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Monday, September 6, 2021
THENEWBXCC - Bronx Business News You Can Use
Team AOC - PRO Act - Protecting the Right to Organize Act
This Labor Day, we’re breaking down the most urgent way we can support workers right now.
We have the opportunity to protect unions and expand labor rights by passing the Protecting the Right to Organize Act – known as the PRO Act. The PRO Act passed in the House, but we need to put more pressure on to get it passed in the Senate.
First, why unions?
A union gives workers the ability to act together to advocate for safe working conditions, improve their wages and benefits, and protect their rights through collective bargaining and action.
Nationwide, union workers make 13.2% more in wages than nonunion workers and are more likely to have employer-provided pensions, health insurance, and other benefits.1
Studies show that unions reduce inequality and are essential for low- and middle-wage workers’ to get their fair share of economic growth.2 We know that declining unionization beginning in the 1970s has fueled rising inequality and stalled economic progress for the middle class.
In addition, giving workers a voice and leverage is essential for democracy. Unions increase participation in political causes and have been proven effective at getting people to the polls.3
Why the decline in unionization?
Current labor laws do far too little to protect workers who exercise their right to form or join a union.
Employers frequently threaten, harass, and intimidate workers who seek to form or join a union, even firing union activists. It’s a major reason why the share of workers in unions has decreased from 33.2% in 1956 to 10.7% in 2016.4
What would the PRO Act do?
The PRO Act would strengthen protections for workers who want to unionize by supporting workers who suffer retaliation from their employers and enhance the rights of workers to boycott, strike, and take other collective action.
It would prevent employers from using loopholes to deny pay, benefits, and rights to employees and forbid employer interference in union elections.
This law would make it illegal for employers to use company-sponsored meetings with mandatory attendance to lobby against a union-organizing drive and establish monetary penalties for companies that violate workers’ rights.
Lastly, it would prevent an employer from using an employee’s immigration status against them when determining the terms of their employment.
What’s next?
In May, we joined the Democratic Socialists of America to reach voters in states where crucial Senators have yet to sign onto the PRO Act.
Together we made 934,000 dials across Arizona, Maine, West Virginia, Virginia, and Alaska talking to voters about why we need to pass the PRO Act and rebuild our labor movement.
By building that pressure coming from people across the country, we flipped Senator Angus King of Maine and Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia to support the PRO Act. But we still need more Senators to step up.
Together, we can build the largest unionized workforce in history that will fight and win for working families across the country. Please stay tuned for more updates and ways you can help pass the PRO Act.
In solidarity,
Team AOC
Update From Senator Biaggi Regarding Hurricane Ida: Apply for FEMA Financial Assistance
Good afternoon, I am reaching out with an update for households that have experienced damage due to Hurricane Ida. Earlier today, President Joe Biden approved Governor Kathy Hochul’s expedited Major Disaster Declaration that will provide federal financial relief for local governments and deliver assistance for eligible New Yorkers recovering from the flooding damage caused by Hurricane Ida. Westchester and Bronx counties will receive funding for emergency protective measures, debris removal and repairs to public buildings and infrastructure, as well as direct support for individuals and homeowners. Eligible New Yorkers can receive funds for uninsured or under-insured disaster-caused expenses, such as repair or replacement of personal property or funds for moving and storage, or medical, dental, and child care. The link to apply for FEMA financial assistance can be found here: www.disasterassistance.gov. You will need the following to complete your FEMA claim:
*Note: You must provide an email address if you want to review your registration status online. If you do not provide an email address, you will be required to contact FEMA for any updates to your registration. When preparing to file a claim, please make sure you have photos and videos of property damage including:
If you need assistance filing a FEMA claim, please contact my office at biaggi@nysenate.gov or by calling 718-822-2049. The link to file a claim is www.disasterassistance.gov. ********** In addition to FEMA financial assistance, below are immediate resources for those living in Westchester and Bronx counties. Disaster and Flood Resource Center The DFS Mobile Command Center (MCC) will operate at selected locations in the State of Emergency counties affected by Ida. The MCC is staffed by DFS personnel and can provide residents and business owners impacted by the storm with insurance information regarding policy coverage for losses and suggestions on how to document their losses and safeguard their property. Appointments are not necessary. If you are not able to visit the MCC in person, call the DFS Disaster Hotline at (800) 339-1759, daily, 8:30 am to 4:30 p.m. for help with banking, insurance and claim issues.
