Camara Introduces Legislation
Crown Heights Assemblymember Karin Camara introduced legislation yesterday that would require a health warning on certain beverages with added sugar, with the size of the warning label dictated by the size of the drink.
“We can’t sit back and pretend that sugary drinks aren’t harmful to people. We have a public health crisis, which is a direct result of people consuming too much sugar. The research is clear: too much sugar leads to health problems such as obesity and Diabetes. As a society, we have a moral obligation to educate people so they can make healthier choices,” said Camara, who introduced the legislation with several health experts by his side.
The warning will read, “SAFETY WARNING: DRINKING BEVERAGES WITH ADDED SUGAR CONTRIBUTES TO OBESITY, DIABETES AND TOOTH DECAY”
Gentile Bill Passes City Council
The City Council yesterday passed a bill championed by Bay Ridge City Councilman Vincent J. Gentile to crack down on the highly unregulated industry of clothing donation bins.
The law will not only allow the Department of Sanitation the power to remove the faux donation dumpsters from public property immediately, but also dole out $250 fines to first-time violators and $500 fines to repeat offenders.
“My office has received countless complaints about these bins and I’m thrilled today to pass this important piece of legislation which will allow the Department of Sanitation to immediately remove illegal clothing collection bins from public areas,” said Gentile. “Not only are these bins eyesores, they deceive well-intentioned and generous New Yorkers who believe they’re donating their used clothing to charity.”
Gentile noted that many of these bins are put up by shadowy organizations making bank on the perception that it’s all going to charity when in fact there is nothing “non-profit” about it – the donated clothing is often sold by the pound to customers overseas.
Treyger Legislation Gets Broad Support
Coney Island City Councilman Mark Treyger drew widespread support for his introducing legislation prohibiting the use of handheld phones and other electronic devices while riding a bicycle in New York City.
Among those supporting the proposal were Transportation Committee Chairman Ydanis Rodriguez, Councilmembers Carlos Menchaca, Vincent Gentile and Laurie Cumbo as well as the editorial board of the New York Post.
Treyger said the idea for the bill came after witnessing a cyclist swerve into oncoming traffic along busy Stillwell Avenue in Gravesend, nearly causing a serious multi-vehicle accident. He subsequently learned that there is currently no prohibition against handheld phone use while cycling in New York City, or specific data noting whether cyclists involved in collisions were distracted by factors such as cell phone use.
“The safety of New York City streets requires a conscious effort by pedestrians, motorists, and bicyclists to act responsibly and not endanger the lives of others. The proposed legislation by my colleague, Council Member Treyger, will increase accountability and public safety through education.” said Cumbo.
Todays Events:
10 a.m. – New York City Councilman Mark Treyger holds press conference with officials from the Department of Sanitation and the Doe Fund, 18th Ave. and 86th St., Brooklyn. The press conference entails getting more cleanup crews in the commercial corridors of his district.
1 p.m. – State Sen. Marty Golden joins Dayna and Manni Scarso and their sons for a press conference announcing fundraising effort for Duchene Muscular Dystrophy, 7408 5th Ave., Brooklyn.
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