Jeffries Bill Curtails Gov Email Eavesdropping
Central Brooklyn Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (D) and Republican Rep. Doug Collins (GA-09) have introduced the Effective Assistance of Counsel in the Digital Era Act, a bill that will prevent government officials from eavesdropping on the email communication between attorneys and their incarcerated clients in the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
There are currently four ways attorneys can communicate with an incarcerated client in connection with a criminal proceeding. Federal authorities do not monitor attorney-client communication that takes place in-person, over the phone or with traditional mail. However, email communication is routinely monitored, notwithstanding widespread concern that such practice violates the sacrosanct attorney-client privilege.
“The constitutional right to effective assistance of counsel is critical to the integrity of the judicial process. Monitoring emails, which is the most efficient form of communication between an attorney and an incarcerated client, undermines the Sixth Amendment and the presumption of innocence,” said Jeffries.
“More than 200 years ago, John Adams took the right to effective defense counsel so seriously that he represented British soldiers in the Boston Massacre trial. In the digital era, we should approach the criminal justice system with the same vigilance. That is why this bill is necessary.”
Specifically, the bipartisan bill prohibits any person acting under the authority of the United States from monitoring email communication between an inmate and his or her attorney or attorney’s agents who are traditionally covered by attorney client privilege, except when the Attorney General has reason to believe that an inmate’s communication poses national security concerns.
Key Committee Greenlights Velazquez Bill
The U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Financial Services yesterday approved a proposal that Northern Brooklyn Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez authored aimed at protecting those investing in small businesses through Business Development Companies (BDCs).
Her amendment was approved as part of a larger bill aimed at strengthening BDCs, entities that provide a mechanism for the public to invest in capital-intensive small businesses.
“BDCs provide another way to channel capital to small businesses and this legislation will open up additional funds for small businesses seeking to grow,” Velázquez noted. “My amendment will help ensure that as BDCs become an increasingly important part of the small business credit landscape, investors remain protected.”
BDCs have become increasingly popular among small businesses and investors. The industry now encompasses over $85 billion in assets, up from just $5 billion in 2003. This explosive growth has led to calls to improve the program to better serve businesses and protect investors.
The legislation, including Velázquez’s amendment, now be approved by the full House.
Cymbrowitz Reminds Teens State Schoilarships Available
Sheepshead Bay Assemblyman Steve Cymbrowitz yesterday reminded high-achieving high school students interested in science, technology, engineering and math will be able to benefit from a brand-new program created by New York State that offers full tuition scholarships to kids interested in pursuing STEM careers.
Passed as part of this year’s budget, the New York State Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Incentive Program is open to students who have graduated in the top 10 percent of their high school class and who enroll full-time in an approved STEM undergraduate program at a SUNY or CUNY college. Students must maintain a cumulative grade-point average (GPA) of 2.5 or higher and, after graduation, work full-time in a STEM field and reside in New York for five continuous years.
“Choosing a college major can be an intimidating process. Students entering higher education today have a vast selection of colleges and majors to choose from, but they face the decision knowing they are likely to take on burdensome student debt to finance their future,” Cymbrowitz said. “For students who love to solve problems, want to make the world a better place and constantly wonder about how things work, a career in a Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) field can be an attractive option.”
STEM jobs are expected to grow 14 percent between 2014 and 2024, while other jobs will grow just 9 percent.
For more information or to apply for this scholarship, visit the program’s website (www.hesc.ny.gov/stem).
Fire Prevention and Safety Workshops
Mayor Bill de Blasio, the FDNY and Northern Brooklyn Lawmakers including State Senators Jesse Hamilton, Velmanette Montgomery, City Councilwoman Laurie Cumbo and Democratic District Leader Olanike Alabi will hold a series of fire prevention and safety workshops.
The workshops ate slated for from 12 noon-2 p.m., Saturday, November 7 at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 36 St. James Place in Clinton Hill; from 12 noon-2 p.m., Saturday, November 14, at the Ingersoll Community Center 177 Myrtle Avenue in Fort Greene; and from 12 noon- 2 p.m., Saturday, November 21, at Miller Evangelical Christian Union Church 1110 President Street in Crown Heights.
Bichotte, Other Electeds Celebrate First Haitian-American Judge
Midwood Assemblywoman Rodneyse Bichotte joined City Council Members Robert Cornegy and Laurie Cumbo, and Assembly Member Anette Robinson in celebrating Dweynie Paul as being elected the first Haitian-American elected judge to the Civil Court in New York State.
“To whom much is given, much is required! I am so very blessed and honored to be in a position to serve the entire Kings County community” said Paul at her victory party two nights ago. “Today, we have made history together. I share this moment with the Haitian community and our greater Black Pan-African community. This victory is a result of the coming together of our communities, our talents and our resources . It also comes from a strong desire to see a just and equitable judicial system. I hope to live up to the values and aspiration of this community as I carry out my duties. I want to thank all those who supported me, my family, my parents and God!”
A George Washington University Law Graduate and experienced Litigator, Paul is an active member of Vanguard Independent Democrat Association (VIDA), member of Community Board 3 and a Board Member of the Metropolitan of Black Bar Association.
Civic Group’s Annual Thanksgiving Food Drive Underway
The Madison-Marine-Homecrest Civic Association’s annual Thanksgiving Food Drive to assist the needy is underway. The group is collecting non-perishable food items, Kosher and non-Kosher, along with contributions to purchase turkeys.
The food drive is taking place now through the civic’s next meeting at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, November 19 at the Carmine Carro Community Center in Marine Park, Fillmore Avenue at Madison Place.
From 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday, November 14, the civic organization will have a table outside of the Key Food Supermarket on Gerritsen Avenue and Avenue U.
Additionally, it has collection boxes at: Michael’s Bakery, JoMart Chocolates, and Pronto Pizza (all on Avenue R at Nostrand Avenue); Tom’s Cleaners (on Avenue S at Nostrand Avenue); G & S Pork Store, Ave. U Fish Market, and T & D Bakery (all on Avenue U ); and, Roosevelt Savings Bank (Avenue U and Nostrand Avenue).
Checks to purchase turkeys, payable to “Madison-Marine Civic Association,” also may be brought to the November 19 meeting or sent to: M.M.H.C.A., PO Box 432, Homecrest Station, Brooklyn, NY 11229. For further information, call 718-375-9158.
The food drive is for the benefit of the food pantry run by Our Lady of Refuge Church, Ocean and Foster Avenues. Last year, some 30 frozen turkeys, 1,000 cans and packages of food, plus a number of Key Food gift cards were donated.
