracy for his participation in the Nine Trey enterprise, kidnapping in aid of racketeering, and maiming and assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering.

In addition to the prison term, ELLISON, 33, of Brooklyn, New York, was sentenced to five years of supervised release.              

Ms. Strauss praised the outstanding investigative work of the New York City Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  Ms. Strauss also praised the New York City Department of Correction, Correction Intelligence Bureau, and the Kings County District Attorney’s Office for their assistance in the investigation.

Governor Cuomo Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress During COVID-19 Pandemic - NOVEMBER 3, 2020

Positive Testing Rate in All Focus Zone Areas is 2.63 Percent; New York State Positivity Outside All Focus Zone Areas is 1.71 Percent

Statewide Positivity Rate is 1.81 Percent

14 COVID-19 Deaths in New York State Yesterday

Gov. Cuomo: "New York State's progress is threatened by national surge in cases - we must remain NY Tough." 

 Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today updated New Yorkers on the state's progress during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. 

"As cases continue to surge across the country and around the globe, New Yorkers must remember what has worked for us from Day One: being disciplined and smart," Governor Cuomo said. "As our metrics demonstrate, New York State is not immune from the wave of COVID outbreaks currently sweeping across the nation and the increase in cases and hospitalizations over the past weeks must serve as a caution flag that unless we are vigilant and continue wearing masks, washing our hands and remaining socially distant, the viral spread will increase. While the numbers show New York State is comparatively in a better place managing the virus than most other states, our progress is threatened by the national surge in new cases and we must remain New York Tough."

Across the country, COVID rates are spiking - 48 states and Washington, D.C. have seen cases increase over the last two weeks, and the metrics show New York State has also seen new outbreaks and increased spread in certain parts of the state. While New York State's daily positivity and daily number of hospitalizations have shown increases over the last month, overall the metrics continue to show the State's micro-cluster approach has been effective in containing viral spread. Over the past week:

• New York State's statewide positivity has been the 3rd-lowest of any state in the nation, per Johns Hopkins University.
• New York State's rate of new cases per 100,000 people has been the 6th-lowest of any state in the nation.
• New York's State's current COVID hospitalizations per 100,000 people has been the 7th-lowest of any state in the nation.
• New York State's rate of new COVID fatalities per 100,000 people has been the 3rd-lowest of any state in the nation
• New York State has accounted for 10 percent of all of the nation's COVID tests, and just 2.5 percent of the nation's new COVID cases - while representing 5.9 percent of the total U.S. population.

New York State will continue its effective micro-cluster approach, enacting targeted restrictions and focused testing in areas of the state where the metrics show sustained high levels of viral spread.

The Governor noted that the positive testing rate in all focus areas under the state's Micro-Cluster strategy is 2.63 percent, and outside the focus zone areas is 1.71 percent. Within the focus areas, 14,332 test results were reported yesterday, yielding 378 positives. In the remainder of the state, not counting these focus areas, 113,537 test results were reported, yielding 1,943 positives.

Today's data is summarized briefly below:

      Patient Hospitalization - 1,227 (+76)

      Patients Newly Admitted - 156

      Hospital Counties - 48

      Number ICU - 268 (-8)

      Number ICU with Intubation - 120 (+4)

      Total Discharges - 79,990 (+75)

      Deaths - 14

      Total Deaths - 25,853

Attorney General James Advises New York Voters With Absentee Ballot Errors

 

Per New York State Law, BOE Must Give Reason for Ballot Rejections 

For Questions and Concerns Regarding Errors With Your Absentee Ballot,

Contact the Office of the Attorney General at 1-800-771-7755

 Attorney General Letitia James today issued an alert to New Yorkers who voted by absentee ballot to inform them of their rights under New York state’s new “notice and cure” law. The law states that voters must be notified if their absentee ballots are being rejected for certain errors they might have made in filling out their ballots, such as the voter forgot to sign the oath envelope (which is the envelope that the completed ballot goes inside, also referred to as the “affirmation” envelope, or “security” envelope). The voter must also be given an opportunity to fix such errors within an allotted time period.

“Voting is a cornerstone of our democracy,” said Attorney General James. “Every voter has a right to have their voice heard, and it’s important that they are empowered with information to make sure their voice is heard. With the record number of first-time absentee ballots, we hope this information proves useful to voters who may need to fix an inadvertent error with their ballot.”

Local Boards of Election must notify voters as soon as possible if their ballots have deficiencies, which would need to be corrected, or “cured,” in order for their vote to count. Among other clerical-type errors, deficiencies could include:

• The oath envelope is unsigned;
• The oath envelope signature does not appear to correspond to the signature on file;
• The oath envelope does not have the required witness to a mark where voter assistance is provided;
• The ballot is returned in the return envelope either with an unsealed oath envelope, or completely without an oath envelope;   
• The oath envelope is signed by the person that has provided voter assistance, but is not signed or marked by the voter; or  
• The voter has failed to sign the oath envelope and someone else has signed the oath envelope (i.e. power of attorney). 

Under the legislature’s amendments to the Election Law, as modified by Governor Cuomo’s Executive Order 202.58, the Boards of Election are encouraged to count ballots “as soon as possible.” However, it is likely that people will receive these notices of deficiencies after Election Day, given the record number of absentee ballots to be processed this year. If voters received a notice of deficiency between October 27 and November 3, they have seven days to address the issue to ensure their vote is counted. If the ballot is received on or after November 3, voters have five days from when they receive notification by email, mail, or phone to cure any deficiencies.

Attorney General James encourages voters with questions or concerns about the absentee ballot notice and cure process to call the office’s Hotline at 1-800-771-7755, submit complaints online, or email election.hotline@ag.ny.gov. 

In addition to providing this guidance to voters, Attorney General James also issued guidance to Board of Election offices and law enforcement entities throughout the state to protect New Yorkers from voter intimidation on, and before, Election Day in October.