Ortiz To Introduce Resolution To Protect DACA Program
Assemblyman Felix Ortiz (D-Sunset Park, Red Hook) announced yesterday he will introduce a Resolution in the Assembly asking our national, state & local business, civic, religious, government and nonprofit leaders to support the U.S. Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Program (DACA).
On June 15, 2012, the Secretary of Homeland Security announced that certain people who came to the United States as children and meet certain guidelines may request consideration for deferred action (DACA) for a period of two years and then be eligible for work authorization. With an uncertain future looming, the new federal administration should not deport up to three million people.
The resolution comes as President Donald Trump is reported to be making several announcements today regarding immigration including the building of a wall on the U.S./Mexican border, limiting the number or refugees to this country while tightening vetting methods for those that are allowed to come to this county, increasing the number of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and taking measure to stand against sanctuary cities that protect undocumented immigrant residents.
Trump is not expected to make an announcement today on DACA, and has indicated he is rethinking his position on deporting these people, but immigrant advocates remain very concerned about this and Trumps immigration policies in general.
“We must stand strong. Our Governor, state legislative leaders, SUNY and CUNY chancellors and many others should join the fight against damaging steps that President Trump or the U.S. Congress might consider to protect our responsible and patriotic students,” said Ortiz.
Golden Bill Limiting ACS Worker’s Caseloads Passes Senate
State Sen. Marty Golden (R-C-I, Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights, Bensonhurst, Marine Park, Gerritsen Beach, Gravesend) yesterday announced the senate passed legislation he sponsored that would curtail the number of cases a child protective caseworker can handle to a maximum of 15 cases per month.
The legislation comes as there were several cases of children who died from abuse within the last year, in which the city’s Administration for Childrens Services (ACS) knew there were problems.
“The recent death of Michael Guzman of Queens further highlights the need to place a limit on the number of cases assigned to a child protective service investigator. These caseworkers are charged with protecting our children and when they are overburdened, they cannot be as successful as we need them to be. Without a doubt, this legislation will keep our children safer and save lives,” said Golden.
In New York City, reports indicate that CPS workers’ caseloads are rising. The recent tragic deaths of six-year-old Zymere Perkins in September 2016, three-year-old Jaden Jordan in December 2016, and
five-year-old Michael Guzman this month further reinforces the importance of preventing caseworkers from being overburdened and unable to follow up on claims of abuse.
While the bill passed both houses last year, the Governor vetoed the legislation in December. Golden’s new version of the bill has been sent to the Assembly.
Colton, Tong, Ragusa Demand Removal of Nickel Bag “Tax”
Assemblyman William Colton (D-Bensonhurst, Bath Beach) and 47th Assembly Democratic District Leaders Nancy Tong and Charles Ragusa are collecting and circulating petitions demanding Mayor DeBlasio to impose a moratorium on city legislation that would impose a 5-cents charge on consumers per plastic bag the get from shopkeepers when shopping.
While not technically a tax as shopkeepers will keep the money, the issue has divided lawmakers throughout Brooklyn. Leading the charge for the fee is City Councilmember Brad Lander, who argues it will help rid the city on environmentally hazardous plastics that clog landfills and sewers.
The city plans to institute the fee on Feb. 1, but a number of lawmakers see the fee as another tax on cash strapped residents. Leading the charge against is State Sen. Simcha Felder, who introduce and passed legislation in Albany to stop the fee.
Colton, Tong and Ragusa are proposing a moratorium to push the starting date of the fee to at least July 1, a period during which proper legislation could be passed to address this issue of reducing plastic bag use without charging families.
Colton, who previously proposed a bill banning plastic bags in general, said the 5 cent fee is hurtful for the residents, especially seniors and middle and low-income working families who already have the burden of increasing rent and cost of living expenses.
“Community leaders Charles Ragusa and Nancy Tong have worked hard with my Chief of Staff Susan Zhuang to prepare the petitions and collect signatures. We are demanding Mayor de Blasio to postpone this harmful “tax” that will encourage supermarkets to make a profit,” said Colton.
Petitions will be available at 155 Kings Highway Brooklyn, NY 11223. Please contact Nancy Tong, Director of Community Relations, at (718) 236-1598 with any questions or concerns.
Malliotakis Slams Cumo’s Proposal to Make DMV Fees Higher
Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis (R,C,I,REF Bay Ridge, Staten Island) yesterday slammed Gov. Cuomo’s plan to increase everyday fees for New York drivers, which he says will raise $250 million in total revenue to add to the state budget.
Under Cuomo’s FY 2018 Executive State Budget released last week, he proposed a $25, or 50 percent fee increase for certificates of title from $50 to $75, as well as a $20, or 100 percent fee increase for duplicate certificates of title from $20 to $40. Additionally, there is a proposed fee of $5 for the issuance of REAL ID driver licenses and identification cards to comply with federal law.
The federal REAL ID Act, enacted May 11, 2005, establishes specific federal requirements for state-issued driver licenses and identification cards to be accepted for certain federal purposes, like entering a federal building or boarding a domestic flight. Starting in October 2020, New Yorkers will need a REAL ID compliant license to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building without secondary forms of identification, as per the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
“The governor’s budget simply spends too much, and instead of living within the state’s means, he is looking to impose more taxes and fees on drivers, riders, cigar smokers, online shoppers and wireless phone users,” said Malliotakis. “Every time we turn our backs, the state is sticking its hands in the pockets of hard-working taxpayers like they are ATM machines. It is the compilation of ever-increasing costs that make New York unbearable for businesses and residents. We should be looking to ease the burden on New York’s residents, not drive them to the point where they want to leave our state.”
Cornegy Reschedules De Blasio Bed-Stuy Town Hall
City Councilman Robert Cornegy Jr
City Council Member Robert E. Cornegy Jr. (Bedford-Stuyvesant, Northern Crown Heights) announced he is rescheduling the Bed-Stuy town hall meeting he was to moderate tonight with New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio to Feb. 3.
“Although the mayor has visited Bedford-Stuyvesant with me in the past, this will be his first town hall meeting with us. District 36 constituents and other stakeholders have many concerns. On Wednesday, residents and business owners will have the mayor’s full attention to express their opinions and discuss important issues. I look forward to the mayor providing answers along with his plans to further assist the vibrant Bedford-Stuyvesant community,” said Cornegy.
The town hall meeting is hosted by Cornegy, Jr., Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams, U.S. Representative Hakeem Jeffries, State Senator Velmanette Montgomery and State Assembly Member Tremaine S. Wright, Community Board 3, Restoration Plaza and the Bridge Street Development Corporation are co-sponsoring the event.
The Town Hall is slated for 7 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 8 at P.S. 23 Carter G. Woodson, 545 Willoughby Avenue. Space for the town hall meeting is limited. RSVP is required by 5 p.m., Monday, January 23 to TownHallRSVP@cityhall.nyc.gov or by calling (212) 788-1369.
