Comments on The Proposed Minimum Wage Bill

From the RSDSU

Why a Higher Minimum Wage is Needed in New York

 

Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU) President Stuart Appelbaum made the following statement at a press conference in Albany today to announce minimum wage legislation:

 

I’m Stuart Appelbaum, President of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU). I’m proud to be here today with Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and members of the Assembly.

 

The minimum wage in New York has not been raised in several years, but minimum wage workers are paying more for food, shelter, and other basic necessities. When wages don’t keep pace with rising costs and prices, survival becomes more and more difficult. That’s the predicament countless New Yorkers find themselves in today.

 

It’s all but impossible to get by on $7.25 per hour, the current minimum wage. Too many low-wage workers, particularly in retail, one of the fastest-growing sectors of our economy, are struggling to survive.

 

This is unfair and unacceptable. We’re here to say something significant needs to be done about it during this legislative session.

 

A broad coalition of labor unions, community organizations and the Working Families Party is supporting the Assembly to raise the minimum wage this year. The RWDSU is an active member of this coalition. We see this effort as the logical and necessary extension of the living wage movement we built in New York City-a movement that led recently to a landmark victory for low-wage workers.

 

The legislation being introduced today is a small but important step that will help forge a path out of poverty toward the middle class.

 

Raising the minimum wage in New York is morally right and economically smart: when workers earn more, they spend more, generating demand for new goods and services that will create more jobs and strengthen our economy. When workers are stronger, so are businesses and so are the communities in which we live and work.

 

New Yorkers need a wage-led recovery from the recession. It’s time to transform economic vulnerability into economic security. This legislation tells low-wage New Yorkers they are not invisible or forgotten, and that government can improve their lives.

 

STATEMENT FROM BOROUGH PRESIDENT DIAZ

“I strongly support Speaker Sheldon Silver, Assembly Member Keith Wright and the entire New York State Assembly in their proposal to raise the State’s minimum wage to $ 8.50 an hour.  If passed, this bill will represent a positive step towards changing the life of working families in our City.

“Both the Assembly bill and the ‘Fair Wages for New Yorkers Act,’ our bill that would mandate employers pay a living wage when their projects receive heavy taxpayer subsidies, work together toward the common goal of  improving the quality of life of New York City residents. A little extra money in the pocket of these struggling families will help keep them afloat by putting food on the table, keeping the heat on through the winter, and paying the rent. Our State Legislature has not voted to raise the minimum wage since 2004.  As a result, New York's minimum wage is stagnant at just $7.25 an hour, around $15,000 a year for those who work full-time.  

“In a high-cost state like ours, trying to support a family on such a low salary is nearly impossible. That is why I believe it is time to for New York to raise the minimum wage,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

 

Senator Rivera Testifies at Albany Redistricting Hearing, Continues to Push for an Independent Redistricting Process

State Senator Gustavo Rivera (D,WF-Bronx) testified today, Monday, January 30, 2012 in front of the Legislative Reapportionment Taskforce (LATFOR) in a redistricting hearing in Albany. Senator Rivera is unable to attend the Bronx Redistricting hearing, which is occurring Tuesday at 3:00pm at the Bronx Museum of the Arts (1040 Grand Concourse) and is open for members of the community to express their opinion.  Below is Senator Rivera’s testimony:

“I am State Senator Gustavo Rivera and I represent the 33^rd Senate District contained in the Northwest Bronx. The district includes the neighborhoods of Fordham, Kingsbridge, University Heights, Riverdale, Van Cortlandt Park, Bedford Park and East Tremont. Unfortunately, I will not be able to attend the Bronx Redistricting Hearing tomorrow, Tuesday, January 31^st at the Bronx Museum of the Arts.

I am here to testify about the continued need for an independent redistricting process. I am disappointed that there was not an independent redistricting commission established last year, especially given that so many of my colleagues are on the record supporting independent redistricting. I continue to believe that voters should pick their representatives, not the other way around. In order to have fair district lines, without partisan gerrymandering, we need to take legislators out of the process.

Over the last week, we have seen that a bad process results in a bad product. Today’s hearing is suppose to garner reactions to a proposal that shows a willingness to disenfranchise voters, especially Black and Latino voters, throughout New York to protect the interests of certain individuals or one conference over another.

There are two issues that stuck out to me as unconstitutional and unfair after having looked at the Republican redistricting proposal for the State Senate. The first is the proposed increase from 62 to 63 State Senate districts, which not only defies the New York State Constitution, but also defies all logic, as it comes at a time when New York’s population has decreased and we are losing two Congressional districts. The second is the issue of “packing,” or seeing to it that minority communities are packed into a few districts through gerrymandering instead of being able to figure significantly in the election of representatives in a much larger number of districts. I believe this proposal does just that and moreover could lead to a potential violation of the Voting Rights Act.

While it may be too late for an independent commission to draw districts, it is not too late to demand an independent process this year. That is why I stand united with Governor Cuomo in calling for an independent process and am ready to uphold a veto from the Governor. I will continue to push to make independent redistricting a reality in New York.”

