Former NYC Councilman Ruben Diaz Sr - TREMENDOUS VICTORY FOR THE PRO-LIFE MOVEMENT

 

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

By Rev. Ruben Diaz

You should know that, according to a recent news report, the Supreme Court was breached, when a document was leaked to the media which revealed that the majority opinion of the Supreme Court Justices is to overturn the controversial decision of Roe v. Wade, which nationalized the practice of abortion.  

 

You should also know that this would be a victory for the Republicans, the Pro-Life Movement, and people of faith, who would make history with the repeal of Roe vs. Wade, which by the way has never been codified by Congress. The Democratic Party is a strong proponent and has sponsored the practice of abortion in this country for over four decades.  The results of Roe vs. Wade have been devastating to this country.  It has divided the American people and has ended the lives of more than 12 million (12,000,000) unborn children, since 1973 when the Supreme Court decision was made.  

  

It is very important for you to know that this strife between Republicans and Democrats dates to the years of the Civil War under President Abraham Lincoln. The Southern Democrats favored and fought hard in favor of Slavery. This issue also divided the nation, the Northern States against the Southern States. The Southern Democrats strongly opposed the Abolition of Slavery which torn this country apart and led to the Civil War in (April 12, 1861 – May 9, 1865). This too resulted in the loss of blood and treasure finally bringing an end to slavery.

  

Now the abolition of abortion in America, is another bone of contention and struggle that has lasted decades and the Conservatives, the Republican Party and Pro-Life People have had to push back on the Democratic Party’s agenda. They’ve pushed back on the Democrats and their agenda for Abortion on Demand, Late Term Abortions, Abortions when the baby is viable, with the heartbeat bill, etc.  

 

You should Know that in 1988, I decided to create "The New York Hispanic Clergy Organization” because I felt that as a conservative and a minister, I had to create an organization that would educate the Hispanic Evangelical Christian Community in the political process and bring to light those social issues that impact our families and communities. The purpose was to fight against laws that are morally wrong as ordained by God. One of those immoral laws obviously, is abortion.  We fight on behalf of the unborn and the sanctity of life. We oppose Abortion, and those judges that legislate from the bench.  We support Judges that uphold the U.S. Constitution and interpret law, especially those judges appointed to the highest court in the Land, the Supreme Court of the United States of America.

  

Over the years we have been criticized because many do not understand the mission of the New York Hispanic Clergy Organization.  Today we can say to God be all the Glory and honor, because those who persevere and believe in the Lord will never be brought to shame, for all things in the Lord work for good.

 

We praise our Lord for President Donald J. Trump who showed wisdom in selecting Justices to the Supreme Court that will uphold the Constitution, and therefore it is very likely that Roe vs. Wade will be overturned finally.  And yes, this is a victory for all people who value the sanctity of the life of the unborn, and the health of women.  

 

The Catholic Church, its leaders, the Evangelical Christians, the Republican Party, the Conservatives, and every person who rejects abortion believing that God is the giver of Life today has a reason to rejoice.  

 

I am Rev. Ruben Diaz, and this is What You Should Know.

Former Brooklyn Resident Pleads Guilty to $3 Million Tax Return and Covid-Relief Fraud Schemes

 

Defendant Used Shell Companies to Falsely Generate Unearned Tax Refunds and Claim COVID-19 Emergency Relief Earmarked for Distressed Businesses

 Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, Patrick Poux pleaded guilty to filing false applications for hundreds of thousands of dollars in COVID-19 emergency relief loans in 2020 under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program (EIDL).  Poux also pleaded guilty to fraudulently generating and submitting false tax return applications claiming millions of dollars in unearned tax refunds between 2016 and 2019.  Today’s proceeding was held before United States Magistrate Judge Robert M. Levy.  When sentenced, Poux faces up to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million.

Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and Thomas Fattorusso, Special Agent-in-Charge, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, New York (IRS-CI), announced the guilty plea.

“It was money not well earned, or well spent. The defendant admitted to preparing and filing false applications for millions of dollars’ worth of COVID-19 disaster relief funds and tax refunds and then spending that money on a life coach and luxury goods,” stated United States Attorney Peace.  “This Office will vigorously prosecute individuals who steal taxpayer dollars, especially from critically important government programs designed to help struggling small businesses and families stay afloat during the pandemic.”

