New York State One Step Closer to Competent Care for Older LGBTQ+ Community

 

The bill designating LGBTQ+ older people and older people living with HIV in NY as populations of greatest social need passes the New York State Legislature and moves to Gov. Hochul’s desk

 SAGE, the world’s largest and oldest organization dedicated to improving the lives of LGBTQ+ elders, applauds the New York State legislature for passing New York S78A/7855. If signed into law, this critical bill would officially designate LGBTQ+ elders and older New Yorkers Living with HIV as populations of “greatest social need” in state programs and services for older New Yorkers.

Older people living with HIV and LGBTQ+ older people face structural inequalities, including pronounced social isolation and higher rates of poverty than their non-positive and non-LGBTQ+ peers, along with systemic barriers to accessing culturally competent aging services and supports. This designation will raise awareness of the unique needs of LGBTQ+ elders and older people living with HIV, and promote increased data collection, funding, and the expansion of LGBTQ+-competent aging services throughout the Empire State. Simply put, this legislation will help ensure all older LGBTQ+ and HIV+ New Yorkers can access the services they need to age in place.

"We applaud Assemblymember Bronson, Senator Hoylman, and the New York State legislature on their steadfast leadership in passing this crucial bill. This legislation will have a marked impact on so many LGBTQ+ elders and older people living with HIV in the great Empire State, ensuring that LGBTQ+ older people and older people living with HIV receive the culturally competent aging services and supports our community deserves," said Lynn Faria, Executive Vice President at SAGE. "Building on the progress led by the New York State Office for the Aging, this legislation puts New York in its rightful place as a leader for the LGBTQ+ community as we age. We look forward to Governor Hochul signing this bill into law.”

In addition to SAGE, S78A/A7855 is supported by AARP New York, The Center, The New York State LGBT Health & Human Services Network, Gender Equality New York, and Rainbow Heights Club. 

SAGE is the world's largest and oldest organization dedicated to improving the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer and/or questioning (LGBTQ+) older people. Founded in 1978 and headquartered in New York City, SAGE is a national organization that offers supportive services and consumer resources to LGBTQ+ older people and their caregivers. SAGE also advocates for public policy changes that address the needs of LGBTQ+ elders, provides education and technical assistance for aging providers and LGBTQ+ community organizations through its National Resource Center on LGBTQ+ Aging, and cultural competency training through SAGECare. Learn more at sageusa.org.

New York Man Convicted of Threatening Government Official

 

 A federal jury convicted a New York man on three counts of mailing threatening letters to a federal law enforcement officer with the Naval Criminal Investigative Service and to a federal prosecutor.

According to court records and evidence presented at trial, in 2021, Brock Beeman, 29, sent at least four threatening letters from prison to governmental employees associated with a separate criminal prosecution of the defendant in Norfolk. These letters included detailed threats to kill, torture, and/or maim various individuals, including a United States District Judge, United States Probation Officer, Assistant United States Attorneys, Special Agents with the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, United States Marshals, and other individuals associated with the defendant’s Norfolk criminal prosecution, as well as their friends and family members. These letters further included bomb threats for various locations, including federal courthouses, a military installation, and law enforcement offices.

Beeman faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison on each of his three counts when sentenced on August 11. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties.  A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Shannon Saylor, Acting United States Marshal for the Eastern District of Virginia, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge M. Hannah Lauck accepted the verdict.

STATEMENT FROM BOROUGH PRESIDENT GIBSON AND COUNCIL MEMBER OSWALD FELIZ ON FORDHAM HEIGHTS FIRE

 

“Less than six months since the horrific fire at Twin Parks North West and we are once again mourning the loss of one of our residents in Fordham Heights to another tragic fire. Our hearts go out to the loved ones of the resident we lost today and we offer prayers of comfort and healing to the ten individuals, including four firefighters, that were injured. These fires happen too often in our communities and we owe a debt of gratitude to the FDNY, NYPD, OEM, American Red Cross and other first-responders that responded swiftly and immediately. We will continue to monitor this situation and work to secure housing accommodations and other resources for the impacted families. Additionally, we will be taking all steps necessary to ensure fire safety challenges do not continue to plague our borough.”

