FREE RAT ACADEMY: RESIDENTS LEARN HOW TO RID NEIGHBORHOODS OF CITY’S MOST PESKY RODENT

  Senator Jeff Klein, along with Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, and Councilman Andrew Cohen,  sponsored a special city Department of Health workshop Thursday night at Van Cortlandt Jewish Senior Center that offered safe and effective methods for rat prevention to community members.

The unique class was organized after residents voiced their concerns over numerous rat disturbances in the area, including on Stevenson Place, just a block away from where the Rat Academy was held. The rodents are attracted to the retaining wall on that street, which provides a good place for them to burrow, a DOH representative explained at the class. Other locations visited and occupied by rats could be found online at www.nyc.gov/rats. The DOH encouraged the participants to visit the website’s “Rat Information Portal” to learn where the animals are active in their neighborhood.  

“It’s time to tackle our rat problem head on by educating everyone about the best ways to keep these rodents away from our homes and neighborhoods. I’m thrilled to have co-sponsored a Free Rat Academy with Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz and Council Member Cohen. Rats don’t belong in our houses, apartments, or backyards. The city Department of Health is well versed in rat prevention and I’m thankful they offered free training to our community members,” said Senator Klein.     

“I am pleased to partner with my colleagues Senator Klein and Council Member Cohen in order to address this problem. Rats are here, there’s no ignoring it, but they aren’t welcome to stay and they don’t have to. We can drastically reduce rat populations and keep our homes clean by educating ourselves and following simple rules that can prevent rats from infesting buildings and houses. If everyone learns about what they can do to protect themselves and their garbage from rats, we can get these rodents out of our neighborhoods,” said Assemblyman Dinowitz.

“I am pleased to be co-sponsoring a Rat Academy in my Council District, with the New York City Health Department and fellow elected officials.  Rats are a huge public health hazard, particularly if they enter the buildings where we live and work.  The Health Department has great expertise in how to keep rodents out of buildings.   Rat Academy is an opportunity for them to share that knowledge with tenants and buildings managers in my district, so we can all be partners in improving the quality of life in our community,” said Council Member Cohen.

The DOH provided tips and pointers on how to prevent an infestation, as well as how to best manage an existing rat problem during the two hour workshop. Removing potential food, water and shelter sources is a simple solution  to combat the four-legged critters. A DOH representative also encouraged the community members to not feed pigeons or feral cats, as these food sources also attract rats.

The city agency sent the audience home with free rodent-resistant garbage cans. During the Rat Academy, the DOH highlighted how garbage is a major attraction to rats. The rodents usually burrow and live within close proximity to waste.  Because of this, the participants were told to make sure their garbage is always 100 percent contained.

Wave Hill Events Feb 10–Feb 17

Time Out New York readers recently voted Wave Hill their most loved cultural venue, and that makes us especially happy to welcome all our valentines this year. May we recommend combining our blissfully peaceful oasis with the activity of your choice: Brush up on the language of flowers, heart the manatee at a family card-making project, decorate your own cookies, and cap the visit off with a browse in the Shop for sweet gifts—and take advantage of a sale on some of our most handsome jewelry.

The second speaker in our horticultural lecture series for 2017, David Fried, has some passions of his own, namely getting us all into growing organic fruit and nut trees. Some tickets are still available for this lively and engaging talk!

SAT, FEBRUARY 11    FAMILY ART PROJECT: HEARTS FOR FLOWERS, LOVE FOR MANATEES

As we look ahead to Valentine’s Day, let’s spread the love like the petals of a bursting flower. Layer an abundance of hearts in circular formations to create joyful and rapturous flowery cards and gifts. Today, we also give some love to the majestic manatees. Their populations at record lows, these wonderful “sea cows” need our support. Hear touching tales about these marine creatures and make a stuffed-manatee valentine gift or card.  Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon. Valentine’s Weekend event.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

SAT, FEBRUARY 11   VALENTINE’S DAY IN THE SHOP

With Valentine's Day in mind, The Shop at Wave Hill is opening its cases of quality jewelry to a 30% off sale on a wide selection. Combine a browse with a quiet walk through the gardens for a perfect winter outing. The sale continues through Valentine’s Day, February 14. Purchases over $100 in The Shop on Valentine’s Weekend receive a gift of chocolate!

PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10AM–4PM

SAT, FEBRUARY 11    GARDEN & CONSERVATORY HIGHLIGHTS WALK

Join us for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 11AM

SAT, FEBRUARY 11    LANGUAGE OF FLOWERS DROP-IN TOUR

Stop by the Marco Polo Stufano Conservatory for a drop-in tour of the fragrant plants currently in bloom and learn the language of flowers. Free with admission to the grounds.

MARCO POLO STUFANO CONSERVATORY, NOON–2PM

SAT, FEBRUARY 11    WINTER WORKSPACE SESSION 1 OPEN HOUSE

This winter, Glyndor Gallery is transformed again into studio spaces for artists to develop new work and offer opportunities for public interaction in the context of the garden. Individual artists share their studio practice with the public on this open studio day. This year’s Session 1artists are Dahlia Elsayed, Rosemarie Fiore, Crystal Gregory, Yeon Jin Kim, Summer McCorkle and Anne Percoco & Ellie Irons. Free with admission to the grounds.

GLYNDOR GALLERY, NOON‒3:30PM

SAT, FEBRUARY 11    HEARTS AND FLOWERS COOKIE DECORATING WORKSHOP 

Roses are red, violets are blue, cookies are colorful, and sprinkles are, too! Bring your sweethearts to Wave Hill this Valentine’s Day for a special cookie decorating event. Use sanding sugars, cookie icing and a variety of sprinkles to design your own cookies. Fill a box with your creations to show that certain someone how much you love them. Perfect for families and crafty visitors of all ages. $20/$10 Wave Hill Member per project. No registration required for this drop-in workshop. Valentine’s Weekend event.

ARMOR HALL, 12‒2PM

SUN, FEBRUARY 12    WINTER BIRDING

The Hudson River Valley hosts an impressive diversity of bird species, even during the winter months. Explore Wave Hill’s tranquil gardens and woodlands with naturalist Gabriel Willow to observe birds in their winter habitats. Birders of all levels welcome. Ages 10 and older welcome with an adult. Severe weather cancels. Free with admission to the grounds. NYC Audubon members enjoy two-for-one admission to the grounds.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 9:30AM

SUN, FEBRUARY 12    FAMILY ART PROJECT: HEARTS FOR FLOWERS, LOVE FOR MANATEES

As we look ahead to Valentine’s Day, let’s spread the love like the petals of a bursting flower. Layer an abundance of hearts in circular formations to create joyful and rapturous flowery cards and gifts. Today, we also give some love to the majestic manatees. Their populations at record lows, these wonderful “sea cows” need our support. Hear touching tales about these marine creatures and make a stuffed-manatee valentine gift or card.  Free with admission to the grounds.Valentine’s Weekend event.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

SUN, FEBRUARY 12   VALENTINE’S DAY IN THE SHOP

With Valentine's Day in mind, The Shop at Wave Hill is opening its cases of quality jewelry to a 30% off sale on a wide selection. Combine a browse with a quiet walk through the gardens for a perfect winter outing. The sale continues through Valentine’s Day, February 14. Purchases over $100 in The Shop on Valentine’s Weekend receive a gift of chocolate!

PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10AM–4PM

SUN, FEBRUARY 12    HEARTS AND FLOWERS COOKIE DECORATING WORKSHOP 

Roses are red, violets are blue, cookies are colorful, and sprinkles are, too! Bring your sweethearts to Wave Hill this Valentine’s Day for a special cookie decorating event. Use sanding sugars, cookie icing and a variety of sprinkles to design your own cookies. Fill a box with your creations to show that certain someone how much you love them. Perfect for families and crafty visitors of all ages. $20/$10 Wave Hill Member per project. No registration required for this drop-in workshop. Valentine’s Weekend event.

