Sunday, January 17, 2021
Prominent Leaders Voice Strong Support for Attorney General James’ Lawsuit Against NYPD
State and Community Leaders Across New York Praise Fight Against Excessive Use of Force
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They include, U.S. Representatives Jerry Nadler (NY-10), Carolyn Maloney (NY-12), Gregory Meeks (NY-05), Yvette Clark (NY-09), State Senators Brad Hoylman, James Sanders, Jr., Leroy Comrie, Brian Benjamin, John Liu, Zellnor Myrie, Assemblymembers Linda Rosenthal, Dan Quart, Rebecca Seawright, Carmen De La Rosa, Yuh-Line Niou, Harvey Epstein, Catalina Cruz, Khaleel Anderson, New York City Council Speaker Corey Johnson, New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, Manhattan Borough President Gale A. Brewer, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards.
Here is what your Bronx Representatives said about the issue which came to light after the Bronx incident on the East 149th Street business area that was left unharmed, with 249 people arrested.
Bronx Congressional Representatives - NONE.
Bronx State Senators -
Gustavo Rivera -“I commend Attorney General Letitia James for her righteous investigation into the NYPD's brutal display of force during last summer's massive protests that followed the murder of George Floyd, during which thousands of New Yorkers marched against the very same police violence inflicted on Black people,” said State Senator Gustavo Rivera. “Her public hearings further amplified the voices of those who were subjected to the NYPD's disturbing strategies, like kettling and the excessive force we witnessed, as well as the targeting of legal observers and support service providers. The attorney general's lawsuit will rightfully hold law enforcement accountable for inflicting violence on New Yorkers, whose right to peacefully protest is sacred.”
Jamaal T. Bailey - “I would like to thank Attorney General Letitia James for her leadership in filing a lawsuit against the NYPD’s policies and tactics,” said State Senator Jamaal T. Bailey. “I believe this will lead to more transparency and accountability within the force and ensure that our communities are treated fairly and are not driven by racist policies and actions. I thank Attorney General James for her steadfast commitment to justice and fairness.”
Alessandra Biaggi - “This summer we witnessed devastating police brutality against peaceful protesters and bystanders at the hands of the NYPD,” said State Senator Alessandra Biaggi. “The barbaric behavior of the NYPD reveals deeper structural and systematic issues with our approach to policing and the increasing militarization of our police force. I commend Attorney General Letitia James for her unwavering leadership to protect the civil rights of New Yorkers and to hold accountable the people and institutions that violate those rights. I remain committed to working with my colleagues in the New York state legislature to pass meaningful legislation to eradicate institutionalized racism and violence within law enforcement.”
Bronx members of the State Assembly -
Jeffrey Dinowitz - “As reflected in the landmark criminal justice reforms that were enacted over the past several years, the New York state legislature has made clear that we must hold all law enforcement officers to the highest standards of professional conduct and public duty,” said Assemblymember Jeffrey Dinowitz, Chair of the Assembly Committee on Codes. “The allegations made by individuals involved in the protests this past summer are deeply concerning and, if true, indicate that there are institutional problems within the NYPD that have resulted in officers being unprepared for these types of responses. While we know that the overwhelming majority of those in law enforcement are professional and effective, there are exceptions. Thank you to Attorney General Letitia James for investigating these allegations, and I look forward to a resolution that ensures the safety of both the police and those who are being policed.”
Nathalia Fernández - “Our officers take an oath to protect us; yet, we know that there has always been a double standard as it relates to who the police actually serve,” said Assemblymember Nathalia Fernández. “I commend Attorney General Letitia James for taking steps to ensure that the NYPD is held accountable for their egregious actions. It is clear the entire department needs a full-scale culture change — that should be a priority of the next mayor and police commissioner as we must take steps to rebuild trust between communities and law enforcement.”
Newly Elected Assemblymember Kenny Burgos - “The unmitigated brutality and excessive force we witnessed this summer at the hands of the NYPD against peaceful protesters reflects a disturbing and longstanding pattern of systemic failures that allow such abuses,” said Assemblymember Kenny Burgos. “Make no mistake, there are incredible officers who put their lives on the line every day, but no objective observer could watch the violence we saw and deem it remotely acceptable. I salute Attorney General James for her bold and compassionate leadership in this lawsuit, and for using the power of our judicial system to hold the NYPD accountable, protect the civil rights of New Yorkers, and restore some semblance of trust in our law enforcement.”
