Governor Cuomo Issues Proclamation Declaring August 3 'Tony Bennett Day' in New York

 

Proclamation in Honor of Singer's 95th Birthday and Final NYC Performancesat Radio City Music Hall

View Proclamation Here

 Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today issued a proclamation declaring August 3 'Tony Bennett Day' in New York in honor of the singer's 95th birthday and final New York City performances at Radio City Music Hall. The proclamation is available here.

"Music and the arts have long been an essential piece of the fabric of New York, and you would be hard-pressed to find someone who has made more of a contribution in this space than Tony Bennett," Governor Cuomo said. "Not only is Tony a born and bred New Yorker who has been dazzling audiences with beautiful music for more than six decades, but he has always stayed true to his humble New York roots and can always be spotted throughout the City whether he is working on his next painting in Central Park, or just chatting with fans on the street. From growing up as a child of immigrants, to all the contributions he has made to our community, Tony Bennett is a New Yorker in the truest sense of the word and I am honored to proclaim August 3, 2021 as 'Tony Bennett Day' in New York."

Anthony Dominick Benedetto, known professionally as Tony Bennett, was born in Astoria, Queens in 1926. He fought in the final stages of World War II as a U.S. Army infantryman in the European Theater. He is a Grammy and Emmy Award winner, a Gershwin Award and Kennedy Center honoree and an accomplished visual artist with three of his original paintings in the Smithsonian Institute's permanent collection. With his wife Susan Benedetto, he established Exploring the Arts to support arts education in public high schools, which was initiated by the creation of Frank Sinatra School of the Arts in Astoria, Queens.

This Wednesday: Food drive at the Team AOC field office

 

Reverend Oliver from Middletown Plaza Pop Up Food Pantry is asking for our community’s help:

A food donation drive benefiting a NYCHA development in New York’s 14th district is taking place next week on August 10th at Middletown Plaza. We’re collecting donations at our field office on Wednesday, August 4th, and invite you to join us in answering a call to action from our most vulnerable neighbors.

Drop-off Donations for Middletown Plaza Pop Up Food Pantry Team AOC Field Office 1371 Herschell Street, Bronx Wednesday, August 4th 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM The Reverend has requested canned foods,  rice, and vegetables

Unprecedented times take unprecedented efforts to make sure our neighbors are being supported. Together we can continue to support our community members as we work to recover from the pandemic and build back stronger and more equitable than before.

In solidarity,

Team AOC

Senator Rivera on Report by Independent Investigators Finding Governor Cuomo Sexually Harassed Multiple Women

 

 "The independent investigation overseen by New York Attorney General Letitia James unequivocally delineates the extent of Governor Cuomo's despicable behavior and chronic sexual harassment of numerous women. It is clear that the Governor and his administration fostered a toxic environment that leveraged power to intimidate those who were berated and harassed. We greatly value the bravery of those that came forward as well as those that suffered in silence. There is no doubt that the Governor is not fit to represent the State of New York and he must resign immediately. If he refuses to step aside after all of the overwhelming evidence included in this report, the Assembly should move swiftly to the next step of this process and send articles of impeachment to the Senate."

155 Days and Counting - Do I Run For Governor Now

 

You've Been a bad boy Andrew, and now the New York State Attorney General has proven it. I just can't believe what you have done while in office, such an abuse of your power. 

“My first thoughts are with the women who were subject to this abhorrent behavior, and their bravery in stepping forward to share their stories. The Attorney General’s detailed and thorough report substantiates many disturbing instances of severe misconduct. Andrew Cuomo committed sexual assault and sexual harassment, and intimidated a whistleblower. It is disqualifying.

 

“It is beyond clear that Andrew Cuomo is not fit to hold office and can no longer serve as Governor. He must resign, and if he continues to resist and attack the investigators who did their jobs, he should be impeached immediately.”

Now let's see I am term limited as the mayor, I ran for President and dropped out, Now is a good time for me to run for governor while there will be no real incumbent. 

