Cuomo Reminds Residents to Register To Vote For Presidential Primaries
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo yesterday reminded New Yorkers that they must register to vote by March 25 in order to cast ballots in the upcoming presidential primaries on April 19.
New Yorkers looking to register to vote, or to change their enrollment information, can do so easily by using the state’s online voter registration service on the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles’ website. Since Governor Cuomo launched the system in 2012, more than 256,600 New Yorkers – 80,500 of which were registering for the first time – have registered to vote using the automated online system, MyDMV.
“Thanks to New York State’s online portal, it has never been easier for residents to register to vote and participate in the democratic process,” Governor Cuomo said. “The ability to vote and choose our representation is one of the most important rights that we are afforded as Americans and I encourage all eligible New Yorkers make sure they are registered ahead of April’s presidential primaries.”
Harris Supports State Money To Fight Opioid Abuse
Coney Island/Bay Ridge/Dyker Heights Assembly Member Pam Harris yesterday threw her support behind the state assembly budget including $30 million in funding for treatment and support programs to confront the current epidemic of heroin and opioid abuse.
“Heroin is deadly and has no place in the hands of the people of our community,” said Harris. “It’s sad that so many young adults are among those most at risk. These measures aim to provide for prevention services and expand access to treatment programs to better protect our children and families.”
Under the proposal, $15 million would be earmarked to support opiate abuse prevention and treatment services, as well as $9 million for post-treatment community-based recovery services. The remaining $6 million would be allocated toward patient engagement programs to help individuals find treatment and support.
In southern Brooklyn communities like Bay Ridge and Dyker Heights, more than a dozen young people under the age of 21 have died of heroin overdoses in recent years. And just this past December, nine criminals were charged with operating a heroin trafficking ring in Brooklyn, Queens and Long Island.
“As a former Correction Officer, I understand the importance of community input in making a difference. I urge residents to stay informed and continue working with local groups to help get drugs and guns off our streets,” concluded Harris.
Adams Announces Free Tax Preparation Help
Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams and New York State Department of Taxation and Finance (NYSDTF) Commissioner Jerry Boone yesterday announced the availability of five free federal and state tax e-filing assistance sites throughout Brooklyn for residents who earn less than $62,000.
At each of the sites, including four local branches of the Brooklyn Public Library, taxpayers will be able to complete their tax returns with a user-friendly computer program that dramatically reduces errors and finds all available tax credits; volunteers from NYSDTF will be available to answer questions and provide assistance with the computer program.
A majority of New York State taxpayers have not yet filed returns for 2015; the deadline arrives on Friday, April 15th.
“Tax season can be challenging for those who lack the financial means to acquire the assistance of an expert who knows all of the relevant credits and deductions, which is why initiatives like these that educate and empower thousands of Brooklynites are so valuable,” said Adams. “I am pleased to partner with colleagues on the city, state, and federal level, to put hard-earned dollars back into homes across Brooklyn, benefitting hard-working families that are the foundation of our borough.”
Filing assistance is available at: the Asian Community United Society, located at 6506 Bay Parkway in Bensonhurst, on Thursdays from 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM; the DeKalb branch of the Brooklyn Public Library, located at 790 Bushwick Avenue in Bushwick, on Mondays from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM; the Jamaica Bay branch of the Brooklyn Public Library, located at 9727 Seaview Avenue in Canarsie, on Mondays from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM as well as Thursdays from 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM; the Coney Island branch of the Brooklyn Public Library, located at 1901 Mermaid Avenue in Coney Island, on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM; and the Red Hook branch of the Brooklyn Public Library, located at 7 Wolcott Street in Red Hook, on Tuesdays from 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM.
Williams, Lander Say DOJ Wrong On No Indictment In Graham Case
City Council Members Brad Lander (Park Slope, Windsor Terrace, Kensington) and Jumaane Williams (Flatbush, East Flatbush, Midwood) along with Bronx City Council Member Vanessa Gibson yesterday expressed disappointment in a joint statement with the U.S. Department of Justice decision not to prosecute the officers responsible for the shooting death of Ramarley Graham.
A police officer shot the unarmed Graham once and killed him after chasing him into the bathroom of his apartment. The officer involved in then shooting testified he thought Graham was armed.
“Though we are frustrated justice has been delayed, we remain hopeful it will not be denied. The City can and must act. It is clear that someone who was unarmed was killed and to date no one has been held accountable. Thus, we call upon the Mayor and the Police Commissioner to launch an internal investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ramarley Graham’s death and further urge the Mayor to honor the request for a meeting made by the Graham family over a month ago.
“Though today’s development has left us saddened and angry, we join with advocates, community leaders, and friends in remembering Ramarley’s life rather than the tragedy of his death. We ask all New Yorkers join us in praying for peace and healing for the Graham family during this very difficult time.”
Schumer Wants Stamp For Brooklyn Childrens’ Author
U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer yesterday urged the United States Postal Service (USPS) to issue stamps featuring illustrations by author Ezra Jack Keats to commemorate what would have been his 100th birthday.
Keats illustrated more than 85 books and was recognized around the world for his artwork. Specifically, Keats’s illustrations often featured multiracial characters and one of his most famous books, The Snowy Day, broke the color barrier in children’s publishing.
“Ezra Jack Keats showed us that art can be a powerful form of expression and through his picture books he motivated a generation of children to develop an appreciation for literature,” said Schumer. “A native New Yorker who followed his dreams and quite literally drew himself out from poverty, Keats is an inspiration to all of us and deserves to be recognized for his achievements. The United States Postal Service should approve and release a stamp series in honor of Ezra Jack Keats this year!”
Ezra Keats was born to Polish-Jewish immigrants in 1916 and grew up in Brooklyn. Keats’s talent for art was apparent in his early childhood and he received various awards throughout his years in grade school for his works. After he graduated from high school, Keats worked as a mural painter for the Works Progress Administration and as a comic book illustrator. His artwork became more renowned when his illustrations began to appear in Reader’s Digest, the New York Times Book Review, and Collier’s.
Richardson Looking For An Intern
Assemblywoman Diana C. Richardson (Crown Heights, Lefferts Gardens) is looking for bright, self-motivated, energetic individuals that are interested in learning the dynamics of working in a legislative district office.
Candidates who are enrolled in an educational program upon the start of your internship will work in Richardson’s office. Interns may also qualify for internship credit from their university or school, as well as earn a letter of recommendation from the Assemblywoman.
The ideal candidate will have an interest in public policy, community organizing, political science, economics, English, communications, public relations or a similar area of study or career path. As an intern you will be prepared to and provide support to staff with special events, constituent services, and special projects related to general administrative duties of the district office. The goal is to establish a workable and mutually beneficial relationship between the legislator and the intern.
Interested candidates are encouraged to please e-mail, mail, or fax resume, cover letter, application and a writing sample to the district office: @williamsn@assembly.state.ny.