Attorney General James Warns New Yorkers to Be Careful of Sham Charities Created in Response to Buffalo Terror Attack

 

New York Attorney General Letitia James today issued an alert urging New Yorkers to beware of potentially fraudulent charities created in the wake of the hate-filled terror attack in Buffalo. Anyone who is considering making a donation to organizations that are purportedly assisting victims of the shooting should consult the office’s charitable giving tips before donating. Scammers often use incidents of crisis to perpetuate frauds to divert donations away from the intended recipients.

“In the wake of tragedies, like the horrific shooting in Buffalo, scammers often take advantage of acts of kindness for personal gain,” said Attorney General James. “As New Yorkers from every corner of the state show their support and solidarity with the Buffalo community, I urge them to be careful of sham charities and make sure they give to trustworthy organizations and groups. I join the whole Buffalo community and the entire state of New York in mourning this senseless, hate-filled act of terror.”

Attorney General James offers the following tips for those donating to those impacted by the Buffalo shooting:  

• Check Before Giving. Donate to charities you are familiar with and carefully review information about the charity before you give. Most charities are required to register and file financial reports with the Office of the Attorney General's Charities Bureau if they solicit contributions from New Yorkers. Check our website, charitiesnys.com, for financial reports of charities or ask the charity directly for its reports. 
   
• Ask How Your Donation Will Be Used. Find out how the charity plans to use your donation, including the services and individuals your donation will support. Find out more than just the cause. Find out what organization or entity will receive the money and what programs it conducts or what services it provides.
   
• Look Into Newly Formed Organizations Carefully. Often, in the aftermath of tragedies, new organizations emerge to meet community needs. While most of these organizations are well-intentioned, and some may provide innovative forms of assistance, some may not have the experience or infrastructure to follow through on their promises, and some may turn out to be scams. 
   
• Solicited by Email? Find Out Who is Soliciting. If you receive a solicitation by email, find out who is behind that email address. Contact the charity whose name is in the email or visit its website to find out if the email is really from the charity. Do not give personal information or your credit card number in response to an email solicitation unless you have checked out the charity. 
   
• Be Careful When Giving Through Social Media or Other Fundraising Sites. Before giving through these social media or fundraising sites, research the identity of the organizer of the fundraising efforts and ask the same questions you would of a charity. Online platforms that host groups and individuals soliciting for causes may not thoroughly vet those who use their service. Donors should only give to campaigns conducted by people whom they know. Donors also should take a close look at the site’s FAQs and Terms and Conditions to see what fees will be charged. Also, don’t assume that charities recommended on social media sites, blogs, or other websites have already been vetted. Research the charity yourself to confirm that the charity is aware of the campaign and has given its approved permission for the use of its name or logo. If available, sign up for updates from the campaign organizer to keep abreast on how contributions to the campaign are being spent. 
   
• Exercise Caution Before You Text A Contribution. Check the charity’s website or call the charity to confirm it has authorized contributions to be made via text message. 
   
• Don't Give Cash. Give directly to the charity either by check made payable to the organization or through the charity's website. 
   
• Be Careful About Personal Information. Be cautious before giving out credit card or personal information over the phone, by text message, or via the internet. In all cases, make sure you are familiar with the organization to which you give such information and check to see that the fundraising campaign is legitimate.

Report Suspicious Organizations. If you believe an organization is misrepresenting its work, or that a fundraising or charitable scam is taking place, please contact the Charities Bureau at charities.complaints@ag.ny.gov.  

Governor Hochul Announces State Resources Available for the Buffalo Community in Response to Horrific Shooting at Tops Supermarket

 

$2.8 Million in Funding Available from the New York State Office of Victim Services for Additional Services to Victims and Families  

Office of Victim Services Staff Will be in Buffalo this Week to Help Victims and Families Access Financial Assistance and Offer Service Providers Details About How to Obtain Funding  

Ride Share Services Offering Free Rides to and from Buffalo Supermarkets to Address "Food Desert" While Shooting Site Remains Closed  

NY Project Hope Line Available for Crisis Counseling at 844-863-9314  

National Action Network Will Help with Costs of Funerals for All 10 Victims of Tragic, Hate-Filled Shooting

 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced resources to support the Buffalo community in response to the horrific shooting at Tops Supermarket, including additional state investments, rides to local grocery stores, and funding to cover funeral expenses for victims.