Bronx County:
Westchester County:
If you have any questions or need assistance filing a FEMA claim please contact my office at biaggi@nysenate.gov or by calling our office at 718-822-2049. With Gratitude, State Senator Alessandra Biaggi | ||
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SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND URGE FEMA TO STAND READY TO QUICKLY APPROVE DISASTER DECLARATION FOR NEW YORK CITY, LONG ISLAND & HUDSON VALLEY COMMUNITIES RAVAGED BY TROPICAL STORM IDA
On September 1st, Remnants of Tropical Storm Ida Deluged New York City, Long Island, and Hudson Valley Regions, Killing New Yorkers, Damaging Homes, Businesses, Subways And Roads With Record-Breaking Rainfall & Dangerous Flooding
Senators Say FEMA Disaster Declaration Would Unlock Federal Funds For Impacted Communities In Bronx, Dutchess, Kings, Nassau, New York, Orange, Putnam, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Suffolk, Sullivan, Ulster & Westchester Counties
Senators To FEMA: Mobilize Disaster Assessment Teams & Stand Ready To Approve Any Requested Aid For New York Counties and Residents
U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today urged the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to approve any request from New York City and State for a major disaster declaration following the severe flooding caused by the remnants of Tropical Storm Ida that rampaged through the New York City, Long Island and the Hudson Valley regions on September 1st. The senators specifically referenced New York City as being particularly battered by the storm, getting a record 3.15 inches of rain in Central Park over the course of just one hour and over 10 inches of rain falling in various communities.
In the evening on September 1st, Governor Kathy Hochul declared a State of Emergency in New York State within the counties of Bronx, Dutchess, Kings, Nassau, New York, Orange, Putnam, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Suffolk, Sullivan, Ulster, and Westchester in response to major flooding due to Tropical Depression Ida. Schumer and Gillibrand requested that FEMA actively prepare to issue a disaster declaration for the storm-ravaged New York City, Long Island and Hudson Valley communities, and additionally, to be prepared to participate in a Preliminary Damage Assessment with state and local officials, should the state request it.
If a disaster declaration is declared, grant assistance would be made available to state and local governments, as well as certain non-profit organizations, to reimburse costs incurred for emergency work and the repair or replacement of damaged facilities. This funding is available on a cost-sharing basis; FEMA generally covers 75 percent of the eligible costs for permanent and emergency work. After any severe storm, the first step in the declaration process is for the state to request a Preliminary Damage Assessment, during which FEMA representatives join state, local, and other officials to survey damage across storm-impacted counties to help determine whether the cost of the disaster meets the criteria for a federal disaster declaration. Schumer and Gillibrand urged FEMA to be prepared to support any requests for aid from New York State.
The Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act authorizes the president to issue “major disaster” or “emergency” declarations before or after catastrophes occur. The decision to issue a disaster declaration is at the discretion of the president, and must be requested by the governor of the state. These declarations unlock federal aid through FEMA that is broken into two broad areas: Individual Assistance (IA) that aids families and individuals, and Public Assistance (PA) that is mainly for emergency work such as debris removal and permanent repairs to infrastructure. When assessing the degree of PA damage, FEMA considers six factors: estimated cost of the assistance, localized impact, insurance coverage, hazard mitigation, recent disaster, and programs of other federal assistance. Regarding the cost, FEMA has certain thresholds that have to be met to qualify for PA specific to the state and the counties in question.
