A message from State Senator Jeff Klein

Dear Friend,

Recently, I was named the Chair of the Senate Standing Committee on Alcohol and Substance Abuse.

I do not take this appointment lightly. Addiction is on the rise in our state and incidents of driving related injuries and deaths involving drugs and alcohol are all to common. I accepted the position with a promise to introduce legislation and foster bi-partisan ideas and debate that will ultimately create a healthier and safer New York.

During my career in public service, I have fought to protect minors and families from alcohol and drug abuse and stand up for communities that have been harmed by its side effects. 

I’ve sponsored legislation to require first-time alcohol and drug offenders to participate in rehabilitation and to make mandatory the use of ID scanners for all who seek to sell alcohol and tobacco products.

  In addition, I carry legislation that would make anyone caught selling IDs to minors responsible for an injury, death or damage caused by the minor who got drunk using one of those illegal IDs.  

I believe that when a New Yorker walks into a bar to enjoy a drink with good friends they shouldn’t have to worry about being the victim. That’s why I’ve introduced a bill that prohibits the possession of firearms in, or on, the grounds of a place that serves alcoholic beverages. 

   After three Westchester teens were rushed to the emergency room with alcohol poisoning last summer, I led the fight to ban dangerous caffeinated alcoholic beverages from our stores and get them out of the hands of minors in New York State. 

   Earlier this year, I worked with Craigslist to make sure we removed all online postings seeking to illegally sell these drinks to minors. 

   I’ve worked closely with the NYPD and the State Liquor Authority to crackdown on troublesome and noisy bars and nightclubs in our communities and worked with the Department of Health to investigate and root out “pill mills” that put powerful drugs like Oxycontin in the hands of children and young adults. 

   During the last legislative session, we took the first step toward helping and healing thousands of New Yorkers by reforming this state's Draconian Rockefeller drug laws. As chairman, I will be examining the effectiveness of these reforms and will see where further improvements can be made to help those battling addiction, and to protect our communities from the twin scourges of alcohol and substance abuse.

   Additionally, I will continue to investigate the alarming trend of beverages with high alcoholic content being sold cheaply in our stores and within easy access to minors.

   I also pledge to fight prescription drug abuse before it starts by giving pharmacists access to the Department of Health database, so they can see when a person is filing multiple prescriptions at multiple locations. 

   I believe that, through this committee, we will save New Yorkers from further anguish, pain and injury.

   If you have any suggestions, feedback, or ideas, to share related to alcohol and drug abuse, or on any other issue, please contact my office to share them at (718) 822-2049. 

State Senator Jeff KleinRepresenting the 34^th Senate District (Bronx/Westchester)

 

IDC Releases School Mandate Relief Plan

Independent Democratic Conference 

Regional Collective Bargaining among measures to lower costs, preserve educational quality.

 

  The Independent Democratic Conference today introduced a mandate relief package that will help schools reduce costs, maintain educational quality and ultimately help with the implementation of a tax cap.

   "Mandate relief is a key component of the Independent Democratic Conference’s plans to reduce the tax burden on New Yorkers,” Senator David J. Valesky, (D-Oneida), said. “If we are asking school districts to reduce spending, it only makes sense to provide them with tools to maximize efficiency and minimize the pressure caused by unfunded state mandates."

   The IDC previously released a mandate relief package for local governments.

The legislative package includes:

  Allowing Regional Collective Bargaining  

 Currently, each of the nearly 700 school districts in New York separately negotiate their own collective bargaining agreements. This is despite the fact that teachers, and some other employees, are organized at the state level. The IDC is introducing legislation that will level the playing field. It will create a voluntary system to allow neighboring districts to band together, share information better and jointly negotiate future contracts that will end up saving taxpayer money.  