"The past 24 hours have been traumatizing for New Yorkers, and my administration will spare no effort to ensure the victims of this act of terrorism by a white supremacist are receiving all the resources and support they need," Governor Hochul said. "The entire world is watching how we will come together as New Yorkers to overcome this unthinkable tragedy. Buffalo, my hometown, is the City of Good Neighbors and New York State will be good neighbors for them."

Governor Hochul has directed that $2.8 million in federal and state funding be available to provide additional services and support to individuals and families affected by the shooting. The state Office of Victim Services (OVS) will administer the funding from the state Division of Criminal Justice Services, and the state's Community Violence Intervention Act, which annually designates a portion of the state's federal Victims of Crime Act funding for programs serving communities hardest hit by gun violence. 

OVS staff will be in Buffalo this week to help victims and families obtain financial assistance and provide information about how service providers can access the additional funding to expand services and support for victims of violence. OVS staff will be set up in a closed location accessible only to victims and their families in order to protect victims' privacy and preserve confidentiality. The agency provides a critical safety net and can pay for expenses resulting from a crime when individuals have no other way to pay for them, including funeral and burial expenses, medical and counseling costs, among other expenses, and can assist victims and families with lost wages and loss of support. 

The Office of Victim Services can cover funeral and burial expenses up to $6,000. National Action Network has offered to cover any additional funeral expenses for the families of the victims of the shooting and New York State is closely coordinating to ensure that the money is getting to those who need it.   

Additionally, Governor Hochul is announcing a partnership with ride-share companies Lyft and Uber to provide rides to and from local grocery stores; the site of the shooting was located in a so-called "food desert" and served as the lone supermarket within walking distance for many Buffalonians. Riders in the zip codes 14208 and 14209 can receive a ride to and from two local grocery stores: Tops Friendly Markets (425 Niagara Street, Buffalo) and Price Rite (250 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo). Lyft riders can use the code ‘BuffaloLyftUp’ for up to $25 in the Lyft app. Uber riders can use the code ‘SHOPBUF’ in the Uber app for up to $20 off a ride, with a maximum of eight rides per customer.  

The following OVS-funded programs can help victims and family members file claims for assistance and also provide crisis counseling, support groups, advocacy and other services. Any victim of crime and their family members are eligible for those services. Programs can also be found at www.ovs.ny.gov/connect. 

• Erie County Medical Center: BRAVE (Buffalo Rising Against Violence at ECMC) and SNUG  
• Erie County District Attorney's Office 
• Center for Elder Law & Justice Inc. 
• Community Services for Every1 
• Erie County Probation Department 
• International Institute of Buffalo, Inc. 
• Neighborhood Legal Services  Inc 
• Northwest Buffalo Community Center, Inc. 

OVS provided more than $18 million in financial assistance to victims of crime and their families in 2021. New York is the only state in the country with no limit on reimbursement for medical bills or counseling, which means individuals receive help for as long as they need it. Funding for crime victims' compensation is generated by fines, fees and surcharges paid by certain individuals convicted in state or federal court. 

Governor Hochul is reminding all New Yorkers of State resources available for mental health support during this time of grief. All New Yorkers can contact the NY Project Hope Line at 844-863-9314 to speak to a crisis counselor, seven days a week from 8am to 10pm. NY Project Hope Line is a free, confidential crisis hotline for mental health support that connects New Yorkers with the resources they need. Additionally, staff from the State Office of Mental Health and the State University of New York will be available to provide counseling and support to those impacted by this tragedy.

Senator Biaggi's Week in Review: 5/9/22-5/13/22

 

Dear Community,

On Tuesday, May 10th, the New York State Senate passed my bill (S4839B) to prevent the sale of cosmetics tested on animals in the State of New York. The Cruelty Free Cosmetics Act will cover all manufacturers from importing for profit or sale in the state any cosmetics tested on animals, aligning New York law with eight other states that prohibit animal testing.