Governor Hochul Announces Federal Approval for Major Disaster Declaration in Wake of Ida Flooding
Declaration Provides Federal Financial Relief for Local Governments and New Yorkers Impacted by Flooding and Supplies Individual and Public Assistance to Those Recovering from Damage of Hurricane Ida
New Yorkers Who Have Been Displaced, Including Uninsured Families, Will be Eligible for Funds for Housing Assistance, As Well As Crisis Counseling, Unemployment Assistance, Home Repairs, and Legal Services
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced President Biden approved an expedited Major Disaster Declaration that will help provide for federal financial relief for local governments and New Yorkers and deliver individual and public assistance for eligible New Yorkers recovering from the flooding damage caused by the remnants of Hurricane Ida.
The counties covered by the declaration for individual and public assistance include: Bronx, Queens, Kings, Richmond and Westchester. At this time, New York County is included for public assistance only. The Governor will continue to work with FEMA and federal, state, and local partners to ensure New Yorkers get the additional relief that they need.
New Yorkers who have been displaced, including uninsured families, will be eligible for funds for housing assistance, as well as crisis counseling, unemployment assistance, home repairs and legal services.
"I saw the devastation of New Yorkers who lost so much from this storm, and I pledged that we would do everything in our power to help them rebuild," Governor Hochul said. "I thank President Biden and FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell for their swift approval of a Major Disaster Declaration, which provides a promise that we will build back better and stronger. Majority Leader Schumer, Senator Gillibrand and the entire New York Congressional delegation have provided vital help and support for our state, and I thank them for their tireless efforts. I look forward to touring disaster areas with President Biden tomorrow and will continue to work with FEMA and our members of Congress to ensure New Yorkers get the relief they need from the devastating impacts of this horrible storm."
A Major Disaster Declaration triggers financial assistance from the federal government, allowing local communities and individual New Yorkers to continue their recovery. Assistance includes funding for emergency protective measures, debris removal and repairs to public buildings and infrastructure, as well as direct support for individuals and homeowners. New Yorkers may also be able to receive funds for other uninsured or under-insured disaster-caused expenses and serious needs, such as repair or replacement of personal property or funds for moving and storage, or medical, dental, and child care. Homeowners and renters should make every effort to document their losses.
Eligible homeowners will work directly with FEMA to obtain funding. Assistance can include funds for temporary housing units, housing and driveway repairs, crisis counseling, unemployment assistance and legal services.
The New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services deployed specialists to assess damage in order to apply for federal disaster aid. The state remained in constant contact with FEMA and local partners throughout this process to push for an expedited review on the federal side once the preliminary damage assessments were finalized.
As a result of these efforts, in just the first initial days of assessments, state and federal experts have estimated that this storm caused more than $50 million in damage to public infrastructure and property, while in excess of 1,200 residences suffered damage.
Funding to support the restoration of public infrastructure will come through FEMA's Public Assistance Program, which provides reimbursement for local governments after a disaster has been declared by the President for activities such as debris removal, emergency protective measures, repair and rebuilding of publicly-owned infrastructure that was damaged including roads, schools, bridges, parks, hospitals, police stations, fire houses, water and waste water treatment facilities and other public facilities.
Yesterday, Governor Hochul announced the launch of the new online resource hub for impacted New Yorkers, available at ny.gov/ida. The hub provides information on available assistance programs and where to find services such as shelter and access to food. The information on the site will be updated as more resources for New Yorkers become available. Additionally, the State is partnering with New York City to support the Ida Recovery Service Centers. These centers enlisted the support of elected officials who represent impacted communities and will offer information on all available resources and assistance.
Governor Hochul also directed that $378 million in previously-awarded hazard mitigation funding from FEMA be devoted to bolstering New York State's infrastructure against extreme weather.
