Treyger Gets ShotSpotter In De Blasio Budget
Mayor Bill de Blasio today will include money in his preliminary budget for ShotSpotter technology in Coney Island, Kings County Politics has learned.
The money comes after Coney Island City Council Member Mark Treyger has been lobbying the city for this technology since at least June of last year.
ShotSpotter uses real-time data and technology to immediately notify the police of incidents of shots being fired in its coverage area. This can help reduce police response times while providing the city with an accurate picture of the number of shootings that actually occur in a specific community and pinpointing neighborhood hotspots where the majority of incidents take place.
Felder Bill Supporting Israel Against BDS Passes Senate
Borough Park State Senator Simcha Felder yesterday saw a bill he sponsored that prohibits the state from doing business with companies that seek to harm Israel and other American allies through boycotts and discriminatory economic agendas pass the senate .
The legislation expands New York’s law by prohibiting state contracting with, or state investment in businesses or individuals that promote or engage in activities to boycott, sanction, or divest (BDS) in Israel and other American allied nations. This would prevent the state from becoming unwilling participants in a discriminatory agenda.
Senator Jack Martins (R-C-I, Mineola) co-sponsored the measure, which also drew support from Senate Majority Leader John J. Flanagan, and Bay Ridge Senator Marty Golden.
“Those who advocate and engage in boycotts against Israel, and who promote anti-Semitic ideology, have no place as a state contractor. This is very meaningful legislation that protects our nation’s allies and stands up against bigotry and injustice,” said Felder.
Golden said New York has always stood by the nation’s most trusted ally Israel and will do whatever it
takes to help protect their interests and safety.
“Today we say New York is closed for business for those contractors who participate in subversive
activity or try to disrupt Israel’s economy. We will remain ever diligent that New York remains steadfast in its commitment to our allies,” said Golden.
The bill will be sent to the Assembly.
Walker Bill Seeks To Tighten Voting Rights Act
Brownsville Assembly Member Latrice M. Walker recently introduced the Modernized Voter Registration Bill (A08626), which allows for automated voter registration of eligible consenting citizens and updating voter information through the internet.
The measure also permits same-day registration on the day of an election and the casting of a vote in that same election.
“With these amendments to the New York State Election Law we will see to it that voting rights not only remain protected, but also remove unnecessary barriers to voting, especially to those who are the most vulnerable to losing those rights” said Walker. “Although it took decades to pass the Voting Rights Act of 1965, it’s going to take centuries to protect it and this legislation helps in doing just that.”
Walker said the bill will have a positive effect on targeted areas such as communities that average less than fifty percent of voter turnout, or have had minority voter complaints and government findings. The bill will mandate that any proposed changes to the state or local election law, policy practice orproced procedures affecting these targeted areas must go through a clearance process with the Civil Rights Bureau of the New York State Attorney General’s Office.
Deutsch Urges Preparations in Advance of a Potential Storm
Sheepshead Bay City Councilman Chaim Deutsch said yesterday his district office will be open and functional on Saturday night and all day Sunday to field calls and collaborate with City agencies & utility companies in the wake of the forecasted heavy snowstorm this weekend.
Current National Weather Service projections indicate the potential for up to 8 inches of snow beginning on Friday night and lasting through the day on Saturday. There is also the possibility of heavy wind conditions, and some coastal flooding. Please take necessary precautions to ensure the safety of your home, family, and neighbors.
Deutsch said he is in constant contact with all the relevant City agencies in order to ensure consistent communication as the weather situation begins to unfold, and in particular the city’s Office of Emergency Management and the Department of Sanitation.
“I am pleased to have funded a new, state-of-the-art salt spreader for the DSNY fleet in our district, to give them the extra tools to help enhance the efficiency of New York’s Strongest as they clear our streets of snow and ice,” he said.
Constituents can contact Councilman Deutsch’s office at 718-368-9176 or by email at cdeutsch@council.nyc.gov. For updates, follow Councilman Deutsch on Facebook.
Gentile Teams With Wildcat To Shovel Snow For Seniors & The Disabled
Bay Risge City Council Member Vincent Gentile said yesterday as the city braces for this weekend’s Nor’easter he has teamed up with Wildcat, a nonprofit organization that provides job opportunities and resources for New Yorkers, to provide snow shoveling of walkways for senior citizens and disabled residents in his district.
Gentile had previously allocated funds for the Cleanup NYC initiative. Wildcat will dispatch a crew of six shovelers adorned in bright green vests from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday.
In order to be qualified for the service, constituents must register with Gentile’s office by calling (718)748-5200 and/or emailing snowdistrict43@gmail.com. Deadline for registration is 5 p.m. this Friday, January 22. Once registered, Wildcat will reach out to you this weekend and confirm that you need assistance.
“We could have a snow storm that may bring up to 18 inches this weekend. I urge our seniors and disabled to use this service. Please, do not risk your health and safety. Stay inside, keep warm and let us help you,” said Gentile.
Jeffries State Of The District Speech Tonight
Central Brooklyn Congressman Hakeem Jeffries will deliver his annual State of the District speech at 6:30 p.m. tonight at Long Island University’s Paramount Theater.
Among the issues he is expected to address is education affordability, the Obama legacy and the housing crises. Jeffries’ district includes Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, Bed-Stuy, Brownsville, East New York, Canarsie, Mill Basin and Coney Island along with South Ozone Park and Howard Beach in Queens.
To attend the speech RSVP at 718-237-2211 or at Jeffries.house.gov.