ARMOR HALL, 12‒2PM

SUN, FEBRUARY 12    FAMILY NATURE WALK

Join naturalist and educator Gabriel Willow on a family-friendly walk through the gardens or woodlands. Ages six and older welcome with an adult. Severe weather cancels. Free with admission to the grounds.

MEET AT WAVE HILL HOUSE, 12:30PM

SUN, FEBRUARY 12    GARDEN & CONSERVATORY 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, FEBRUARY 13    

Closed to the public

TUE, FEBRUARY 14   VALENTINE’S DAY IN THE SHOP

With Valentine's Day in mind, The Shop at Wave Hill is opening its cases of quality jewelry to a 30% off sale on a wide selection. Combine a browse with a quiet walk through the gardens for a perfect winter outing. The sale end today. 

PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10AM–4PM

WED, FEBRUARY 15    FRUITS YOU ONLY DREAMED YOU COULD GROW—A HORTICULTURAL LECTURE BY DAVID FRIED

Every yard and patio can be a small universe of edibles. Flowering, ripening, with exotic aromas and splashes of color, nothing inspires and satisfies like your own home fruit grove. Described as a pioneer in propagating and nurturing certified organic fruit and nut trees, David Fried founded Elmore Roots Nursery—in Vermont just south of the Canadian border—more than 30 years ago. Elmore Roots is a small farm that grows apples, plums, northern kiwis and pears, as well as black walnut and hazelnut and other nut trees. Wave Hill’s annual horticultural lecture series is held at the New York School of Interior Design. Three-lecture series: $60/$50 Wave Hill Member or student. Individual tickets: $25/$20 Wave Hill Member or student. Seating is limited, and advanced reservations are recommended, online at wavehill.org beginning November 16. The last lecture of the series takes place on March 15, when Jack Staub will speak about Hortulus Farm.

NEW YORK SCHOOL OF INTERIOR DESIGN, 6‒7:30PM

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 and Tuesday mornings until noon. 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 W. 242nd 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.

VISION ZERO: MAYOR DE BLASIO PROPOSED BUDGET INVESTS IN MORE CROSSING GUARDS AND STREET SAFETY REDESIGNS

With safest-ever year in 2016, New York City's FY18 budget will accelerate street redesigns and increase Vision Zero traffic enforcement -- dedicating an additional $400 million over next five years

  Mayor Bill de Blasio today announced that the proposed New York City budget for Fiscal Year 2018 would include an unprecedented commitment to Vision Zero, his signature program to reduce traffic injuries and fatalities. The budget will expand the City’s five-year commitment to traffic safety to $1.6 billion, dedicating over $400 million in new resources for street redesign, street markings, lighting and other engineering improvements, while increasing the number of NYPD crossing guards and increasing capacity of the NYPD to crack down on dangerous driving.  The Mayor made his announcement in front of the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, at the intersection of Atlantic and Flatbush Avenues, which will be among DOT’s targets for major safety improvements in 2017.  He was joined at the announcement by Doren Johnson, a 16-year old LaGuardia High School student injured in a crash at this location two years ago.

"With three straight years of declining traffic fatalities in New York City that are strongly countering national trends, Vision Zero has already made a difference in saving lives," said Mayor Bill de Blasio. "But we have said that we must always do more. Our proposed budget will allow us to keep kids safe around our schools and expand DOT's most effective efforts to make our streets even safer."

"As we further expand our commitment to Vision Zero, New York City has bucked national trends around traffic safety," said DOT Commissioner Polly Trottenberg. "With this new budget, we thank Mayor de Blasio for his continued strong leadership to continue that momentum in advancing the cause of safe streets. After three years of record progress on street redesign, we look forward to fulfilling the Mayor's charge to do even more."

