Brooklyn Lawmakers On The Move Aug. 2, 2016

Donovan, Jeffries Team Up On Criminal Justice Reform

In a rare show of bipartisanship, Congressman Dan Donovan (R-Brooklyn, Staten Island) and Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (D-Central Brooklyn) introduced the Flexibility in Family Sentencing Act to allow judges to postpone sentencing for pregnant or nursing mothers convicted of drug offenses.

Donovan is the former Staten Island District Attorney and Jeffries is a noted attorney and member of the House Judiciary Committee.

The legislation permits judges to use their discretion in delivering sentences that will impact a mother and child. It allows judges to direct pregnant or nursing mothers to supervised probation and mandatory drug treatment programs as an alternative to prison if the judge deems it in the best interest of the mother and child. If the mother successfully completes probation and treatment, the court could dismiss her case.

“Our justice system isn’t perfect, and enacting common-sense reforms shouldn’t be a partisan battle. I’m proud to work with Congressman Jeffries on this bill and I look forward to developing future solutions with him. The fact is, we need to allow judges to actually judge. Prescribed mandatory sentences aren’t always in the best interest of society or the perpetrator – judges should have the flexibility to determine appropriate sentences,” said Donovan.

“This common-sense measure is a strong step forward in our wide-ranging effort to fix the broken criminal justice system. An expectant mother’s sole focus should be on delivering a healthy and happy child, not any impending imprisonment proceedings. Rep. Donovan and all involved should be commended for their leadership in this regard,” said Jeffries.

Adams Lights Borough Hall For National Night Out

Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams tonight will illuminate Brooklyn Borough Hall in blue light in recognition of National Night Out Against Crime, a nationwide event celebrated annually since 1984 in which police departments host community residents for an evening of activities aimed at building greater partnership.

Honoring the continued service of the members of the New York City Police Department (NYPD), in which he served for 22 years in precincts across Brooklyn and Manhattan, he will dedicate the ceremonial lighting to the continued pursuit of advancing community-police relations across New York City and America.

Adams will also attend a number of National Night Out Against Crime events throughout the borough.

“As someone who has worn the blue uniform of a police officer and the blue jeans of a civil rights activist focused on just policing, I know better than many the critical need of ongoing and open lines of communication through which community and police speak openly about the issues we face and how we can work together to solve them,” said Adams.

“Brooklyn Borough Hall is the ‘People’s House,’ and bathing the building in blue is symbolic of the appreciation that the people of this borough have for the tens of thousands of hard-working men and women who sacrifice to protect Brooklyn’s families. Community and police, working in partnership, are stronger together in preventing crime. I ask all New Yorkers, regardless of what role they play in our communities, to take National Night Out as a valuable opportunity to advance their commitment to making this city a safer place to raise healthy children and families.”

PBA Protests De Blasio in Front of Park Slope YMCA

The city’s Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association (PBA), the rank-and-file union for the NYPD, will have members outside Gracie Mansion – the Mayor’s residence – and the Prospect Park YMCA this morning to show the growing frustration with the Mayor and his administration for their refusal to work with police officers to reach a market rate of pay.

The Prospect Park YMCA is de Blasio’s morning workout facility.

The rally for higher wages in Brooklyn is slated for 8 a.m. in front of the Y,357 9th St, Brooklyn in Park Slope.  PBA President Patrick J. Lynch will be available for interviews with the media.

Multi-Cultural Anti-Discrimination Student Group Praises Boro Park’s Tzedokah

A group of young college students from Washington, D.C., who were led on a tour of Boro Park by Senator Simcha Felder’s staff, expressed their gratitude to the Senator and his staff for teaching them about the enormous principles of the community.

“We were struck and inspired by the closeness of your community and its large emphasis on tzedokaht (charity) hat you explained,” said student leader Sam of Operation Understanding. “By discussing the origins of the many residents of Boro Park—how their families relocated [to New York] as a result of the Holocaust—you reaffirmed our understanding of Jewish history and the imperative of speaking up against all forms of discrimination.”

Felder has hosted the the group on numerous occasions. Its mission is to imbue the next generation of African American and Jewish community leaders with mutual respect and cooperation while working to eradicate racism, anti-Semitism and all forms of discrimination. Their tour of Boro Park this year was conducted by Felder’s staffers Judah Wohlgelernter and Herzka Grunfeld.

“My staff did a great job of showing these enthusiastic young students what Boro Park is all about,” said Felder. “Programs like this not only help bridge cultural gaps but also teach the next generation of leaders that there is no place for anti-Semitism or any other forms of racism in our society.”

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Stringer To Host Town Hall Meeting In Southern Brooklyn

New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer will host a town hall meeting at the New York Aquarium Thursday to discuss ways to improve city services and explain how his office can help New Yorkers.