"Mary Lauro Way" Dedication

   It was a cool windy morning as the crowd gathered at the corner of Matilda Avenue and East 237th Street in the Wakefield section of the Bronx to honor Mary Lauro who passed away last June. Who was Mary Lauro you may say? Mary Lauro was a resident of Wakefield for over 50 years. Mary Lauro  was the president of the the Wakefield Taxpayers & Civic League Inc. for 25 years which was founded in 1913. It was her civic work in many areas including being a member of Community Board 12 that so many elected officials came for this street renaming in her honor. Mary Lauro also wrote a column in this newspaper where as always she never backed down on issues, one being why several homeless shelters were being built by Mayor Bloomberg in the Wakefield area. 

  As they spoke each elected official mentioned the fact that Mary Lauro had something to say of them and what Mary Lauro had meant to them. Bronx District Attorney Robert Johnson said "Mary Lauro was the director of the office of Accountability". State senator Jeff Klein spoke of the mortgage problems in the Wakefield area she had him assist her on. Assemblyman Carl Heastie said that Mary Lauro cared about White Plains Road and the entire community. Congressman Eliot Engel mentioned that he read into the 113th Congressional Record a statement about Mary Lauro and her never ending work and love for her community. Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz said that all the elected officials on hand would be afraid if they had not come to honor such a great woman. Community Board 12 Chairman Father Richard Gorman an advisory of Mary Lauro on many issues said that her work is far from done, and more people like Mary Lauro are needed to help improve the community. The sister of Mary Lauro said that Mary is missed by the family, but the family did not know how much she is missed by the community.

  Councilman Andy King and former Councilman Oliver Koppell sponsored the legislation for the street sign bearing the name "Mary V. Lauro Way". Ms. Virginia Saunders has taken over as President of the Wakefield Taxpayers & Civic League Inc., and will have some very large shoes to fill.

 

Left - Ms. Virginia Saunders was the mistress of ceremony.

Right - The invocation was given by Rev. Dr. Dien Ashlry Taylor.

 

Left - Father Richard Gorman speaks of the many good deeds that were done by Mary Lauro as the elected officials wait their turn to speak. 

Right - Mary's niece Lorraine is about to pull the covering off of "Mary V. Lauro Way".

 

Left - Everyone had a laugh when the rope to pull the covering off the sign broke saying that it was a sign from Mary Lauro.

Right - The elected officials gather under the new "Mary V. Lauro Way" sign.

UPDATE -
Please look at the first comment to see that I was incorrect in stating that Mary Lauro founded the Wakefield Taxpayers Civic and League inc that was founded in 1913. Ms Lauro was the President for 25 years. The story has been corrected.

Senator Klein Educational Leadership Award Ceremony

  Friday was the Senator Jeff Klein and Healthfirst Educational Leadership Award Ceremony Breakfast. Educators from the 300+ schools in the 34th State Senate district came to receive Certificates of Appreciation from 34th State Senator Jeff Klein. Senator Klein in his speech thanked those who came from the public and parochial  schools in his district, praising them for their hard work. He then went into the dynamics of the state budget and how he was able to secure 300 million dollars for Mayor de Blasio's Pre-K program for the next five years. 50,000 children are to receive full day Pre-K starting this September, and 70,000 the following school year. 

  Senator Klein in his speech mentioned the coming of Community Learning Centers. These centers are fashioned after the very successful ones that were put in place in Cincinnati. Klein also spoke about the very successful events that schools in the 34th district have done due to funding from Project Boost secured by him. He finished by saying all schools in the district will get grants from Project Boost.

 

Left - Senator Jeff Klein chats with some of the attendees.

Right - Senator Klein is explaining the state budget process, and how he was able to get the funding for Mayor de Blasio's Pre-K program.

 

Left & Right - Senator Klein with some of the educators who received Certificates of Appreciation from him.

Elected Officials to Attend Street Renaming Ceremony for Wakefield Activist Mary Lauro

 

Who: Council Members Andrew Cohen and Andy King, Congressman Eliot Engel, Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, State Senator Ruth Hassell-Thompson, the Wakefield Taxpayers and members of the public.

What: A ceremony to rename Matilda Avenue in honor of Mary V. Lauro, a dedicated community activist.

