FIRST LADY CHIRLANE MCCRAY AND DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTION ANNOUNCE PLANS TO RELOCATE ARTWORK BY FAITH RINGGOLD FROM RIKERS ISLAND TO THE BROOKLYN MUSEUM

 

As the city moves to close jails on Rikers Island, the agency is planning to relocate the Faith Ringgold painting “For the Women’s House” to a permanent home

 

 First Lady Chirlane McCray and the Department of Correction (DOC) today announced that For the Women’s House, an iconic painting by celebrated artist Faith Ringgold is expected to be moved out of the Rose M. Singer Center (RMSC) on Rikers Island to the Brooklyn Museum, subject to review by the NYC Public Design Commission.

 

“The history of New York City's success is very much about how women contributed in every aspect of the city’s development. But too many of those stories remain untold, particularly for women of color whose achievements were literally erased from history books,” said First Lady Chirlane McCray. “This Administration has made it a priority to showcase unseen and unheralded artworks that give us another perspective on the important issues of our time. I’m proud that this historic painting will be preserved at the Brooklyn Museum where children can see it and know that they too can create works of art that ignite change, expand awareness and fire the imagination.”

 

The mural was dedicated to the women at the Correctional Institution for Women on Rikers Island in January 1972. When men began to be housed at the facility in 1988, the painting was whitewashed before it was saved by an officer. The piece was then restored and relocated to the new women’s facility, the RMSC or “Rosie’s,” where it remains on display.

 

“While we rightly move off Rikers, there is much history to remember and reflect upon,” said DOC Commissioner Vincent Schiraldi. “Bringing this piece into public view is an important part of learning and growing from this history. We thank Faith Ringgold who dedicated her talents to offer a bit of beauty in an otherwise difficult place.”

 

The Administration has advanced several progressive initiatives including: Catalyst Art and Social Justice, the largest ever art exhibition at Gracie Mansion to examine art and social justice through over 75 works by more than 50 artists and activists since the 1960s, and SheBuilt NYC, an effort to create monuments and other public art honoring women. CreateNYC, the City’s first-ever roadmap for cultural investment and equality, has increased equitable funding and support for culture, especially in historically underserved neighborhoods, and provided high-quality arts education for all NYC public school students.

 

Incorporating suggestions given to Ringgold by incarcerated women, For the Women’s House depicts the first female president, professional women basketball players and other positive female role models.  The piece is expected to be added to the Ringgold collection at the Center for Feminist Art at the Brooklyn Museum to ensure it is accessible to the public.

 

In order to replace the artwork, and to promote beauty and healing within the jails, the Art for Justice Fund has kindly offered to fund the creation of a new community mural in RMSC in the space vacated by Ms. Ringgold’s work.

 

Attorney General James Secures $50,000 for RV Owners Who Could Not Obtain Timely Repairs

 

Agreements Require Both Current and Former Owners of RV Dealerships to Make Significant Changes to Business Practices

 New York Attorney General Letitia James announced agreements with the former and current owners of two recreational vehicle (RV) dealerships in upstate New York, Albany RV and Buffalo RV, for failing to provide consumers with timely repairs. The agreements with RV One Superstores, Inc. and RV Retailer East, LLC — the former and current owners, respectively, of Albany RV and Buffalo RV — resolve an investigation by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) that found both companies engaged in deceptive practices and failed to make timely repairs to consumers’ vehicles. The two dealerships have already repaired consumers’ RVs, and RV One Superstores will pay $50,000 to compensate consumers who were harmed by the dealerships’ dishonest business practices. 

“RVs are costly investments, which is why it’s so important that consumers get accurate information and timely repairs when they make these purchases,” said Attorney General James. “Because of our action, repairs have already been completed and consumers will be compensated for delays. New Yorkers can trust that my office will always fight to protect their wallets and help them get what they have paid for.”

Since 2015, the OAG has received approximately 70 complaints against Albany RV and 16 against Buffalo RV. The OAG’s subsequent investigation revealed that many consumers faced lengthy delays when they sought to obtain repairs from the dealerships — waiting weeks or months to schedule or obtain a repair. Many consumers also complained that the dealerships were not responsive to their phone calls and inquiries concerning the status of their repairs. Additionally, some consumers complained that sales representatives misled them during the sales process about the scope of warranty coverage or the condition of the used vehicles they agreed to purchase, or made false promises concerning repairs or cleaning services that would be provided before consumers would take possession of their RVs.