Independent Investigators Find Governor Cuomo Sexually Harassed Multiple Women, Violated State and Federal Laws

 

Report by Independent Investigators Find NYS Governor Sexually Harassed Multiple Women From 2013 Through 2020 

Sexual Harassment Included Unwanted and Inappropriate Groping, Kissing, Hugging, and Comments That Accusers Called “Deeply Humiliating, Uncomfortable, Offensive, or Inappropriate” 

Executive Chamber “Rife with Fear and Intimidation,” Enabled “Harassment to Occur and Created a Hostile Work Environment”

 The independent investigators appointed by New York Attorney General Letitia James — led by Joon H. Kim and Anne L. Clark — today released their report into the multiple allegations of sexual harassment by New York Governor Andrew Cuomo. After nearly five months, the investigators concluded that Governor Cuomo did sexually harass multiple women — including former and current state employees — by engaging in unwanted groping, kissing, and hugging, and making inappropriate comments. Further, the governor and his senior staff took actions to retaliate against at least one former employee for coming forward with her story. Finally, the Executive Chamber fostered a “toxic” workplace that enabled “harassment to occur and created a hostile work environment.” The investigators find that Governor Cuomo’s actions and those of the Executive Chamber violated multiple state and federal laws, as well as the Executive Chamber’s own written policies.

The investigation was conducted after, on March 1, 2021, the Executive Chamber made a referral, pursuant to New York Executive Law Section 63(8), for Attorney General James to select independent lawyers to investigate “allegations of and circumstances surrounding sexual harassment claims made against the governor.” Kim and Clark were chosen to lead the investigation on March 8, 2021.

“This is a sad day for New York because independent investigators have concluded that Governor Cuomo sexually harassed multiple women and, in doing so, broke the law,” said Attorney General James. “I am grateful to all the women who came forward to tell their stories in painstaking detail, enabling investigators to get to the truth. No man — no matter how powerful — can be allowed to harass women or violate our human rights laws, period.”

Starting in December 2020, multiple women came forward with allegations that Governor Cuomo sexually harassed them. Over the course of the investigation, the investigators interviewed 179 individuals. Those interviewed included complainants, current and former members of the Executive Chamber, State Troopers, additional state employees, and others who interacted regularly with the governor. More than 74,000 documents, emails, texts, and pictures were also reviewed as evidence during the investigation.

Backed up by corroborating evidence and credible witnesses, the investigators detail multiple current or former New York state employees or women outside state service who were the targets of harassing conduct on the part of the governor.

As part of the investigation, Governor Cuomo also sat with the interviewers and answered questions under oath. While the governor denied the most serious allegations, the investigators found that he did so by offering “blanket denials” or that he had a “lack of recollection as to specific incidents.” The investigators also found that the governor’s recollection “stood in stark contrast to the strength, specificity, and corroboration of the complainants’ recollections, as well as the reports of many other individuals who offered observations and experiences of the governor’s conduct.”   

Additionally, the investigators found that the Executive Chamber was “rife with fear and intimidation” that not only “enabled the above-described instances of harassment to occur,” but also “created a hostile work environment overall.” Further, Governor Cuomo, himself, and the Executive Chamber engaged in “retaliatory” behavior by “intend[ing] to discredit and disparage” a former employee that came forward with her story of harassment.

The investigation found that Governor Cuomo’s sexual harassment of multiple women and his and the Executive Chamber’s retaliation against a former employee for coming forward with her claims of sexual harassment violated multiple state and federal laws, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the New York State Human Rights Law, and 42 U.S. Code § 1983, in addition to the Executive Chamber’s own equal employment policies.

Jennifer Kennedy Park, Abena Mainoo, and Rahul Mukhi from the law firm Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP were all deputized — in addition to Joon H. Kim — as Special Deputies to the First Deputy Attorney General to conduct the investigation and issue this report. Yannick Grant from the law firm Vladeck, Raskin & Clark, P.C. was deputized — in addition to Anne L. Clark — as a Special Deputy to the First Deputy Attorney General to conduct the investigation and issue this report. A number of other attorneys from both Cleary Gottlieb and Vladeck were appointed as Special Assistants to the First Deputy Attorney General to assist with the investigation.

Appendix I

Appendix II

Appendix III

Governor Cuomo Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress During COVID-19 Pandemic - AUGUST 2, 2021

 

29,127 Vaccine Doses Administered Over Last 24 Hours

4 COVID-19 Deaths Statewide Yesterday

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

"The Delta variant spreads quickly and those who are vaccinated are less likely to catch it and less likely to be hospitalized if they do. We've seen this movie before, but this time we have the key to preventing another mutation - the vaccine," Governor Cuomo said. "Almost all new cases of COVID arising are the Delta variant. Don't wait until it's too late. Get your vaccination as soon as possible." 

