Monday, September 22, 2014

Yes, I Am One of New York’s Most Effective and Proficient Legislators


What You Should Know
By Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz
32nd Senatorial District 


You should know that through the years, I have received a lot of media attention for standing strong for my Christian beliefs – especially for my opposition to gay marriage and abortion – but the story about my record as one of New York’s most effective and proficient Democratic legislators is routinely ignored.
You should know that since I was elected to the New York State Senate in 2002, there are many, many pieces of legislation that I have sponsored.  I have worked hard with my colleagues to get my bills out of their respective committees and out to the Senate Floor for a vote.  I have to say that the walls in my Albany Office are so crowded with my bills that have been signed into law, that I might need more wall space in 2015! See the attached photo which includes my sixteen bills and other bills which I have been prime co-sponsor.
My most recent bill, S.6732-A was signed into law on August 6, 2014. This bill, sponsored in the Assembly by Assemblyman Marcos Crespo, will protect New Yorkers from immigration assistance fraud.  This was one of many victories for the Diaz Team.
You should know that when your political party is in the minority and it does not control the Senate, it is very difficult, if not impossible, to pass any legislation. In my twelve years as a New York State Senator, being in the minority and with all my beliefs and traditional philosophies, I have introduced many pieces of legislation and sixteen, I repeat, sixteen of my bills have been signed into law, making me one of the most, if not THE most, effective Democratic Senator in the New York State Senate.

In 2005, I introduced bill number S.2234-A, which was signed into law and became Chapter 526.  This law increases state penalties for dog attacks causing serious physical injury; increases the amount fines from eight hundred dollars to fifteen hundred dollars and from one thousand to three thousand dollars respectively; permits restitution payments to offset state and NYC fines; and, permits the imposition of dog restrictions on parolees. 

In 2007, I introduced bill number S.3167, which was signed into law and became Chapter 48.  This law relates to providing companion pets for seniors and instruction in the humane treatment of animals; provides for the office for the aging to operate programs to match seniors with companion pets to improve the lives of such seniors, and for the office for the aging to work with other entities to provide such programs. 

In 2008, I introduced bill number S.7014, which was signed into law and became Chapter 501. This law authorizes certain housing preferences for police force members in cities with a population of one hundred thousand or more. 

In 2009 two of my bills became law. They are S.3163 which became Chapter 107 and provides that the city of New York may re-convey certain property taken in tax foreclosure in the borough of the Bronx to the original owner, and bill number S.6091 which became Chapter 482 and provides that a person is guilty of aggravated murder when such person causes the death of a child and acted in an especially cruel and wanton manner. 

In 2010, three of my bills became law. They are S. 5456 which became Chapter 49 and requires third-party notification prior to termination of long-term care and health insurance for persons 65 and older; bill number S.7647 which became Chapter 348 and relates to eligibility under the naturally occurring retirement community supportive service program; provides that an individual over the age of sixty need not be the head of the household to qualify under the program; and bill number S.7512-A which became Chapter 410 and allows consideration of in-kind support when determining grantees of the naturally occurring retirement communities supportive service program. 

In 2011, five of my bills became law. They are bill number S.1313-B which became Chapter 191 and establishes the offense of prostitution in a school zone and promoting prostitution in a school zone; bill number S.1753 which became Chapter 263 and requires the state office for the aging to review programs addressing the needs of the aging veteran population; bill number S.331-A which became Chapter 270 and includes assisted living residences within the definition of long term care facilities for certain purposes; requires assisted living residences to permit access to such facilities by the long term care ombudsman; bill number S.5375 which became Chapter 320 and relates to matching funds for grants under the naturally occurring retirement community supportive service program; and, bill number S.333 which became Chapter 452 and authorizes the city of New York to re-convey its interest in certain real property acquired by in rem tax foreclosure in the borough of Bronx to former owner St. Peter's Lutheran Church. 

In 2012, the two of my bills became law. They are bill number S. 502-A which became Chapter 111 and relates to the senior citizen energy packaging pilot program and bill number S.6237 which became Chapter 201 and relates to the collection of supervision fees from persons on community supervision and provides that the department of corrections may promulgate rules and regulations to establish alternative methods for payment of supervision fees. 

So far in 2014, and the year is not over yet, one of  my bills has become law. Bill number S.6732-A became Chapter 206 and relates to implementing the immigrant assistance service enforcement act. 

Ladies and gentlemen, I am grateful to my constituents who continue to place their trust in me to serve them and to represent them.  And even though my accomplishments in the Senate may not receive the same attention that my defense for traditional marriage and the protection of human life receive, I am very proud to be one of New York State’s most effective and proficient legislators. 

You should know that being able to have sixteen pieces of legislation become law in twelve years is not such a bad record for this black Puerto Rican, with kinky hair and broken English.

This is Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz, and in my humble opinion, this is what you should know.

THIS WEDNESDAY--Attention Seniors and Bronxites with Disabilities---Opportunity to Freeze Rent/Reduce Homeownership Costs--SEPTEMBER 24, 2014


Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.
Cordially Invites You to an Educational Forum on Programs to
 Help Freeze Your Rent or
Reduce Your Homeownership Costs

Wednesday, September 24, 2014
11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
New York Public Library
310 East Kingsbridge Road, Bronx, NY 10458

Ø RENTERS, did you know that more seniors and people with disabilities will now qualify for programs that will allow them to no longer receive rent increases? As of July 2014, income eligibility for individuals to qualify for SCRIE and DRIE programs has now increased to $50,000 per year.

