MAYOR ANNOUNCES NEW UPDATES FOR IDNYC, FURTHER EXPANDING ACCESS FOR NEW YORKERS

 Now, New Yorkers age 10 through 13 can get thir very own IDNYC; New tech upgrades streamline enrollment

  Mayor de Blasio announced updates to the rules governing the City’s official municipal identification card, IDNYC, that make the program more accessible than ever before. Now even more youth can enroll in the program as the age of eligibility is reduced from 14 years of age to 10 years of age. In addition, thanks to new technological upgrades, IDNYC can now help city residents who receive services from select City agencies more easily apply for the card. Over 1.2 million New Yorkers can already unlock opportunity across the five boroughs as IDNYC cardholders, and now even more New Yorkers will be able to enjoy the great benefits the card has to offer.

“The promise of IDNYC is that it’s a card that connects all New Yorkers – to City agencies, to cultural institutions, and to one another,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “It shows that no matter where you’re from, if you live in the five boroughs, you’re a New Yorker. Now even more of the city’s youth can take advantage of the card and its many benefits.”

“Since the inception of the IDNYC program, over 1 million New Yorkers have become cardholders,” said Council Speaker Corey Johnson. “I’m thrilled that more of our younger New Yorkers—age 10 and up—can now enjoy the benefits, services and programs of being a cardholder. The success of this program, spearheaded in 2014 by the Council in collaboration with the Administration, reaffirms that this is a city for all New Yorkers. With the new tech upgrades, it’ll be even easier to apply for the program, without compromising security. I’m proud to live and work/serve in a city that is inclusive to all New Yorkers from all walks of life and I thank the Administration and Commissioner Mostofi for working to make this a program that more New Yorkers can enjoy.”

IDNYC is already a great tool for families to explore the city, and now even more family members will be able to enjoy its myriad cultural, entertainment, fitness, and other benefits. New Yorkers age 10 and up can get their own IDNYC today, enabling hundreds of thousands more New Yorkers to obtain their IDNYC. In addition, the IDNYC program now accepts residency documents for students living in college and university housing here in the city. As New Yorkers return to school, more middle school and college students will be able to get their IDNYC and take advantage of free 1-year memberships at museums, zoos, and theatres, as well as discounts on movie tickets, entertainment options, and much more.

IDNYC’s innovations have helped cities across the country and around the world develop their own municipal identification programs, and the latest technological updates will aid New Yorkers applying for their IDNYC. To apply for IDNYC, New York City residents must provide documents proving identity and residency – a full list of documents are available on IDNYC’s website. IDNYC is now able to utilize existing records from several City agencies in order to verify residency and identity information for some applicants who otherwise may not have sufficient documentation to apply. This new capability will help simplify IDNYC applications for New Yorkers who are clients of the Department of Homeless Services, the Human Resources Administration, the Department of Finance, and the New York City Housing Authority – specifically, applicants who:

·         currently receive Cash Assistance;

·         reside in NYCHA housing;

·         are the primary recipient of a Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption;

·         currently receive services from the Department of Homeless Services; or

·         were born within the five boroughs of New York City.

Applicants will still be required to present an accepted photo ID. The City is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of all IDNYC cardholders and applicants. New Yorkers applying for their IDNYC are advised to bring all of the necessary documentation to prove identity and residency. This new tech update will help more New Yorkers become proud IDNYC cardholders and continues the program’s progress as an ID card for the 21st century.

For more information on eligibility criteria, benefits, enrollment centers across the five boroughs and more, applicants can visit NYC.gov/IDNYC or call 311. Information on the final rule change that enabled the IDNYC program to complete these updates is available here.

“Our kids are our future, and now even more of them can have an IDNYC,” said J. Phillip Thompson, Deputy Mayor for Strategic Policy Initiatives. “By bringing the youth in and upgrading our back-end tech, IDNYC is better than ever and I encourage all New Yorkers to apply.”

“IDNYC’s accessibility has been key to its success from the very start, and these updates continue our forward momentum,” said Bitta Mostofi, Commissioner of the Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs. “More New Yorkers, regardless of immigration status, will be able to demonstrate eligibility for their IDNYC card, opening doors throughout the five boroughs. We look forward to continuing to work across NYC’s communities and with our sister agencies so that more New Yorkers can proudly carry their own IDNYC.”