In December 2018, RV One Superstores sold the two dealerships’ assets to RV Retailer East, which has owned and operated the dealerships since that time.

During the course of the investigation and, at the OAG’s request, both the former and current owners made many of the overdue repairs that were the subject of consumer complaints. Additionally, today’s agreements require both the current and former owners to make significant changes to their business practices, including:

• Prohibiting the businesses from misrepresenting any material fact about the condition of an RV or the terms of any warranty or service contract,
• Responding to phone calls and inquiries from consumers who purchased RVs within three business days,
• Providing timely service appointments to consumers,
• Keeping consumers apprised of the status of their RV repairs, and
• Providing consumers with a copy of the warranty, or a written document describing its terms before contracting with them for it.

Consumers who believe they paid for repairs that should have been made without charge from either Albany RV or Buffalo RV are encouraged to file a consumer complaint online on the OAG’s website or contact the OAG’s Consumer Hotline by phone at (800) 771-7755.

Team AOC - 2021 in photos

 

A look back at 2021 in photos...

January 2021

Alexandria joined a picket line with Teamsters Local 202 in The Bronx to support food and manufacturing workers on strike - they ultimately won their largest pay raise in 30 years.

February 2021

Alexandria visited with families impacted by the winter storm in Texas and worked with volunteers to provide food and water to those who were without power for days. Together, we raised over $5 million toward relief for families across the state.

April 2021

Alexandria and Senator Markey reintroduced the Green New Deal in Congress with 13 new cosponsors.

Alexandria hosted an Earth Day celebration at Astoria Park to discuss the Green New Deal and the campaign’s work to stop the NRG power plant proposed for Astoria. (Which we later defeated!)

June 2021

In our local City Council elections, we organized our first slate of Courage to Change Candidates, all of whom committed to a series of policy pledges aimed at achieving social, racial and economic justice — and 16 of them won!

September 2021

After Hurricane Ida brought catastrophic, deadly flooding to New York City, AOC visited with families.

Our team of volunteers went door to door to get resources and information out to affected neighborhoods for six straight weeks.

October 2021

Annual Halloween fair hosted by Team AOC at Pelham Bay Park. We know trick or treating can be tough in the City, so each year we bring the celebration to our families!

November 2021

At Thanksgiving, we distributed over 170 turkeys to families in our district. And during the start of the school year, we provided 800 backpacks to students in need. We also raised $34K for local organizations doing food relief work this fall.

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Thank you for making this year so special, None of this would be possible without your support.

We’re excited to continue growing and building with you in the year to come.

With thanks,

Team AOC

Eric Adams, A Farewell for Now, Brooklyn.

Friend, As we get ready to welcome 2022, we reflect on the past year, which has not been easy by any metric. However, as Anne Frank once wrote: “Where there’s hope, there’s life. It fills us with fresh courage and makes us strong again.” Despite the ongoing surge of the COVID-19 Omicron variant and the devastation Hurricane Ida wrought upon our communities in September, as well as the pervasive economic, racial, and social inequities that plague our communities, it’s easy to feel down, but Brooklynites are stronger when they stand together, and are never down for the count. I am filled with renewed hope that the coming year will bring us to places of greater equality, health, justice, and safety for all Brooklynites and New Yorkers. Yes, there is a lot of work that must be done, and no, it is not going to be easy, but in the words of the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who we lost earlier this week, “To choose hope is to step firmly forward into the howling wind, baring one’s chest to the elements, knowing that, in time, the storm will pass.” If these past eight years have taught me anything about Brooklynites, it’s that when our communities face difficult times, I always see neighbors rise to lend a hand, whether bringing home-cooked meals to those who are homeless or homebound, or collecting clothing and toiletries for families whose home was tragically gutted by fire. Brooklynites always find a way to come together to help other Brooklynites. That is spreading love, the Brooklyn way! And so, on this final New Year’s Eve of my borough presidency, and in the enduring spirit of One Brooklyn, I hope all of you reading will continue to do all you can to elevate and empower others in Brooklyn and beyond who may be less fortunate. When we welcome 2022, let’s resolve to do what we can to make this borough, this city, and this world a better place. Wishing all of you a very happy, joyful, peaceful New Year! -Eric

2 Days and Counting

 

Today is my last official day as your mayor, however I will still be your mayor on January 1, 2022 until Eric Adams is sworn in as your new mayor. Be it one minute or hours, I will still be your mayor. I will make my decision on entering the governor's race or not after I am out of office so it does not interfere with my job as your mayor.

