MAYOR DE BLASIO DELIVERS REMARKS AT THE 90TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE EMPIRE STATE BUILDING

 

 Mayor Bill de Blasio: This is the place to be in New York City, the Empire State Building. And listen, everyone, New York City is coming back. New York City is coming back strong. We are ready for our full reopening July 1st. We are ready for an extraordinary summer. This is going to be the summer of New York City. And if you are visiting New York City, you have to come to the Empire State Building. There is no such thing as a visit to New York City where you really get to experience this city without going to the Empire State Building. It is part of who we are and it is the best place to see all the greatness of New York City.  

Now, listen, my family – the older generation in my family used to talk about what the Empire State Building meant to them. Because when it was built, it was an absolute marvel. It was something that was so amazing to people, even in New York City, where people believe everything’s possible. The Empire State Building stood out as an extraordinary achievement. And, to this day, we all feel a deep connection to the Empire State Building. The fact that it is here for us and it safe, because they’ve done an extraordinary job – this is another example of New York City’s comeback. 

 

I have to tell you, the Empire State Building – everyone here, they do things right. And Tony Malkin and I have had many conversations. And, Tony, I want to express my admiration to you and your whole team, because you don’t skimp on anything, ever. I admire it. You came up with the best safety systems in the midst of COVID and you showed how it could be done, how we could all come back together. You came up with some of the best green building standards in the world and you applied them in the world’s most famous building. I want people to understand how important that was. The number-one challenge we face, going forward, is climate change. We all have to get ready to fight this challenge together. The Empire State Building lead the way and said to people all over the world, you could do this too. And yes, we have the strongest, boldest law in New York City to stop emissions from our buildings. And that law was inspired in large measure by the achievements of the Empire State Building. Tony, you have been front and center in that effort. Thank you. Thank you for all you’ve done to help move us forward. 

 

But everyone, look – why do people love this building so much? Because it expresses our hopes. Because it is a place to dream. Tony told you it’s a great place to work. Of course, it’s a great place to visit, but it’s especially a great place to dream. And also, it’s a really great place to take a selfie. So, everybody – there’s no better selfie location on earth than the observation deck of the Empire State Building.  

 

So, 90 years young. And what a perfect moment for this anniversary, because New Yorkers are ready to move forward. But sometimes, the best way to move forward is to remember the greatness of our past. This building saw us through many a challenge. This building was built in the middle of the Depression. This building saw us through wars and every other challenge, but it stood as a beacon. No matter what, the Empire State Building was here, and it will be here for a long time ahead. And this building will look out over the recovery of New York City, the comeback of New York City. I think you’ll see a smile on the face of this building. You’ll see those lights lit up to inspire us. This anniversary says so much to us.  

 

So, everyone, this is a joyous day for New York City. And congratulations and happy birthday, Empire State Building.  

 

Bailey, Fernandez, Dinowitz Hold Food Giveaway Thursday in Front of Lexi Bar on East 204th Street

 

The food giveaway was scheduled for Wednesday, but the pantry was not ready so it was postponed to the next day Thursday. Since the elected officials had other things planned for on Thursday their staff members filled in led by Assemblywoman Fernandez's Chief of Staff Dylan Tragni. 

There were one-hundred bags loaded with produce and a variety of canned and packaged goods weighing about twenty-five pounds each with enough food for several days. Without any elected officials to talk to the people the food giveaway seemed to be done much faster this time. 

Chief of Staff to Assemblywoman Nathalia Fernandez, Dylan Tragni filled in for his boss as he placed this heavy bag of food into the woman's wagon for her. 