"New York City continues to lead the way on Traffic Safety,” said Chief Thomas M. Chan. “With a strong foundation already in place, the Mayor’s new budget will build upon this by providing local precincts with additional state-of-the-art equipment for speed enforcement which is critical to the success of the Vision Zero initiative. The addition of School Crossing Guards and supervisors will help to ensure full coverage on the existing School Crossing Guard Posts; providing safe passage to and from school for our children. The Mayor’s budget strengthens the Police Department’s position in pursuit of Vision Zero.”

  

Vision Zero highlights from the FY18 Preliminary Budget include:

·         Ensure School Crossing Guards at Every Post (FY17 $5.4M, FY18 $6.3M, FY19 $6.7M, FY20 and out $7.2M) Hire 100 full-time School Crossing Guard supervisors and 200 additional part-time School Crossing Guards to ensure 100 percent coverage at all school crossing posts citywide and create a mobile replacement squad to prevent empty posts from absence. While crossing posts are currently covered at near 100 percent rates by using Traffic Enforcement Agents and occasionally police officers, this funding ensures full coverage by crossing guards, allowing these agents and officers to be redeployed to other duties, including enforcement against dangerous driving.

·         Expanded Vision Zero Capital Funding for Major Street Safety Reconstruction. (FY18-FY23 $317M) DOT capital street projects are major street construction projects that often include full reconstruction of the roadbed, sidewalks and underlying infrastructure. These projects can completely realign complex intersections or provide permanent safety improvements like raised medians, while enhancing the livability of communities. These dollars represent a major long-term commitment to building out safer corridors and intersections for years to come. 

·         Faster Replacement and Refurbishment of Street Markings and Safer Crosswalks Citywide. (FY17 $7M, FY18 $12M, FY19 $15M, FY20 $17M, FY21 $19M) Street markings are now updated on a replacement cycle that on average is over 6 years -- which has sometimes led to faded markings late in the cycle.  New funding will provide for a new 4.5-year replacement cycle for existing markings, and also support the addition of 15 million linear feet of new markings per year for wider deployment of safer street designs.  With this change, DOT will make the high-visibility “piano-key” crosswalk the standard crosswalk citywide.

·         Intersection Upgrades Along Bike Lane Network for Safer Cycling. (FY 17 $245K, FY18 $690K, FY19 $649K, FY20-21 $607K) This funding will enable a new program dedicated to targeted safety enhancements and upgrades at key intersections within the bike network.  Nearly 90 percent of fatalities and severe injuries to cyclists occur at intersections and about 20 intersections will be improved per year.

·         Quick-Install Left-Turn Calming Measures at Hundreds of Intersections. (FY18 $325K, FY19-FY21 $275K) In 2016, DOT published an analysis, Don't Cut Corners, which revealed that left turns are three times as likely to cause serious pedestrian crashes as right turns.  In response, DOT developed new treatments to calm left turns and installed them at over 100 intersections. This new funding will help DOT install and maintain the treatments at about 100 other high-risk intersections per year.  

·         Increase the Number of Enhanced Pedestrian Crossings. (FY17 $66K, FY18-21 $242K) Improve safety and accessibility of intersections that are not suitable for traffic signals or stop signs. This new program combines elements including high-visibility marked crosswalks, ADA-compliant pedestrian ramps and crossing signs, and will allow DOT to study up to 100 intersections for the treatment each year.

·         Brighter Lighting at 1,000 High-Risk Intersections. (FY18 $636K, FY19-21 $566K).  Only 13 percent of pedestrian travel occurs during darkness, but approximately 40 percent of pedestrian fatalities occur during this time. In order to reduce the risk DOT will boost lighting at approximately 1,000 intersections across the City by adding additional lights over crosswalks, doubling the number of lighting upgrades DOT has performed since 2013.