I want to wish everyone a Happy New Year, hope that everyone is vaccinated, but as we see Governor David Patterson, I mean Kathy Hochul has said in her Executive Order 11.1 that the current vaccines we have do not stop the Omicron variant while still telling people to get vaccinated. So Kathy, what is it are the vaccine working, or is it just Kool Aid?

2021 AccessibleNYC - Report to Improve Quality of Life for People with Disabilities

 

AccessibleNYC provides a comprehensive report on current and planned initiatives by the City to improve quality of life for New Yorkers with disabilities in transportation, employment and financial empowerment, housing, health, access to City services and more. 

 The Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD) has released the 2021 edition of the AccessibleNYC report. The report highlights the work of City agencies and its partners to continue to increase accessibility for people with disabilities. 

“Being the fairest big city in America means ensuring every constituent has their needs met,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “I’m proud of the work Commissioner Calise, his team, and my administration have done to make our city a welcoming place for the nearly 1 million New Yorkers with disabilities who call New York City home, as well as those who visit every year. All are welcome here and all have access to the services and support they deserve.” 

"The 2021 AccessibleNYC underscores the de Blasio Administration's pledge to equity and transparency as we serve all New Yorkers, including individuals with disabilities, said Deputy Mayor for Strategic Policy Initiatives J. Phillip Thompson. "The report shows the progress the City has made that we are confident our successors will continue to build on.” 

"We are proud to release the 2021 edition of AccessibleNYC," said Victor Calise, Commissioner of the NYC Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities. "Despite the challenges the COVID-19 pandemic continued to bring, we continued moving forward with our initiatives to provide access and inclusion in all aspects of life in our City.” 

Highlights from the 2021 edition of AccessibleNYC include: 

Transportation:  

Zoning for Accessibility, which was passed by the City Council earlier this year, will help ensure that developers work with the City and MTA to set aside space where needed for station elevators, which will accelerate accessibility. 

Employment: 

MOPD’s person-centered employment program, NYC: ATWORK, launched in 2017, placed its 500^th person with a disability in a real job with real pay. 

Health: 

We have delivered more than 50,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to people in their homes. 

Digital Accessibility: 

The City adopted WCAG 2.1 as its web accessibility standard and, to increase transparency, committed to publishing audits of website accessibility on a rolling basis, not just as part of its biennial reports. 

Access: 

The NYC Building Code was updated to include new requirements that will increase accessibility including a new requirement for accessible seating space at dining and drinking counters. 

For more information on these highlights and other work the City is doing to improve accessibility, the 2021 Edition of AccessibleNYC is available now at nyc.gov/accessiblenyc 

Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress Combating COVID-19 - DECEMBER 30, 2021

 

145,481 Vaccine Doses Administered Over Last 24 Hours    

76 COVID-19 Deaths Statewide Yesterday

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

“As the New Year approaches, it's more important than ever that we take the necessary precautions to keep each other safe in the face of the COVID winter surge," Governor Hochul said. “It’s up to all of us to make 2022 a safer, healthier year than 2021 was – get vaccinated, get boosted, mask up, and avoid large indoor public gatherings when possible.” 

Today's data is summarized briefly below: 

• Test Results Reported - 336,469
• Total Positive - 74,207
• Percent Positive - 22.05%
• 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 16.21%
• Patient Hospitalization - 7,373 (+606)
• Patients Newly Admitted - 1,635
• Patients in ICU - 1,020 (+58)
• Patients in ICU with Intubation - 518 (+19)
• Total Discharges - 229,656 (+1,047)
• New deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 76
• Total deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 48,325
  
  
  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 - 61,242
  
  
  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 - 33,514,185
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 24 hours - 145,481
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 7 days - 671,800
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose - 89.0% 
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series - 80.5% 
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 95.0%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 82.8%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose - 77.9%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series - 69.7% 
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 83.8% 
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 71.7%