Protecting Houses of Worship:

Sen. Klein Proposes Tougher Penalties for Thefts in Religious Institutions

Following a rash of break-ins and burglaries targeting houses of worship in the Northern Bronx, State Senator Jeffrey D. Klein (D-Bronx/Westchester) today announced legislation to stiffen criminal penalties for those who steal, or damage items and property in churches, synagogues and other religious institutions.

 

He was joined by religious and community leaders who have been stung by these crimes.

“An assaults on a house of worship is an assault on an entire community,” Senator Klein said. “These vandals need to know there will be heavy consequences for their reckless and despicable crimes. This legislation will send that message and protect these sacred institutions.”

This recent crime spree includes:

• In the Waterbury-LaSalle Community, Our Lady of Assumption Roman Catholic Church parishioners noticed a laptop and approximately $400 were stolen from their school. Additionally, a door leading to the chapel was broken.
• In Pelham Bay, Zoodohos Peghe Greek Orthodox Church was victim to about $50 being taken from donation box and the destruction of an intricate wood carving in the Church.  Additionally, two months prior at St. Theresa Catholic Church their gift shop was broken into and cash was stolen from the register.
• On City Island, Police found windows and doors smashed and broken at Temple Beth El Synagogue and silver Torah crowns and Kiddush cups missing. They estimate $5,000 to $10,000 worth of items were stolen.

Senator Klein’s legislation would:

• Increase the penalty for theft, or the intentional damage to a scroll, religious vestment, vessel, any other item used in connection with religious worship, in any building of worship punishable, to a maximum of seven years in prison. These crimes would be classified as third-degree grand larceny and second-degree criminal mischief, both Class D Felonies. Currently, these charges would only apply in cases where items worth more than $3,000 have been stolen, or where items have sustained more than $1,500 in damages.
• Expand the definition of second-degree grand larceny to include the theft of any scroll, religious vestment, vessel, any other item used in connection with religious worship, in any building of worship, that are worth more than $250. This would be a Class C felony punishable by up to five to 15 years in prison.   
• Strengthen the penalty for any intentional damage to house of worship-owned property to up to four years in prison, making it a Class E felony. Currently, this applies to damage worth more than $250. 

If passed, this legislation would build upon Senator Klein’s past legislative accomplishment of increased criminal penalties for those who desecrate and vandalize church property.  That bill was signed into law by Governor Paterson in 2010 and was strongly championed by a wide range of religious leaders, including Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan.

 “A crime against a religious institution is a crime against a community at large,” said Monsignor Anthony Marchitelli of Our Lady of Assumption Catholic Church.

“It is urgent that all people of good will stand together against violence that target our houses of worship. We thank Senator Klein and his colleagues for their leadership in helping lift us up, so that all of our brothers and sisters of faith can congregate and worship in safety and peace,” said Rabbi Shohama Wiener of Temple Beth El Synagogue.

Those who have any information on these recent burglaries against religious institutions are urged to contact the 45^th Precinct Detective Squad at (718) 822-5414 or Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-8447. 

Dates for Hearings on New Proposed District Lines

 

Standing Committee Public Hearing Calendar

Back   |   Assembly Home   |   Bill Search & Legislative Information   |   View Printable Hearing Calendar (PDF)

Dean G. Skelos
Majority Leader and Temporary President
New York State Senate

New York State Legislature
Public Hearing Calendar

For Immediate Release

January 26, 2012

Sheldon Silver
Speaker
New York State Assembly

Jan. 30	New York State Legislative Task Force on Demographic Research and Reapportionment Chairs: Senator Michael F. Nozzolio and Assembly Member John J. McEneny
	Public Meeting:	Congressional and state legislative redistricting
	Place:	Hearing Room A, Legislative Office Building, 2nd Floor, Albany, New York
	Time:	10:30 A.M.
	Contact:	NYS Legislative Task Force on Demographic Research and Reapportionment (212) 618-1100; E-mail: info@latfor.state.ny.us

Jan. 31	New York State Legislative Task Force on Demographic Research and Reapportionment Chairs: Senator Michael F. Nozzolio and Assembly Member John J. McEneny
	Public Meeting:	Congressional and state legislative redistricting
	Place:	Bronx Museum of the Arts, Lower Gallery, 1040 Grand Concourse @ 165th Street, Bronx, New York
	Time:	3:00 P.M.
	Contact:	NYS Legislative Task Force on Demographic Research and Reapportionment (212) 618-1100; E-mail: info@latfor.state.ny.us

Feb. 1	New York State Legislative Task Force on Demographic Research and Reapportionment Chairs: Senator Michael F. Nozzolio and Assembly Member John J. McEneny
	Public Meeting:	Congressional and state legislative redistricting
	Place:	St. Francis College, Founders Hall Auditorium, 180 Remsen Street, Brooklyn Heights, New York
	Time:	10:30 A.M.
	Contact:	NYS Legislative Task Force on Demographic Research and Reapportionment (212) 618-1100; E-mail: info@latfor.state.ny.us

