Golden Criticizes Cuomo Metro Card Transfer Veto
Bay Ridge State Senator Martin J. Golden, a member of the Metropolitan Transit Authority’s Capital Review Board yesterday criticized Governor Andrew M. Cuomo for his veto of legislation (S. 3228) that would have provided a free Metro Card transfer for commuters dependent on two buses and a train to meet their travel needs:
“The increase in transportation costs which New Yorkers face challenges the personal budget of many, and this legislation would have provided some much needed relief. There are many diligent individuals who live a great distance from their work, or students from their schools, who are forced to travel via two buses and a train to reach their destination. I am disappointed in Governor Cuomo’s veto of this bill which would have prevented folks from having to pay two fares for what is in reality one trip,” said Golden..
“I will continue to look for mechanisms to reduce the burdensome cost of travel in which we face each and every day. I will work with my colleagues to advance and negotiate this effort, and will stand with the transit riders until we can alleviate this unfair cost.”
Cuomo also vetoed legislation that was sponsored by Senator Golden (S. 5437) that would establish the Metropolitan Transit Authority Riders’ Council for People With Disabilities.
Gentile First Use Of His Animal Abuse Registry Law
Bay Ridge City Councilman Vincent Gentile yesterday marked convicted Staten Island resident Alsu Ivanchenko as the first future entrant of his New York City animal abuse registry law.
The dog-abuser was sentenced to one year in prison in Staten Island court and must register with the animal abuse registry five days after her release. Under the new law passed last year, if Ivanchenko seeks to purchase or adopt an animal, she will be vetted and denied by any shelter or pet store for five years. In addition, she will be barred from any willful contact, with any pet, for the same duration.
“I am extremely pleased with today’s sentencing and I laud ADA Jane Grinberg and the court for securing this as part of her punishment. It is good to see this legislation put in action which is designed to keep animal abusers away from pets,” said Gentile.
Staten Island District Attorney-elect Michael E. McMahon, who will officially be sworn into office in January ’16, also issued a statement in response to the sentencing:
“I am proud that this case is from Staten Island and is the first one to have the defendant go on to Councilman Gentile’s animal abuse registry. I commend him for his passion on this issue and getting this legislation passed and implemented. We know that animal abuse in and of itself is a heinous crime but is also quite often a gateway crime to domestic violence in particular. So, this is not only good crime prosecution but good crime prevention.”
Clarke Marks First Anniversary Of Obama Initiative To Not Deport Kids
Flatbush Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke yesterday released the following statement to commemorate the First Anniversary of the announcement of Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and the expanded Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which will offer the opportunity for millions of undocumented Americans to avoid deportation and become authorized to work in the United States.
A federal appeals court has delayed implementation of DAPA and expanded DACA. President Obama has appealed that decision to the United States Supreme Court.
“DAPA and expanded DACA will offer millions of Americans who are now threatened with deportation the opportunity to become full participants in our civil society, to find jobs and enter college – to pursue the American Dream. There are already more than half a million young women and young men who have enrolled in the DACA program, allowing them to achieve success here in the United States and enjoy the full blessings of life,” said Clarke.
“DAPA and expanded DACA represent hope for even more individuals and their families. I urge President Obama and Secretary of Homeland Security Johnson to continue their efforts to restore DAPA and expanded DACA. In addition, Congress must act to reform our failed immigration laws. Millions of people have waited for years for a resolution to this crisis and a confirmation of their status in the United States. The wait must end.”
Hamilton’s Last Day Of Turkey Giveaway
Brownsville State Sen. Jesse Hamilton will distribute the last of 700 turkeys in time for Thanksgiving at 11 a.m. today at the Full Gospel Assembly, 131 Sullivan Place.
Hamilton has been distributing the turkeys to senior centers, community groups, and houses of worship who have already registered interest with Senator Hamilton’s office since last Friday.
“I’m grateful to the generous group of partners who assembled to give to organizations and institutions who serve our community year-round,” said Hamilton.
Among those who provided the turkeys were Borough President Eric Adams, MCU, Metro Plus, Uncommon Schools, Stop & Shop, Associated Supermarket, First American International Bank, BJ’s, Key Food, Kings Plaza, Compare Food, Met Food, City Fresh Association Supermarket, Cherry Valley Supermarket, and TD Bank.
