128 Days and Counting

 

O.K. It's back to business now that I finished up my City Hall in Staten Island week. I wanted to see Staten Island Chuck and ask him if he saw his shadow this year, but I was banned from the Staten Island Zoo when I dropped Chuck a few years ago. It's nice to be back with the Democrats, as Staten Island has the only Republican borough president. I am sure that Curtis Swila will win Staten Island, but that is all.

Today's subject is the backlog in the court system. We have much crime going on, and the alleged suspects are not getting their day in court. I have with me a bright young Councilman from one of the highest crime areas, Bronx Councilman Oswald Feliz. Now Oswald just read what my staff gave you and don't go off script. Thank you Mayor de Blasio.

Governor Hochul Directs Review of System Breakdown That Led to Subway Service Disruption in New York City

Governor Hochul: "Let me be very clear. Last night was unacceptable. If you're one of those riders or people relying on safe transport, the system failed you. The MTA is the lifeblood of the city, and a disruption of this magnitude can be catastrophic ... I'm immediately directing a review to find out the root cause of the service issues last night. We need to know why the system broke down and why there's a breakdown of communications between the rail center, the rail control center and the trains."

Good morning. I'm Governor Kathy Hochul. I thank you for joining us on this beautiful Monday morning. I'm joined by Janno Lieber, the MTA acting chair and CEO, and Demetrius Crichlow, the senior vice president in the department of subways. Last night, one half of the New York subway system experienced an unprecedented system breakdown. Approximately 8:25 p.m., Con Ed reported losing a feeder for a short period of time that resulted in a voltage dip across New York City. At about the same time, two power plants and generators went offline. It was a momentary outage that did go to the backup system. When it tried to go back to normal, there was a surge, an unprecedented surge that resulted in the subway losing signalization and communication ability and it lost that between its command center and the trains throughout the system.

The trains that were affected were the numbers lines 1 through 7, as well as the L train. Eighty-three trains were affected but what was most concerning was the five trains that had been stuck between stations. This ended up leading to evacuations in the tunnels and two of those evacuations were orderly and directed by the emergency personnel. In two other cases, the experience was what was known as self-evacuation, where riders decided to leave on their own. We never, ever want riders to do that. It is dangerous and it caused a delay in the restoration of power. The tracks are dangerous and the last train was re-platformed.

What we experienced was a lot of anxiety for the citizens of the city who happened to be on the trains, and on the five trains in particular that were between the stations over 550 people were affected. Again, this is a scary situation, something we don't want New Yorkers to ever have to experience again. And again, I say this was unprecedented. The confluence of events that led to this has never happened before to our knowledge. So we did have a rolling restoration. It would have happened earlier, and this happened at 1:30 a.m. It could have happened around midnight, except we had to make sure, working closely with the FDNY, that because of the self-evacuation that they had to go examine all the tracks to make sure that there were no people on them. That was a very dangerous situation. So that did delay the restoration of power. It could have been restored by midnight. But by 1:30, all trains are restored in the morning, commute operations are going normally.

Let me be very clear. Last night was unacceptable. If you're one of those riders or people relying on safe transport, the system failed you. The MTA is the lifeblood of the city, and a disruption of this magnitude can be catastrophic. And thank God, when you think about the time that this happened. It was a time of low ridership. It was on a weekend night, late at night. And I can only imagine how devastating this would have been for thousands of New Yorkers had this occurred during a morning commute like this morning. So I'm immediately directing a review to find out the root cause of the service issues last night. We need to know why the system broke down and why there's a breakdown of communications between the rail center, the rail control center and the trains. I would also be clear that we've had no indication of any malicious actions that would, that would have created the situation, and that's why I want to find out exactly what happened to prevent it from happening again.

We are in regular communications with City Hall throughout this and the Office of Emergency Management, they are participating directly. So it was a collaborative effort between the state and the city, the MTA. And I do want to thank all the transit workers, particularly the conductors who had the weight of responsibility on their shoulders to go to all through the trains, sometimes 10 in number, to let people know verbally what were experiencing. Again, there was no communication other than what the conductor could say on the PA system or verbally went to the trains because the overall system was not functioning.