When: Saturday, April 26^th at 11:00am

Where: Matilda Avenue between East 236^th Street and East 237^th Street

 

Mary V. Lauro was a longtime, dedicated community activist in the Wakefield area.  She served as President of the Wakefield Taxpayers for 25 years where she worked with local law enforcement to increase public safety in the community.  Mary was known as a uniting force that brought people together to preserve the integrity of her community.  She also was a former member of Bronx Community Board 12, a leader within the 47^th Precinct Community Council and an active parishioner at Saint Frances of Rome Church.  

Wave Hill Events May 9–May 16: Mother's Day!

  How wonderful to celebrate Mom in a place so sumptuously well nurtured by Mother Nature herself! And May, with all its splendid, heart-lifting signs of renewal, is surely the best moment of the year to celebrate the instinct to foster and sustain. A bird walk, a family project crafting fragrant sachets made just for Mom, a session for her of yoga or meditation, a scrumptious celebratory brunch, followed perhaps by a guided tour of the gallery or the gardens—Make your brunch reservation early, then simply relax.

SAT, MAY 10    FAMILY ART PROJECT: SACHETS AND FLORAL FANTASY FOR MOM
Honor Mom with paper flowers, sachets and unique flowery gifts. Join us to make a fragrant sachet filled with lavender, tied with ribbon and bows and decorated with buds. Visiting artist Lina Puerta will help us create unique jewelry out of paper beads, found objects and other materials found in nature. Free and admission to the grounds is free until noon.
WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM

SAT, MAY 10    TAI CHI CHUAN

Quiet like a mountain, moving like a river, Tai Chi is a sequence of gentle movements based on images found in nature. In this beginner-level class, Irving Yee, a member of the William CC Chen Tai Chi School, introduces students to the internal martial arts and promotes an awareness of its benefits. Sessions are held outdoors as weather permits. Session fee: $25/$15 Wave Hill Member. Register online and, day of, onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center. (Reservations may not be made by telephone.) Online registration closes at 8AM on the day of the session. Cancellations must be made by 3PM the Friday before; after that, refunds will not be made.  Drops-ins will be accommodated as the limited space permits. Participants must present a Member’s ID card or a printed program registration form at the front gate.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10‒11AM

SAT, MAY 10    GALLERY TOUR
Join a curatorial assistant for a tour of Wave Hill's spring exhibition, Prickly, Tender and Steamy: Artists in the Hothouse, which assembles artworks that were created during Wave Hill's Winter Workspace program over the last five years. During their residencies, Manuel Acevedo, Gabriela Albergaria, Carrie Beckmann, Susan Benarcik, Matthew Burcaw, Asuka Hishiki, Nick Lamia, Lina Puerta, Naomi Reis, Anne-Katrin Spiess, Linda Stillman, James Walsh and Marion Wilson closely examined, and were inspired by, the living collection in Wave Hill's Marco Polo Stufano Conservatory. Representing a wide variety of mediums, the works on view give visitors multiple ways to observe the plants in the Tropical, Palm, Cactus & Succulent Houses. In the Sunroom Project Space, Brandon Neubauer's installation incorporates video projection, photographs and recorded sounds to create a portrait of the Wave Hill site that engages time, optical phenomena, topography and found objects. Tours take place Tuesdays and Saturdays at 2PM. Free with admission to the grounds.
GLYNDOR GALLERY, 2PM

SUN, MAY 11    SPRING BIRDING

Naturalist Gabriel Willow contributes his extensive knowledge of diverse bird species and their behavior on these captivating walks through the gardens and woodlands. Observe the plants, insects and habitats at Wave Hill that make it an appealing destination for a wide variety of birds. Ages 10 and older welcome with an adult. Birders of all levels welcome! Severe weather cancels. Free, and admission to the grounds is free all weekend. (NYC Audubon Members enjoy two-for-one admission.) Registration recommended, online at www.wavehill.org, onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center or by calling 718.549,3200 x251.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 9:30AM

SUN, MAY 11    FAMILY ART PROJECT: SACHETS AND FLORAL FANTASY FOR MOM
Honor Mom with paper flowers, sachets and unique flowery gifts. Join us to make a fragrant sachet filled with lavender, tied with ribbon and bows and decorated with buds. Visiting artist Lina Puerta will help us create unique jewelry out of paper beads, found objects and other materials found in nature. Free with admission to the grounds.
WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