·         Increased Speed Detection and Traffic Enforcement Tools for Every NYPD Precinct. (FY18 $550K) This new money will allow the purchase of 120 handheld laser speed detection guns to be deployed to the local precincts – increasing the speed detection equipment at the precinct level by 50 percent. Each precinct currently has two speed detection guns. This will provide a third for each precinct, as well as spares to mitigate equipment downtime, and 15 vehicle mounted lasers for the Highway District. 

MAYOR DE BLASIO ANNOUNCES NEW PROGRAM PREPARING OUT-OF-SCHOOL, OUT-OF-WORK YOUTH WITH CAREERS IN THE CULINARY INDUSTRY

Stage NYC to meet restaurant sector’s growing demand for qualified kitchen employees by connecting young adults to paid, on-the-job training

   Mayor Bill de Blasio, the Department of Small Business Services and its NYC Food & Beverage Hospitality Council today kicked off NYC Restaurant Week by announcing a new three-month program connecting out-of-school, out-of-work youth with rewarding careers in the New York City restaurant industry. Stage NYC, pronounced “stazhje,” is a partnership with the hospitality industry that will help meet the restaurant sector’s growing demand for qualified culinary employees while creating new career pathways for New Yorkers. The program will cover technical skills and life skills to ready young adults, aged 18-24, for careers in the restaurant industry. Participants will receive paid, on-the-job training with an industry partner in order to gain hands-on experience. The culmination of both skills and experience training will provide participants with the tools needed to successfully fill positions in a growing industry.

“Through Stage NYC, we are investing in the young adults of New York City,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “Thanks to leaders in the restaurant industry, we are allowing young individuals who find themselves out of school and out of work to gain the skills and experience needed to begin a successful career in the culinary field.”

“Stage NYC provides out-of-school, out-of-work youth with the comprehensive training and skills needed to embark on a rewarding career path in the hospitality industry,” said Gregg Bishop, Commissioner of the Department of Small Business Services. “By working with industry leaders, we are helping restaurants succeed in our City while providing New Yorkers with access to career opportunities involving in-demand skills.”

About Stage NYC

Stage NYC will target out-of-school and out-of-work young adults, ages 18-24, across all 5 boroughs. The three-month program will first provide participants with a week of classroom training that encompasses both in-demand, technical skills training and soft skills training, such as how to interact with potential supervisors, coworkers and restaurant guests. The remainder of the program will involve students participating in on-the-job training with a local restaurant to gain on-the-job experience. Following the program, participants will have the skills and experience needed to build a successful career in the culinary field.

Stage or Staging originates from the French word stagiaire meaning trainee or intern. Restaurants across Europe and in other parts of the world commonly use Staging to build a pipeline of talent by bringing novice cooks into the kitchen to learn and be exposed to new techniques and cuisines in a systematic way.

Those interested in participating in this program may emailtraining@sbs.nyc.gov, or call 311 for more information on how to apply.

Partners

SBS has partnered with the following organizations to create this program. All partners are part of the NYC Food & Beverage Hospitality Council, an alliance overseen by SBS of more than 30 leading NYC industry professionals and businesses to promote the sustained growth of the local food and beverage industry.

• The Tao Group
• Quality Branded
• Altamarea Group
• Eataly
• Batali & Bastianich Hospitality group
• Le pain Quotidien
• Union Square Hospitality
• Esquared Hospitality Group
• Crafted Hospitality Group
• Hornblower
• Momofuku

State Senator Ruben Diaz Sr. - OPEN LETTER TO GOVERNOR ANDREW M. CUOMO

OPEN LETTER TO GOVERNOR ANDREW M. CUOMO 

You should know that one more time, our senior citizens are been used as pawns in the political games being played by New York State Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio. 

Is important for you to know that in his Budget,  Governor Cuomo is proposing the elimination of seventeen million dollars ($17,000.000)  to the City of New York, that the City uses to fund Senior Citizens Centers. 

