Squadron Presses Senate To Pass ‘Kalief’s Law’
Northern Brooklyn State Senator Daniel Squadron urged the Republican majority Senate to follow suit after the Assembly’s bipartisan passage of ‘Kalief’s Law,’ (S5988A-Squadron/A8296A-Aubry) to reform New York’s broken speedy trial law.
“‘Kalief’s Law’ is named for Kalief Browder, a young man accused of stealing a backpack, who spent over 1,000 days in pre-trial detention at Riker’s, approximately 700 days in solitary confinement, before his case was dismissed. His experience, and the experience of so many others, is an affront to the to the presumption of innocence.
“For too long, the constitutionally-guaranteed right to a speedy trial has been denied in New York. Our broken Rockefeller-era law does nothing to guarantee to a speedy trial for the accused. In fact, it does the exact opposite, protecting a system that too often delays justice at the cost of defendants, victims and the taxpayers,” said Squadron.
“I filed a Motion for Committee Consideration to force a Senate Codes Committee vote on ‘Kalief’s Law,’ but the Senate Majority has disregarded its own rules, and refused to schedule a vote on this bill, along with other critical issues. Now, with the Assembly’s passage of ‘Kalief’s Law,’ the Senate Republican Majority has 8 days left to do right for justice and the Constitution,” he added.
Cornegy Hosts Brooklyn Youth Market
Bedford-Stuyvesant City Councilman Robert Cornegy Jr., tomorrow will celebrate the youth entrepreneurship program, Start an Empire, featuring a youth led pop-up shop for young creative entrepreneurs to showcase their art, fashion, food, photography, music, products and services to the world.
The community is invited to drop by, have fun, and support the community’s young people’s entrepreneurial spirit.
The event includes:
- Over 60 vendors selling unique products
- Live performances
- Two DJ’s
- Inspiration wall
- Food
- Arts& Crafts
- Business networking
- Free expert business advice
- Free beverages from Coca-Cola
The event is slated for between 10 a.m.-6 p.m., tomorrow, June 4 at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum (Rooftop) 145 Brooklyn Avenue on the Crown Heights/Bed-Stuy border.
Simon Remembers James Brennan
Freshman Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon (Downtown Brooklyn, Boerum Hill, Carroll Gardens) yesterday wished retiring 44th District Assemblyman James Brennan (Park Slope, Windsor Terrace, Kensington, Ditmas Park) a fond farewell after nearly 32 years in the state house.
“As a colleague, I received the news of Assemblyman Jim Brennan’s retirement with mixed feelings. Jim has been a leader in Brooklyn and in Albany for so many years; he is the definition of public service, and not only has he been a great mentor and role model, but I have been proud to rely on his friendship and support. While I am sad at his decision to leave the Assembly, I am happy that he is looking forward to working his magic elsewhere,” said Simon.
“Jim has touched and improved the lives of many New Yorkers and I wish him the very best as he begins a new chapter. Whatever he does, he will be wonderful at it,” she added.
The favorite to replace Brennan is Robert (Bobby) Carroll, who thus far is the only declared candidate for the upcoming September. However, rumor has it that the Orthodox Jewish community, the Working Families Party and the Republican Party are all looking to run a candidate for the seat.