“IDNYC is the most successful municipal ID program in the nation and now even more New Yorkers will be eligible to get the card and all the benefits that come with it,” said Department of Social Services Commissioner Steven Banks. “We are proud to help make it easier for families and individuals to get the convenience and security of an official ID card that also provides access to services and to some of the most important cultural institutions in New York City.”

“With access to IDNYC at a younger age, the City is empowering more young people to engage in educational and culturally enriching opportunities across New York,” said Schools Chancellor Richard A. Carranza. “Free memberships to places like museums and theaters can be transformative experiences for students and their families, and I’m thrilled the City is expanding this critical program.”

“IDNYC is a safe, reliable form of identification which offers opportunities for all New Yorkers, particularly for low-income and vulnerable populations, like those who rely on NYCHA for housing,” said NYCHA Interim Chair and CEO Stanley Brezenoff. “Expanding IDNYC to more New Yorkers is a great way to introduce our younger residents to New York City’s premier cultural institutions.” 

EDITOR'S NOTE:

The last comment by the Interim NYCHA Chair leads us to believe  this is so children in the dilapidated NYCHA housing units  will spend more time outside their apartments, and not be exposed to elements that have continued to be hazards which have not been fixed.

Wave Hill Events August 16‒August 23

Thu, August 16   Stories in the Garden

Each week, Wave Hill educators share some of their favorite nature stories. These stories—classics and more—will come to life through interactive book readings, sing-alongs and movement. Programs are held outdoors. Rain cancels. Ideal for children ages three to six with an adult. Free with admission to the grounds.

ON THE GROUNDS, 11AM

Sat, August 18    Family Art Project: Fishy Fun

Focus on friends with fins, especially those popular goldfish swimming in Wave Hill’s Aquatic Garden. Turn colorful paper bags into fantastic 3-D fish that can swim through the air and flutter home with you. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

Sat, August 18    Garden Highlights Walk

Join a Wave Hill Garden Guide 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, August 18    Wave Hill History Walk

Discover the fascinating history of Wave Hill’s architecture and landscape on a walk with a Wave Hill Garden Guide. Hear about the people who once called Wave Hill home, among them Mark Twain, Theodore Roosevelt, Bashford Dean and Arturo Toscanini. Free with admission to the grounds.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 1PM

Sat, August 18   Gallery Tour

Learn about Glyndor Gallery exhibitions on a tour led by Wave Hill’s Curatorial Fellow. Ecological Consciousness: Artist as Instigator continues Wave Hill’s efforts to examine the ways that artists engage in ecological projects that present a call to action. The exhibition documents environmental art that explores persistent problems throughout New York City. In the Sunroom Project Space, Priyanka Dasgupta and Chad Marshall’s installation uses traditional landscape architecture, such as a conventional English garden maze, to expose the instability of identity in the United States. Working collaboratively since 2015, Dasgupta and Marshall’s work explores the dichotomy of the sanctuary—its ability to protect as well as restrict. In the Sun Porch, Katie Westmoreland’s presentation of kinetic tapestries responds to the space’s architecture, evoking the patterns cast by sunlight through trees and plants. Her immersive installation utilizes the passing light and shadow patterns of the day as active mediums in her work, calling attention to the sun’s enduring, inspirational qualities. Free with admission to the grounds.

GLYNDOR GALLERY, 2PM

Sun, August 19    Family Art Project: Fishy Fun

Focus on friends with fins, especially those popular goldfish swimming in Wave Hill’s Aquatic Garden. Turn colorful paper bags into fantastic 3-D fish that can swim through the air and flutter home with you. Free with admission to the grounds. 

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

Sun, August 19    Cooking Demo: Summer Panna Cotta

Panna cotta is a rich Italian dessert that pairs perfectly with seasonal ingredients. Wave Hill exclusive catererGreat Performances Executive Chef Robert Valencia demonstrates a simple panna cotta recipe, then amps it up with ripe, summer fruits and fragrant herbs. Sample several creative combinations, then go home with recipes for your own decadent desserts. Free with admission to the grounds.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 2PM

Sun, August 19    Garden Highlights Walk

Join a Wave Hill Garden Guide for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free with admission to the grounds.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 2PM

Mon, August 20

Closed to the public

Tue, August 21    Garden Highlights Walk

Join a Wave Hill Garden Guide 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