  Giving New Flexibility in Purchasing Contracts 

  New York is currently one of only three states that do not allow cooperative contract use. Allowing schools and local municipalities to join out-of-state and national procurement cooperatives has proven successful in other states and has led to significant cost savings. The IDC has introduced legislation (S.624) to give school districts and local governmental entities the ability to consider favorable contractual purchasing conditions outside New York State and to "piggy-back" on to those contracts. Cooperative contracts provide a 10 to 15 percent cost savings per contract. Reform of these purchasing rules has the ability to save New York taxpayers $2 billion per-year, according to the New York State School Board Association.

  Freeing Up Excess Reserve Funds 

  A 2008 audit by the State Comptroller's Office found that school districts have collected as much as $407 million more than was needed for their Employee Benefit Accrued Liability Reserve funds. These funds, used to pay employees for accrued leave time due to them when they leave district employment, currently have restrictions placed on them that prohibit even excess money from being used for other purposes. The IDC has introduced legislation, (S.1524), that would allow districts with excess funds in their EBALR accounts to use those funds to help support schools and lower the tax levy. The IDC recommends that, if this measure becomes law, these excess funds be used to pay one-time expenses – such as capital projects --– pay off debt, or finance other post-employment benefits that would provide taxpayers relief today and reduce future costs. 

  Breaking Down Barriers to Share Services and Consolidate Healthcare Initiatives  

  The IDC has introduced legislation (S.2843) that streamlines the process for schools and other local governments to join together to consolidate administration and healthcare administration operations. These efforts would cut down on duplicative services, increase purchasing power in order to drive down costs, and allow schools access to the Healthy NY program. On average, Healthy NY is 7 percent cheaper than other health insurance products.

  “This package is a road map that will help control costs, maintain our educational system, and, with a tax cap, make sure we live within our means,” Senator Jeffry D. Klein, (D-Bronx/ Westchester), said. “I am looking forward to working with the rest of the Independent Democratic Conference and our partners in government to build bi-partisan support for this critically important legislation.”

Additionally, the IDC makes the following recommendations to the Governor's Mandate Relief Design Team:

• Enforce current laws that allow school districts to be customers of the New York Power Authority, making them eligible for lower energy-related costs. Currently, not all districts who seek this benefit are receiving them.
• Return curriculum decisions to local districts.
• Revamp the Payment In Lieu of Taxes process to ensure that any PILOT agreement includes an equitable payment to the local school district.
  
  
   “It's time to put aside the explosive rhetoric and work as a team with our educators and school administrators to do more with less,” Senator David Carlucci (D-Rockland) said. “No one wants to lessen the quality of our education and working together we can continue to lower costs while improving results. These common sense solutions will allow school districts to make the best use of their financial resources without treating our taxpayers like limitless cash machines.”

 

 

16th ANNUAL VALENTINES FOR VETERANS
Senator Klein Will Join Beauty Queens and Kids to Bring Gifts to Bronx Veterans

   Senator Jeff Klein (D-Bronx/Westchester) will join Miss New York Claire Buffie and Miss Teen USA Kamie Crawford in delivering Valentine's Day cards and gifts to Veterans at the James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center. The gift presentations will be followed by a musical performance by the P.S. 83 school choir. The cards and gifts are the creation and generous donation of students from across the 34th Senate District.

  WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 16TH  AT 3:00PM 

  Senator Jeff Klein, Miss New York 2010, Miss Teen USA 2010, Students from P.S. 83  and others present gifts and Valentines to hundreds of Bronx Veterans 

  James J. Peters VA Medical Center, 130 West Kingsbridge Road,  Bronx
   

Bronx Community Leaders Organize Fundraiser for Young Bronx Student

   February 15^th @ 6:30 PM:  bronx community leaders organize  fundraiser for young student who wants nothing else but the opportunity to fulfill her dream of a better future.

   Moved by the plight of a single mother in the South Bronx – recently featured in the New York Times – who had to choose between paying bills or sponsoring her daughter, Destiny Sanchez, 17 years old, to participate in an exchange program abroad, outstanding Bronx community leaders Ken Padilla, Charlie Ramos, Melba Feliberty-Padilla, Eddie Padilla, Ephraim Cruz, and others, will be hosting a fundraiser to support this rising community star with strong ambitions in furthering her education.  