“Patrick Poux orchestrated an elaborate scheme to create false W-2 forms with excessively high federal withholdings, attempting to gain millions by using shell companies he controlled to get fraudulent tax refunds for him and his co-conspirators.  Poux’s fraud went on to include COVID-19 loan applications for companies that had no operations or employees,” said Special Agent in Charge Fattorusso.  “Poux lived a rich lifestyle filled with luxury goods while stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from those who need the funds for their businesses to thrive. U.S. taxpayers have paid the bill for his lavish purchases for far too long, and today’s guilty plea ensures that Poux will soon pay it back by facing the consequences of his actions.”

The CARES Act was enacted on March 29, 2020 to provide emergency financial assistance in connection with economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.  One source of relief provided by the CARES Act was the allocation of funds for the issuance of forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses through the PPP.  The PPP allowed qualifying small businesses to receive unsecured loans on favorable terms, which they were required to use for certain specified expenses, including payroll costs, interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities.  The PPP provided for forgiveness of the loan if recipient businesses spent the proceeds on these specified expenses within a limited time period and used a certain percentage for payroll costs.  

Similarly, the EIDL program was a program that provided low-interest financing to small businesses, renters and homeowners in regions affected by declared disasters. The CARES Act authorized the SBA to provide EIDLs of up to $2,000,000 to eligible small businesses experiencing substantial financial disruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

As set forth in court filings, between March 2020 and September 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Poux fraudulently applied for PPP and EIDL loans and grants totaling approximately $320,000, on behalf of himself and corporate entities he controlled.  Poux received approximately $183,000 in COVID-19 relief loans and grants to which he was not entitled, and he spent those funds on personal expenses, including a life coach and luxury goods from stores such as Saks Fifth Avenue.

As also set forth in court filings, between 2016 and 2019, Poux and others used false wage and withholding information in income tax returns to obtain tax refunds to which they were not entitled.  To advance the scheme, Poux created false tax forms for shell companies that had no operations or employees.  He gave co-conspirators tax forms that falsely reported that the co-conspirator had worked at a shell company and had withheld income—even though the co-conspirator never worked at the shell company.  Using these falsified forms, co-conspirators could claim substantial refunds from the United States Internal Revenue Service (IRS).  In return, Poux received a percentage of such refunds.  Poux and others submitted approximately 250 claims seeking a total of approximately $2.8 million in tax refunds from the IRS.

Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress Combating Covid-19 - MAY 3, 2022

Central New York's 7-Day Average Case Rate - Once the Highest in State During Recent Uptick - Now Lowest Since March 29

Finger Lakes 7-Day Average Case Rates Continue to Plateau

Governor Hochul Encourages New Yorkers to Keep Using the Tools to Protect Against and Treat COVID-19: Vaccines, Boosters, Testing, and Treatment

13 Statewide Deaths Reported Yesterday

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

"We have the tools to fight this virus and we know what works," Governor Hochul said. "Make sure you and your loved ones are vaccinated and get the booster if eligible. If you are not feeling well get tested, no matter how mild the symptoms. If you test positive, talk to your doctor about treatments that are available."

Today's data is summarized briefly below:   

• Cases Per 100k - 31.82
• 7-Day Average Cases Per 100k - 38.16
• Test Results Reported - 66,835
• Total Positive - 6,219
• Percent Positive - 8.90%**  
• 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 6.79%**
• Patient Hospitalization - 2,050 (+130)
• Patients Newly Admitted - 302
• Patients in ICU - 206 (+7)
• Patients in ICU with Intubation - 70 (+0)
• Total Discharges - 297,211 (+158)
• New deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 13
• Total deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 55,523

** Due to the test reporting policy change by the federal Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and several other factors, the most reliable metric to measure virus impact on a community is the case per 100,000 data -- not percent positivity.  

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.    

Important Note: Effective Monday, April 4, the federal Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is no longer requiring testing facilities that use COVID-19 rapid antigen tests to report negative results. As a result, New York State's percent positive metric will be computed using only lab-reported PCR results. Positive antigen tests will still be reported to New York State and reporting of new daily cases and cases per 100k will continue to include both PCR and antigen tests. Due to this change and other factors, including changes in testing practices, the most reliable metric to measure virus impact on a community is the case per 100,000 data -- not percent positivity.  