Bronx Democratic Party - In Memory of of Sylvia Lask

 

 

We are deeply saddened to share the news of the passing of our Vice Chair, Sylvia Lask. She was a lifelong mental health advocate and community leader who fought tirelessly to improve the lives of others throughout the Bronx. Her commitment to serving her community was unmatched. She will be remembered for her life-saving work advancing mental health access and the love and compassion she shared throughout her life. Sylvia dedicated her life to being a powerful voice for change and fought for legislation that paved the way for monumental changes in mental health policy in New York. From her tireless advocacy on Timothy’s Law and the New York State Mental Health Education Law to her work organizing the annual September 11 memorial ceremony in the Bronx, she made a lasting difference in the lives of countless New Yorkers. Sylvia was a vital member of various boards throughout the Bronx, including the Jacobi and North Central Bronx Hospital Community Advisory Board, the Board of Visitors of the Bronx Psychiatric Center, the Co-op City Community Board, and the Bronx Democratic Party County Committee. Most recently, she served as the Government Affairs Chair for the Mental Health Association in New York State. Our hearts go out to Sylvia’s family and her loved ones during this difficult time. She will be missed by our entire Bronx Dems family and the Bronx as a whole.

Senator Rivera Announces Ranked Choice Endorsement in the 14th Bronx Council District

 

 On June 22, the City of New York will elect new City Council leadership in an historic ranked choice election. State Senator Gustavo Rivera is working to educate voters about ranked choice voting and the opportunity that the Bronx has to elect bold leaders. To that end, in the 14th City Council District, which includes Kingsbridge Heights, University Heights, and communities in the West Bronx, Senator Rivera announces his endorsement of Adolfo Abreu as his first choice and Pierina Sanchez as his second choice.

"Bold, transformative leadership is long overdue in the 14th City Council District. Since an early age, Adolfo has proven to be a dedicated grassroots organizer and a bonafide champion for the people of the Bronx. I am confident that he will bring thousands of his neighbors' voices with him to the City Council and will continue to be a steadfast partner in delivering for our borough," said State Senator Gustavo Rivera. "Pierina's extensive experience in public service and progressive values make her a natural leader. Both of these candidates have deep ties to our community and would be transformative as leaders for this district."

With ranked choice voting, New Yorkers will have the opportunity to rank up to five candidates in order of preference. New Yorkers don’t only need to be aware of the new ranked choice system of voting, but informed and empowered to fully participate in the process. Ranked endorsements reflect the choice every voter will have to make and highlight those candidates who will work collaboratively to lead and serve in the Bronx.

“I’m so grateful to be State Senator Gustavo Rivera’s first choice for City Council in District 14. Senator Rivera has fought to make quality residential and public housing and universal healthcare a reality and to reign in the ills of the criminal justice system," said Adolfo Abreu. "I saw first hand his passion and commitment to Bronx residents when I served as his Field Director in 2016. Together, we overcame the real estate interests that tried to block his reelection. He has continued to model true partnership with tenant and community organizations in Senate District 33. I look forward to governing together to build a Bronx where every person can thrive.” 

Joint Statement from local Congress Member and Legislators abt Stringer's Mayoral Campaign

Joint statement from Congress Member Adriano Espaillat, NYS Senator José M. Serrano, NYS Assembly Member Carmen De La Rosa, and NYC City Council Members Mark Levine and Diana Ayala:

“We rescind our endorsement of Scott Stringer’s mayoral campaign.” 

Jeff, my world is coming apart all my so-called friends are abandoning me, you are still with me Jeff right? 

Scott I was never with you from the beginning of the race since you endorsed Biaggi.

246 Days and Counting, A Thought?

 

Is this what Mayor Bill de Blasio is thinking?

Poor Scott Stringer, he was once considered a top candidate to replace me as mayor next year. He had several State Senate candidates and other elected officials behind him. Scott even had the Working Families party helping him in the Democratic Primary. Now all candidate Stringer has left is the UFT behind him. Republian Mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa should have a field day with that one. Scotty to Captain Mulgrew. 'I've lost the others, do you are still have me in your tractor beam, the life support system is running out on this campaign'? 