Newly Elected Assemblymember Chantel Jackson - “Thank you, Attorney General James, for taking the necessary steps to hold these parties accountable. I, unfortunately, know all too well what excessive force looks like in my community,” said Assemblymember Chantel Jackson. “Just last summer, I watched our police officers rough up young men for not wearing masks. I watched officers beat and detain peaceful protestors for supposedly violating the mayor’s curfew even though it was more than 10 minutes before curfew, while they simultaneously blocked those same protesters into one space. I watched elected officials get maced by officers for peaceful protesting and just plain terrorize Black, Brown, and poor communities because officers knew no one would reprimand them. I support, and I thank my attorney general for continuously fighting for the voiceless.”
Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr - “Following the death of George Floyd our city saw a desperate need to re-evaluate the way the New York City Police Department handles peaceful protests,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. “Over the summer, we saw thousands of New Yorkers met with the excessive use of force when they took to the streets to peacefully protest. Our relationship with the police must be based on trust and not confrontation. I want to thank Attorney General James for taking important steps towards accountability, so that we can move forward together.”
Bronx City Council members - NONE
Saturday, January 16, 2021
Governor Cuomo Updates New Yorkers on State’s Progress During COVID-19 Pandemic - JANUARY 16, 2021
Additional Case of UK Variant in Tompkins County Brings Total Cases to 17
8,888 Patient Hospitalizations Statewide
1,580 Patients in the ICU; 983 Intubated
Statewide Positivity Rate is 5.77%
157 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. An additional case of the UK variant was identified in Tompkins County. To date, there are 17 known cases of the variant in New York State.
"New York is fighting to beat back COVID as we distribute the limited vaccine available as quickly as possible," Governor Cuomo said. "We're deploying all the tools in our toolbox—making sure hospitals have enough capacity and conducting ever-higher numbers of tests—to keep New Yorkers as safe as possible. But our actions as individuals and as communities to stay socially distanced, wear masks and wash our hands are of vital importance, as is the willingness of local governments to enforce the rules. When communities decide to slow the spread, it will slow down. It's purely a function of our actions."
Today's data is summarized briefly below:
- Test Results Reported - 277,286
- Total Positive - 15,998
- Percent Positive - 5.77%
- Patient Hospitalization - 8,888 (+80)
- Patients Newly Admitted - 1,144
- Hospital Counties - 56
- Number ICU - 1,580 (+10)
- Number ICU with Intubation - 983 (+21)
- Total Discharges - 114,868 (+949)
- Deaths - 157
- Total Deaths - 32,725
Rochester, New York Man Arrested and Charged with Destroying Property and Obstruction of Congressional Proceedings
WASHINGTON, D.C. – A New York State man was taken into custody and charged today with unlawful entry, destruction of government property and obstruction of an official proceeding.
Dominic Pezzola, 43, also known as “Spaz” and “Spazzo,” of Rochester, New York, was charged by criminal complaint with one count of obstruction of an official proceeding, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1512(c)(2); one count of destruction of government property, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1361; and one count of knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section1752(a). Following a hearing in the Western District of New York, Pezzola was ordered detained.
The affidavit in support of criminal complaint alleges that Pezzola unlawfully gained entry to the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, by breaking a window in the U.S. Capitol with a U.S. Capitol Police shield, as an individual in the crowd yelled “Go Go Go,” before entering the Capitol building.
The affidavit also alleges that a video posted from inside the Capitol shows Pezzola smoking a cigar inside the building. In that video, Pezzola can be heard saying words to the effect of, “Victory smoke in the Capitol, boys. This is f***ing awesome. I knew we could take this mother***er over [if we] just tried hard enough.”
The affidavit alleges that Pezzola was photographed in December, 2020, at rallies in Washington, D.C., that included individuals wearing clothing consistent with the “Proud Boys.”
At some point after the incident at the Capitol had ended, the affidavit in support of criminal complaint alleges, Pezzola bragged about breaking the windows to the Capitol with a Capitol Police shield. The affidavit also alleges that Pezzola and others stated that they would have killed anyone they got their hands on, including Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and Vice President Michael Pence. The affidavit alleges that, in the days after the event, members of the group said that the group would return to Washington, D.C., and kill every single “m-fer” they could.
A criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct for purposes of establishing probable cause, not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Counterterrorism Section of the Department of Justice’s National Security Division. The case is being investigated by the FBI’s Buffalo Field Office, Albany Field Office, and Washington Field Office.
The ATF and FBI continue to urge the public to report suspected use of explosive devices, or violent, destructive acts associated with the recent unrest. Anyone with information can call 1-888-ATF-TIPS (1-888-283-8477), email ATFTips@atf.gov or submit information anonymously via ReportIt.com.
The FBI is looking for individuals who may have incited or promoted violence of any kind. Anyone with digital material or tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or submit images or videos at fbi.gov/USCapitol.