So I also want to think all the transit workers, the NYPD was fabulous. We enjoyed working with them and their professionalism. FDNY was right there on the scene doing their work, and all the first responders who worked tirelessly through the night to rescue people who had been stranded, make sure that it was safe, and ultimately the restoration of power. So I want to commend the work of all these New Yorkers and the work that's going in every single day at the MTA to make sure that everything is working right.

Again, this was triggered by an incident at 8:25, when Con Ed reported losing a feeder. Now I want to thank you very much, and I want to thank the leadership of these individuals. They worked tirelessly through the night. I trust their professionalism and I trust their ability to get to the bottom of this and give me a full report once they've had an opportunity to examine the circumstances that led to this. Once again, an unprecedented system breakdown in half of the New York City subway system.

Kicking Off Labor Rights Week, Comptroller Stringer Announces $7.5 Million in Stolen Prevailing Wages Returned to Workers During COVID-19 Pandemic

 

Bureau of Labor Law recoups unpaid wages with interest for workers regardless of their immigration status, whether or not they still live in New York City

Today, New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer kicked off Labor Rights Week by announcing that nearly $7.5 million in stolen prevailing wages has been returned to more than 400 workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Comptroller Stringer also launched a series of “Know Your Rights” virtual events in collaboration with labor rights groups, community organizations and the Consulate of Mexico.

The Comptroller’s Bureau of Labor Law enforces prevailing wage and benefit rates for construction and building service workers employed by contractors on City public work projects. When companies on these public contracts fail to pay the proper wages and benefits, the Comptroller enforces the law to recover the money owed to workers and ensures that they receive the money through outreach. Amid the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Comptroller’s office launched a phone banking campaign in April to return unclaimed wages to workers cheated out of pay. Since March 2020, the Comptroller’s Office has returned nearly $7.5 million to more than 400 workers.

“During the economic hardship of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s more important than ever that workers get the wages they are rightfully owed,” said Comptroller Stringer. “I am proud that my office, in partnership with labor and community-based organizations, has connected more than 400 workers with $7.5 million in stolen wages. I always say that every week should be Labor Rights Week, because workers are most empowered when they know their rights and can advocate for what they deserve.”

The Mexican Consulate in New York hosts Labor Rights Week every year just before Labor Day. This year’s Labor Rights Week will be a virtual event and will take place from August 30 through September 5, 2021. An MOU is signed every two years in commitment to the partnership between the Comptroller’s office and the Mexican Consulate to promote labor rights and advocate for workers. The Mexican Consulate has similar MOUs with New York State and the United States Departments of Labor. For the Comptroller’s office, the object of the MOU is to ensure workers are aware of their rights to prevailing wages on City-funded public work sites.

The Comptroller’s Bureau of Labor Law will participate at “Know Your Rights”  virtual events and workshops across the City throughout Labor Rights week. For more information, please click here.

Murad Awawdeh, Executive Director of the New York Immigration Coalition, said:  “With immigrants representing more than half of our front line workers and thousands still fighting for relief, it is vital that workers receive every cent owed them. Even during the best of times, rampant wage theft remains a reality for all too many hard-working New Yorkers. We applaud the Comptroller’s efforts through the covid-19 pandemic recouping 7.5 million in stolen prevailing wages for more than 400 hundred workers regardless of their immigration status and ensuring all workers get the compensation they deserve for their labor.”

Kyle Bragg, President of 32BJ SEIU, said: “An honest day’s work deserves an honest day’s pay. That’s why this work by Comptroller Stringer and his Bureau of Labor Law is so important. Contractors who cheat workers and cut corners can never be tolerated – and especially not during a global pandemic. These returned wages will help send a powerful message to all that, in New York City, we honor workers’ rights – each and every day.”

Angeles Solis, Lead Organizer of Make the Road New York, said: “Thousands of immigrant New Yorkers leveled by the devastation of COVID-19 are still hurting on the path to economic recovery. Comptroller Stringer’s initiative put money in the hands of workers that have been cheated out of pay regardless of their immigration status. Wage theft is a persistent and pervasive problem in New York, with employers consistently cheating workers out of money they rightfully earned. We commend the Comptroller for fighting to recoup wages for workers and sending a clear message to employers that this type of behavior will not be tolerated.”