A fundraiser to support the dreams, goals, and aspirations of Destiny Sanchez

   Tuesday, February 15, 2011 6:30 pm  

   Joe’s Place 1841 Westchester Avenue

   Bronx, New York 10472

                   RSVP by emailing: cramos_jr@yahoo.com

COMPTROLLER LIU TAKES AUDIT BUREAU ON FIVE-BOROUGH TOUR

Audit Town Hall gives New Yorkers Opportunity to Suggest an Audit


New York City Controller John C. Liu will take his audit bureau on the road for a series of borough town hall meetings to give New Yorkers a chance to learn about the power of the auditing process. New Yorkers will have the opportunity to suggest an audit to the Comptroller’s award-winning audit team.

City Comptroller John C. Liu

Elected officials

Deputy Comptroller for Audit H. Tina Kim and Audit Bureau

Learn about the Who, What, When, Where and Why of audits. Suggest an audit to the Comptroller’s office.

Monday Feb. 14th   6-8 PM

Bronx Borough Hall, 1st floor rotunda

851 Grand Concourse Bronx, NY 10451.

 

Croton Filter Project - CFMC Meeting on Thursday, February 17, 2011

The Croton FMC will meet next week on Thursday, February 17 at 7pm at the DEP Community Office. The agenda will  Include a construction update, costs & jobs as well as a presentation on DEP's minority and women owned business program.

 

Public Hearing on the Mayor's Preliminary Budget for Fiscal Year 2012, The Capital and Service Needs of the Borough

  

Pursuant to Section 241 of the New York City Charter
Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

Invites residents to attend and speak at: 

The Bronx Borough Board Public Hearing on the 

Mayor's Preliminary Budget for Fiscal Year 2012 

and the capital and service needs of the Borough.

Thursday, February 17^th, 2011

10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

3^rd Floor Litigation Room

198 East 161st Street, Bronx, NY

Subway: 4, B, D to 161^st Street/Yankee Stadium Stop

 This hearing will give an opportunity to Bronx and Citywide non-profits, colleges, hospitals, schools, neighborhood organizations and any other parties to speak out on the Mayor's proposed budget and the capital and service needs of our neighborhoods.

Anyone interested in presenting testimony should email name, title, organization and telephone number to bmccray@bronxbp.nyc.gov 

to register in advance of the hearing.  Please bring 25 copies of your written testimony.

For accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact 718-590-3500

 

 

Tenants PAC Holding Fundraiser for Upcoming Battle in Albany

  The Tenants PAC (of New York City) fundraiser is being hosted by Councilwoman Gale Brewer, with State Senator Gustavo Rivera 33rd District as the guest of honor. Here is the link to the invitation  for the fundraiser that will take place on Thursday Feb. 24th at 6-8PM in the home of City Council member Gale Brewer located at 29 West 95th Street (between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue).

RSVP to 212-577-7001, or email action@tenantspac.org.    

Tenants PAC, 277 Broadway, Suite 608, New York NY 10007

 

Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz Fined by Conflict of Interest Board

  This story of Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz comes from the Daily New's Celeste Katz. It appears that Brooklyn BP Marowitz bought a new house in 2009, and used his chief of staff as the lawyer who handled the transaction, which is a clear violation of the conflicts of interest law. The story goes on to say that at first Markowitz denied using his chief of staff as the lawyer, but when presented with the documentation of the sale said that he thought it only pertained to lawyers working for the city as attorneys not as a chief of staff.

   The Brooklyn BP  was fined $2,000.00, and his lawyer (chief of staff) was also fined $1,100.00. Read the entire story here . It kind of reminds you of a former Bronx Borough President, and a similar abuse of power by him.