Feb. 2	New York State Legislative Task Force on Demographic Research and Reapportionment Chairs: Senator Michael F. Nozzolio and Assembly Member John J. McEneny
	Public Meeting:	Congressional and state legislative redistricting
	Place:	Assembly Hearing Room, 250 Broadway, Room 1923, 19th Floor, New York, New York
	Time:	10:30 A.M.
	Contact:	NYS Legislative Task Force on Demographic Research and Reapportionment (212) 618-1100; E-mail: info@latfor.state.ny.us

Feb. 6	Senate Standing Committee on Investigations and Government Operations Chair: Senator Carl L. Marcellino
	Public Hearing:	To examine executive compensation at not-for-profit organizations receiving State funding and the actions needed to prevent State tax dollars from being wasted on excessive salaries
	Place:	Van Buren Hearing Room A, Legislative Office Building, Albany, NY
	Time:	11:00 A.M.
	Contact:	Debbie Peck Kelleher (518) 455-2390
	Media Contact:	Kathy Wilson (516) 922-1811
	ORAL TESTIMONY BY INVITATION ONLY

Feb. 13	Senate Standing Committee on Transportation Chair: Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr.
	Public Hearing:	To examine what steps New York State can take to make roads safer and protect people from distracted driving crashes
	Place:	Van Buren Hearing Room A, Legislative Office Building, 2nd Floor, Albany, New York
	Time:	10:00 A.M.
	Contact:	Melissa Kehoe (518) 455-3341
	Media Contact:	Chris Schneider (516) 882-0630
	ORAL TESTIMONY BY INVITATION ONLY

Feb. 29	Senate Standing Committee on Environmental Conservation Chair: Senator Mark J. Grisanti
	Public Hearing:	To gather input from stakeholders with regard to theft, fraud and other issues as related to bottle redemption
	Place:	Van Buren Hearing Room A, Legislative Office Building, 2nd Floor, Albany, New York
	Time:	9:30 A.M. – 2:30 P.M.
	Contact:	Laura Manley (518) 455-3240
	Media Contact:	Doug Curella (716) 854-8705
	ORAL TESTIMONY BY INVITATION ONLY

OTHER MEETINGS OF INTEREST:

Feb. 9	Senate Standing Committee on Social Services Chair: Senator Patrick M. Gallivan and Senate Standing Committee on Children and Families Chair: Senator Diane J. Savino
	Forum:	Human Services Forum on the current and future issues and concerns of human services administrators, advocates and clients
	Place:	Monroe County Administration Building, 4th Floor, Legislative Chamber, Rochester, New York
	Time:	1:00 P.M. – 3:00 P.M.
	Contact:	Roxanne Irwin (518) 455-3471

Borough President Diaz Jr. Invites you to Dominican Heritage 2012

 

Dominican Heritage Month Celebration 2012   Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. & La Gran Parada Dominicana de El Bronx, Inc.  Cordially Invite You To The 2012 Dominican Heritage Month  Celebration Thursday, February 9, 2012 5:30 pm Bronx County Building Veterans Memorial Hall 851 Grand Concourse, The Bronx RSVP  718-590-3989 smalave@bronxbp.nyc.gov

In Partnership With

New District Lines

Here is the link to see the new district lines that have been proposed from the New York State Legislative Task Force on Demographic Research and Reapportionment. You can see the current district lines that were drawn in 2002, and the district lines from 1992 also. 

   The new State Assembly and State Senate lines have to go through 12 hearings throughout the state, and pass the Voting Rights Act where applicable. Then there will also be the lawsuits that may come up, as we are sure that there will be many to the new senate district lines. 

  By the way that new 63rd State Senate District runs right through Republican rich upstate around the Albany area, just as we told you weeks ago.

From Senator Jeff Klein-

A Senator You Can Count On

 
Dear Friends,

I’m proud to announce the release of the Independent Democratic Conference’s blueprint on how to help small businesses in New York.

This five-point plan was developed with the input of more than 75 small businessmen and women who participated in our ThoughtRaiser Initiative.

 Through these ThoughtRaiser roundtables, businesses told us that they grapple with:

-- Escalating Health Insurance Costs

-- Burdensome Regulations

-- Paying the Highest Combined Tax Burden in the Country

-- Limited Access to Credit

-- Excessive Paperwork Requirements

The IDC has released an action plan and report on how to tackle these issues. They can be found here.

Read coverage of the IDC’s Small Business Action Plan here, and click here to watch the IDC’s recent interview on New York Now. 

We need to stand by the small businesses that stood by New York.

In order to help grow our economy, we need to help those who have persevered through the bad times and kept their businesses and their jobs in our communities.

Sincerely,



Jeff Klein

 


SAVE THE DATE

Senator Jeff Klein's Black History Month Breakfast
Saturday, Feb.  25 

9:00 a.m.Villa Barone Manor

737 Throggs Neck Expressway Bronx, NY 10465 
To RSVP, call 718-822-2049.