• Total deaths reported to and compiled by the CDC - 70,889

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 - 38,389,877
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 24 hours - 18,146
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 7 days - 164,791
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose - 92.4%  
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series - 83.8%  
• 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) - 86.9%  
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 12-17 with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 83.1%  
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 12-17 with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 73.1%  
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose - 81.9%  
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series - 74.2%  
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 90.2%  
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 76.9%  

Each New York City borough's 7-day average percentage of positive test results reported over the last three days is as follows **:      

Borough	Saturday, April 30, 2022	Sunday, May 1, 2022	Monday, May 2, 2022
Bronx	2.74%	2.69%	2.73%
Kings	3.71%	3.76%	3.64%
New York	4.51%	4.49%	4.82%
Queens	4.87%	4.85%	5.03%
Richmond	4.45%	4.31%	4.28%

Comptroller Brad Lander Kicks Off Month-long Listening Tour on Property Tax and Trash Improvements

Residents can air questions and concerns about trash and taxes to the Comptroller at townhalls on North Shore of Staten Island, Northeast Bronx, East Brooklyn, South Brooklyn, Southeast Queens.

 Through the month of May, New York City Comptroller Brad Lander will host a series of townhalls on property tax inequities and sanitation conditions across the city. Residents are encouraged to bring feedback and ideas for how city government can better serve their neighborhoods to public forums held both in person and virtually. The Comptroller’s office also launched an online survey asking for resident feedback on sanitation services open to anyone in New York City.

“A just recovery for New York City requires getting the basics right. We need our city government to prioritize clean, safe and affordable neighborhoods, so that all our communities can thrive. The best way to address those issues is by working together to identify problems and design solutions. That’s why we’re coming to neighborhoods across the city to talk trash and taxes — to talk with New Yorkers about how city government can do better on key issues in urban life,” said Comptroller Brad Lander.

The five question survey asks constituents to rank and describe the quality of sanitation services in their neighborhoods. The questions asks about whether or not sanitation has improved or worsened in the last year, food scraps and yard waste composting, and other feedback.

The Comptroller has spoken out in support of overhauling New York’s confusing and inequitable property tax system, and released a budget report in March outlining key recommendations.

The townhalls will be hosted at:

• North Shore Staten Island— May 3rd at the Staten Island Museum
• Northeast Bronx—May 12th at Albert Tuitt Senior Educational Campus 921 E 228th St
• East Brooklyn—May 17th at Hope Gardens Community Center
• South Brooklyn—May 23rd at PS 170
• Southeast Queens—June 1st at Robert Ross Johnson Family Life Center
• Virtual—June 7th

To RSVP, visit Office of the NYC Comptroller Events | Eventbrite

MAYOR ADAMS APPOINTS ERIC ULRICH AS DEPARTMENT OF BUILDINGS COMMISSIONER; KAZIMIR VILENCHIK, P.E. AS FIRST DEPUTY COMMISSIONER

 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams today appointed Eric Ulrich as commissioner of the Department of Buildings (DOB) and Kazimir Vilenchik, P.E. as first deputy commissioner. As the leadership team at DOB, they will enforce the city’s construction codes and zoning resolution, as well as the New York State Multiple Dwelling Law, to protect workers and the public on construction sites and in the city’s nearly 1.1 million buildings. They will also play a key role in advancing the city’s sustainability goals, including through the enforcement of Local Law 97.

 

“Eric Ulrich and Kazimir Vilenchik are the right leadership team at the right time for the Department of Buildings,” said Mayor Adams. “Our city and our economy cannot recover from the COVID-19 pandemic without a strong construction industry, and this team will deliver while prioritizing worker safety and customer service. I want to thank Acting Commissioner Gus Sirakis for his deep commitment and ongoing service to DOB, and I look forward to continuing my work with Commissioner Ulrich and First Deputy Commissioner Vilenchik to move our city forward.”