  

Today's data is summarized briefly below:

• Test Results Reported - 72,514 
• Total Positive - 2,143 
• Percent Positive - 2.96% 
• 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 2.53% 
• Patient Hospitalization - 788 (+50) 
• Patients Newly Admitted - 122 
• Patients in ICU - 162 (+10) 
• Patients in ICU with Intubation - 56 (+4) 
• Total Discharges - 186,983 (+88) 
• Deaths - 4 
• Total Deaths - 43,093 
• Total vaccine doses administered - 22,324,811 
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 24 hours - 29,127 
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 7 days - 269,165 
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose - 72.6% 
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series - 67.0%
•  Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 75.5%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 68.7%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose - 60.8% 
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series - 55.8%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 63.2%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 57.2%

Team AOC - On the eviction moratorium:

 

Over the last few days, a lot has happened regarding the federal eviction moratorium. 

To catch you up and lay out what’s going on, we put together this email explaining everything you need to know and how you can help: 

What is the eviction moratorium?

In September 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a freeze on evictions to prevent homelessness during the pandemic and combat the spread of COVID-19. 

The moratorium had been extended several times while state and local governments worked to distribute more than $45 billion in emergency funds that Congress appropriated to provide rental assistance for tenants and landlords.

The extended eviction ban was recently set to expire on June 30, but the Biden administration announced another extension through July 31 — a decision upheld by the Supreme Court.

Why wasn’t it extended again?

Last Thursday — the day before the House was set to adjourn — the Biden administration released a statement calling on Congress to extend the moratorium, suggesting that it only could be done through Congressional authorization this time. 

But instead of staying to vote or reconvening to pass an extension in time, some members of Congress chose to leave for seven weeks of vacation, and Congress adjourned without taking action by the deadline.

What is going on now?

There’s still an opportunity to act, and we’re not accepting excuses. Up to 11 million people are currently behind on rent and are now at risk of being evicted — even though billions in emergency assistance for tenants and landlords is still available.

Alexandria is joining Rep. Cori Bush and their colleagues in the House to urge Congress to do everything in its power to extend the moratorium. But they need your help to keep up the pressure:

Will you call your reps and urge them to take a stand and support extending the eviction moratorium? You can find the number and sample script here.

Call your reps now

Thank you for taking action today,

– Team AOC

Governor Cuomo: "We Have Seen This Movie Before"

New Yorkers are Encouraged to Get Their Vaccinations to Avoid Going Back to Life with Pandemic Restrictions

Governor Cuomo: "New Yorkers saw the movie. You saw the movie. You know how this turns out. You know what happens with the Delta Variant. You know what those facts mean. You know what's going to happen in the movie. Don't wait for what you know is going to happen." 

 Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today, at a press briefing, encouraged New Yorkers to avoid reliving the COVID movie that played out last year.

VIDEO of the Governor's remarks is available on YouTube here and in TV quality (h.264, mp4) format here.

AUDIO of the Governor's remarks is available here.

A rush transcript of the Governor's remarks are available below:

Last, last point. I'm with two of my daughters, they came up the other day. Twins, Cara and Mariah. We're going to watch a movie at night and I say you pick the movie, they pick the movie. We're watching the movie. During the course of the movie I selectively prophesize on what I think is going to happen. He's going to move too close to the window, he's going to get shot. Then he gets too close to the window - bang - he gets shot, he's too close to the window. Couple of minutes later. He's going to get in the car, he's going to turn on the car, the car blows up. Gets in the car, it blows up. 

After the movie, one of my daughters says to me, you know, that that was really amazing how you figured out what was going to happen in that movie? I let her sit with that for a couple of minutes. And then I had to tell her the truth, which is, I said, no, I saw the movie already. It wasn't brilliant analysis of the plot; I saw the movie. We have seen the COVID movie.  

We've seen this movie. I've seen this movie. Melissa has seen this movie every day through the briefings. Rick Cotton runs the airports among other things, one of the first people to get COVID because it was coming through the airports. He's seen the movie. Beth Garvey saw the movie. She had to write all the laws. Janno Lieber saw the movie at the MTA. We had to figure out how to disinfect subway cars because the first piece of bad information was surface transmission, remember that? So, we had to come up with all sorts of chemicals and PPE, and then he had an operate a system with no riders. Rob Mujica dealt with it every day in the financial chaos.  

New Yorkers saw the movie. You saw the movie. You know how this turns out. You know what happens with the Delta Variant. You know what those facts mean. You know what's going to happen in the movie. Don't wait for what you know is going to happen. We beat the damn thing by being smart the first time. Be smart again. "Well, the CDC. Well, this," New Yorkers did not make a decision the first time because of the CDC. It was because they got the facts. They're smart and they made a decision based on the facts.  

You have the facts. I'll give you the facts, but make the smart decision because you saw the movie. By the way, you've also seen the movie on homelessness. You've also seen the movie on crime out-of-control in New York City. I've seen that movie three times in my life. You know how the movie ends. Be smart.