If the Governor gets away with it, 65 Senior Centers will be closed affecting 6,000 senior citizens on a daily basis, forcing the Mayor of the City of New York to eliminate necessary services for our most vulnerable community. 

It is very shameful that the senior citizen are been used in this war of power between the Governor and the Mayor. 

Enclosed is a letter that I sent to the Governor regarding this intention to use our Senior Citizens as a bargaining tool and putting our seniors in a terrifying and scary situation, when we are supposed to be sending them a message that their services will be protected at all costs. 

January 25, 2017 

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo 

Executive Chamber 

State Capitol 

Albany, NY 12224 

Dear Governor Cuomo:

We write today to express our deep concern regarding a proposal included in your 2017-2018 Executive Budget. Under your plan, $17 million in Title XX funding would be stripped from centers which help vulnerable senior citizens. The loss of these funds would lead to the closure of 65 facilities which currently help 6,000 vulnerable senior citizen who rely on them to receive essential nutrition, socialization and health promotions activities.

We must not pit vulnerable populations against each other or cut from one group of New Yorkers in need to attempt to help a different group. Instead, we should ensure that the State Budget allocates resources fairly and that our actions do not lead to undo suffering by New Yorkers who rely on the services our budget funds.

There is a limited amount of resources in the State Budget, and we believe they must be utilized to assist New Yorkers in need and every tax dollar should be spent with that goal in mind. We hope you will join us in ensuring that the 2017-2018 State Budget is crafted with the intention of helping struggling New Yorkers, because the residents of our state are looking to us all for leadership and support in these difficult times.

Sincerely, 

Senator Rubén Díaz 

32^nd Senatorial District

Senator Jose Peralta joins the Independent Democratic Conference

State Senator Jose Peralta (D-Queens) joined the Independent Democratic Conference, expanding the conference to eight members.

“Today’s political climate demands that progressive legislators take bold action to deliver for their constituents. That’s why I’ve decided to join the Independent Democratic Conference, where I can best affect progressive change on issues like affordable housing, higher education, school funding equity, homelessness reforms, economic development, infrastructure upgrades, affordable healthcare, senior citizen protections and so much more. The IDC’s track record on delivering for the most vulnerable New Yorkers is irrefutable. They delivered an increased minimum wage, free UPK and Paid Family Leave. Joining the IDC will allow me to not only speak about,  but deliver on a progressive agenda for all New Yorkers,” said Senator Peralta.

“I welcome Senator Jose Peralta to the Independent Democratic Conference as our eighth member. Senator Peralta embodies the spirit of this conference’s drive to get real results for the people of New York. As a Democrat, Senator Peralta knows that at this moment in time it’s critical to join the IDC, not just sit on the sidelines, in order to bring about progressive change. As the IDC grows again, this is another validation of our track record of getting things done. Together, we passed Paid Family Leave, a $15 minimum wage and delivered free universal pre-k to every child in the city. I look forward to accomplishing so much more with Senator Peralta,” said IDC Leader Jeff Klein (D-Bronx/Westchester).

“This is an exciting time for the Independent Democratic Conference that has now doubled in size since its inception. Senator Jose Peralta shares our passion for getting the people’s work done. This is an important time to make sure Democratic voices are part of the conversation, and I’m proud that we’re adding another to our conference,” said IDC Deputy Leader David Valesky (D-Syracuse).

“Senator Jose Peralta is a talented legislator and we are proud to call him a member of the IDC. He cares so much about his constituents and this state, evidenced every time he speaks on an issue. This past week, Senator Peralta joined us as we released an investigative report on homelessness reforms and spoke so viscerally on the unacceptable, deplorable conditions faced by families placed in hotels and cluster sites,” said Senator Diane Savino (D-SI/Brooklyn).

“Congratulations to Senator Jose Peralta for joining the Independent Democratic Conference. He is a dynamic senator, who will undoubtedly add to our visionary conference,” said Senator David Carlucci (D-Rockland/Westchester).

