Clarke’s Comments On Passage Of Every Student Succeeds Act
Flatbush Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke released the following statement on the Every Student Succeeds Act, which allows individual states and local school districts expanded authority to evaluate the performance of schools.
The bill passed by a vote of 359 to 64. Congresswoman Clarke voted “yes.”
“Since the enactment of No Child Left Behind, many parents, teachers, and school administrators have been concerned that national standards for schools fail to allow local school districts to develop the best programs for their students to learn. With the Every Student Succeeds Act, state and local school boards will have the flexibility to utilize different types of assessments using various measures,” said Clarke.
“In addition, the law will provide for better reporting of data about the performance of students and require more disclosures from charter schools. But I am concerned about provisions that could potentially result in the redistribution of resources from the neediest schools to the wealthier schools. And we must remain vigilant in preventing local school districts from failing to provide equal access to education for poor students and students of color who have historically been denied access to critical resources.”
Gillibrand Applauds Decision To Open All Military Positions To Women
U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, the ranking member on the Personnel Subcommittee of the Senate Armed Services Committee, yesterday applauded Defense Secretary Ash Carter’s decision to open all military positions to women:
“Today is a historic day for the U.S. military. After fighting for full combat integration, I strongly support Secretary Carter’s decision to open all positions in the military to women. This will strengthen our armed forces, and it builds on a history of honorable and courageous service by women throughout the military, as well as thoughtful research and analysis by the services and the Defense Department,” said Gillibrand.
“Today we are telling every girl in America that she can serve her country just like the boys she is growing up with. And we are setting the military up for the greatest possible success by giving it access to the very best America has to offer – regardless of gender. I look forward to working closely with the Defense Department and the services during the implementation of this decision and beyond, to ensure that we are setting up all of our service members for success.”
Greenfield Raises Alarm Over Spike In Anti-Semitic Attacks
Midwood/Boro Park City Councilman David Greenfield yesterday raised the alarm on the recent spike in anti-Semitic attacks and incidents throughout the city.
“The rise of anti-Semitic violence should concern everyone. Coming right on the heels of Monday’s attack at Manhattan’s West Side Judaica & Bookstore, the bias incidents on Fort Hamilton Avenue in Borough Park and Ocean Parkway in Midwood during the past twenty-four hours illustrate that hate crimes are not only on the rise throughout New York City but literally in the heart of Jewish neighborhoods,” said Greenfield.
“That’s why I am proud to be passing legislation on Monday that will creating a school safety program for non-public schools that covers over 70% of religious school students in New York City. The safety of all New Yorkers must continue to be our top priority.”
Cymbrowitz Offers Help On Heat Bills
Sheepshead Bay Assemblyman Steven Cymbrowitz, yesterday, urged residents struggling with their bills to apply for the Heartshare Neighborhood Heating Fund.
Cymbrowitz’ office at 1800 Sheepshead Bay Road is once again an official NHF application receiving site. Applications are available at the office and Assemblyman Cymbrowitz’ staff is happy to assist constituents in his district in completing them.
“The winter is a particularly difficult time for low-income residents who must struggle to cover their basic needs,” said Assemblyman Cymbrowitz. “I am pleased that the Neighborhood Heating Fund is available to lend a much-needed helping hand.”
Assemblyman Cymbrowitz’ office is open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eligibility is based on household size and gross monthly income. All qualified households will receive a $200 grant. To see if you are eligible and for more information, call Assemblyman Cymbrowitz’ office at (718) 743-4078.
Williams Spearheads District Toys For Tots
Flatlands City Council Member Jumaane D. Williams and Students Taking Action Today (S.T.A.T.) invites constituents of the 45th district to participate in the annual Holiday Toy Drive. All donated items will be given to charitable organizations to distribute to the less fortunate for the upcoming holiday season.
“As the winter Holidays rapidly approach, it is my hope our neighbors find it in their hearts to give a little more this year to those among us who are less fortunate,” said Williams. “I am proud to work with the youth members of S.T.A.T. on this initiative, as they seek to do their part in service to our community. I look forward to this year’s toy drive being the most successful drive in District 45’s history.”
Donations of unwrapped toys can be dropped off at Williams‘ district office between 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at 4517 Avenue D. The toy drive ends Friday, Dec. 18. For more information contact Farah Louis-Drayton at flouis@council.nyc.gov or by calling 718-629-2900.