SUN, MAY 11   HATHA YOGA

Reduce stress, increase your energy and bring strength and flexibility to mind, body and spirit with a yoga practice. Classes are led by Yoga for Bliss director Neem Dewji and other certified instructors. Ms. Dewji is certified in Hatha and Therapeutic Yoga from The Yoga for Health Foundation, England, and The Integral Yoga Institute, NYC. All levels welcome. Sessions are held indoors until May. Session fee: $25/$15 Wave Hill Member. Register online and, day of, onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center. (Reservations may not be made by telephone.) Online registration closes at 8AM on the day of the session. Cancellations must be made by 3PM the Friday before; after that, refunds will not be made.  Drops-ins will be accommodated as the limited space permits. Participants must present a Member’s ID card or a printed program registration form at the front gate.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10‒11:15AM

SUN, MAY 11     MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH
Presented by Wave Hill's long-time partner and exclusive caterer Great Performances, New York City’s premier catering and events company, this very special brunch in historic Wave Hill House’s Armor Hall will feature a beautiful spread of unique twists on classic brunch presentations and is perfect for honoring Mother’s Day. Seatings will be offered at 11:00 and 11:30AM.  Wave Hill’s Welcome Spring Brunch is $45 per person excluding tax and gratuity—and Wave Hill Members enjoy a 10% discount. Please note that payment will not be accepted day-of and must be received by noon on May 8.  Reservations may be made online or by calling 718.549.3200 x395. Guests will be provided with a secured credit card payment link to purchase tickets online at wavehillreservations@greatperformances.com.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 111 & 11:30AM

SUN, MAY 11    MEDITATION

This spring, take a moment to release stress and reconnect with your inner self while practicing meditation. Each session includes instruction in simple techniques followed by 20 to 30 minutes of meditation. Classes are led by Yoga for Bliss director Neem Dewji and other certified instructors. All levels welcome. Sessions are held indoors. Session fee: $25/$15 Wave Hill Member. Register online and, day of, onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center. (Reservations may not be made by telephone.) Online registration closes at 8AM on the day of the session. Cancellations must be made by 3PM the Friday before; after that, refunds will not be made. Drops-ins will be accommodated as the limited space permits. Participants must present a Member’s ID card or a printed program registration form at the front gate.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 11:30AM‒12:45PM

SUN, MAY 11   GARDEN HIGHLIGHTS WALK

Join us for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free with admission to the grounds.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 2PM

MON, MAY 12

Closed to the public.

TUE, MAY 13    GARDEN HIGHLIGHTS WALK

Join us for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free with admission to the grounds.
MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 11AM

TUE, MAY 13    GALLERY TOUR
Join a curatorial assistant for a tour of Wave Hill's spring exhibition, Prickly, Tender and Steamy: Artists in the Hothouse, which assembles artworks that were created during Wave Hill's Winter Workspace program over the last five years. During their residencies, Manuel Acevedo, Gabriela Albergaria, Carrie Beckmann, Susan Benarcik, Matthew Burcaw, Asuka Hishiki, Nick Lamia, Lina Puerta, Naomi Reis, Anne-Katrin Spiess, Linda Stillman, James Walsh and Marion Wilson closely examined, and were inspired by, the living collection in Wave Hill's Marco Polo Stufano Conservatory. Representing a wide variety of mediums, the works on view give visitors multiple ways to observe the plants in the Tropical, Palm, Cactus & Succulent Houses. In the Sunroom Project Space, Brandon Neubauer's installation incorporates video projection, photographs and recorded sounds to create a portrait of the Wave Hill site that engages time, optical phenomena, topography and found objects. Tours take place Tuesdays and Saturdays at 2PM. Free, and admission to the grounds is free all day.
GLYNDOR GALLERY, 2PM

A 28-acre public garden and cultural center overlooking the Hudson River  and Palisades, Wave Hill’s mission is to celebrate the artistry and legacy of its gardens and landscape, to preserve its magnificent views, and to explore human connections to the natural world through programs in horticulture, education and the arts.

HOURS  Open all year, Tuesday through Sunday and many major holidays: 9AM—4:30PM. Closes 5:30PM, March 15—October 31.  

ADMISSION  $8 adults, $4 students and seniors 65+, $2 children 6—18. Free Saturday mornings until noon. Free until noon on Tuesdays in May. Free to Wave Hill Members and children under 6.

PROGRAM FEES  Programs are free with admission to the grounds unless otherwise noted.