Tue, August 21    Gallery Tour

Learn about Glyndor Gallery exhibitions on a tour led by Wave Hill’s Curatorial Fellow. Ecological Consciousness: Artist as Instigator continues Wave Hill’s efforts to examine the ways that artists engage in ecological projects that present a call to action. The exhibition documents environmental art that explores persistent problems throughout New York City. In the Sunroom Project Space, Priyanka Dasgupta and Chad Marshall’s installation uses traditional landscape architecture, such as a conventional English garden maze, to expose the instability of identity in the United States. Working collaboratively since 2015, Dasgupta and Marshall’s work explores the dichotomy of the sanctuary—its ability to protect as well as restrict. In the Sun Porch, Katie Westmoreland’s presentation of kinetic tapestries responds to the space’s architecture, evoking the patterns cast by sunlight through trees and plants. Her immersive installation utilizes the passing light and shadow patterns of the day as active mediums in her work, calling attention to the sun’s enduring, inspirational qualities. Free with admission to the grounds.

GLYNDOR GALLERY, 2PM

Thu, August 23   Stories in the Garden

Each week, Wave Hill educators share some of their favorite nature stories. These stories—classics and more—will come to life through interactive book readings, sing-alongs and movement. Programs are held outdoors. Rain cancels. Ideal for children ages three to six with an adult. Free with admission to the grounds.

ON THE GROUNDS, 11AM…..

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–5:30PM,  March 15–October 31. Closes 4:30PM, starting November 1.

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.

Primary Update: The Court Phase

  The lawyers talk. That was Wednesday, and Thursday was another story. 

Because I was a witness to some of the fraud on the Karines Reyes petition County lawyer Stanley Schlein wanted me excluded from the opening statements before the court appointed referee. That was a good thing because there was enough fireworks inside the closed room as a court officer had to rush to the table where I was excluded. I was told that lawyer Stanley Schlein was trying to tell the court appointed referee how to do her job to the objections by the lawyer for Sergeant John Perez.  

 Things finally got under way after the court appointed crew returned from lunch for a page by page review of the three petitions for 87th A.D. candidate Karines Reyes. First was petition BX1800334 where County Political Director was inching me out of the way as I explained what each and every abbreviation stood for. It was felt by 87th Assembly candidate Sergeant John Perez that since there were no Board of Elections listings for certain alleged items that would knock off signatures and pages of signatures that a separate sheet with the abbreviations and the corresponding wording one would have to be made up. The County Political Director seemed puzzled at some of the abbreviations and had to check the sheet, and it got to one point where he began to argue with me that had to be cut off by the court appointed referee when I asked her. 

 More than half the first petition was gone over with the court appointed referee making many notes before the process was adjourned for the day. 

 To be continued tomorrow.

Doctor Sentenced To 18 Months In Prison For Participating In $30 Million Scheme To Defraud Medicare And Medicaid

  Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that physician MUSTAK Y. VAID was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Lorna G. Schofield to 18 months in prison for his participation in a $30 million scheme to defraud Medicare and the New York State Medicaid Program.  VAID falsely posed as the owner of a medical clinic, when that clinic was in fact owned by a corrupt businessman, and falsely claimed that he had examined and treated hundreds of patients whom he had not in fact seen.  VAID pled guilty on November 13, 2017, to health care fraud and conspiracy to commit health care fraud, mail fraud, and wire fraud before U.S. Magistrate Judge Henry B. Pitman.

U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said:  “The Medicare and Medicaid programs are designed to provide essential medical care to the elderly and the needy, not to enrich corrupt doctors and other fraudsters.  The real victims of Mustak Vaid and his co-conspirators are U.S. taxpayers and needy patients with legitimate medical needs.  Today’s sentence sends a strong message that those who cheat Medicare and Medicaid, including physicians and other health care providers who abuse their positions of trust, will be held accountable and will face serious penalties.”

