Brooklyn Lawmakers On The Move April 19, 2017

News Site Brooklyn

Adams, Hamilton Expand Engagement of Pre-K Parents 

Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams and State Senator Jesse Hamilton (D-Central Brooklyn) yesterday celebrated the recently passed New York State Fiscal Year 2018 (FY18) budget inclusion their proposal to allow parents with children in pre-k programs to run for a seat on a Community Education Council (CEC).

This legislative effort is designed to engage and empower parents with an earlier opportunity to engage with the New York City Department of Education (DOE) and to have a stronger voice in the city’s education policy.

Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams

“I’m proud that we have advanced this common-sense update to our CEC election process, all in the name of putting parental engagement first. “Pre-k parents will now get a real voice in shaping the educational priorities of our city and having a positive impact on their community’s future. Our CECs advance the ABCs of our children’s education” said Adams.

 

State Sen. Jesse Hamilton

“I count the passage of this legislation as a victory for our education system. This legislation strengthens CECs’ ability to serve as a true gateway to parental involvement. Engaged parents form the bedrock of our school system, including pre-k parents will deliver even stronger learning communities for every child and permit more parents to join in service of all New York City’s schoolchildren,” said Hamilton.

Adams and Hamilton also encouraged parents of all school-age children to get involved in their school’s parent association (PA) or parent-teacher association (PTA). Adams has organized a number of leadership training seminars to build stronger PAs and PTAs across Brooklyn.

To get involved, check out the PTALink.org.


Schumer Hammers Proposed Trump HUD Cuts

US Senator Charles Schumer, NYCHA Chair Shola Olatoye and Community Voices Heard Director Afua Atta-Mensah, who organized the event, voiced their strong opposition to the Trump administration’s proposal to cut $6 billion from the budget of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Schumer and advocates are launching a new push against these cuts, which include an estimated 68 percent reduction in HUD’s public housing capital fund and an estimated 13 percent reduction in HUD’s public housing operating fund.

U.S. Senator Charles Schumer

“Simply put, these are the kinds of cuts that shut out families, displace them, and force them and their children into unpredictable and unsustainable living conditions that eat away at the overall quality of life in this city, costing the system more. Affordable housing in New York City should not be an elusive or deferred dream—housing should be attainable. These Trump cuts would not only add hurdles to city living, but they would build brick walls that will leave so many without a place to call home,” said Schumer.

“Trump’s cuts to the HUD budget will harm hundreds of thousands of families across the country. We are fighting against this budget on behalf of these families, our seniors, children, tenants, veterans, workers and more.We are proud to have Senator Schumer’s support in this endeavor and won’t stop until we beat back these cuts and get true investments in our communities,” said Atta-Mensah.

A rally against the proposed HUD cuts will take place at 12 noon tomorrow, April 20 in front of 26 Federal Plaza in Lower Manhattan. 


Williams’ Committee Holds Hearing On Tenant Harassment Bill

City Councilman Jumaane Williams

Council Member Jumaane D. Williams (D-Flatbush, East Flatbush, Midwood), Deputy Leader, will chair a Housing and Buildings Committee hearing to discuss 14 bills addressing tenant harassment and construction as tenant harassment.

Testimony is expected from representatives of the Department of Buildings (DOB), the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), housing advocates, legal service providers, members of the real estate industry, and other interested members of the public.

The hearing will be held at 10 a.m. today, April 19 at City Hall Chambers in Lower Manhattan. 


CM Menchaca Announces Participatory Budgeting Winning Projects

City Council Member Carlos Menchaca (D-Sunset Park, Red Hook) announced on Monday the voting results for this year’s Participatory Budgeting (PB) projects. 

The fourth consecutive year of Participatory Budgeting (PB) in City Council District 38 was distinguished by high levels of volunteer participation and voter turnout. Menchaca, a leading proponent of PB, dedicates the maximum allowable amount of funds to PB each year (over $2 million).