Maf Misbah Uddin, Founder and President of the Alliance of South Asian American Labor, said: “The Alliance of South Asian American Labor (ASAAL) is proud to continue it’s partnership with the City Comptroller’s Office, all labor-based groups, and our concerned citizens to fight for economic justice for workers. Wage theft is a serious crime and we all must do everything in our power to protect the workers in getting their fair share of pay that they earned regardless of their immigration status. We commend Comptroller Stringer’s Bureau of Labor Law for overcoming all challenges through the pandemic and bringing justice to 400 workers during this public health crisis.”

Jonathan Westin, Executive Director of New York Communities for Change, said: “Employers across the City continue to cheat workers out of their hard-earned wages. We applaud Comptroller Stringer for standing up and helping workers who are owed thousands of dollars in compensation. We will continue to work hand in hand with the Comptroller to combat wage theft across the city.”

Jo-Ann Yoo, Executive Director of the Asian American Federation, said: “Workers, who have always been vulnerable, are hurting more than ever, and the economic and social fallout from the Covid-19 pandemic continues to affect their livelihoods.  It is even more critical in this economic climate that contractors who take public dollars do right by their workers and pay their workers fairly. We thank Comptroller Stringer for championing workers, especially during these difficult economic times. We commend his bureau of labor law for their tireless efforts through the pandemic that led to returning $7.5 million in prevailing wages to more than 400 workers. We are happy that workers have an opportunity to claim their stolen wages and we will work with our pan-Asian member agencies to spread the word to the Asian community.”

Since 2014, Comptroller Stringer’s office has assessed more than $35 million in prevailing wage violations and paid over $22 million to employees who were cheated out of their wages. It has also debarred over 60 contractors who took advantage of workers – setting an office record.

VAN NEST NEIGHBORHOOD ALLIANCE (VNNA) SEPTEMBER MONTHLY MEETING – MONDAY, SEPT 13, 2021 – 7:00PM

 

WE ARE BACK!

Welcome old and new members!

Monday Sept 13, 2021

at 7:00 PM

 

Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress Combating COVID-19 - AUGUST 29, 2021

 

50,264 Vaccine Doses Administered Over Last 24 Hours  

27 COVID-19 Deaths Statewide Yesterday   

 Governor Kathy Hochul today updated New Yorkers on the state's progress combating COVID-19.  

"As the Delta variant makes its way through communities across the country, it's crucial we keep doing everything we can to keep each other safe from the COVID virus," Governor Hochul said. "Wear a mask and, if you haven't already, get your vaccine as soon as you can. The vaccine is the best way to protect yourselves and your loved ones." 

Today's data is summarized briefly below: 

• Test Results Reported - 149,124 
• Total Positive - 4,246 
• Percent Positive - 2.85% 
• 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 3.29% 
• Patient Hospitalization - 2,148 (-103) 
• Patients Newly Admitted - 258 
• Patients in ICU - 445 (-20) 
• Patients in ICU with Intubation - 222 (+2) 
• Total Discharges - 192,453 (+342) 
• New deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 27 
• Total deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 43,533 

The Health Electronic Response Data System is a NYS DOH data source that collects confirmed daily death data as reported by hospitals, nursing homes and adult care facilities only. 

• Total deaths reported to and compiled by the CDC - 55,453 

This daily COVID-19 provisional death certificate data reported by NYS DOH and NYC to the CDC includes those who died in any location, including hospitals, nursing homes, adult care facilities, at home, in hospice and other settings. 

• Total vaccine doses administered - 23,583,419 
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 24 hours - 50,264 
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 7 days - 350,426 
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose - 76.7% 
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series - 69.7% 
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 79.4% 
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 71.4% 
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose - 64.7% 
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series - 58.3% 
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 67.0% 
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 59.8% 

NYC’S URBAN SEARCH AND RESCUE TEAM ― NEW YORK TASK FORCE 1 ― ACTIVATED TO ASSIST IN HURRICANE IDA RESPONSE & RECOVERY EFFORTS

 

A total of 83 members will deploy to Louisiana 

 The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has activated Urban Search and Rescue - New York Task Force 1 to deploy 83 members to assist in Hurricane Ida response and recovery efforts in Louisiana. The team is managed by the New York City Emergency Management Department and is made up of specially trained personnel from the New York City Fire Department and the New York City Police Department.   