According to the Indictment and other documents filed in federal court, as well as statements made during VAID’s plea proceeding and sentencing:

Between 2007 and 2013, Aleksandr Burman owned and operated six medical clinics in Brooklyn (the “Clinics”) that fraudulently billed Medicare and Medicaid approximately $30 million for medical services and supplies that were not provided, were provided without regard to medical necessity, or were otherwise fraudulently billed.  Under New York State law, medical clinics must be owned and operated by a medical professional.  To circumvent this requirement, Burman, who was not a medical professional, hired doctors to pose as the nominal owners of each of the Clinics.  VAID was one of those doctors, agreeing to sign a variety of fraudulent documents that falsely represented to banks, Medicare, Medicaid, and others that VAID was the sole owner of Ocean Side Medical of Brooklyn, P.C., one of the six Clinics.  VAID and his co-conspirators also helped prepare false medical records to support fraudulent reimbursement claims provided to Medicare and Medicaid.  VAID signed medical charts falsely stating that he had examined patients, and wrote prescriptions and referrals for medically unnecessary and/or non-existent tests and supplies.

VAID is the seventh defendant, and the first physician, who has been sentenced after pleading guilty in this case and a related case.  The other defendants include: 

• Aleksandr Burman, the leader of the scheme, who was sentenced in a related case on May 8, 2017, to 10 years in prison;
• Marina Burman, the former wife of Aleksandr Burman and the owner of a related medical supply company, was sentenced on May 17, 2018, to three years in prison;
• Asher Oleg Kataev, a Burman business partner, was sentenced on May 31, 2018, to three years in prison;
• Alla Tsirlin, a Clinic office manager, was sentenced on June 5, 2018, to a year and a day in prison;
• Edward Miselevich and Ivan Voychak, Burman’s partners who jointly ran a related ambulette company, were sentenced on June 12 and July 19, 2018, respectively, to three years in prison each.

In addition, physician Ewald J. Antoine has pled guilty and is scheduled to be sentenced on August 21, 2018.  Three additional defendants – a doctor (Paul J. Mathieu), a physical therapist (Hatem Behiry), and an occupational therapist (Lina Zhitnik) – are scheduled to go to trial before Judge Schofield on November 26, 2018.  These three remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

In addition to the prison term, VAID, 45, of Roundtown, Michigan, was sentenced to three years of supervised release.  Judge Schofield also ordered VAID to pay restitution of $2,669,231 and to forfeit $103,843 in ill-gotten gains.

Mr. Berman praised the outstanding investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Office of the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the New York State Office of the Medicaid Inspector General (“OMIG”).

Gang Member Convicted In Manhattan Federal Court For His Role In The Murder Of Jessica White

  Geoffrey S. Berman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that STIVEN SIRI-REYNOSO was found guilty of the June 11, 2016, murder of Jessica White, who was killed by a stray bullet while watching her children play in the playground of the John Adams Houses in the Bronx, New York.  SIRI-REYNOSO was convicted after an eight-day trial before Chief U.S. District Judge Colleen McMahon.

U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman:  “On June 11, 2016, Jessica White did what so many parents love to do – she took her children to the playground.  There, she was killed before her children’s eyes, the victim of a stray bullet in a gang shooting.  Today, a jury in the Southern District of New York unanimously found that Stiven Siri-Reynoso gave the order for that shooting.  We recognize that this verdict cannot fill the gaping hole that Jessica’s death left in so many hearts.  But in the face of such tragedy, we, along with our law enforcement partners, maintain our commitment to ridding our neighborhoods and playgrounds of senseless gang violence.  That is what we accomplished today, thanks to the extraordinary efforts of the FBI and NYPD.”

According to the allegations in the Indictment and evidence at trial:

On June 11, 2016, Jessica White was struck and killed by a stray bullet while sitting on a bench watching her three children play on a playground at the John Adams Houses where she lived.  SIRI-REYNOSO, a member of the “Dominicans Don’t Play” or “DDP” street gang, was engaged in an ongoing gang dispute between the DDPs and the rival “Trinitarios” street gang involving, among other things, SIRI-REYNOSO’s drug sales near the John Adams Houses.  On the night of June 11, 2016, Trinitarios members tried to attack SIRI-REYNOSO.  In retaliation, SIRI-REYNOSO sent another individual to shoot at the Trinitarios.  One of the bullets fired by that individual struck and killed Jessica White.    

SIRI-REYNOSO also committed other crimes in connection with his membership in the DDP’s, including drug selling and robbery.