Upcoming Bronx Events

   Tuesday Feb. 15th  5:30PM

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. celebrates Dominican Heritage Month 

This event will take place at the Bronx County Courthouse Building 

located at 1040 Grand Concourse at E.161 Street.

 Note- You will have to go through a metal detector to enter this building 

 RSVP to 718-590-3938, or e-mail smalave@bronxbp.nyc.gov

   Wednesday Fed. 16th 5:30PM

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. salutes Black History Month

This event will take place at the Bronx Museum of the Arts

located at 1040 Grand Concourse at E.156 Street.

RSVP to 718-590-3522 or e-mail lrolan@bronxbp.nyc.gov

   Thursday Feb. 17th 11:00AM

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. honors Bronx Senior Couples married for 50 years or more at a Sweethearts Valentines luncheon dance.

This event will take place at Villa Barone

located at 737 Throggs Neck Expressway

call 718-590-2509 or e-mail lalmeida@bronxbp.nyc.gov for more information.

  

 For all you Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver Fans.

   

COMPTROLLER JOHN LIU's STATEMENT ON MAYOR’S PENSION PROPOSAL

   New York City Comptroller John C. Liu stated the following in response to several inquiries about his reaction to Mayor Bloomberg’s pension proposal:

   “Everyone agrees on the need to explore pension reform and crack down on pension fraud and abuse. We also agree that New York City should be empowered to negotiate pension benefits.  I am, however, extremely concerned with a proposal that breaks a promise, particularly one made to our Finest and Bravest who risk their lives every day to keep New Yorkers safe.”

   

Soundview resident John Orozco is training to participate in the 2012 Olympic Games

   On Monday, January 31, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. presented John Orozco, a resident of the Soundview section of The Bronx, with a Citation of Merit in recognition of his outstanding career as a gymnast. Borough President Diaz also named Orozco an “ambassador of The Bronx.”

   John Orozco, 18 years old, started in gymnastics at the age of eight and has been considered a teenage prodigy, winning the U.S. Men's junior title for the past three years. At the age of 15 he won gold at the Junior Olympic National Championships, capturing the all-around title by winning five events – the floor exercise, rings, vault, parallel bars and horizontal bars. Orozco was featured recently in Sport Illustrated as one of 16 “Stars of Tomorrow.”

   “He is a truly inspiring individual who is worthy of the honor being given to him by my office. Through hard work and determination, John has become a big star in a very hard and competitive sport. He is a great example for many other kids in our borough and I have no doubt he will be wearing the Team USA uniform in the next Olympic Games. The Bronx is very proud of him,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.  

   “It’s an honor to receive a citation of merit from Borough President Diaz. More importantly, I am very proud that he bestowed on me the responsibility of being an ambassador of The Bronx, something that at such an early age I would never have imagined I could accomplish. I hope I can live up to the honor and responsibility so that I can continue being a positive role model to other kids from The Bronx,” said John Orozco. 

   In December 2010 Orozco relocated to the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs to continue his training as part of the USA Olympic Team, eyeing the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London.

 

 

A Statement from IDC Chair Senator Jeff Klein

    Recently, myself and three of my Senate Colleagues – Diane Savino, (D-Staten Island/ Brooklyn), David J. Valesky,  (D-Oneida) and David Carlucci, (D-Rockland), departed the Senate Democratic Conference and formed a third legislative conference. 

 As members of the new Independent Democratic Conference, our goals are simple – to push for common sense solutions to the problems facing this state, break the hyper-partisan gridlock that has gripped Albany, and work to restore the public's trust in its public officials. We will work to bring integrity back to the State Senate and once again ensure government is used as a positive tool to improve people's lives.

We will work with Governor Andrew Cuomo, the Republican Senate Majority, the Democratic Minority and other partners in government to get New York's fiscal house in order, foster job creation, and cap property taxes. We will also pursue a legislative agenda that includes enacting tough new ethics reforms, establishing non-partisan redistricting, and protecting a woman's right to choose. 