City Councilman Carlos Menchaca

“Participatory Budgeting is important for District 38 because it is a way for residents to change their relationship with government.  I believe we see the best results when everyone participates in decision making. When residents are informed and engaged they help me as an elected official set priorities and make better decisions.” said Menchaca.

This year in District 38, over 8,000 people voted during the PB voting period with over 1,000 casting validated ballots online. District 38 saw the highest PB voter turnout of any Council district. Thirty-one of 51 Council districts conduct PB voting.

The winning projects for this year’s PB voting cycle are:

Security Cameras for Children Safety at P.S. 1,  $400,000, 3,512 votes.

–P.S 1, 309 47th Street, Sunset Park, Brooklyn Installation of surveillance cameras outside and within the school will ensure student safety.

Schoolyard Improvement at P.S. 503,  $700,000, 2,919 votes.

–P.S. 503/P.S. 506, 330 59th Street, Sunset Park, Brooklyn. Repair of track and add a ramp for families to use for easier access to the school yard.

Electrical Upgrade & A.C. Wiring for School’s Gym, $400,000, 2,792 votes.

–M.S. 821/M.S. 136, 4004 4th Avenue, Sunset Park Brooklyn. An improved cooling system will be provided for student activities and community events.

Handball Court Renovations, $500,000, 2,609 votes.

–Within Sunset Park, 44th Street and 6th Avenue, Sunset Park, Brooklyn. All existing handball courts will be resurfaced and repainted serving hundreds of handball players.

Smart Tech for Summit Academy, $120,000, 2,591 votes.

— Summit Academy, 27 Huntington Street, Red Hook, Brooklyn. To purchase and install teacher resource stations, computers and much needed equipment to improve students’ learning environment.

NOTE: The 2017 BP ballot allowed voters to select up to 5 out of 12 eligible projects.


Annual Squadron Community Convention To  Focus on Participatory Governing For Local Results  

Sen. Daniel Squadron

State Senator Daniel Squadron (D-Northern Brooklyn, Lower Manhattan) announced the theme of this year’s Community Convention, “Make the National Fight Local.”

This year’s convention will focus on how local action can address national concerns. Squadron hosts this Convention each year to focus on results-oriented participatory governing.

The Convention is slated for 2 p.m., this Sunday, April 23  at Stuyvesant High School (345 Chambers Street) in Lower Manhattan. 


Eugene Champions Support Of Haitian Temporary Protected Status 

Council Member Mathieu Eugene (D-Prospect-Lefferts-Gardens, Flatbush) alongside the Haitian-American Council for Unity and Empowerment, Haitian Solidarity, Inc., elected officials and community leaders held a press conference urging the Secretary of Homeland Security to renew Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti.

A longtime advocate for immigration rights, Eugene is working to alleviate Haiti’s humanitarian crisis while providing qualified Haitians already living in the United States with the opportunity to remain in a stable environment.

City Council Member Mathieu Eugene

“Haiti is still struggling to recover from the destructive events of the past decade. As elected officials and concerned citizens, it is our moral obligation to do what is necessary to help the people of Haiti continue their recovery efforts. This is not a political issue; it is an opportunity to provide relief for families who are unable to return to Haiti because of its dire situation. The renewal of TPS will serve as an important act of goodwill and sympathy for Haiti as its people continue to recover and rebuild,” said Eugene.

On December 6, 2016, the City Council voted in favor of Resolution 1290, a bill sponsored by Council Member Eugene to urge the federal government to extend the Haitian TPS.

In March of this year, Eugene launched a formal petition, amassing nearly 30,000 signatures, to encourage public support for the extension of TPS. The petition can be signed at www.haititpsrenewal.com

The press conference will be held at 11 a.m., this Friday, April 21 at the steps of City Hall, in Lower Manhattan. 


New Kings Democrats Monthly Meeting

The New Kings Democrats (NKD) political club is holding their monthly meeting. Slated on the agenda is criminal justice reform and the first endorsement vote of the season.

The meeting will take place at 7 p.m., tomorrow, Wednesday, April 19, at First Unitarian Church, 119-121 Pierrepont St 11201, Brooklyn Heights.