Williams, Bichotte, Parker Host Health Fair
Flatlands and Midwood lawmakers City Council Member Jumaane D. Williams, Assembly Member Rodneyse Bichotte and State. Sen. Kevin S. Parker along with the Haitian American Centers Council are hosting a Making Strides To Survive Health Fair on Saturday.
Constituents that attend can get Flu shots, HIV testing, HIV Education and Hepatitis C testing. Additionally screenings available include a colon cancer fit kit, breast cancer, blood pressure, BMI and body fat measurements, height and weight measurements and facials.
The health fair is slated for Saturday, Oct. 24 at the Flatbush YMCA, 1401 Flatbush Avenue. For More Information contact Farah Louis-Drayton, Director of Community Relations and Outreach: Email: flouis@council.nyc.gov Telephone: 718-629-2900.
Donovan Calls For Restriction Of Palestinian Authority Aid
Southwest Brooklyn Congressman Dan Donovan yesterday called on Secretary of State John Kerry to convey America’s full-throated support of Israel during meetings with Prime Minister Netanyahu this week.
In a letter to the Secretary, Donovan further asserted that U.S. policy should restrict future aid to the Palestinian Authority unless the Palestinians stop inciting riots and violence. The recent assaults against Israelis are believed to have started after false rumors circulated on Palestinian social media accusing Israel of planning to demolish the Al-Aqsa Mosque.
“Tragically, the Palestinian Authority, rather than calling for calm, chose to inflame the situation in its public statements, inciting further violence. This will only lead to more Israeli and Palestinian deaths, and it must stop immediately. I am encouraged that Secretary Kerry will meet with Prime Minister Netanyahu, and I ask that the Secretary convey America’s full support for Israel to the Prime Minister,” said Donovan.
“In promoting peace and affirming the right for the Jewish people to live in a Jewish state, we are not just protecting an important ally – we are safeguarding a heritage that is central to our culture,” he added.
Greenfield Launches Expanded Cleanup
Midwood/Borough Park City Councilman David G. Greenfield announced yesterday announced the launch of an expanded cleanup initiative in partnership with The Association of Community Employment Programs for the Homeless (ACE) to sweep the district’s sidewalks and empty its trash-bins.
ACE works with homeless men and women throughout New York City, providing job training, work experience and a lifetime support network to help program participants achieve their goals and establish economic independence.
Thanks to funding secured by Greenfield, the following streets are slated for cleaning: 16th Avenue between 44th Street and 54th Street, Avenue J between East 10th Street and East 18th Street, Coney Island Avenue from Avenue I to Avenue K, Avenue M between McDonald Avenue and Ocean Parkway, and Kings Highway between McDonald and Ocean Parkway.
“One of the top complaints that I get is about dirty streets. Our district is one of the most beautiful in the city – our streets should be too. Thanks to this new program, our major avenues will now be much cleaner,” said Greenfield.
Deutsch Offers Free Flu Shots
Sheepshead Bay City Council Member Chaim Deutsch is offering free flu shots at his office from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., today at his office, 2401 Avenue U.
To make an appointment call 718-368-9176.
Bichotte Hails Women’s Equality Laws Passage
Flatbush/Ditmas Park Assembly Member Rodneyse Bichotte hailed Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s signing into law yesterday a number of important women’s equality bills.
“Today marks a momentous day in the state of New York as we lift up the American value of equality,” said Bichotte. “As we continue to push forward for a full women’s equality agenda, let’s recognize the advances made in today’s legislation on women’s rights. Today’s legislation addresses a wide range of issues including human trafficking, help for those experiencing domestic violence and campus sexual assault. Lastly, it is true that all humans are created equal, and women should be receiving equal pay for equal work. We got one step closer today by making it easier for women to know if they are being paid fairly.”
Several of the new laws address women’s rights in the workplace, including ensuring equal pay for equal work. Employees are also now protected from retaliation for sharing wage information, making it easier for women to find out whether they are being paid fairly (A.6075). And when certain discrimination does occur, successful plaintiffs may now recoup attorney fees (A.7189).
Further, all employees are now protected against sexual harassment, even those at very small companies that were once exempt (A.5360). Employers must also provide reasonable accommodations for pregnant employees who may need adjustments in their work schedules or job duties due to their pregnancy (A.4272). In addition, employers can no longer discriminate based on an employee’s family status (A.7317).
Bichotte noted another new law will now protect individuals from being discriminated against or evicted from their homes based on their status as victims of domestic violence and allow survivors of domestic violence to electronically request temporary orders of protection without needing to appear in court and face their abusers (A.6354-B; A.6262). The laws also bolster the state’s existing human trafficking measures, increasing penalties for perpetrators, providing training for law enforcement and empowering victims to sue for damages (A.506).
Colton Partners With Marines On Toys For Tots
Southwest Brooklyn Assemblyman William Colton is partnering with the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program, which collects new toys for less privileged kids to receive for the holidays.
For the past several years, Colton has established toy drives to make the holidays better for needy children of our community including to families in military service.
This year collection of new toys has begun at Colton’s office, 155 Kings Highway, between West 12th and 13th Streets. The collection will last until December 23.
“Toys for Tots is a program that really brings out the meaning of the holiday season. Every donation reaches out to a child in need who can truly experience the holiday spirit,” said Colton.
For more information call Nancy Tong at Colton’s office at 718 236 1598.