 So far this year, we have already submitted a series of recommendations to Governor Cuomo and his Spending and Government Efficiency (SAGE) Commission to help streamline New York's sprawling bureaucracy. Our recommendations include: cracking down on overtime abuses, developing new accountability standards for outside contractors, reviewing the use of state assets and eliminating duplicative administrative functions.

 In addition, the IDC has put together a series of common sense recommendations that will help local governments tackle state mandates, save money and ease the financial burden on you, the taxpayer. 

For the full Independent Democratic Caucus 2011 Legislative Agenda, please visit: www.klein.nysenate.gov 

I look forward to a productive legislative session and wish you and your family a healthy, positive and prosperous year ahead. 

Warm Regards,

State Senator Jeff Klein,

Representing the 34^th Senate District (Bronx/Westchester).     

 

Mayor Bloomberg Decries Governor Coumo's Proposed Budget

    Saying that New York City will bear much more than the 2 percent that other municipalities will be cut, Mayor Bloomberg has said that New York City has gotten the shaft from Governor Cuomo. $1.4 billion dollars will be cut from the state share of education funding to New York City. This budget does not include any funding the city got for state mandates in the past, which will force thousands of layoffs at the city level Bloomberg added. 

   Bloomberg said that this was only the beginning of the budget process, and that the next thirty days will bring opportunities for cost savings and other reforms to save the city money. We suspect Bloomberg means changing the teacher lay off system of last hired first laid off, to a system of keeping low cost teachers and getting rid of higher costing veteran teachers, like he has tried over and over again. 

   We think if Mayor Bloomberg was really serious about New York City getting less back from the state then it sends he would talk about seceding from the state to create the kingdom "Bloomyville".

Independent

Democratic Conference 

For immediate Release: Feb. 1, 2011        

Statement from Senators Jeff Klein, (D-Bronx-Westchester), Diane Savino, (D-Staten Island/ Brooklyn), David Valesky (D-Oneida), and David Carlucci (D-Rockland/ Orange), members of the Independent Democratic Conference:

     “The Independent Democratic Conference applauds Governor Cuomo for setting the right tone in his budget address. We approve of  the Governor’s goal of moving this state to a zero-based, or reality-based, budget model, his continued efforts to right-size Albany and his vow to work with this state’s workforce to give New Yorkers the most efficient government possible. 

    Make no mistake about it, there are many painful decisions contained in this budget document. Given the fiscal realities facing this state, there is no avoiding it. 

    Since the IDC’s formation, we have been proposing our ideas on how to fix state government, help our residents, and put New York back on the right track.   

    We are carefully studying the Governor’s budget blueprint and will be making the appropriate recommendations in the coming days and weeks.”    

Klein’s Court Watchers Team To Show Solidarity At Bronx Auto Stripping Case

    Members of State Senator Jeff Klein's (D- Bronx/ Westchester) court watchers team will observe the court case of Gary Adamson, taking place at the Bronx Criminal Courthouse on Friday February 4th. Adamson is being charged for the second time with committing auto stripping. 

     Klein's Bronx Court Watchers program, which launched in April 2010, is aimed at showing community support and solidarity in calling for tougher sentences for repeat offenders. As part of the Court Watchers program, volunteers from the community sit-in on repeat, adult offender court proceedings, wearing t-shirts and buttons that express their intolerance for crime and call for  jail-time sentencing. To volunteer for the Court Watchers program, residents should call Klein’s office at (718)-822-2049. 

     FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 4^TH  AT 9:30AM    

     Senator Klein's Court Watcher Program Volunteers

    Observing Court Case of Gary Adamson, being charged a second time for auto stripping within the 49th Precinct

     Bronx Courthouse (Room LL-210), 265 East 161 Street, Bronx

Mayor Bloomberg Trying to Con State Legislatures on Teachers

    Mayor Bloomberg is trying to con the state legislature on the teacher tenure rule by trying to save money by laying off veteran teachers rather than new inexperienced teachers. The claim by the mayor is that recently hired teachers have fresh new ideas, but in reality such fresh new ideas can only be used if they fit into the Bloomberg way of teaching. Below is a statement from State Senator Ruben Diaz Sr. about the problem of not how not to lay off teachers, but how to lay off the more experienced higher earning teachers for Senator Diaz's friend Mayor Bloomberg. 

    Pass KEEP Legislation Now!

    Albany, NY- State Senator Rubén Díaz, Sr. today called on the Legislature to pass the Keep Excellent and Effective Professionals in the classroom (KEEP) Act (S.95), which would ensure that the City’s most effective teachers are not laid off in the event of massive budget cuts as is widely anticipated.

    “I introduced this bill last year at the request of Mayor Bloomberg, and reintroduced it this year. There is no reason why this bill should not be reported and brought to the floor of the Senate for a vote” remarked
Senator Díaz.

    “Losing even one teacher will hurt, but losing many teachers simply because they’re new to the job threatens our schools and would be devastating to the students in my district who need their passion, energy, and good ideas,” Senator Díaz said. “If our schools must lay off teachers, the school community must have a say in who stays and who goes,” he continued.

    “Now that Mayor Bloomberg has called on Governor Cuomo to end the rule that protects teachers with seniority, regardless of ability, I would suggest that the legislative process is the way to fulfill the Mayor’s request,” stated Senator Díaz.

    

    We have to now ask Senator Diaz- Do you know who are the best teachers at a particular school, or are you going to leave that up to Mayor Bloomberg, his new  chancellor of one month, or his newly promoted inexperienced principals. Mind you watch how many school principals have gone over their budget last year, and just how many school budgets are to be cut this year because of the overspending. Have you forgot that Mayor Bloomberg has tried to rewrite the Decentralization law, ignored parents completely, and wants to replace public schools with charter schools that pick and choose their students.

SENATORS RIVERA & ESPAILLAT TESTIFY BEFORE DEPT. OF EDUCATION HEARING ON PROPOSED JFK HIGH SCHOOL CLOSING

    State Senators Adriano Espaillat (D – 31^st District) and Gustavo Rivera (D – 33^rd District) testified at a public hearing regarding the Department of Education’s proposal to close down John F. Kennedy High School in the Bronx. The joint public hearing was observed by the District 10 Community Education Council and the JFK School Leadership Team.

    Both senators outlined their commitment to improving the educational opportunities available for local students. Sen. Espaillat and Sen. Rivera have expressed concerns about the Department of Education’s lack of communication with parents, particularly a lack of adequate notice about tonight’s hearing and other important developments. They called for a fair and transparent process that provides parents and community leaders with the opportunity to voice their opinions and inquiries, and that their input is then reflected in the Department’s plans moving forward.

    “With nothing short of our children’s future riding on our schools, it is unacceptable to leave parents and community members in the dark and out of the decision making process,” said Sen. Adriano Espaillat.

    “Parents shouldn’t be learning about their children’s school being closed through newspaper clippings or word of mouth,” said Sen. Gustavo Rivera. “Our constituents deserve a transparent process that provides them with the information they need and gives these parents a seat at the table when important determinations are being made.”

    Senators Espaillat and Rivera have laid out a set of principles they believe must be followed as the Department of Education proceeds with closings

Ø  JFK must only close if the alternative school(s) offer a quality of education that is truly excellent and significantly better than what is currently offered at JFK.   

Ø  The transition process must be smooth and carefully planned so as to limit disruptions for students.  

Ø  Parents and local community members must be given access to all information in a timely manner and allowed a voice in the decision making process. 

Ø  There must be viable placement options for the district’s “over the counter” admissions of special need students (English Language Learners/ELL, students with Individualized Education Plans/IEP, and Students with Interrupted Formal Education/SIFE) who otherwise would go to JFK.