Senator Luis Sepulveda - District 32 Community Update

Dear Neighbor, 

I hope you and your family are healthy and staying safe. In honor of Earth Day, the NY State Senate passed groundbreaking environmental legislation that would ban the use of small plastic bottles in hotels, prohibit state forests from being used for gas production, and provide that sales of new passenger cars be zero emissions by 2035, among many other important pieces of legislation. We also celebrated #WaterWeek by expanding water protections in the state of New York. This legislation will add new chemicals to the list of emerging contaminants, require public parks to test for lead contamination in drinking water, and ban the use of coal tar to limit groundwater contamination, among other bills aimed to improve the state’s water quality. These bills are a necessary step in ensuring that all New Yorkers have access to a healthy environment and safe, clean water.

I am excited to announce that my bill (S2211) to prohibit double-bunking in state correctional facilities has passed. I will keep fighting to make tangible changes to prevent prison overcrowding and restore humane conditions for incarcerated individuals. In addition, my bill (S2209) also passed the Mental Health Committee, which would require the Office of Addiction Services and Supports to monitor programs providing treatment to incarcerated individuals in correctional facilities and provide an annual report. 

On Thursday, my team and I held an informational tax season webinar that covered important tax updates on unemployment benefits and stimulus checks. Watch it before the IRS filing date on May 17th here.

Positive COVID-19 cases are continuing to rise citywide, but especially here in the Bronx. As of Thursday, April 29, the COVID-19 positivity rate in the Bronx was 1.95%. It is important to stay vigilant of this virus and take precautions to keep our friends, neighbors, and families safe. Wear a mask, wash your hands, practice social distancing, and get vaccinated. 

My office continues to work to bring more critical resources to Senate District 32 and my team is assisting constituents with unemployment claims, SNAP and Cash Assistance, Medicaid, landlord-tenant issues, among other things. Although our office is currently closed due to the spike of COVID-19 cases, my staff continues to work remotely. To contact my office, please call 718-991-3161 or email team@senatorsepulveda.com. 

Eligibility Updates: All state-run mass vaccination sites will be accepting walk-ins for anyone age 16 and older. This includes Yankee Stadium, which is administering Pfizer vaccines in the Bronx. As a reminder, 16- and 17-year olds can only receive the Pfizer vaccine.

The City has also expanded its walk-up appointment pilot for all New Yorkers age 16 and older at City-run sites.

• Bronx location sites: 
•  - South Bronx Educational Campus: 701 St. Ann’s Avenue, Bronx, NY, 10455 (Moderna)
• - Northeast Bronx YMCA (Edenwald): 1250 E 229th Street, Bronx, NY, 10468 (Moderna)
• - Co-Op City Dreiser Community Center: 177 Dreiser Loop, Bronx, NY, 10475 (Moderna)  
• - Bathgate Contract Postal Station: 4006 3rd Avenue, Bronx, NY, 10457 (Moderna)
• - West Bronx Gymnasium: 1527 Jesup Avenue, Bronx, NY, 10452 (Moderna)
• - Lehman College - Apex Center: 250 Bedford Park Blvd W, Bronx, NY 10468 (Pfizer)

Homebound New York City residents can register here to be contacted by the City regarding eligibility for the in-home vaccination program. To schedule an appointment by phone, please call 877-VAX-4NYC or 877-829-4692.

THE 2021-22 ADOPTED BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS

BOOSTING TENANT AND HOMEOWNER RELIEF

- $2.4 billion in COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program with 12 months’ arrears for rent and utilities, three prospective months of rent, a year of eviction protection, and eligibility of up to 120% AMI, regardless of immigration status.

- $100 million to convert hotel and vacant property into affordable housing.

- $200 million for NYCHA and $125 million for public housing across New York State.

HELPING FAMILIES AND WORKERS

- A $2.4 billion infusion to the childcare system to increase access and support providers.

- A $2.1 billion Excluded Worker Fund to provide one-time unemployment benefits to workers who lost employment or income during the COVID-19 pandemic but were ineligible for Unemployment Insurance or other federal benefits such as stimulus payments. The benefits program will be administered by the Department of Labor. Applicants must be able to verify their identity, residency, and work-related eligibility. Based on the ability to demonstrate work-related eligibility, applicants may be able to qualify for one of two benefit tiers.

