STATEMENT FROM BOROUGH PRESIDENT DIAZ RE: The Jose Peralta DREAM Act

  “I want to thank the New York State Legislature for passing the New York DREAM Act today, an important bill that protects the rights of our immigrant population in New York State.

“Whether your ancestors came across the Atlantic Ocean in the 1700s or crossed the Mexican border in more recent times, this country prides itself on being inclusive and accepting of immigrant populations. Immigrants are a vital part of what makes our country special, a melting pot that is unique compared to the rest of the world. The hateful rhetoric coming out of the Oval Office, using the hopes and ambitions of DREAMers around the nation as a bargaining chip to build a wall of hate, is un-American.

“The New York DREAM Act is named after a great friend and colleague of mine, the late New York State Senator Jose Peralta. Senator Peralta was a vocal advocate of protecting the rights of immigrants throughout the state, and this legislation will ensure that undocumented immigrants are able to attain quality higher-learning education including access to the Excelsior Scholarship, TAP and other tuition assistance programs available to those without lawful immigration status who attended a high school for at least two years.

“As we have learned in The Bronx over the years, giving undocumented students access to quality higher-education boosts our economy, and it helps us retain the best talent to help The Bronx and New York State to continue to flourish – both economically and culturally. We are a nation built on the hard work of immigrants, and thanks to the Jose Peralta DREAM Act our immigrant communities will remain a vital part of New York State,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

News From Congressman Adriano Espaillat

Rep. Adriano Espaillat Statement on the Anniversary of Roe v. Wade

  Rep. Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) recognized the forty-sixth anniversary of the landmark Supreme Court decision, Roe v. Wade.  In its 7-2 decision, the Supreme Court recognized that the U.S. Constitution protects a woman’s right to make her own medical decisions, including the decision to have an abortion.

“On this day, the Supreme Court held that a woman’s choice to govern her reproductive health, as a fundamental right, belongs to her.  Affirming that women have this right to privacy and autonomy marked a giant step forward in the values we hold dear and at the core of our nation,”said Rep. Adriano Espaillat.

“As we recognize Roe v. Wade and the progress our nation has made. We cannot remain idle in the face of policies that threaten to undermine a woman’s right to make decisions based on her health without interference.

“When women have the right to choose in matters concerning their health and bodies, we become a safer and more democratic society.  On this anniversary, we recommit our work to champion and defend women’s rights by eliminating the barriers that they continue to face while living in the United States of America.”

Rep. Adriano Espaillat Statement on Passage of the New York State Dream Act

  Rep. Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) released the following statement on passage of the José Peralta New York State DREAM Act:

“Congratulations to the New York State Legislature for passing the DREAM Act,” said Rep. Adriano Espaillat.  “With passage of the DREAM Act, New York is sending a strong message to the Trump administration that we welcome immigrants and America is a nation of immigrants.  Passage of the DREAM Act will allow young immigrants across the state, many of whom are nurses, doctors, teacher, and members of our Armed Forces opportunities and a shot at the American Dream.

“The DREAM Act in the New York State Legislature was named to honor the memory of my dear friend, Senator José Peralta, and in recognition of his steadfast leadership and unyielding desire to see the DREAM Act passed and signed into law.

“I congratulate New York and know that Lady Liberty still stands in the harbor with her torch lighting the bay for everyone across the world, because we are a nation of immigrants.”

The 161st Street Bid Hosts a Public Toast to Yankee legend, Mariano Rivera Honoring His Unanimous Election to the Baseball Hall of Fame.

  The 161st Street BID led by Dr. Cary Goodman hosted a Non-Alcoholic Apple Cider toast to Yankee legend Mariano Rivera in honor of his unanimous election to the Baseball Hall of Fame, this morning under the Rivera Avenue sign at the intersection of E. 161 st Street and Rivera Avenue. 

In 2013 the 161st Street BID erected the Mariano Meter which counted down his pursuit of the career saves record.

Upon Rivera’s retirement, the BID sponsored a block party of 5,000 fans who wanted to say, “Thank you,” for a great career.

In 2014, the BID successfully lobbied for the re-naming of the block between 161st Street and 162nd Streets as Rivera Avenue.

In 2017, portraitist, Andre Trenier, painted a Mariano Mural (12’ x 15’)  on Stan’s Sports Bar located at 836 River Avenue across from the old Yankee Stadium. 

Above - Dr. Goodman the Executive Director of the 161st Street BID is interviewed in front of Yankee Stadium.

Below - Joe Kalar representing the New York Yankee organization holds a proclamation from Councilwoman Vanessa Gibson, as Mr. Felix Garcia an aide to Councilwoman Gibson is in the photo with 161st Street Bid Director Dr. Goodman, who is holding another citation from Congressman Jose Serrano who was stuck in Washington. 

Above - Dr. Goodman stands in front of the mural of Mariano Rivera on Stan's Sports Bar with Artist Andre Trenier.

