Brooklyn Lawmakers On The Move Sept. 22, 2016

News Site Brooklyn

Malliotakis Speaks To Business Leaders

Assembly Member Nicole Malliotakis
Assembly Member Nicole Malliotakis

Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis (Bay Ridge, Staten Island) yesterday was in Bolton Landing, New York speaking at the 2016 Annual Meeting of The Business Council of New York State, Inc.

The Business Council is a leading business organization in the state, representing the interests of large and small firms, as well as local chambers of commerce, and professional and trade associations.

Malliotakis appeared as part of the Legislators’ Roundtable portion of the Government Affairs/President’s Council Meeting, where she discussed the state’s business climate, minimum wage impact, and other concerns regarding overregulation.

“Despite our recent successes in repealing the MTA Payroll and phasing out the 18-A assessment in utility bills, New York still ranks 49th out of 50 sates when it comes to business climate.  Overregulation, bureaucratic red tape and new mandates and minimum wage increases are making it harder for businesses to survive, grow and create jobs in New York State,” said Malliotakis.  “The Governor’s START-UP NY program has been a failure, spending $53 million on advertising while only producing 408 jobs. Government at the city, state, and federal level needs to get out of the way and allow entrepreneurs and job creators to innovate and create.”

Several other legislators also participated in the legislative conference including State Senator Roxanne J. Persaud (Canarsie, East New York, Brownsville, Mill Basin).


De Blasio Brings  Electric Auto Racing To Brooklyn

Mayor Bill de Blasio
Mayor Bill de Blasio

The Mayor Bill de Blasio Administration announced yesterday that the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal in Red Hook will host the inaugural New York City ePrix in July 2017.

The race will be part of the FIA Formula E Championship, the world’s first fully-electric racing series, which is entering its third season.

The New York City ePrix double-header in mid-July will be the first FIA-sanctioned open-wheel race to take place within the five boroughs of New York City. Preliminary plans for the 1.947km (1.21mile) track will feature 13 turns and will wind its way around Pier 11 and the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal. The course will be entirely off-street, ensuring safety and minimizing disruption for the surrounding community.

The FIA Formula E Championship is the world’s first fully-electric single-seater racing series, competing against the backdrop of some of the most iconic cities – including New York, Hong Kong, Marrakesh, Buenos Aires, Monaco, Paris, and Montreal. The championship represents a vision for the future of the motor industry, and serves as a platform to showcase the latest innovations in electric vehicle technology and alternative energy solutions.

“New York City is where technology, sustainability and commerce all connect. There’s no better home for the ePrix. Bringing this international event to the five boroughs is a huge win for New York City. It will bring thousands of visitors, boost Brooklyn tourism and spur investment in our neighborhoods,” said de Blasio.


Golden Hails FDA Approval Of Muscular Dystrophy Drug

State Sen. Marty Golden
State Sen. Marty Golden

State Senator Martin J. Golden (Bay Ridge, Marine Park, Gerritsen Beach) yesterday joined with The Scarso Family and their organization of supporters known as Pietro’s Fight, in celebrating the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s approval of the Exondys 51 (Eteplirsen) injection manufactured by Sarepta
Therapeutics,  the first drug approved to treat patients with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD).

DMD is a rare genetic disorder characterized by progressive muscle deterioration and weakness, that effects 1 in every 3,500-5,000 boys and approximately 400 to 600 males are born with DMD annually in the United States.

This is a major life saving advancement specifically for patients who have a confirmed mutation of the dystrophin gene amenable to exon 51 skipping. The infusion treatment will supplement the absent gene, Exon 51, and slow down the progression of the disease while research and trials continue towards an ultimate cure.

“We have been waiting for this day for a long time, when the boys without the Exon 51 gene can get the treatment they need in the fight against Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. I salute the Scarso Family and all you have done over the past four years, and I am proud to have been a partner with you in this mission.  This community has and will continue to embrace and stand with Pietro’s Fight and the DMD community to further advance research and raise awareness,” said Golden

Pietro’s Fight is hosting their 4th Annual 5K Fundraising “Fight to the Finish Line” race this Saturday, September 24, and will host a press event about this announcement at 9 a.m. on the American Veteran’s Memorial Pier located at Bay Ridge Avenue (69th Street) and Shore Road, before the event kick-offs.


Hamilton Comments On Police Shooting Deaths of two Civilians

State Sen. Jesse Hamilton
State Sen. Jesse Hamilton

Central Brooklyn State Sen. Jesse Hamilton yesterday issued the following statement after the police shooting deaths of two black men in Tulsa and Charlotte:

“The honest question we have to ask ourselves is why unarmed black men are being killed in staggering numbers by police officers who are sworn to protect us, who are paid with public dollars. How do I explain this to my children who have asked me this question? How do we explain this to our communities of color? How do we engage in meaning dialogue to answer this question and work towards a positive solution? How many more people must die on both sides before we grasp the reality of what is truly happening?” said Hamilton.


Deutsch Warns Residents That the City Is Doing Mosquito Spraying

City Councilman Chaim Deutsch
City Councilman Chaim Deutsch

City Councilman Chaim Deutsch (Sheepshead Bay, Manhattan Beach, Brighton Beach) yesterday warned constituents that the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene began spraying adulticide to key mosquito breeding locations in residential areas of Brooklyn.

The spraying started from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. from a truck in parts of the following ZIP codes: 11203, 11210, 11212, 11213, 11225, 11226, 11229, 11233, 11234, 11235, and 11236.

Spraying is intended to reduce the number of mosquitoes and the risk of Zika and West Nile viruses.

DOHMH recommends the following precautions to residents of areas that are scheduled for spraying:

  • People with respiratory conditions should stay inside during spraying and for at least 30 minutes after spraying.
  • Air conditioners may remain on with the vent set to the closed position or the recirculate function selected.
  • Bring outdoor furniture, equipment, and laundry inside.
  • Keep all pets inside.
  • Wash skin and clothing exposed to pesticides with soap and water.

Residents are not expected to experience adverse reactions to mosquito spray. Some people who are sensitive to pesticides may experience temporary effects, such as skin, eye, and mucous membrane irritation, as well as the worsening of conditions, such as asthma and other respiratory illnesses, if directly exposed to spraying. Anyone experiencing an adverse reaction to pesticides should seek medical help or call the NYC Poison Control Center at (800) 222-1222.