“I welcome my fellow Democrat and neighbor in Queens to a conference that gets things done. Senator Jose Peralta will make a great Independent Democratic Conference member because he is serious about effecting positive change in his district and in this state. We welcome him to our conference,” said Senator Tony Avella (D-Queens).

“It’s a great time to be a part of the IDC and Senator Jose Peralta will make a great addition. This conference is an engine for innovative ideas and progressive accomplishments. Now, more than ever, we need leaders to speak out and fight for the needs of our immigrant communities. I look forward to working with Senator Peralta on issues that matter to New Yorkers,” said Senator Marisol Alcantara (D-Manhattan).

“When I decided to join the IDC, I felt much the same as Senator Jose  Peralta. I wanted to work with a conference with a track record of success and bring my vision into the fold. I’m proud that Senator Peralta made this choice and welcome him to our conference,” said Senator Jesse Hamilton (D-Brooklyn).

EDITOR'S NOTE:

Normally political affiliation is deleted as not to show any favoritism, but in this case it is important to see that former members of the Senate Democratic Conference have realized that it is better to work as a coalition government as is done in many Democratic countries.

State Senator Rev. Ruben Diaz Sr. recently said to State Senator Jose Peralta, 'KUDOS TO YOU'.

That is what you should know.

Statement From Rep. Engel on President’s Executive Orders on Immigration

Congressman Eliot L. Engel, a top member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, issued the following statement on today’s executive orders from the President:

“Today’s announcements from the White House – a $20 billion border wall, a pledge to snatch funding from cities and states that oppose the President’s agenda, and a threat to ‘unapologetically’ detain and deport undocumented people – are the first steps down a dangerous path. We’ve heard a number of ominous promises like these from President Trump throughout the last 18 months. But today’s actions prove the President is undeterred in pursuing this anti-immigrant track, and all Americans should be worried by it.

“The President’s proposals will not improve America’s immigration system, nor will they help ease any of America’s economic or security concerns. A border wall won’t make us safer when the vast majority of undocumented immigrants come into the country by airplane. Taking away billions in funding from America’s largest cities won’t create jobs. Rounding up ethnic minorities suspected of being undocumented won’t ‘restore law and order.’ Yes, the current immigration system has problems. But we need commonsense, comprehensive reform, not policy that plays to people’s fears.

“Americans across the country have to stay strong in the face of these dangerous ideas. If we speak out and stand by our values, we can make it clear that we won’t let America continue down this ill-conceived path.”

Congressman Adriano Espaillat Statement on President Trump’s Executive Order On Immigration

Congressman Adriano Espaillat issued the following statement today in response to President Donald Trump’s executive order on immigration reform:

“I am deeply concerned yet not at all surprised by President Trump’s hardline policies on immigration reform.  The President’s anti-immigrant agenda is a continuation of the irrational and hateful rhetoric we have witnessed from him before and stands contrary to who we are as Americans and to what we believe as a nation.

“In 1987, then President Ronald Reagan issued one of his most famous speeches, ‘Tear down this wall!’ to Soviet Union leader Mikhail Gorbachev to insist that he open the barrier dividing West and East Berlin. It was a moment of hope, strength and character that propelled our country to a higher regard and standard of our identity throughout the global community.

“Today, in stark contrast, President Trump’s order to construct a $25 billion wall to divide communities, separate families, and perpetuate fear and hate sets a dangerous precedent and fails to elevate our country and confidence abroad.  The economic ramifications will be devastating to New York City as today’s orders puts our communities in danger as funds will be redirected from securing our city to building the wall.  These executive actions also restore secure communities, straining relationships between law enforcement and the immigrant community.

“As a member of Congress, and once an undocumented immigrant, I support common sense immigration reform, and refuse to accept racism and bigotry as a policy solution.  I will not fall prey to being bullied and vow to fight and challenge President Trump on any and all anti-immigration policies that will lessen American values and our standing as a beacon of hope and freedom for all.”