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Tuesday, March 15, 2016
Bronx Jewish Community Council - Project HOPE Passover Delivery 2016
State Senator Gustavo Rivera on the Senate Budget Resolution
STATEMENT FROM STATE SENATOR GUSTAVO RIVERA ON THE SENATE BUDGET RESOLUTION
"Once again, the recently passed Senate's budget resolution has shortchanged New York City. The Senate Majority continues to demonstrate an unwillingness to properly address the issues that affect everyday New Yorkers.
How does this budget resolution fail New Yorkers? Let me count the ways:
I am incredibly troubled that this resolution takes further steps to shift costs from the state to the city for both Medicaid and for the City University of New York. The impact of these unconscionable cuts would prove to be catastrophic to the millions of New Yorkers that heavily rely on these basic services.
While this resolution proposes extending an education investment tax credit that does not necessarily financially benefit our city's public schools or those students that are most in need, it fails to include the DREAM Act and the necessary funding for the State to finally fufill its obligation under the Campaign for Fiscal Equity settlement.
After a long history of struggling with one of the worst AIDS epidemics in the country, I also find it disturbing that this budget resolution does not provide the full funding needed to meet the goals set by the Ending of AIDS Epidemic blueprint. This funding is essential to prevent thousands of new HIV infections and improving HIV health outcomes throughout our State.
Additionally, I'm disappointed that critical measures such Campaign Finance Reform and Raise The Age were not even included in this resolution. It is imperative that we make these issues a priority if we are to restore New Yorker's trust in both our government and in our criminal justice system.
It is also a disservice to both our economy and New Yorkers that this resolution does not include a $15 minimum wage. By not doing so, we are turning our back to the millions of New Yorkers who continue to struggle with a current minimum wage that does not come close to covering the cost of living of an individual and much less of a family. A study is not enough, we need a raise our minimum wage now.
As one of the state's most vibrant economic engines, it is time that New York City is treated as fairly as the rest of the State. I am committed to continuing to work with my colleagues in the Democratic Conference to strongly advocate for the inclusion of progressive principals in our State's budget that reflect the priorities and needs of all our residents, in particular the working-class and our most vulnerable, especially as it relates to the proposed cuts to the City University of New York's budget.
On this last point, let me be clear. The proposed $485 million budget cut to the City University of New York represents a pernicious and indefensible attack not only on New York City, but on the almost 500,000 working class New Yorkers that consider CUNY their only opportunity to pursue a higher education degree. We should not jeopardize our students' academic future by playing dangerous games with their hopes and dreams. I will be relentless in protecting this critical funding for our students and their future."
IDC: Senate one-house lays foundation for a ‘Better New York;' Paid Family Leave, ‘50 Hour Learning Week,’ and NYCHA upgrades among signature policy issues in budget resolution
Independent Democratic Conference Leader Jeff Klein and members of the IDC on Monday applauded the State Senate’s one-house budget resolution which advances key policy issues from NY 2020: A Blueprint for a Better New York.
Members of the IDC laid out a robust four-year agenda divvied into four pillars: Learn NY 2020, House NY 2020, Work NY 2020 and Live NY 2020 to uplift New Yorkers in every corner of the state.
Paid Family Leave, the “50 Hour Learning Week,” and capital improvements for NYCHA were chief among the proposals adopted in the Senate’s budget resolution.
“The Senate’s budget resolution addresses the needs of all New Yorkers. I’m extremely proud that today we’re advancing so much of the IDC’s vision to build up this state through inclusion of the IDC’s ideas on education, housing and employment. I’m particularly proud that we are one step closer to making Paid Family Leave, an issue I’ve long championed, a reality in New York State. No person should ever have to choose between what’s in their heart and what’s in their bank account,” said Senator Klein.
“Upstate revitalization depends on new job creation and meeting the needs of industries facing demand for skilled employees, and that’s exactly what this one-house budget resolution accomplishes. I applaud the State Senate for ensuring that, through our New Deal for New York’s Manufacturer’s Intermediary Apprenticeship Program, we can help companies create apprenticeship programs that simultaneously provide training and also put unemployed New Yorkers back to work. I am happy to announce the inclusion of the farm toll discount, which will provide meaningful relief to New York’s hardworking farmers. I am also pleased by the total elimination of the GEA. This is an ambitious budget resolution that will help keep upstate strong, and I am proud to support it,” said IDC Deputy Leader David Valesky (D-Oneida).
“The steps we take in this one-house budget resolution ensure that we will improve the education, housing, work and overall lives of all New Yorkers, not just for today, but for tomorrow. Our continued commitment to the New York Public Housing Authority addresses the deplorable conditions that tenants face, our renewal of the SCRIE/DRIE and SCHE/DHE expansions will help keep our seniors in their homes, and our funding the credentialing of direct care workers will ensure that our most vulnerable New Yorkers are well cared for, among other important programs. With this resolution, we have built a strong foundation for the New York of tomorrow,” said Senator Diane Savino (D-SI/Brooklyn).