Visitors to Wave Hill can take advantage of Metro-North’s one-day getaway offer. Purchase a discount round-trip rail far and discount admission to the gardens. More at http://mta.info/mnr/html/getaways/outbound_wavehill.htm

DIRECTIONS – Getting here is easy! Located only 30 minutes from midtown Manhattan, Wave Hill’s free shuttle van transports you to and from our front gate and Metro-North’s Riverdale station, as well as the 242^nd Street stop on the #1 subway line. Limited onsite parking is available for $8 per vehicle. Free offsite parking is available nearby with continuous, complimentary shuttle service to and from the offsite lot and our front gate. Complete directions and shuttle bus schedule at www.wavehill.org/visit/.

Information at 718.549.3200. On the web at www.wavehill.org.

 

NYC COMPTROLLER STRINGER REPORT REVEALS NEW DATA ON THE GROWING CRISIS IN AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN NEW YORK CITY

  Apartment Rents in New York City Skyrocket as Real Incomes Decline;
Low Income Households Spend Over 41% of Income on Rent

  Housing in New York City became less affordable since 2000 as the median apartment rent rose by 75 percent while real incomes declined, according to new research and analysis presented in “The Growing Gap: New York City’s Housing Affordability Challenge,” a report issued today by New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer. 

“Despite multi-billion dollar initiatives to expand the affordable housing stock in New York City, apartments have become more expensive across every income level with the working poor disproportionately affected,” Comptroller Stringer said.  “It is critical to understand our City’s housing landscape so that we can target the next investment of resources.  New York City’s position among global cities will be defined by how well we respond to this crisis.”

Stringer’s wide-ranging report is a snapshot of the state of New York City’s housing ecology.  The report examines the effect of demographic and economic trends in the City’s housing market, focusing on affordability, population growth, the centrality of public housing, costs of homeownership, homelessness, and rent regulation.

The report’s findings include:

• A 75 percent increase in the median apartment rent in New York City since 2000, 31 percentage points higher than the rest of the U.S. Over the same period, the median real income of New Yorkers declined by 4.8 percent as the nation struggled to emerge from two recessions.

• Housing affordability decreased for renters in every income group during this period, with the harshest consequences for poor and working New Yorkers earning less than $40,000 a year.

• Five areas, Chelsea and Clinton and Midtown, Brooklyn Heights and Fort Greene, Williamsburg and Greenpoint, Greenwich Village and Financial District and Park Slope and Carroll Gardens, accounted for 40,000 of the 43,000 net additional households earning $100,000 or more.

• Nearly 360,000 apartments renting for $400 to $1,000 per month (in 2012 dollars) disappeared during the 2000 to 2012 period. The real median rent jumped from $839 to $1,100 in that same period, a 31 percent increase.

• For low-income households, housing costs have gone from bad to worse.  In 2000, renters earning between $20,000 and $40,000 were spending one third of their income on rent.  Twelve years later, that group spent over 41 percent on average.  This group’s housing circumstances have become more precarious even though their labor force participation rates have soared.  

Stringer’s report identifies five areas of focus for policymakers:

1. Alleviate the crushing affordability squeeze on low-income working families. Working families at the bottom end of the ladder – those making less than $40,000 a year -- have seen their incomes stagnate, while the supply of rental apartments affordable to them is rapidly evaporating. Programs need to be geared to the specific income needs of this burgeoning group.  
2. Invest in the stability and preservation of the New York City Housing Authority. The intensity of the City’s low-income housing situation reinforces the essential role played by NYCHA, as well as the need for greater investment in public housing by every level of government. The cost of rehabilitating a single NYCHA unit is estimated at less than one-third the cost of constructing a new unit.  
3. Adopt a new mix of policies to reverse the alarming increase in homelessness. The City’s shelter population currently stands at more than 52,000, including over 22,000 children – an historic high. New strategies are needed to minimize the human and budgetary costs of a shelter system bursting at the seams.
4. Repair the rent regulation system. New York’s rent regulated housing stock is losing covered units at a faster rate than they are being replaced.  One of the City’s greatest housing challenges in the next decade will be to find ways to preserve existing housing stock or replenish it through new construction.
5. Address the special housing needs of the elderly and disabled. The demographic shift in the City’s low-income population towards the elderly will only grow as more Baby Boomers reach retirement age. Many in this age group are homeowners and may need specialized services that allow them to remain in their homes.