Below - Dr. Goodman, Artist Andre Trenier, Police Officers of the 44th Precinct, and others in front of the Mariano Rivera mural.

STATEMENT FROM COUNCIL MEMBER ANDY KING REGARDING MOU BETWEEN AMTRAK & STATE AGENCIES

  “I applaud the announced memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Amtrak, Empire State Development and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority that will enable negotiations to get our new Metro North Stations projects back on track.  After all the letters, conversations, press conferences and rallies on this matter, I want to thank all our local residents and leaders who voiced their concerns loud and clear about getting this show on the road.  I mean, train on the tracks,” said Council Member Andy King (12^th CD/Bronx).

EDITOR'S NOTE:

  It was only last week that U.S. Senator Charles Schumer held a press conference at the location of the proposed Coop-City Metro North station. 

COUNCIL MEMBER ANDY KING SPEAKS AT KICKOFF OF NATIONAL SCHOOL CHOICE WEEK IN BRONX

  To celebrate the "School Choice" movement, New York City Council Member Andy King spoke at the kickoff of National School Choice Week (NSCW) event taking place on Tuesday, January 22, 10 a.m. at the Williamsbridge NAACP Early Childhood Education Center, 680 East 219th St., Bronx.

  Started in 2011, NSCW has grown into the world’s largest celebration of opportunity in education. The Week is a nonpartisan, nonpolitical public awareness effort. We welcome all Americans to get involved and to have their voices heard!

  

Above - The program opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, the singing of the Star Spangled Banner, and the Negro National Anthem 'Lift Every Voice and Sing'.

Below - It helps to have a 'Yo-Yo' Wizard on your staff to keep the attention of little children, as Councilman King staffer Brian Melford is doing with his Yo-Yo tricks.

Above - Councilman King presents a City Council proclamation to the Executive Director of the Williamsbridge NAACP Early Childhood Education Center, Ms. Cheryl Dewitt on the excellence of the Early Childhood Center. 

Below - The day was also the birthday of Ms. Dewitt, and Councilman King also provided a bouquet of flowers to her. 

Bronx Congressman José E. Serrano endorses Michael Blake for Public Advocate

"At a time when the most marginalized in our city are under attack, it is critical that we have a Public Advocate who will be a champion for all New Yorkers. For years, Michael Blake has stood with immigrants, labor, the underserved and under-protected to deliver real change. His ability to go beyond activism and build coalitions that provide real solutions is exactly what we need to deliver jobs and justice for the people of our great city.

I'm proud to support Michael Blake as our next New York City Public Advocate." - Congressman José E. Serrano

"Congressman Serrano's lifetime of service and dedication to the South Bronx exemplifies the leadership our city needs. He has worked tirelessly to bring resources to the most marginalized in our city, and has been a leader for environmental justice for all our communities. I am honored to receive his endorsement." -Michael Blake

Congressman Serrano joins State Senator Luis Sepulveda; Assembly Members Rebecca Seawright, Tremaine Wright, Jeff Aubry, Nathalia Fernandez, and Victor Pichardo; City Council Members Donovan Richards and Rafael Salamanca, and several community groups and organizations including DC37 Local 372 in supporting Michael Blake's campaign for Public Advocate.

MAYOR DE BLASIO ORDERS ALL CITY AGENCIES TO HELP ENROLL NEW YORKERS IN HEALTH INSURANCE, INCLUDING NYC’S PUBLIC OPTION

Executive Order builds on mayoral commitment to guarantee health care for all, reminds eligible New Yorkers of Jan. 31 deadline to enroll in health insurance

  Mayor Bill de Blasio was joined by Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Dr. Herminia Palacio today to sign an executive order requiring City agencies toprovide New Yorkers with information on health insurance options and encourage them to enroll in a plan. Effective immediately, the Mayor’s Public Engagement Unit will train agency front line staff, provide agencies with relevant information, and develop a framework to ensure all New Yorkers who interact with the City get information to help them access affordable health insurance. The executive order means increased outreach to enroll people in insurance at parks, schools, public housing, police precincts and government offices—anywhere where City agencies connect with New Yorkers directly.

This order expands on the work GetCoveredNYC is already doing to help New Yorkers enroll in health insurance before the Open Enrollment deadline of Jan. 31 and builds on the Mayor’s commitment to guarantee health care for all New Yorkers.

“Health care is a human right, and we won’t rest until every New Yorker has coverage,” said Mayor de Blasio. “We’re now asking all City agencies to help us achieve this goal by sharing information, connecting people to our GetCovered team and ultimately help all New Yorkers access affordable coverage.”

“Whether it’s 600,000 New Yorkers, or just one, it’s one too many people who are living without health insurance or guaranteed health care,” said Dr. Herminia Palacio, Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services. “While our City has done a lot to engage hard-to-reach New Yorkers who are eligible but uninsured, this Executive Order will leverage the expansive reach of all our City agencies to get us even closer to ensuring everyone has the information and resources to receive health insurance and get connected to quality care.”