“New York's middle class families deserve proposals that improve their quality of life and make government work for them. I strongly believe that the Senate's ambitious budget proposal laid out by the Majority Coalition will do just that by including a historic increase in school aid with the full elimination of the GEA, the inclusion of paid family leave, a Thruway toll freeze and middle class tax relief,” said Senator David Carlucci (D-Rockland).
“Building an even stronger New York for the latter half of this century means leaving no one behind. It means giving schools the funds they need to deliver a quality education to every student, regardless of their color or their neighborhood. It means setting limits on the taxes that are forcing people out of their own neighborhoods while ensuring that the taxes they do pay directly improve their quality of life. It means not separating the human factor from our policies by allowing individuals to care after a sick family member, to have a child without sacrificing a career, to give our seniors the dignity of reliable housing and services. I am proud to stand with my colleagues in advancing a multi-pronged agenda that helps New Yorkers from every walk-of-life,” said Senator Tony Avella (D-Queens).
Included in the State Senate’s one house:
LEARN NY 2020
Schools across the state receive $1.655 billion in school aid, a $700 million increase over the Executive’s proposal.
The Senate supports the “50 Hour Learning Week,” to expand afterschool programs, create new Community Schools and ensure children receive full day kindergarten.
New York City’s specialized high schools lack diversity and the IDC wants to change that statistic by preparing students for the rigorous entrance exam. The Senate supports over $5 million for entrance exam preparation, school outreach coordinators and the expansion of gifted and talented programs in underserved areas.
The Senate supports the elimination of the Gap Elimination Adjustment to address school district deficits in upstate New York.
College students in New York, on average, wind up $26,000 in the red. To address the burden of student debt, the Senate recommends doubling the tuition tax credit, increasing tax-deductible deposits into 529-a college savings accounts and advances the pre-paid college tuition plan.
The Senate advances Erin Merryn’s Law to teach children about sexual abuse from grades K-8.
HOUSE NY 2020
NYCHA tenants face deplorable conditions like mold, leaking roofs and crumbling infrastructure. The Senate supports funding NYCHA capital improvements and empowering the New York City Council to have increased oversight over the Authority. The Senate supports Senator Klein’s NYCHA Repair Certificate to allow experienced builders to receive upzoning in exchange for major repairs to NYCHA buildings. The Senate also recognizes that our veterans and victims of domestic violence should receive preference for NYCHA apartments.
For seniors and disabled tenants, the SCRIE/DRIE program, which freezes rent at an affordable rate, is a lifeline. The IDC successfully pushed for the income cap to increase to $50,000 to address the needs of more middle-class New Yorkers that sunsets this July and drops down to a $29,000 threshold. The Senate eliminates the sunset for SCRIE/DRIE so that tenants can live out their golden years at home — affordably.
Senior and disabled homeowners also need help and the Senate enhances the SCHE/DHE property tax break for additional residents living on fixed incomes. Income eligibility for these crucial property tax exemptions to keep seniors and disabled citizens in their home would rise to between $50,000 and $58,400 from $29,000 with sliding scale rates up to $37,400.
New York City’s homeowners face major increases to their property tax bills because of a broken property tax assessment system. The Senate wants relief for these overburdened New York City homeowners through a 2% property tax cap.
The Senate supports funding a New York State Mortgage Assistance Program which helps keep New Yorkers facing foreclosure in their homes and a Community Restoration Fund which will address the fallout of the foreclosure crisis by establishing a revolving loan fund to stabilize properties and uplift communities impacted by the crisis.
The Senate advances the spirit of Mitchell Lama housing through funding the Middle Income Housing Program. The Senate also funds the Middle Income Housing Tax Credit at $25 million per year over the next ten years to help spur the creation of affordable, middle-income housing.
WORK NY 2020
Paid Family Leave will allow working- and middle- class New Yorkers 12-weeks off to care for a newborn or a seriously ill loved one. It will be funded by minimal employee contributions.
The New Deal for New York’s Manufacturers’ Intermediary Apprenticeship Program will be piloted in Syracuse. This program cuts the bureaucratic red tape small- and medium-sized manufacturers face in establishing apprenticeship programs to bring more skilled, good-paying jobs to New York.
The Senate supports funding for credentialing direct care workers who take care of our most vulnerable citizens.
The Senate adopts a farm toll discount to help New York State’s farmers stay in business.
The Hire-a-Vet tax credit, designed by Senator Klein to put our veterans back to work, is renewed. Businesses receive up to $5,000 for each veteran hired and up to $15,000 for each disabled veteran hired.
LIVE NY 2020
New York residents shell out the highest percentage of their paychecks for child care compared to any other state. The Senate alleviates the burden working parents face by expanding the child care dependent tax credit, funding more subsidized child care slots and increased funding for facilitated enrollment.
The Senate also wants children to be in safe facilities where their minds grow. The Senate supports funding the QualityStars program which helps child care centers improve their educational and organizational plans.
Modeled after a federal program to help low-income residents with heating costs, the Senate supports the creation of the IDC’s Senior Heating Assistance Program (SHEAP) to help seniors with their heating costs.
The Senate supports measures to prevent the financial exploitation of the elderly.
The Senate eliminates the sunset on Lauren’s Law, which creates expanded organ donation options on New York State driver’s license applications.