For decades consumers and activists alike have demanded that cosmetic companies stop using animals to test cosmetic products – almost 80% of American voters would favor a federal ban on cosmetic animal testing. Many companies responded to consumer demand by eliminating the use of animals for testing. However, multitudes of cosmetic companies subject rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, mice, and dogs to horrifying and painful tests to determine whether chemicals in products can harm a fetus, cause allergic reactions, and if they are dangerous to inhale or ingest. Once animals undergo these tests, they are immediately discarded as though their lives have no value. 

Animal testing raises serious concerns by subjecting animals to unnecessary pain and suffering and falling short of ensuring human safety with often misleading conclusions. While protecting the safety of humans by testing cosmetics is important and necessary, there is no reason that it has to be at an animal’s expense. Modern, non-animal based cosmetic testing is far more accurate and follows guidelines established by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) by using organisms like bacteria, tissues and cells from humans as well as sophisticated computer models or chemical methods. 

To countless New Yorkers, animals serve as a member of the family providing them with unconditional love and support. No animal should ever face abuse or unsafe conditions –– and this legislation makes it clear that New Yorkers will not tolerate their mistreatment. I extend my deepest gratitude to Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, and Assemblymember Linda Rosenthal for their partnership to move this bill forward.

With Gratitude,

State Senator Alessandra Biaggi

BRONX WEEK Walk of Fame Induction

 

In between Saturday's showers the BRONX WEEK Walk of Fame inductees had their names placed on street signs that were unveiled in front of Bronx Borough Hall on the Grand Concourse. This event returned after a two year hiatus due to COVID-19, and precludes the BRONX WEEK Parade, Food Festival, and Concert across Mosholu Parkway which ends BRONX WEEK.

The 2022 inductees to the Bronx Walk of Fame were, Cinematographer-Producer Elf Rivera, actor Luis Antonio Ramos, and Artist, Actress, Writer Remy Ma who each unveiled their Bronx Walk of Fame Sign. Joining the three inductees was former inductee Fat Joe, who may have been auditioning for a job after Rap as a reporter for News 12 as he interviewed Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson and inductee Remy Ma. 

The entrance on the Grand Concourse to the Bronx Courthouse told you that it was BRONX WEEK.

Elf Rivera was the first to unveil his Bronx Walk of Fame sign to the cheers of many.

The next inductee to the Bronx Walk of Fame was Luis Antonio Ramos.

Remy Ma unveils her Bronx Walk of Fame sign, as Rapper Fat Joe is behind her. 

Bronx Walk of Fame inductee Remy Ma is with Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, and Deputy Bronx Borough President Janet Peguero.

Is Rapper Fat Joe auditioning for his next career after rap? Here he interviews Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson and Remy Ma for News 12.

WILLIAMS AND ARCHILA RESPOND TO GOV. HOCHUL FAILING TO SWEAR IN NEW APPOINTEE DELGADO FOR FEAR OF LOSING HOUSE SEAT

 

In response to Governor Hochul still not swearing in her choice for Lieutenant Governor, and Rep. Delgado not resigning his post, Jumaane Williams and Ana Maria Archila, candidates for Governor and Lieutenant Governor, issued the following statement:

"Governor Hochul’s choice of Rep. Delgado was deeply irresponsible from the outset, putting a House seat in a swing district at risk at a time when Democrats’ control of the House is already in jeopardy.

 

"Now, Governor Hochul and Rep. Delgado are realizing this too, stalling on his actual resignation and swearing in for political purposes. In the meantime, New Yorkers are left without effective representation. We continue to not have a lieutenant governor, while residents of New York’s 19th Congressional District have no idea where their congressman is.

 

"With our fundamental rights under attack, Governor Hochul and Rep. Delgado should be focused on protecting New Yorkers by preserving our narrow House majority. Instead, they're looking out for themselves and what benefits their political careers. Governor Hochul has shown time and time again that she is willing to move fast when it serves her personal interest, but won’t do the same when it comes to meeting people’s needs. She forced the legislature to rush and change the election rules for her benefit, and now she is stalling because of how irresponsible her decision was. We cannot allow our leaders to continue to manipulate the levers of government to their benefit.

“There is a simple way to rectify this situation: Governor Hochul should pick another Lieutenant Governor. If she chooses not to, Rep. Delgado should choose to withdraw his name from consideration to remain in Congress and help Democrats maintain their majority and protect the needs and rights of working families in Washington."