SIRI-REYNOSO, 24, of the Bronx, was convicted of conspiring to commit racketeering, conspiring to sell narcotics, murder in aid of racketeering, and murder through the use of a firearm.  SIRI-REYNOSO is facing a mandatory minimum sentence of life in prison, and is scheduled to be sentenced on October 30, 2018, before Judge McMahon.  The maximum potential sentence in this case is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.

Mr. Berman praised the outstanding investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New York City Police Department. 

SEVEN PEOPLE INDICTED FOR FENTANYL DEALING IN AND AROUND HUNTS POINT PRODUCE MARKET

13 Arrested in Takedown on June 20; Supplier Has Pleaded Guilty and Was Sentenced to Six Years 

  Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark, New York City Police Commissioner James P. O’Neill, and NYC Business Integrity Commissioner and Chair Daniel D. Brownell today announced that an investigation into the dealing of the dangerous opioid fentanyl in the Hunts Point Produce Market has resulted in seven people indicted for selling the drug inside the market and near school grounds, and the supplier being sentenced to prison. 

 District Attorney Clark said, “The defendants allegedly handled this toxic, deadly substance among fruits and vegetables in the Hunts Point Produce Market, which supplies produce to millions of people throughout the New York area. They also allegedly sold drugs from a residence around the corner from a school. We will not tolerate callous, careless behavior that could put people’s health at risk.” 

 Commissioner O’Neill said, “The NYPD’s efforts to rid New York City of drug traffickers and combat the opioid crisis are greatly strengthened by our close partnerships with the Bronx District Attorney’s Office and the Business Integrity Commission. I commend everyone involved in this case, particularly the undercover officers who put themselves directly in harm’s way. Anyone who deals in illegal narcotics should understand that the nation’s best investigators will stop at nothing to effectively fight crime and keep people safe.” 

 Commissioner and Chair Brownell said, “The produce market in Hunts Point is one of the largest public wholesale produce markets in the world and one of this City’s great, unique institutions. BIC has been overseeing this and the other public wholesale food markets in the City since 2002. In addition to making sure that the companies operating within them are free from the influences of organized crime and other corrupt forces, BIC also works to protect the overall well-being of the markets themselves. Selling and using illegal drugs around the markets is dangerous enough, especially given that many large trucks and other motor vehicles are constantly operating in the area. When you add to this the fact that some of these drugs were laced with the dangerous opioid fentanyl, potentially exposing the public at large to harm, that causes even more alarm. BIC will continue working with other law enforcement agencies and the managers of the markets themselves when appropriate to ensure that New York City’s public wholesale markets continue to thrive.”

 District Attorney Clark said 13 defendants were arrested on June 20, 2018 by NYPD detectives. Seven of the defendants have been indicted on felony narcotics charges and have been arraigned on various dates in Bronx Supreme Court. If convicted on the top count of third-degree Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance and third-degree Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, the defendants could face a minimum of one to three years to a maximum of 8 1/3 to 25 years in prison

 The other defendants face felony charges of Conspiracy to Distribute Narcotics and have been arraigned in Criminal Court.

 According to the investigation, which began in May, 2017 after the Business Integrity Commission brought information about possible heroin sales in the market to the Bronx District Attorney’s Office, undercover officers made numerous buys of $20 glassines in employee-only areas in the market unmonitored by video cameras, and the glassines were found to contain fentanyl and heroin. 

 The Bronx District Attorney’s Special Investigations Bureau directed wiretap surveillance, which led to the supplier of the fentanyl and heroin, Angel Capote, 31, of Gravett Road, Queens, who was arrested in December, 2017. He pleaded guilty to third-degree Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance and was sentenced on June 27, 2018 to six years in prison. He is believed to have been selling $3,000 in fentanyl and heroin a week.

 In January, 2018, the focus of the investigation moved to a private residence at 617 Coster Street, several blocks from the market and around the corner from PS 48 Joseph R. Drake School. Wanda Alvarez Ortiz, 54, and Mark Fontanez, 39, who both reside in the apartment, were indicted for third-degree Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance and Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance In or Near School Grounds.

 District Attorney Clark thanked Detective Emilio Bermonty and Captain Christopher Fasano of the NYPD Criminal Enterprise Investigations Section for their work in the investigation.

An indictment is an accusatory instrument and not proof of a defendant’s guilt.