New York Task Force 1 specializes in urban search and rescue, disaster recovery, and emergency triage and medicine. The 83-member team, along with six canines, departed from New York City Emergency Management's Brooklyn facility on Sunday to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where they will pre-stage ahead of potential assignments. The team is deploying with equipment and tools to support its operations, including four water rescue boats, motors, items to support rescues from collapsed structures and confined spaces, as well as a compilation of hazardous materials response equipment. The team is expected to arrive in Louisiana on Monday evening. There are 28 FEMA US&R teams strategically located throughout the United States that can be deployed within six hours of activation. 

 

“New York City is happy to answer the call beyond the five boroughs. This team has faced a range of disasters and is now prepared to help people who are threatened by Hurricane Ida,” said NYC Emergency Management Commissioner John Scrivani. “We wish the New York Task Force 1 team a safe journey and successful response and recovery operation.”

 

“After Hurricane Katrina, our members were proud to bravely serve in New Orleans and help the people of Louisiana during their time of need,” said Fire Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro. “Now as another hurricane heads towards the state, our highly trained FDNY members ― along with their counterparts in the NYPD ― are doing what they do best: preparing to perform search and rescue operations in a dangerous environment. I know they will make us proud once again.”

The FEMA Urban Search and Rescue program originated as a response system for natural disasters. Since the program's inception, the task forces have broadened the scope of US&R's work. Two early activations of the Urban Search and Rescue system occurred in response to Hurricane Andrew in 1992 and the 1994 Northridge Earthquake in California. FEMA US&R teams also activated in response to the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing, the 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, and Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005. New York Task Force 1 deployments include Hurricanes Ike and Gustav in 2008, the Haiti earthquake and Hurricane Earl in 2010, Hurricane Matthew in 2016, Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria, in 2017, Hurricane Florence in 2018, Hurricane Dorian in 2019, and the Surfside Building Collapse in 2021. 

129 Days and Counting

 

I have a little over four months left as your mayor. It's good that the last three months October, November, and December have thirty-one days or I would be out office three days early. I want you to know that I am a decent person with a heart. It is not my fault that the Taliban kicked us out of Afghanistan, I'm not the president, he is.

 

Hey Bill, what day is this, and say hello to your wife Hillary for me, I'm Joe Biden, the President. 

What do I say now?

On 58th Anniversary of March on Washington, Rep. Jamaal Bowman Calls for Urgent Senate Action on Voting Rights

 

Rep. Jamaal Bowman on Saturday spoke at the Make Good Trouble Rally for voting, civil, and social rights at the Lincoln Memorial. The rally, which was held on the 58th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have A Dream” speech and the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, was one of dozens held across the country to call for protections for voting and civil rights, and an end to the racist and anti-democratic suppression of Black voters across the country. An estimated 75.000 people attended events today in D.C.

 

In his speech, Rep. Bowman advocated for the abolition of the filibuster, D.C. statehood, and the passage of legislation including the For the People Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, to reaffirm voting rights in the wake of Supreme Court decisions weakening the Voting Rights Act.

 

“It’s a shame that, 58 years later, we are here fighting for the same darn thing as Dr. Martin Luther King,” Rep. Bowman said. “Here is our charge in the coming weeks: We have to pass the For the People Act in the Senate, and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act in the Senate. The House has already done its job, so the Senate has to step up and do its job. But the Senate is not going to do its job if we do not exercise our unlimited power as the people of the United States of America.”

 

The Make Good Trouble Rally was organized by Until Freedom, Black Church PAC, Transformative Justice Coalition, Black Voters Matter, Repairers of the Breach, Poor People’s Campaign, Kairos, The Gathering for Justice, Faith for Black Lives, Fund Peace, Woke Vote, and more than 60 other partners. 

 

Click here to watch Rep. Bowman’s full remarks. Click here to view photos from the rally.