Funding for SNUG, an innovative anti-gun violence program that sends reformed gang members to high crime areas to help mediate disputes, is included in the resolution. In targeted areas in The Bronx gun incidents fell in two precincts by 53% thanks to this program.
The Senate advances Senator Klein’s social service siting policy to ensure that communities have a say before a homeless shelter or other social service provider opens. This would then allow the New York City Planning Commission to decide whether a proposal to site a shelter was approved, disapproved or needs modifications.
The Senate supports the creation of a courtroom on Rikers Island to alleviate the backlog in cases in The Bronx District Attorney’s Office and supports funding a Bronx/Rikers prosecution bureau to address this issue further.
The Senate recommends the MTA and NYPD study bus routes to zero-in on which lines have the highest crime rates so that police officers could be placed in these routes.
SENATOR KLEIN CELEBRATES ST. PATRICK’S DAY
Klein Donates Thousands of Shamrock Cookies to Parade Marchers In Honor of St. Patrick’s Day
BRONX, NY - State Senator Jeff Klein, together with Councilman James Vacca joined the 2016 Grand Marshals Noreen and David Kilkenny, and Honored Clergy Member Reverend Christopher J. Devron, S.J. for the 18th Annual Throggs Neck St. Patrick’s Day Parade in The Bronx this past Sunday. The day began with mass at St. Benedict’s Church and was followed by the community’s annual St. Patrick’s Day breakfast. The parade kicked off at the corner of East Tremont and Lafayette Avenues at noon. During the parade, Senator Klein handed out nearly 3,000 shamrock cookies to marchers and parade revelers.
Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj - Bronx Day in Albany
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Solidify your place as one of the BEST OF THE BRONX at the Bronx Day in Albany event! Network with other businesses, legislators, and major New York State Associations! Promote your products or services while showcasing your Bronx Pride to potential clients and strategic partners.
- Over 100 businesses will participate
- Hundreds of Bronx residents expected to attend
- A plethora of Bronx based food to sample & products to buy
- Information distributed by several health, law & finance industries
SAVE THE DATE
Thursday, MAY 24th, 2016
For more information, please contact
Monday, March 14, 2016
Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj's Events for the Month of March
The month of March is our nation's platform to observe historic achievements in women's history. As we celebrate the success of our nation's women, we must also understand their journey and their unwavering sacrifice for equality. Join us, as we commemorate and honor those who have paved the way for all women to succeed.
Please join us in celebrating Women's History Month
at our annual
9:30 am to 11:30 am
Pelham Bay Diner
1920 East Gun Hill Road
Bronx, N.Y. 10469
Also happening in March 2016
Also happening in March 2016
Health and Wellness Fair
Friday, March 18th, 2016
4:00 pm to 7:00 pm
J.H.S. 80
149 East Mosholu Parkway
Bronx, NY 10467
Metro Card Van to the 80th AD
Tuesday, March 29, 2016
10:00 am to 12:00 pm
In front of 80th District Office
1126 Pelham Parkway South
Bronx, NY 10461
and
1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
In front of ZNS Reality Corp.
3039 Bainbridge Ave, Bronx, NY 10467
(at the corner of E. 204th Street)
Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. - Irish Heritage Month Celebration
Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman - Partnering With The City To Build More Affordable Housing
Cracking Down On Bad Guys, Using Resources For Good
The Attorney General stood with Bill de Blasio to announce that $10 million will be used to build new affordable housing units in New York City. The money comes from the office’s investigations into bad landlords who skirted tax laws, violated tenant rights and failed to provide rent stabilized leases.
As the Attorney General said: catching bad guys is good, but solving problems to help good people is better.
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Ensuring Equal Educational Access For Immigrant Children
The Attorney General penned an op-ed in Education Week about how the promise of equal access to education is being broken for many immigrant children, and the measures his office has taken to ensure equal access to a quality education for all students. Read the full op-ed here.
No Tolerance For Discriminatory Advertisements
After a local healthcare staffing agency placed an advertisement in a local paper requesting a female “laid back nurse, no Haitians,” the Attorney General launched an investigation to determine whether discriminatory hiring practices were in place at the company. This week, the Attorney General reached an agreement with Interim HealthCare resolving the investigation, which includes a $100,000 penalty and further reforms.
Marking National Consumer Protection Week
This week was National Consumer Protection Week, and the Attorney General offered a series of tips to keep New Yorkers safe from fraudsters. Learn about the most common consumer frauds and recent phone scams reported to the office. If you receive a call like this from a government agency warning you about an arrest, report it to the Attorney General’s office—it’s a scam!
Another Victory In The Fight Against Designer Drugs
The online designer drug company “Surrealistic Sensations,” can no longer sell designer drugs after the Attorney General won a permanent injunction in court. The decision follows an initial lawsuit against Surrealistic Sensations and a separate head shop back in October, and continues the Attorney General’s success in removing illegal and dangerous designer drugs from stores across New York.
Have a question, comment, or complaint? Click here. You can also learn more about the various initiatives of the Attorney General's office by visiting our website atag.ny.gov.