INDICTED DEFENDANTS 

Wanda Alvarez-Ortiz, 54, 617 Coster Street, Bronx 

Luis DeJesus, 55, 3574 DeKalb Avenue, Bronx 

Mark Fontanez, 39, 617 Coster Street, Bronx 

Christopher Mayorga, 28, 25-34 100th Street, Queens 

Jason Medina, 39, 2070 Powell Avenue, Bronx 

Jovanny Torres, 27, Gay Ridge Road, Yorktown Heights, NY 

Nelson Troche, 48, 1866 Bronxdale Avenue, Bronx

ALSO ARRESTED ON JUNE 20, CHARGED WITH FELONY CONSPIRACY 

Anthony Antonucci, 34, Sasson Terrace, Valley Cottage, NY 

Heriberto Araujo, 328 East 145th Street, Bronx 

Alex Bonilla, 35, Circle Drive, Elmont, NY 

Kaitlyn Jefferson, 37, Margaret Lane, Thiells, NY 

Fabian Morales, 42, 2759 Webster Avenue, Bronx 

Darryl Ricchiuti, 33, Manor Road, Yaphank, NY

REP. NADLER ENDORSES ALESSANDRA BIAGGI FOR STATE SENATE

  Rep. Jerry Nadler announced today that he is endorsing Alessandra Biaggi in the Democratic primary for State Senate in District 34 on Thursday, September 13.

“We can’t afford to have the New York State Senate allied with Trump and the Republicans,” Rep. Nadler said. “The stakes for all New Yorkers are just too high when it comes to health care, public education, women’s reproductive rights, workers’ rights, immigrant rights and just about every issue we care about. We know that Alessandra Biaggi will always stand with Democrats, and be that true progressive leader that the people of her district and the people of our State deserve. That’s why I’m endorsing Alessandra and urge everyone in District 34 to vote for her.”

“Jerry Nadler has for many years been a progressive leader throughout his career and a model for how to be a progressive legislator. And right now, he is a key leader in Washington in resisting the Trump agenda,” Biaggi said. “I couldn’t be prouder to have his endorsement and pledge to follow his example in the New York State Senate.”

Biaggi has previously been endorsed by City Comptroller Scott Stringer, City Council Speaker Corey Johnson, Assemblymember Yoh-Line Niou, former Mayor David Dinkins, former Rep. Charles Rangel, former Rep. Lester Wolff, former Attorney General Oliver Koppell, 32BJ SEIU, UAW Region 9A and more than 80 progressive, political and community organizations.

Democrat Amanda Septimo Pledges to Prioritize Funding to Increase Access to After School Programs

Amanda Septimo, a Democrat running for State Assembly, has pledged to prioritize funding to create universal access to after school programs. She is calling for an expansion of the state's Advantage After School Program (AASP) in the South Bronx as a way to increase access in a high-need area.   "There are so many programs in our communities that provide kids with a place to go and be involved in athletics, get academic help, or learn an instrument. In the midst of the opioid epidemic and with gang violence plaguing our communities, our state government needs to do more to ensure our young people have options for safe and fun programs that will steer them away from trouble and drugs," said Septimo.   The funding would be allocated to expand the the Office of Children and Family Services's Advantage After School Program, which partners with community-based organizations to run after school programs. Septimo is proposing to expand the budget as part of a pilot in the South Bronx since there are only two AASP programs there currently.   "After school programs should be an option for all students, regardless of their families' income. When I was growing up, after school programs were instrumental in giving me the skills and passion to be where I am today. I am committed to creating opportunities for our students. Advantage After School Programs are great resources for families, and I want to ensure that more families in the South Bronx have access," said Septimo.   Born and raised in the South Bronx, Septimo has been involved in community activism since she was teenager as a member of A.C.T.I.O.N., THE POINT Community Development Corporation's teen activism platform. She has worked with the Legal Aid Society, with a specific focus on cases involving domestic violence and Spanish-speaking immigrants. She also worked as the District Director for Congressman José E. Serrano (D-15th Congressional District), making her one of the youngest senior staffers in Congress. Most recently, Amanda worked to help working and middle-class families by fighting for stronger worker protections with the Council of School Supervisors & Administrators.   The Democratic Primary will be on September 13th. The 84th District includes Mott Haven, Port Morris, Melrose, The Hub, Longwood, Concourse, Highbridge, and Hunts Point.