“For New York City to remain a global financial center and hub for innovation in the 21^st century, we must find ways for people to afford to live here.  In the modern era, there has been a crisis of affordability, but the conditions and the demands of that crisis have changed.  We have begun to define the issues, now begins the work to provide affordable housing at all levels of the economic spectrum,” Stringer said.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

By Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz
32nd Senatorial District, Bronx County, New York

   Things That You Should Know

 
You should know that on June 24, 2014, New York State will host its Primary only for candidates running for the US Congress. This legal change was made 2 years ago when Federal District Court Judge Gary L. Sharpe ruled in a lawsuit that a September primary will not allow sufficient time to send absentee ballots to military voters.  This will be the second time that New Yorkers will experience separate primaries for federal and state races.
You should also know that the Bronx has become a hot topic for the June 24th Congressional Primaries. There are two contested Congressional seats within the borders of the Bronx that will be decided by Bronx County voters.
You should know that Congressman Charlie Rangel, who now represents part of the Bronx, will be facing a rematch by State Senator Adriano Espaillat.  Every single Hispanic elected official has thrown his and her support behind the aspirations of Adriano Espaillat - except for Bronx Congressman José Serrano and his son, Senator José Marco Serrano - who as of yet have refused to support the Dominican-born Congressional candidate.
There is also a Dominican woman by the name of Yolanda Garcia who announced her candidacy, and is expected to take Dominican votes away from Adriano Espaillat.
These two issues about Congressman Serrano's refusal to endorse Espaillat - and Yolanda Garcia's possible draw from Dominicans -may prove to be Espaillat's Achilles' heel.
A similar picture is painted on Congressman Rangel's side where an African-American leader, Reverend Michael Walrond is another contender against the incumbent Congressman. Reverend  Waldron is the pastor of the First Corinthian Baptist Church in Harlem and ministries director of Al Sharpton’s National Action Network.  He is expected to draw votes away from Congressman Rangel's Harlem base.  This could be Congressman Rangel's Achilles' heel.
You should know that Charlie Rangel is getting support from former US President Bill Clinton, US Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, and the Minority Leader of the US House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi.
You can see how this June 24th Congressional Democratic Primary will draw all eyes on Bronx County and the elections of Charlie Rangel and Adriano Espaillat.  Both candidates come with heavy endorsements and carry heavy expectations - and they both have their Achilles' heels.  Therefore, this is may very well be the war of the Titans!
Aside from this, you should know that Congressman José Serrano - who has always counted on the Bronx Democratic County's endorsement and support - has learned how different it will be for him this year as he will be responsible for collecting his own petitions. He will need close to 1,200 valid signatures - and he only submitted a little over 4,000.  In the past, the Bronx Democratic County has always helped him to come in with 15,000 - 20,000 signatures. This lesson given by the Democratic Bronx Committee to Congressman Serrano will make everyone understand how different it is when you don’t have County support.
You should also know that in September there will be a regular Democratic primary for New York State Governor, Attorney General, Comptroller, State Senate and State Assembly. Again, the Bronx will be a hot topic where there are two State Senators who might be facing tough and serious primaries.
First, New York City Councilmember Fernando Cabrera is expected to challenge State Senator Gustavo Rivera.  This race is gearing up to be a very interesting September primary.  And - State Senator Jeff Klein is expected to be challenged by former New York City Councilman and former New York Attorney General Oliver Koppell.
We all know that perception is everything in politics.  That said, on Tuesday, April 22nd, Senator Jeff Klein held a press conference to kick off his re-election campaign with the support of almost every elected official from Bronx County.  There were union leaders and business leaders and community residents all gathered in what I can only describe as a majestic show of force. I can only imagine that a show of force like that would send shivers up the spine of anyone expected to challenge Senator Jeff Klein.
If I were one of the potential contenders in Senator Jeff Klein's primary race, after hearing about and seeing what happened at the April 22nd gathering, I would probably issue a press release saying something like this:  "After consulting with my family and loved ones, at this time I have decided not to run for any office so I can spend more time with my family and children."
That is something I would do if I were one of those challengers - but I am not one of them.
I am Senator Reverend Rubén Díaz, and these are things you should know.

 

Senator Jeff Klein Announces Re-election Bid

   With over 200 friends, community activists, community board members, and fellow elected officials State Senate Co-Leader Jeff Klein announced his intention to run for another term in the state senate. The elected officials who came to support Senator Klein were Current Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., former Bronx BP Freddy Ferrer, State Senator Ruben Diaz Sr. Assembly members Mike Benedetto, Marcos Crespo, Mark Gjonaj, Jose Rivera, and Luis Sepulveda, Council members Fernando Cabrera, Ritchie Torres and Jimmy Vacca. Bronx Democratic County Leader Assemblyman Carl Heastie conveyed his support through Bronx BP Diaz due to the illness of his daughter. The only elected official missing from the 34th district was Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz of Riverdale where Senator Klein's possible opponent former Councilman Oliver Koppell is also from.