DEC RELEASES NEW YORK’S FIRST-EVER, STATEWIDE GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS REPORT COMPLIANT WITH STATE’S CLIMATE LAW

Supports Implementation of State’s Ambitious Climate Law 

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner and Climate Action Council Co-Chair Basil Seggos today announced the release of the State’s first-ever statewide greenhouse gas emissions report compliant with the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA). The report describes statewide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for 1990 through 2019, and will be produced annually as required by New York’s nation-leading climate law. The release of the report is a milestone in the State’s efforts to meet the requirements of the CLCPA.   “The release of the first CLCPA-compliant, statewide report on greenhouse gas emissions advances New York’s efforts to implement our nation-leading Climate Law by providing a snapshot of greenhouse gas emissions, which will help ensure we achieve our aggressive target of net-zero emissions by 2050,” said Commissioner Seggos. “This annual report shows that while New York State has reduced emissions from several sectors over the last three decades, emissions from some sectors, including transportation, have increased, revealing that enormous challenges remain in our ongoing work to meet our emission-reduction targets. The report is a critical resource as we continue to act on climate and advance a just transition to clean energy that creates good jobs and supports a green economy for the future.” “This report is critical to the ongoing work of the Climate Action Council and will certainly help inform strategic decisions on how New York State moves forward to transition to a green future,” said Doreen M. Harris, President and CEO of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority and Co-Chair of the Climate Action Council. “More importantly, it gives New Yorkers reliable data at their fingertips so that they can also use this information to drive action and awareness on climate change and advocate for the progress we still need to make to ensure the health and safety of all who live and work in this great state.” Under the CLCPA accounting, statewide greenhouse gas emissions have fallen six percent from 1990, and 17 percent from 2005. The report shows significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions in the last 30 years in some economic sectors, notably a 46-percent reduction in emissions from electricity generation since 1990, and a 34-percent reduction from the industrial sector. However, emissions from the transportation and buildings sectors have both increased by 16 percent since 1990?, although emissions from both sectors have declined since 2005. The report’s findings will be used to help guide efforts to implement the CLCPA and reduce emissions. In addition, the report found that while carbon dioxide emissions have been reduced over the last three decades, hydrofluorocarbons and methane emissions have increased during the same time period.  The report is expressed in tons of carbon dioxide equivalents from all greenhouse gas emissions and leverages the best available science and data to describe emissions statewide from all economic sectors. This report is the first in New York State and marks the first in the U.S. to account for greenhouse gas emissions associated with the generation of imported electricity and the extraction and transmission of imported fossil fuels using a 20-year Global Warming Potential for GHGs. In addition, the report describes the emissions reduced by the state’s lands and forests that will help New York reach its goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. The annual report will aid in tracking the state’s progress toward its 2030 and 2050 emissions limits as codified in the New State Register in 2020.   The report is posted to the DEC website at https://www.dec.ny.gov/energy/99223.html. New York State's nation-leading climate agenda is the most aggressive climate and clean energy initiative in the nation, calling for an orderly and just transition to clean energy that creates jobs and continues fostering a green economy as New York State recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic. Enshrined into law through the CLCPA, New York is on a path to achieve its mandated goal of a zero-emission electricity sector by 2040, including 70 percent renewable energy generation by 2030, and to reach economy-wide carbon neutrality. It builds on New York's unprecedented investments to ramp-up clean energy including over $33 billion in 102 large-scale renewable and transmission projects across the state, $6.8 billion to reduce buildings emissions, $1.8 billion to scale up solar, more than $1 billion for clean transportation initiatives, and over $1.6 billion in NY Green Bank commitments. Combined, these investments are supporting nearly 158,000 jobs in New York's clean energy sector in 2020, a 2,100 percent growth in the distributed solar sector since 2011 and a commitment to develop 9,000 megawatts of offshore wind by 2035. Under the Climate Act, New York will build on this progress and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 85 percent from 1990 levels by 2050, while ensuring that at least 35 percent with a goal of 40 percent of the benefits of clean energy investments are directed to disadvantaged communities, and advance progress towards the state's 2025 energy efficiency target of reducing on-site energy consumption by 185 trillion BTUs of end-use energy savings.