Education/NYC Public Schools

• 3-K for All programs will be available in all 32 NYC school districts this fall and the 3-K application deadline for NYC children born in 2018 has been extended to May 28. Visit http://nyc.gov/3K to learn more and apply.
  

• Starting on Monday, April 26, families will be able to register for Summer Rising, a free summer program for all New York students grades K-8 for any child who wants to participate. Learn more at https://www.schools.nyc.gov/enrollment/summer.

• The Einstein Enrichment Program will once again be offering a free three-week academic enrichment and science exposure program to prepare students to take the Specialized High School Admissions Test (SHSAT), as well as participate in science exploration, group counseling, high school readiness activities, and mentoring. The program dates are July 12th to July 29th and sessions will be virtual, Monday through Thursday. The deadline to apply is Tuesday, June 1, 2021. For more information, please contact Alicia Martinez (Alicia.martinez@einsteinmed.org) or you can call the office to speak to an EEP Team member at 718-430-4166.

• New York Institute of Technology: The Robert Noyce STEM Teacher Scholarship provides a full-tuition scholarship for people interested in becoming teachers of STEM subjects. The scholarship is available to anyone who has an undergraduate degree in a STEM field. It leads to a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree that qualifies graduates to teach science or mathematics in secondary schools. The Robert Noyce Scholarship, therefore, offers candidates an opportunity for personal advancement and for launching a rewarding career in education at no cost. For more information or to apply, visit the link here.

• The Bard Prison Initiative (BPI) has announced the launch of its third tuition-free microcollege, which will open in Harlem this fall. This new microcollege will enroll students who are formerly incarcerated or directly impacted by the justice system and others who aspire to careers in advocacy, community building, or social justice. The Bard Microcollege for Just Community Leadership will be housed at the Countee Cullen branch of the New York Public Library on 136th St. Find more information about the program here.

• The New York State Youth Leadership Council (NYSYLC) launched the undocu grad school guide for undocumented students thinking about grad school. They will be hosting an Instagram live to discuss the guide and hear from undocumented students about their experiences going to grad school. In addition, NYSYLC is awarding 11 scholarships and 3 fellowships. The deadline is May 14, 2021. Apply at NYSYLC.org/scholarship.

On Thursday, I joined Urban Health Plan, NYS Lt. Governor Kathy Hochul, Councilmember Salamanca, and Assemblymember Burgos on a tour of the Simpson Pavilion vaccination site in the Bronx. Please get vaccinated!.

District Office:

900 Rogers Place Bronx, NY 10459  718-991-3161

Governor Cuomo Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress during COVID-19 Pandemic April 30, 2021

 

2,837 Patient Hospitalizations Statewide

ICU Patients Drop to 666 — Lowest Since November 27

Intubations Drop to 423 — Lowest Since December 3

Statewide Positivity Rate Drops to 1.76%—Lowest Since November 3

Statewide 7-Day Positivity Rate Drops to 1.93% — Lowest Since November 6; 25 Straight Days of Decline

44 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.

"We've said from the very beginning that the data and the science would guide our reopening plan, and with the positivity and hospitalization rates on a consistent downward trend we are able to relax restrictions even further," Governor Cuomo said. "This is all good news, but we're not out of the woods yet. Our progress is directly affected by what we do and how we act, so we must continue with the precautions we know work to stop the spread if we want to beat COVID once and for all — wearing masks, staying socially distanced and, most importantly, getting vaccinated."

Today's data is summarized briefly below:

• Test Results Reported - 220,074
• Total Positive - 3,868
• Percent Positive - 1.76%
• 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 1.93%
• Patient Hospitalization - 2,837 (-97)
• Net Change Patient Hospitalization Past Week - -550
• Patients Newly Admitted - 366
• Hospital Counties - 53
• Number ICU - 666 (-25)
• Number ICU with Intubation - 423 (-2)
• Total Discharges - 175,506 (+379)
• Deaths - 44
• Total Deaths - 41,992