   As you will see in the photos below there was only high praise for the job that State Senate Co-Leader Jeff Klein has done from every elected official who spoke. Councilman Ritchie Torres the Rookie of the elected officials said that it is Jeff Klein who I look up to. State Senator Ruben Diaz Sr. spoke the longest since he is in the senate with Senator Jeff Klein, and Diaz Sr. said that he has seen Klein work with both sides of the isle to get things done adding just like it is done in Washington. Former Bronx BP Ferrer said that he appointed Jeff Klein to his first position, that being as a community board member. Bronx BP Ruben Diaz Jr. gave his endorsement of Senator Klein yesterday at the press conference with Mayor de Blasio in the Riverdale section of the 34th district when he said that the Pre-K initiative was made possible because of the efforts of Jeff Klein. Mayor de Blasio said the same thing, but when asked if he was supporting Senator Klein for re-election, while trying to skirt the question the mayor did not say yes, but he did not say no.The best line from an elected official had to come from Assemblyman Mike Benedetto when he said "Thank God we have Jeff Klein".

Left - You can see the packed house for Senator Klein.

Right - Councilman Jimmy Vacca has only words of praise for his long time friend Jeff Klein.

 

Left - Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. speaks of the accomplishments that Senator Jeff Klein has done.

Right - Senator Ruben Diaz sr. Talks about what it is like in Albany under the leadership of Jeff Klein.

Both Bronx Borough President welcome Senator Klein to the podium to address the hundreds gathered.

Mayor Bill de Blasio Visits Riverdale Pre-K Site

           

  Mayor Bill deBlasio came to Riverdale to visit one of the longest running Pre-K site that has successfully been in operation since the 1940's according to Daniel Eudene the Executive Director of the Riverdale Neighborhood Neighborhood House. Currently 70 children are being served with half day Pre-K that will increase to full day Pre-K starting at the beginning of the new school year in September. As he arrive Mayor de Blasio stopped to chat with Ms. Melissa Shields mother of a soon to be Pre-K child and her one year old sister. The mayor and the local elected officials then toured the Riverdale Neighborhood House to see the Pre-K program in action. They also learned that the RNN is also a teen after school center and much more.

  The mayor and other elected officials then came outside to discuss what they had seen and just what the mayor's Pre-K program was all about. As he spoke Mayor de Blasio thanked State Senator Jeff Klein in getting the funding put into the state budget after the mayor was unable to have a Pre-K tax passed in Albany. Senator Klein said as Co-Leader of the state senate that he was not going to approve a state budget that did not have a Pre-K plan in it. Klein and other elected officials who spoke said that when children go through a Pre- K class that the students do better in school than others who do not receive the benefit of a Pre-K class. 

  Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. echoed Senator Klein's words with the story of his two children who received a Pre-K program, and now both are in college with one graduating soon. Riverdale Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz and Councilman Andrew Cohen were also on hand, and both gave examples of the virtue of the Pre[-K program.

  The deadline for public school sign up was Wednesday April 23rd, but with many public schools not having enough space (if any) Community Based Organizations such as RNN will be called upon to fill the over 50,000 Pre-K seats that are projected for the beginning 0f the September 2014 school year. Mayor de Blasio said that when the Pre-K program is fully implemented in its second year that 70,000 Pre-K seats will be available citywide.

Left - Mayor Bill de Blasio chats with Mellisa Shields mother of 3 1/2 year old  Isabella and 1 year old Zoey.

Right - Mayor de Blasio explains the Pre-K plan as Senator Jeff Klein watches with Bronx BP Ruben Diaz Jr. and schools chancellor Carmen Farina also in the photo.

Left - State Senate Co-Leader  Jeff Klein speaks about how he would not approve a state budget that did not include the funding for the Pre-K program by Mayor de Blasio.

Right - Bronx BP Ruben Diaz Jr. tells of the success story in his family of his two children going to college. He adds that it was the Pre-K program that they attended that built the solid educational foundation for them.

RNN Executive Director Daniel Eudene explains the success of the RNN Pre-K program that dates back to the 1940's. It currently has 70 children in its Pre-K program.