Adams Condemns NRA Media Attack On Persaud, Simon
Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams yesterday condemned the National Rifle Association’s recent social media attack on Canarsie State Sen. Roxanne Persaud and Boerum Hill Assemblywoman Jo Anne Simon for introducing legislation (along with Adams) to put controls on buying firearm ammunition.
The media attack included photos of Persaud and Simon with bullets next to them.
“The NRA is engaging in shameful attacks on compassionate efforts to reduce senseless gun violence – stop the presses. I am proud of the proposal that State Senator Persaud, Assembly Member Simon, and I have introduced in Albany which would meaningfully address the epidemic of mass shootings that have spilled innocent blood across this country,” said Adams.
“Every level of government has the primary duty to protect its citizens, and when thousands of rounds can be stockpiled by terrorists in preparation for a deadly assault, it is clear that we are falling short. The bills that we have drafted are intended to be a conversation starter, which will result in the right common-sense solution for New York. We cannot be deterred by the level of hateful rhetoric that extremists are engaging in behind the cover of social media, which has already sparked a number of dangerous threats. As a responsible gun owner myself, I look forward to a robust and respectful dialogue with New Yorkers on this issue in the weeks and months ahead.”
Schumer Defends Obama’s Decision On Exec Action For Further Gun Control
In anticipation of President Obama’s announcement today that he will take executive action to close loopholes for gun purchasers to pass background checks, U.S. Sen. Charles E. Schumer issued a statement of support.
“The repeated obstruction in Congress of commonsense measures that seem reasonable to almost all Americans has led to the President’s strong and necessary action on gun safety. The vast majority of Americans will welcome Presidential action to break the unnatural vice grip that the NRA has over safety in America,” said Schumer.
Golden, Brennan Crime Control Legislation Signed Into Law
Bay Ridge State Senator Martin J. Golden (R) and Kensington Assemblyman James Brennan (D) yesterday announced that Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed into law legislation they sponsored, S.5194/A.4301A, requiring the reporting of criminal activity on the New York City transit system.
The new law will require the New York City Police Department to report to the New York City Council criminal conduct that has occurred on subway and buses. The report will include the police precinct, the type of crime, and the specific subway line or bus route. These reports shall be maintained and transmitted electronically, then compiled into monthly reports which will be available to City officials and to the public on the
internet.
“The information gathered will help direct resources to target patterns of criminal activity on a certain bus or train routes. I am confident that this new law will bring about a change in the way in which we fight crime on our transit system, making it safer for all those who travel. I applaud my colleague Assemblyman Brennan for his leadership and partnership on this bill, and thank Governor Andrew Cuomo for signing this bill into law,” said Golden.
Brennan said the governor’s signing of A4310a is a tremendous step towards providing the public with specificity regarding the types of crimes taking place on NYC subways and buses.
“Now, criminal statistics will be released to the public relating to the type of offenses,
complaints, and criminal arrests. The information will be reported by the location the incident occurred, both by specific police precinct, and subway line or bus route in the Metropolitan region. This bill will provide law enforcement with the information they need to allocate resources and stamp out this criminal activity. We have to change the culture that excuses sexual harassment as an annoyance and instead treat it like the
crime that it is,” he said.
TWU Local 100 President John Samuelsen also hailed the new law.
“The MTA and the city must do a better job safeguarding the men and women who move New York. The detailed and public reports, required by the legislation, will lead to
a better understanding of dangers faced by both riders and workers, and hopefully, result in better strategies to protect them,” Samuelson said.
Williams Tells Local CBO’s To Apply For Funding
Flatlands City Council Member Jumaane Williams yesterday announced the City Council opened the FY 2017 Discretionary Funding application process, so all community based organizations (CBO) seeking funds should apply.
“The New York City Council has an important role in allocating and approving funds for the City’s overall budget. One way we do this is by allotting Discretionary Funding for community organizations, which includes expense funding (money used for community-based programs) and capital funding (money used for brick and mortar projects),” Williams said in an emailed statement.
“Not sure if your organization qualifies? Head over to the Council’s Budget page to view the checklist. You can also contact my Deputy Chief of Staff Nick Smith with budget related questions by emailing nsmith@council.nyc.gov.”
Williams urged knowledgable constituents and CBO’s to follow him on Facebook or Twitter to stay up-to-date with the latest news from City Hall and and his district.
Williams also announced the appointment of Ilana Maier as Communications Director.
Eugene Expected To Cut Ribbon On Internet Cafe
Flatbush City Councilman Mathieu Eugene is expected to be those in attendance at the ribbon cutting for Bridging Access to Care, Inc.(BAC) Internet Café located within the Flatbush Community.
The Internet Café is geared to help individuals returning from prison to re-integrate with their families and the community at large by providing rehabilitation support for individuals to become productive self-sufficient members of society. Vocational instructors will be on hand at the cafe to provide hands on coaching on building resumes, developing work/life skills, job search techniques, and creating healthier futures. The Internet Café will empower individuals to become self-reliant and provide free access to build employability skills.
Funding for the cafe cam from the Atlantic Yards/NETS/Downtown Brooklyn Neighborhood Alliance Community Foundation (DBNA).
The ribbon cutting is slated for between 9:30-11 a.m., Friday Jan. 15 at 2261 Church Avenue between Flatbush and Bedford avenues.
