Cuomo Takes Brooklyn Victory Lap For Education Tax Credits
Governor Andrew Cuomo was treated like a hero at Yeshiva Shaare Torah on Coney Island Avenue, yesterday, for his recently proposed Parental Choice in Education Act that provides $150 million in education tax credits including to low-income families who send their children to nonpublic schools, as well as scholarships to low- and middle-income families whose children attend a nonpublic school.
The measure includes $50 million in Education Investment Tax Credits (EITC) for wealthy individuals and companies that donate money to private schools for scholarships – something that Boro Park Assemblyman Dov Hikind has long championed and several Ultra Orthodox organizations have lobbied hard to get.
Hikind along with City Council members David Greenfield and Chaim Deutsch were on hand to thank Cuomo pushing the legislation.
“This is about fairness and this is about parents choosing the school that is right for their children,” said Cuomo. “We must reward donations to support public schools, give tax credits to teachers who pay for classroom supplies out of pocket, and ease the financial burden on families who exercise choice in sending their children to a nonpublic school. I am pleased to join with local leaders who support these critical issues and understand how we need to get this done.”
The yeshiva stop in Brooklyn was one of several he made to religious institutions in the borough yesterday. Cuomo also visited the The Church of St Mark Episcopal, 1417 Union Street, the Concord Baptist Church of Christ, 833 Gardner C. Taylor Blvd, the First Baptist Church of Crown Heights, 450 Eastern Parkway and St. Jude’s Shrine Church, 1677 Canarsie Road.
Adams, Cumbo Host Teens Heading For Prom
Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, yesterday welcomed Brooklyn teens dressed in their prom attire to borough Hall and to offer important safety tips for parents and students alike this prom season.
The recommendations included how to avoid serious risks such as drunk driving, date rape, and club drugs will be shared with schools and parent advocates across the borough.
“Prom is about making a teen’s dreams come true, not about a parent realizing their worst nightmare,” said Adams. “Temptations of dangerous behavior lurk before, during, and after prom, ones that can have lasting negative consequences. It does not have to be about scaring teens; prom safety is all about a proactive family conversation that ensures everyone can have a memorable night for all the right reasons.”
Also on hand was Fort Greene City Councilwoman Laurie Cumbo.
Donovan Applauds Obama For ISIS Raid
Newly elected Southern Brooklyn and Staten Island Republican Congressman Dan Donovan this weekend congratulated President Obama and the U.S. Special Forces on their successful raid into eastern Syria that led to the execution of a top ISIS official, a dozen militant fighters and the freeing of a young Yazidi woman who was being held captive.
“Our Delta Forces have once again demonstrated their superior skill, precision and bravery in executing this mission with no reported civilian or U.S. military casualties. While today’s operation should be commended, we have much more work to do to combat ISIS,” said Donovan.
“Their leaders will be replaced, but it is my hope that the intelligence gleaned from this mission will provide us further insight into their operations that will allow us to be on the offensive in the war against Islamic Extremism,” he added.
Cumbo Calls For More Cop presence Following Second McDonalds Brawl
Fort Green City Councilwoman Laurie Cumbo, Friday, called for a greater police presence at school dismissal time and more social service programs following a second McDonalds brawl in Brooklyn.
The teen brawl happened last Thursday at the McDonalds on Fulton Street and the Flatbush Extension.
“I am appalled that these senseless acts of violence, often committed by and against groups of youth, have become accepted as part of the status quo in cities across our nation. To combat this, it is essential that you join me in supporting and working alongside our community affairs officers within the 88th Precinct to ensure a stronger police presence during and after school hours in downtown Brooklyn and, more specifically on Flatbush Avenue, where recent incidents of group violence are starting to become regular occurrences,” said Cumbo.
“While I do not have all the answers to solve the issues of youth violence, I do know that closing NYCHA community centers and eliminating summer opportunities for middle schools students is not the answer. It is vital that that we do not cut NYCHA youth services from New York City’s $78 Billion dollar budget,” she added.
Williams Honors Nazareth Girls Basketball Team
East Flatbush City Councilman Jumaane Williams, last week, led a group of City Council members in honoring Flatbush’s Nazareth Regional High School girls’ basketball team, which recently won the State Class A Federation Championship.
“These Lady Kingsmen are exceptional examples of youth doing amazing things in District 45,” said Williams. “Today we celebrate girl power! I am proud to stand with Speaker Mark-Viverito and my council colleagues to recognize these talented young women and to congratulate them for their success at the state competition. All of these young women have demonstrated the strength of character and commitment to excellence that will help them pursue their highest ambitions in the years ahead and I wish them all continued success.”
Brooklyn Dems Back Hillary
The motion to take the vote was made by Lew Fidler, a Democratic district leader and former city councilman.
The vote was taken at the Progressive Democratic Club, the home club of Assemblyman William Colton, in Bath Beach.
Clinton’s Presidential campaign headquarters is in Downtown Brooklyn.