“With health insurance, people know what benefits they are entitled to, and they are empowered with the range of options available to them,” said Dr. Mitchell Katz, President and Chief Executive Officer of NYC Health + Hospitals. “I commend the Mayor's executive order redoubling efforts to get more people insured.”

“Health insurance and access to quality care are basic rights that all New Yorkers deserve,” saidEric Rotondi, Acting Director of the Mayor’s Public Engagement Unit. “The mayor’s executive order builds on years of outreach by GetCoveredNYC’s City and community partners, and helps ensure that all New Yorkers, regardless of income or any other factor, are aware of the assistance available to them and receive care when they need it.”

“At a time when the federal government is threatening crucial services and benefits for low-income families, this Administration is making a concerted effort to ensure that every New Yorker, regardless of where they come from, has access to quality healthcare,” said Department of Social Services Commissioner Steven Banks. “This Executive Order expands the role of City agencies to use every point of interaction with New Yorkers as an opportunity to educate them about their options for health insurance and to remind them about the upcoming deadline for the Open Enrollment period.”

“GetCovered has helped tens of thousands of New Yorkers sign up for health insurance, and today, the City is committing to help even more New Yorkers enroll,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Oxiris Barbot. “People with insurance are more likely to have had a routine checkup, get preventive care, and to have a personal care provider -- important components for maintaining good health.”

Eight million New Yorkers now have quality health insurance, thanks to the expanded options available to New Yorkers under the Affordable Care Act. In New York City, the uninsured rate has decreased by nearly fifty percent since 2013. Nonetheless, about 600,000 New Yorkers remain without coverage, half of which are eligible to sign up for insurance either through state or city programs, including MetroPlus, the City’s public insurance option. Starting in summer 2019, New Yorkers ineligible for insurance coverage will be able to sign up for NYC Care, a new program that connects people with quality, affordable care and which guarantees them access to a primary care physician at one of NYC Health + Hospitals’ 70+ facilities.

The executive order comes as GetCoveredNYC reminds New Yorkers that the deadline for Open Enrollment period is nine days away. GetCoveredNYC is a citywide initiative that helps New Yorkers enroll in health insurance and get access to primary and preventive care. The initiative provides free one-on-one enrollment assistance, in person, over the phone, and online at locations across the five boroughs, including many NYC Health + Hospitals facilities, Department of Health facilities, Human Resources Administration offices, and MetroPlus offices. Assistance is available in more than a dozen languages. During the Open Enrollment period, uninsured New Yorkers can enroll in health insurance coverage through the New York State of Health Marketplace. New Yorkers who previously enrolled through the Marketplace must renew their health insurance each year to maintain coverage.

In addition, New Yorkers are encouraged to learn more about MetroPlus, which is undergoing significant improvements to create a more streamlined and customer-friendly experience. Starting later this year, New Yorkers who are covered through one of MetroPlus’ 100+ plan options will have better access to mental health services, more health care delivery options thanks to telehealth, and will benefit from an enhanced website and customer service call center. MetroPlus will also create new partnerships with city agencies to reach the uninsured and improve service, and will encourage primary care visits through tighter integration with NYC Health + Hospitals, as well as offering new member incentives and rewards.

New Yorkers can contact GetCoveredNYC and receive free enrollment assistance by calling 311, texting CoveredNYC (SeguroNYC en Español) to 877877, or visitingnyc.gov/GetCoveredNYC. They can also enroll directly online through the New York State of Health Marketplace by visiting nystateofhealth.ny.gov. Those interested in signing up for MetroPlus can learn more by visiting metroplus.org.

Created by Mayor de Blasio in 2016, GetCoveredNYC is a citywide outreach initiative that helps all New Yorkers enroll in health insurance and access primary and preventive care. The initiative is a partnership between the Mayor’s Public Engagement Unit, NYC Health + Hospitals, the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, the Human Resources Administration and MetroPlus Health Plan. GetCoveredNYC has assisted over 130,000 New Yorkers in enrolling in health insurance.

The Reproductive Health Act Passes the Senate Health Committee in Senator Rivera's First Meeting as Chairman

  State Senator Gustavo Rivera, Chair of the New York State Senate Health Committee, released the following statement after the Reproductive Health Act was reported out of the Senate Health Committee. The bill, which will now go to the Rules Committee before going to the floor of the State Senate, is expected to pass the chamber by a large margin. 

"I am incredibly proud that during my first meeting as Chair of the Senate Health Committee, my colleagues and I pushed the Reproductive Health Act towards the next step of the legislative process. This is a historic legislative victory for women in New York that will strengthen and protect a woman's right to make her own choices about her health and medical care, without the fear of retribution. I want to especially highlight the leadership of the bill sponsor, Senator Liz Krueger, Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, and every advocate organization who championed this bill through this long, drawn-out battle and for ensuring that the time to play political games with a woman's right to choose is finally over."