The Governor is encouraging local officials in the impacted counties continue working with their County Emergency Managers to submit any resource needs directly into NY Responds, the state's web-based system that enables both local governments and state agencies to submit and share vital emergency-related information and resource requests.
122 Days and Counting
Here I am at the opening of Bronx Commons in the Bronx when I had my City Hall in the Bronx. I made a mistake trying to squeeze all those people into basement apartments. Now we have to build higher.
I went to Brooklyn and Queens to survey the damage. At least my house in Brooklyn Heights is O.K. but those poor people in the 14th Congressional District. Senator Schumer, Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez, FEMA representatives, and I held a press conference on the damage. At least President Biden has committed to help us, as well as what seems to be my opponent next year current New York Governor Kathy Hochul.
School start next Monday get vaccinated.
Deegan flooding proves need to Daylight Tibbetts Brook
Deegan flooding proves need to Daylight Tibbetts Brook
Tibbetts Brook Daylighted Itself
The Bronx Council for Environmental Quality (BCEQ) call for funding and construction of the Daylighting of Tibbetts Brook Project. While the Daylighting project is being proposed as part of the City’s Combined Sewer Overflow mitigation program, the events of Wednesday, September 1st, indicate that protecting essential infrastructure saves lives and immediately lessens the impact of climate change. We don’t have time to wait.
BCEQ offers solutions
- BCEQ calls for the immediate Implementation of the Community Outreach for Design Phase of Tibbetts Brook Daylighting and the Full Funding of Design and Construction
- BCEQ calls for the immediate inclusion of the Tibbett’s Brook Daylighting and Greenway in the FY23 Executive Budget Ten Year Capital Strategy
- BCEQ calls for NY State DOT to partner with the City on improvements and green infrastructure design for outfalls of the Major Deegan to eliminate stormwater discharge from reaching Van Cortlandt Lake
- BCEQ calls on our state/federal elected officials to immediately tap into Federal funding to rehabilitate Bailey Playground, integrating the green space from 234th to 238th, addressing the flooding on Bailey Avenue and using best stormwater management and EJ community engagement practices.
- BCEQ calls on our state/federal/city elected officials to identify and prioritize evacuation corridors for immediate climate change infrastructure upgrades.
- BCEQ calls on our state/federal elected officials to immediately tap into Federal funding to integrate green infrastructure in Van Cortlandt Park to address the flooding short circuits, outside of the targeted Daylighting areas to make the watershed more resilient and sustainable.
For more information, including quotes and historical information, see our blog here.
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Karen Argenti
Bronx Council for Environmental Quality
80 Van Cortlandt Park South Ste. E1
Bronx, NY 10463
Sunday, September 5, 2021
Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress Combating COVID-19 - SEPTEMBER 5, 2021
42,673 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.
"New York State continues to battle COVID-19, and it's vital that we address the Delta variant by getting as many people vaccinated as we possibly can," Governor Hochul said. "To everyone eligible who has not yet received their shot—join the millions of New Yorkers who've gotten vaccinated and keep your friends and neighbors safe. Vaccines are available at a variety of convenient sites across the state and the shot is safe, so get it today."
Today's data is summarized briefly below:
- Test Results Reported - 148,145
- Total Positive - 4,495
- Percent Positive - 3.03%
- 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 3.31%
- Patient Hospitalization - 2,281 (-78)
- Patients Newly Admitted - 273
- Patients in ICU - 516 (-16)
- Patients in ICU with Intubation - 259 (-1)
- Total Discharges - 194,253 (+323)
- New deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 27
- Total deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 43,724
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 - 55,654
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 - 23,963,992
- Total vaccine doses administered over past 24 hours - 42,673
- Total vaccine doses administered over past 7 days - 380,573
- Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose - 77.9%
- Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series - 70.5%
- Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 80.5%
- Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 72.3%
- Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose - 65.7%
- Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series - 59.2%
- Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 68.0%
- Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 60.7%