Ø SENIOR HOMEOWNERS, did you know that you may qualify for additional tax exemptions?


Representatives from the New York City Department of Finance
will be in attendance to discuss the following programs :
o   Senior Citizens Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE)
o   Disability Citizens Rent Increase Exemption (DRIE)
o   Senior Citizen Homeowners Exemption (SCHE)
o   Enhances STAR Exemption (STAR)

If you are interested in any of these services please call 718-590-6248 to confirm your attendance. Light Refreshments will be served!

Saturday, September 20, 2014

Espada Wins Federal Appeal to Review Conviction


This comes in from an attache of former State Senator Pedro Espada Jr.



A federal three judge panel has agreed to review the Appeal filed by former New York state Senate Majority Leader Pedro Espada, who is serving a 5 year prison term on tax evasion charges.

Mr. Espada filed the appeal request, citing exonerating evidence that was not made available to his defense by prosecutors.  

The federal panel could potentially rule in favor of a  new trial, or  set aside the guilty verdict.

The Panel is not expected to rule until December, 2014.


Public Advocate Releases Nail Salon Report



Earlier this week I released a report on improving nail salon safety for both workers and customers.  

"How safe is your nail salon?" provides recommendations to further protect the safety of nail salon employees and customers throughout New York City.  The report recommends a 'healthy nails' incentive program, increased education and multilingual outreach, and enhanced air quality measures among other things.

In New York City alone, it is estimated that there are 2,000 businesses licensed to practice nail care and design.  In recent years, greater attention has been given to the hazardous chemicals used at some nail salons, specifically those chemicals that could have a harmful effect on both nail salon workers and customers. Toluene, formaldehyde, and dibutyl phthalate- known as "the toxic trio"- are found in many nail products, though they have been linked with reproductive harm, respiratory problems, and cancer.

Generally, there is little-to-no information given to workers-many of whom are recent immigrants- regarding protecting themselves from the chemicals they may regularly come into contact with at nail salons. At least one report found that "the intensity of exposure for salon workers is 1,200 times what it would be for the average American". Out of the 10,000 chemicals contained in nail products, 89% of have not been tested by an independent agency for safety. 

New York City is not responsible for inspecting salons for cleanliness and safety- that power lies with New York State. And though there are almost 5,000 salons throughout New York State, there are only 27 inspectors statewide assigned to this important work.  And for those of you that frequent nail salons, be sure to read page 21 of my report for Best Practices for Consumers.

Today's report is not meant to penalize these businesses, but rather outline how the industry can increase protections, and ensure that we create safer and more sanitary conditions in salons .  It is my hope that this will be the first step in ensuring customers feel safe at their salons, and that salon employees know that they have a right to information about the chemicals they're handling, and how best to protect themselves.

Best,
  
Letitia "Tish" James
New York City Public Advocate

Friday, September 19, 2014

Update Alfredo Thiebaud's Resting Arrangement



For those who would like to pay their respects, Funeral and viewing arrangements  are below:

Viewing:
Schuyler Hill Funeral Home
Monday, September 22nd from 2:00pm-9:00pm
3535 East Tremont Ave Bronx, NY 1046


Please keep the Thiebaud Family in your thoughts and prayers.

The Passing of a Great Individual and Business Owner.


This comes from the Bronx Chamber of Commerce, with an additional comment from Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

Bronx Chamber Logo
To our Members,
We are saddened to inform you on the passing of a great soul, entrepreneur, and generous individual, Alfredo Thiebaud, owner of Delicioso Coco Helado., who was recently honored by the Bronx Chamber of Commerce. He will be deeply missed as he was a true friend of The Bronx Chamber of Commerce. Alfredo was a good man and believed in family and giving back to the community in any way possible. Our deepest sympathy and prayers goes out to the entire Thiebaud family.
 
 
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For more information: 
                        Please contact the Chamber Staff at 718-828-3900 
or send an e-mail to: 
 

STATEMENT FROM BOROUGH PRESIDENT DIAZ
RE: The Passing of Alfredo Thiebaud

“I am incredibly saddened to learn of the passing of my good friend, Alfredo Thiebaud, founder and president of Delicioso Coco Helado.
“Through his company, Mr. Thiebaud was able to provide an opportunity for employment to thousands of individuals, many of them new immigrants to this country, by joining his workforce. These carts, which sold Mr. Thiebaud’s signature flavors of helado—such as coconut, cherry and mango—have become synonymous with summer fun, and were born right here in The Bronx.
“Mr. Thiebaud always gave back to the community, and was among our borough’s greatest humanitarians. He was always quick to help a community group or a school with their event, donating money, time or product to numerous worthy causes across the city. He was a frequent supporter of Bronx Week, as well as other events produced by my office, and he was always willing to go the extra mile for the people of The Bronx.
“Alfredo Thiebaud was a great man and a great friend, and this tragic accident has deprived us of one of the best. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, his friends, his employees and the thousands of people who have lost a true friend today with the passing of Alfredo Thiebaud,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.