 

 

Assemblywoman Gibson Inauguration Rescheduled

Please be advised that the Inauguration Ceremony for Assemblywoman Vanessa L. Gibson has been rescheduled for Saturday, February 5th, 2011, at 10:30AM,
Bronx Museum of the Arts, 1040 Grand Concourse, corner of East 165th Street, Bronx, New York. A reception will follow the ceremony.

   

Former State Senator Guy Velella Passes Away UPDATE

    In a story we told you on Friday January 21st of the worsening health of Former State Senator Guy Velella, we must update that to say that Former Senator Guy Velella has died at the age of 66 of lung cancer.

    Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. had this to say on the passing of Senator Velella, “I am saddened to hear about the passing of Guy Velella, who served the Bronx for many years in both the State Senate and the State Assembly. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during their time of grief". 

    Current State Senate Majority Leader Dean Skellows said “I was deeply saddened today to learn of the passing of former Senator Guy Velella. Guy was close personal friend and colleague. He will be remembered for his many years of service to his constituents in the Bronx and Westchester, for his great sense of humor and his straight forward manner. My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife Patricia and his family.”

    Bronx Conservative Party Chairman (and close ally) Bill Newmark said" Guy Velella was an extremely hard working state senator who put in a tremendous  amount of time and effort for the people of the north Bronx. He also always won re-election despite being in an overwhelmingly Democratic district.

    State Senator Jeff Klein who won election to the 34th District after Senator Velella steped down said, “Senator Velella will be remembered in my district for his dedication and service to the community. I’m a Democrat and he was a Republican. But, when it came to our mutual constituents, we worked together and never let partisanship trump people. My thoughts and prayers are with Senator Velella’s family during this difficult time.”

When Will We Hear from Our Democratic Leaders about Those Senators

by New York State Senator Reverend Ruben Diaz

   Two years ago, Senators Hiram Monserrate, Pedro Espada, Karl Kruger and I formed a group that we called the Four Amigos.  We met frequently – not in secret- all believing in transparency in government.  We discussed how, as Democrats serving in the Senate Majority, we could initiate much needed change in the Senate to help our constituents.  As Senators representing areas with growing Hispanic populations, we knew that our mission was long overdue. Senator Monserrate’s “parliamentary coup” folded when he returned to vote with the Democratic Party.  (As I recall, several key Senators acted like his best friends when they begged him to return, but later they led the charge to throw him out of office). Senator John Sampson was subsequently elected to serve as Senate Majority Leader.  Senator Espada was selected to serve as the Senate’s Temporary President and Acting Lieutenant Governor – the highest-ranking position that any Hispanic has ever achieved in the New York State legislature.

   The Four Amigos were branded as traitors, banditos, and extortionists.  We were labeled opportunists and thugs.  Mayor Ed Koch sat on New York 1 and called us rats. Democratic leaders throughout the state used every chance they could to make pubic statements attacking us and our intentions.  Editorial boards had a field day at our expense, and so did political pundits.

   This year, Senators Diane Savino, Jeff Klein, David Carlucci and David Valesky have dubbed themselves the “New Independence Conference” of the New York State Senate.  Those Senators have severed formal ties from Senate Majority Leader John Sampson.  They refuse to caucus with Senate Democrats.  Despite the financial stranglehold around the throats of New Yorkers, and despite the fact that the Democrats are not in the Majority, that self-anointed group of Senators has been granted millions of dollars in perks and budget appropriations for staff, parking spots, etc. They have been given preferred office space so they can remain tightly-knit and their offices are being re-designed to have walls placed or removed as they desire.  After a fair amount of kicking and screaming, those Senators been given the power to decide where they sit in the Senate Chamber.  (It was like watching passengers on the Titanic re-arranging deck chairs.) Last night, it was announced that three of those Senators were granted Chairmanship positions (with lulus) by the Republican Majority Leader.