Governor Cuomo Provides Update on New York’s COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution
New York's Health Care Distribution Sites Have Administered 83% of Doses Received from Federal Government
Administered an Additional 73,336 Doses Over Prior 24 Hour Period
All Vaccines Are By Appointment Only; Appointment Scheduling for Second Dose Occurs Immediately Following First Dose
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today updated New Yorkers on the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine after the first four weeks of availability for non-long term care facilities. The State's vaccine supply is determined by the federal government, and although more than 7 million New Yorkers are now eligible for the COVID vaccine, next week, the state will receive only 250,000 doses from the federal government. To date, New York's health care distribution sites have administered 83 percent of doses received from the federal government. These sites administered an additional 73,336 doses over the prior 24-hour period.
"We are in a footrace to get the vaccine into the arms of eligible New Yorkers as quickly and equitably as possible," Governor Cuomo said. "However, we now have 7 million New Yorkers vying for a fraction of doses made available to use by the federal government. We need Washington to step up and increase New York's supply to make sure everyone who wants the vaccine has the opportunity to get it."
Since federal supply severely limits the ability to distribute vaccines, New Yorkers are encouraged to remain patient and are advised not to show up at vaccination sites without an appointment. New York's vast distribution network and large population of eligible individuals far exceed the vaccine supply coming from the federal government. Next week, New York is only receiving 250,000 doses from the federal government for a universe of over 7 million people who are eligible.
**The total number above includes full weekly vaccine deliveries to NY for the first 4 weeks of the program. The week 5 allocation to NY's vaccination program (not including the federally run long-term care program) began being distributed 1/12 and continues through today when the full weekly distribution will be complete. The week 5 allocation will appear in tomorrow's total number of doses delivered to New York State.**
To date, New York's health care distribution sites have administered 83 percent of doses received from the federal government but due to the federal government's limited allocation, appointments have filled up quickly. New Yorkers are being urged to call your local health department, pharmacy, doctor or hospital for additional information and to schedule appointments. To determine eligibility and schedule an appointment at a state-run mass vaccination site, visit the 'Am I Eligible' website.
State Senator Gustavo Rivera - in Support of Hunts Point Produce Market Workers' Strike
"I want to express my unwavering support to the Hunts Point Produce Market's 1,400 Teamsters Local 202 drivers and loading dock workers who went on strike earlier today. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, these brave essential workers have dutifully performed their duties, putting their health and that of their families at risk in an effort to keep us fed during this unprecedented crisis.
These workers, along with their union representatives, attempted to negotiate in good faith a small raise on their salaries. However, their efforts were only met with plain hostility.
I call on the owners of the Hunts Point Produce Market to go back to the negotiating table and urge them to do right by their workers.
To the workers and Teamsters Local 202, I stand in solidarity with you and thank you for the work that you do to keep our City running."
EDITOR'S NOTE:
While we do not dispute the workers rights, we would remind Senator Rivera that the Hunts Point Produce Market is essential to the delivery of fresh produce and other foods to people who are having problems of their own.
We would suggest that Senator Rivera and other Bronx elected officials should join the talks to stop or end quickly a strike where everyone loses, especially the people who need the food that will be in short supply.
NYS Office of the Comptroller DiNapoli: Tax Revenues Through December Were $2.5 Billion Lower Than Last Year
State tax receipts through the first nine months of the state fiscal year were $2.5 billion lower than last year, but were $1.8 billion higher than anticipated by the state Division of the Budget (DOB), according to the monthly State Cash Report released by New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli.
Tax receipts in the month of December totaled $8.4 billion, $422.5 million above last year, and $1.4 billion above DOB’s latest projections.
“December’s tax receipts were better than expected, but the revenue challenge is still with us,” DiNapoli said. “President-elect Biden’s proposed stimulus plan, with new aid to help states and localities fill gaps created by the COVID-19 pandemic, is another hopeful sign. We still have a long way to go, and it’s essential that leaders in Washington act on a robust plan of assistance as quickly as possible.”
Personal income tax receipts in December were $544.8 million, or 12.7 percent, above December 2019, due in part to an additional day of withholding in 2020. Sales tax receipts continued to fall short of the previous year in December, down $86.6 million, or 5.5 percent, from 2019.
State Operating Funds spending through the first nine months of the fiscal year totaled $63.9 billion, which was $7.8 billion, or 10.8 percent, lower than last year. This is largely due to higher federal reimbursement for Medicaid spending, as well as the withholding of certain payments.
As of December 31, the General Fund held a balance of $16.6 billion, $2 billion higher than DOB projections, and $8.4 billion higher than last year at the same time. The higher balance is driven partly by withheld payments as well as receipts from short-term borrowing that DOB anticipates repaying before the end of the fiscal year. The state has repaid $1 billion of that borrowing, with the remaining $3.4 billion due by March 31.