Clarke Slams House GOP On Floor Rules
Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (Crown Heights, Flatbush, Brownsville, Sheepshead Bay) yesterday slammed rules that Republicans in the House adopted to punish members for recording videos or taking pictures on the floor of the chamber.
The tactic was used in June 2016 to broadcast speeches calling for common-sense gun safety regulations on social media. Congresswoman Clarke joined the majority of her Democratic colleagues at that event to publicize the need to end gun violence. Clarke voted “no” on the rules.
The rules provide for a penalty of $500 for an initial violation, with fines of as much as $2,500 for subsequent violations, and allow for the referral of violations to the Committee on Ethics, which could impose other sanctions.
“I was proud to join my Democratic colleagues in June to speak our truth about the terror of gun violence, which ends the lives of tens of thousands of Americans every year. Unfortunately, Republicans not only refused to participate in that conversation, but wanted to prevent us from reaching people on television with facts about the consequences of gun violence and our common-sense proposals to save lives. Historically, the House of Representatives has been described as the “People’s House,” an institution where the concerns of real American families are debated and we develop policies to improve lives and protect our health and safety. The rules adopted today will undermine that proud reputation by limited our ability to have a dialogue with the very people we represent,” said Clarke.
Treyger Approves Of De Blasio Pick For Storm Recovery Director
City Council Member Mark Treyger (Coney Island, Bensonhurst, Gravesend), Chair of the Council’s Committee on Recovery and Resiliency, hailed Mayor Bill de Blasio‘s appointment yesterday of Jainey Bavishi as the Director of the Office of Recovery and Resiliency.
Bavishi is an expert in climate adaptation and resiliency, who most recently served as the Associate Director for Climate Preparedness at the White House Council on Environmental Quality.
She will be charged with leading the City’s OneNYC resiliency program, preparing the city for the impacts of climate change and other 21st century threats. This includes significant initiatives within the City’s multilayered resiliency program working to strengthen neighborhoods, adapt buildings, improve infrastructure and upgrade the coastline.
“The resilient New York City of tomorrow that we need and envision begins with a strong collaborative effort today,” said Treyger. “Jainey Bavishi brings a wealth of experience to the position, and I look forward to working with her toward a city better prepared to meet the challenges of climate change.”
Bavishi will start working for the City tomorrow.
Hikind Lauds City For Traffic Calming Measures
Assemblyman Dov Hikind (Borough Park) yesterday praised Mayor de Blasio and the City’s Department Of Transportation (DOT) for its plan to install new speed bumps and enhanced crosswalks along 21st Avenue.
NYC DOT Commissioner Polly Trottenberg joined Hikind to tour 21st Avenue last year to evaluate what safety improvements could be made.
“We are thrilled that Mayor de Blasio and the NYC DOT have addressed the safety concerns we raised on our walk-through of 21st Avenue,” Hikind said. “I am proud that our mayor and NYC DOT have been so incredibly responsive throughout this entire process. The installment of these speed bumps and enhanced crosswalks demonstrate NYC’s full commitment to improving safety for pedestrians and motorists alike. I look forward to working with the City DOT to promote safety in our neighborhoods.”
In addition to the changes slated for 21st Avenue, the NYC DOT is also planning to install enhanced crosswalks at 57th St. and 17th Ave., providing “yield to pedestrian” traffic signage at the intersection.
Williams Mourns Tragic Death Of Special Ed Teacher
City Council Member Jumaane D. Williams (Flatbush, East Flatbush, Midwood) yesterday mourned the death of a young special education teacher was struck by two vehicles while crossing the street.
Police said Hermanda Booker, 29, was crossing Nostrand Avenue near Kings Highway at the light at about 6:45 a.m. yesterday when a gray Toyota Sienna minivan struck her. The driver stayed at the scene, according to police.
Police said moments later, a school bus crashed into her. There were no children on the school bus, and the driver also remained on scene, authorities said.
“I’d like to offer prayers of peace and comfort to the family of Hermanda Booker, who lost her life tragically this morning while commuting to work. The lost of a loved one is never easy, especially when a life is taken so suddenly and so young. Hermanda was in the prime of her life and it saddens me to see the community lose someone who by all accounts was passionate about their work and improving children’s lives.
“These next few days and weeks are going to be especially hard for her family and friends. I pray their loving memories of Hermanda will help to see them through their grief.”
The case remains under investigation and no arrests have been made thus far,
Persaud Offers Free Flu Shots Today
State Sen. Roxanne Persaud today will offer free flu shots at her district office.
The shots will be given from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today, Jan. 3 at 1222 East 96 Street in Canarsie.
Please register at this link: http://docs.google.com/forms/
Shorefront Dems Holiday Meeting & Brooklyn DA Forum
The Shorefront Democratic Club in Coney Island have two upcoming meetings.
The first is for a Holiday Cheers. It is slated for 6:45-9:30 p.m., tomorrow, Jan. 5 at St. Paul’s Hall, 2801 West 8th Street and Neptune Avenue.
The second meeting is a meet and greet with candidates running in this year’s Brooklyn District Attorney race. The meeting is slated for 6:45, Thursday Jan. 19, also at St. Paul’s Hall, 2801 West 8th Street and Neptune Avenue. Club members entrance is free and non club members is a $10 fee.
For more information contact Democratic District Leader Dilia Schack at DiliaS@ymail.com or call her at 917-968-7484.