   I’m listening hard but I don’t hear even a whisper from any Democratic leader of their criticism of those Senators who have abandoned the Democratic Party.  Is the snow muffling any outcry?  Will the Daily News’ Mr. Bramhall render this new caucus as the new Cosa Nostra? Are the actions of Hispanic legislators held to a different, higher standard?  Has the Democratic Party decided those non-Hispanic Senators should determine what’s best for all New Yorkers with no accountability?

   Please don’t try to justify the criticism the Four Amigos endured because of Hirman Monserrate’s conviction because that didn’t happened until many months after the Senate coup. And please do not justify the malicious comments because of Senator Espada’s recent indictment because that wasn’t even on the horizon in 2008.

   Please, explain this to me because I just don’t see how we were wrong and they are right. I don’t understand why we were condemned and they are being treated like prima donnas.  Please explain to me why the Democratic Leadership in New York State is leaving Senator John Sampson to fight this fight alone?

Is this a double-standard or what?

 

   We will only say what now State Senate Minority Leader John Sampson said to us at the swearing in of Senator Gustavo Rivera, and that was "We are still all Democrats".

IDC Members to Chair Legislative Committees

   The Independent Democratic Conference today accepted recommendations from the Senate Majority that, in keeping with recent bi-partisan tradition, would allow them to chair legislative committees.

    The IDC similarly accepted committee assignments recommended to them by the Senate Minority on Monday. 

     These chair appointments continue a Senate tradition of reaching across party lines and empowering non-majority members to have a more hands-on role in shaping legislation and are the following.

    Senator Diane Savino, (D-Staten Island/ Brooklyn), being named the Chairwoman of the Senate Standing Committee on Children and Families. Senator Savino began her career in public service as a caseworker in New York City’s Child Welfare Administration.

    Senator David Valesky, (D-Oneida), has been named the Chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on Aging.  

    Senator David Carlucci, (D-Rockland/ Orange), has been named Co-Chair of the Administrative Regulations Review Commission. This joint legislative commission is responsible for reviewing rules and regulations passed by state entities. 

   

    On Monday, the Independent Democratic Conference accepted the following committee assignments from the Senate Minority:

Senator Savino: Member of the Civil Service, Banks and Veterans committees.

Senator Valesky: Member of the Agriculture, Transportation, Banks, Cultural Affairs committees.

Senator Jeff  Klein: member of the Local Government, Cultural Affairs, Veterans, Mental Health committees

Senator Carlucci: Member of the Banks, Veterans, Higher Education and Elections committees.

     It is also rumored that Senator Jeff Klein will chair the newly recreated Alcholism and Substance Abuse committee, once it passes the Senate Rules committee.

 

Bronx Bar Incidents

  This has been reported to us.

   On January 16th at 4am a female was assaulted inside the MVP bar... beat up... bruised...by someone she didn't know. She reported the incident to the police.

    On January 17th at 4am... a similar incident took place... except in this one... violence erupted onto the street. This female was assaulted and beat up outside the MVP bar. She also reported the incident to police. 

     Two acts of violence within 24 hours at a local bar seems to be a MAJOR concern for the community. Also.. the bar has been having issues with FDNY for overcrowding.

    "I'm deeply concerned with recent reports of violence at the bar MVP," said State Senator Jeff Klein. "The FDNY's violation, citing MVP for overcrowding is an indication that the bar may illegally be operating as a nightclub. My office has been in touch with the NYPD, FDNY and SLA and will continue to monitor the situation closely to ensure the safety of the Schuylerville community."

    "In the past there have been complaints of excessive noise at this particular location and the neighborhood is very concerned. We do not want this to turn into a another bar with violence happening on a frequent basis. As a community, we are being vigilant and taking note when these things happen at this particular location, " said Andrew Chirico, Vice President of the Waterbury Lasalle Community Association. 

    The MVP bar is located at 3392 East Tremont Avenue.