 

“I’m thrilled by the selection of Eric Ulrich as commissioner of the Department of Buildings,” said First Deputy Mayor Lorraine Grillo. “I have known Eric for many years, and during his time in public service, he has shown his dedication to cutting through red tape and solving complex problems New Yorkers face with pragmatism and compassion. I look forward to seeing the department under his leadership support the industry and homeowners alike in a full recovery.”

 

“It’s fitting that today’s announcement is in the midst of construction safety week, highlighting the importance of worksite safety that Commissioner Eric Ulrich will keep front and center 365 days a year,” said Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi. “I look forward to working with him as he brings his common-sense and collaborative approach to greening the city’s buildings under Local Law 97 and improving DOB’s customer service processes. I also congratulate Kazimir Vilenchik on his appointment as first deputy commissioner and thank Gus Sirakis for his leadership and continued service to the Department of Buildings.”

 

“From day one, Mayor Adams has made ‘Get Stuff Done’ the motto of his administration, and this is the spirit I bring to the Department of Buildings,” said incoming Commissioner Ulrich. “I will be laser-focused on raising safety standards on job sites, delivering the customer service our city deserves, and making our building industry the most sustainable in the nation. I look forward to working collaboratively across the agency and with all of the stakeholders to move our city forward.”

 

“My focus will be on improving DOB performance, facilitating development, maintaining existing buildings, and ensuring construction safety,” said incoming First Deputy Commissioner Vilenchik. “It is my overall goal to remove impediments to efficient operations, so that DOB can be an integral part of the New York City business development process. I want to thank Mayor Adams for giving me this opportunity, and I look forward to working with Commissioner Ulrich and my partners across the agency and in the industry to make the agency work as effectively and efficiently as possible.”

 

A former three-term New York City councilmember who served on the City Council’s Committee on Housing and Buildings, Ulrich was a leader in the city’s rebuilding effort after Hurricane Sandy, passing legislation to accelerate the rebuilding process while using the council’s oversight powers to improve the Rapid Repairs and Build It Back programs. Currently, Ulrich serves as a senior advisor to Mayor Adams.

 

Vilenchik is currently the Brooklyn borough commissioner at DOB, having served as deputy borough commissioner in Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island. He has worked at DOB for 14 years and brings over two decades of additional private sector experience.

 

“I commend Mayor Adams’ selection of Eric Ulrich as commissioner of the New York City Department of Buildings,” said New York City Chief Efficiency Officer and former DOB Commissioner Melanie La Rocca. “Eric has firsthand knowledge of how critical DOB is shaping our city — ensuring the safety of New Yorkers while keeping our neighborhoods resilient. He is committed to this city’s success and growth and is able to slice through the biggest bureaucracies by leading with common sense, compassion, and a true understanding of public service. With a reputation for excellence and effectiveness, he will shepherd this agency to new heights.”

 

“Congratulations to my former colleague Eric Ulrich on his appointment as our new New York City Department of Buildings commissioner,” said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson. “As someone that I worked alongside in the City Council, I look forward to working with him in his new capacity in promoting the safety of all people that build, work, and live in New York City.”

 

“On behalf of our respective chapters of American Institute of Architects (AIA), representing all five boroughs, we would like to acknowledge Commissioner Eric Ulrich on his appointment by Mayor Adams to lead the New York City Department of Buildings as the new commissioner,” said Frank J. Quatela A.I.A., president, AIA Queens chapter; Talisha L. Sainvil A.I.A., president, A.I.A. Brooklyn chapter; Giuseppe Bonomo A.I.A., president, A.I.A. Staten Island chapter; Sara Jazayeri A.I.A., president, A.I.A. Bronx chapter; and Andrea Lamberti A.I.A., LEED AP BD+C, president, A.I.A. New York chapter. “We also welcome the news that Brooklyn Borough Commissioner Kazimir Vilenchik, P.E., has been named as first deputy commissioner. We look forward to working together with the new leadership of the DOB in helping our industry to build safer and in creating greater sustainability for our beloved city.”

 

“On behalf of the five borough-wide chambers of commerce serving New York City, we applaud Mayor Eric Adams for appointing former New York City Council Member Eric Ulrich as the new commissioner for the New York City Department of Buildings,” said Lisa Sorin, president, Bronx Chamber of Commerce; Randy Peers, president and CEO, Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce; Jessica Walker, president and CEO, Manhattan Chamber of Commerce; Tom Grech, president and CEO, Queens Chamber of Commerce; and Linda Baran, president and CEO, Staten Island Chamber of Commerce. “Eric demonstrated a common-sense approach to governing and a deep commitment to public service that will serve the Adams administration and all New Yorkers well as he takes on this new role. We congratulate Eric on this appointment and look forward to working with him to streamline services and make the agency more efficient, so it can better serve New York City businesses and the public. We are confident that Eric is the right person to lead this agency and ‘Get Stuff Done’ for small business owners and all New Yorkers.”

 

“Eric Ulrich’s dedication to the working people of our city during his years of service in government makes him an outstanding choice to lead the New York City Department of Buildings as its new commissioner,” said Vincent Alvarez, president, New York City Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO. “Our city’s workforce is the best in the world, and we’re confident that under Eric’s stewardship, the Department of Buildings will work with New York City union members, with an eye on future collaboration — resulting in a stronger, more resilient New York City.”

 

“Eric Ulrich’s appointment as Buildings commissioner is another in a long line of outstanding appointments made by the mayor,” said Louis Coletti, president, Building Trades Employers Association. “Eric has a long and proven track record of success in taking on tough public policy issues and will again be successful in a way that will protect public and worker safety as well as improve a process that will create thousands of new jobs and generate tax revenue to benefit all New Yorkers.”

 

“Eric Ulrich’s appointment as commissioner of the Department of Buildings is a tremendous victory for working men and women,” said Joseph Geiger, executive secretary-treasurer, New York City District Council of Carpenters. “As he has throughout his career, Commissioner Ulrich will put the interests of union workers first, cut red tape, and ensure development in New York City is responsible, safe, and creates good jobs. Mayor Eric Adams’ appointment of Eric to head up DOB is further proof of his commitment to put the best and brightest to work on behalf of all New Yorkers.”

 

“We look forward to working with Commissioner Ulrich and the Adams administration to advance our shared goals of ensuring safety, efficiency, and continued innovation throughout New York City’s built environment,” said James Whelan, president, Real Estate Board of New York.

 

“Eric Ulrich is a demonstrated leader with a passion for New York City,” said Elizabeth Velez, chair emeritus, New York Building Congress; and president, Velez Organization. “As buildings commissioner, he will be a champion to keep New York City strong, safe, and growing.”

 

About Eric Ulrich

 

Eric Ulrich currently serves as a senior advisor to Mayor Adams. Prior to joining the Adams administration, Ulrich represented District 32 in Queens on the New York City Council from 2009 to 2021, serving on the Committee on Housing and Buildings. In the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy, he coordinated a massive relief effort to help area residents rebuild their homes and businesses. He introduced and passed legislation to accelerate the rebuilding process using the best available flood maps and led the effort to create a special coastal risk district in the zoning resolution to provide a planning tool for signifying flood risk in the areas of the city most vulnerable to projected future tidal flooding. He also utilized the Council’s oversight authority to improve the operations of the Rapid Repairs and Built It Back programs.

 

Ulrich attended St. Francis College in Brooklyn and Baruch College School of Public Affairs. He grew up in Ozone Park, Queens, and lives in Rockaway Park, Queens. He is the first member of his family to earn a college degree.

 

About Kazimir Vilenchik, P.E.

 

Kazimir Vilenchik, P.E. joined the DOB in October 2008 as deputy borough commissioner in Staten Island and served in Queens, Manhattan, and Brooklyn before becoming borough commissioner of Brooklyn in 2018. As borough commissioner, Vilenchik worked with a wide range of stakeholders to improve accountability and efficiency for construction processes in Brooklyn, while leading the borough office through the COVID-19 pandemic. He was a key participant in the implementation of the Universal Pre-K program and has worked on the development and implementation of code and zoning changes to promote affordable housing. He has received numerous awards for his work on Universal Pre-K and flood mitigation efforts following Superstorm Sandy. Before entering public service, Vilenchik worked as an inspector, structural engineer, and project manager over more than 20 years in the private sector.

 

Vilenchik attended Belarussian State Polytechnic University in Minsk, Belarus. He is a New York State licensed professional engineer.