Savino Praises New York State Budget Accomplishments
Senator Diane Savino (D-Coney Island/Staten Island) last week applauded the recently passed State Budget.
The budget includes important reforms to the State’s criminal justice system, increased funding to schools, and a pathway to free college for qualifying families, she said.
In particular, Savino noted the over $200 million to combat the opioid epidemic across the state, an additional $1.3 million in funds for the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge Discount that will give Staten Island residents with an EZ-Pass a discount for a toll of $5.50 and the $55 million allocation toward the state’s nonprofits to give direct care workers a raise.
“Direct care workers in New York, the individuals who take care of the elderly and the developmentally disabled — our families — were being left behind. The importance of their work was being treated on the same financial scale as one who is in a fast food, entry-level position,” she said.
Donovan Against Sanctuary Cities, For NYPD
Congressman Dan Donovan (R-South Brooklyn, Staten Island) Friday said he is against having New York as a sanctuary city, but also defended the New York City Police Department from President Donald Trump’s recent criticism that they are soft on crime.
“I’m not a supporter of sanctuary cities. I spent most of my career as a prosecutor, and we can’t pick and choose which laws to follow. But the brave men and women of the NYPD – many of whom live in my district – have made New York the safest big city in America. They risk everything to protect millions of families, including mine. I’m proud of their work, and the only words about their crime-fighting abilities uttered by people who aren’t from here should be: ‘Job well done,” said Donovan.
Senator Golden Applauds Denial Of Parole For Judith Clark
Senator Martin J. Golden (R-Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights, Marine Park Gerritsen Beach ) C-I, Brooklyn), Friday praised the New York State Parole Board’s denial of parole for Judith Clark, the female getaway driver in the 1981 Brink’s bank heist.
Clark has been behind bars since being convicted and sentenced in 1983 to the crime that left two police officers and a security guard shot to death.
“As a former New York City Police Officer, I commend the New YorkState Parole Board for making the right decision to keep Judith Clark behind bars, to continue serving her sentence for her part in the 1981 cold blooded murder of two police officers and a security guard,” said Golden.
“The fact that she [Judith Clark] was even being considered for early release, a movement supported by Governor Andrew Cuomo, was mistaken enough. This is the last thing we should be talking about in a climate that has witnessed too many attacks and killings of law enforcement officers throughout our Nation.
“Commuting her sentence, after serving only 35 years of her 75 year sentence, would have been a painful slap in the face to all who protect New York City and State each and every day. Judith Clark should never be freed, and the Parole Board has made that less likely tonight,” said Golden.
Persaud Fights for Senior Citizen Constituent
State Senator Roxanne Persaud (D-Canarsie, East New York, Brownsville, Mill Basin, Sheepshead Bay, Bergen Beach, Marine Park, Flatlands, Mill Island, Georgetown) aided a recently widowed constituent with her finances after the untimely death of her husband.
The constituent specifically contacted Persaud’s office with tax relief assistance as well as aid with living on a fixed income.
Persaud’s office was able to get the elderly women through the process of filing for the STAR (School Tax Relief Program) property tax exemption for seniors, as well as guiding her through the submission process to the Department of Finance and Taxation, which was eventually approved.
“It is always a pleasure to serve the residents of Senate District 19. My staff members are always willing and available to provide any relevant assistance you may need. You deserve to be served and we are always here for you,” said Persaud.
Brooklyn Lawmakers Support Fair Fares
City Council Member Rafael Espinal, Stepehn Levin, David Greenfield, Carlos Menchaca and Antonio Reynoso tomorrow will unite with other members of the Fair Fares coalition to push Mayor de Blasio to include funding for half-priced MetroCards in the final City budget for Fiscal Year 2018.
The coalition will advocate for the mayor to “phase-in” the Fair Fares program as the City Council proposed in March in its response to the Mayor’s preliminary budget.
The Fair Fares program will allow adults in New York City at or below the federal poverty line to purchase MetroCards at a discounted price. A new report from the Community Service Society of New York (CSS) found that 1 in 4 low-income New Yorkers cannot afford to use public transportation, limiting their opportunities to get good jobs and affordable housing and, in many cases, forcing them to choose between transit and other necessities.
The rally is slated for 1 p.m., Tuesday April 25, on the steps of City Hall in Downtown Manhattan.
Williams Gives Thanks To Mother Nature On Earth Day
Council Member Jumaane D. Williams (D-Flatbush, East Flatbush, Midwood) used national Earth Day to bring awareness to the exploitation of nature and highlight human responsibility in respecting and preserving Mother Earth for future generations.
“As we observe Earth day, let us take the time to appreciate the blessings of Mother Earth and work toward living in harmony with the environment.
“We are in a time where we are faced with a changing world that often times impacts the environment negatively. One of the biggest challenges we face is climate change. While great strides have been made in protecting the environment, there is a lot that can still be done, especially now that we have a President that represents the antithesis of sound reasoning.”
“He has taken steps to roll back pro-environment policies that were in place to meet the challenges of climate change. He has also shown a blatant disregard for the impact that the Dakota Access and Keystone XL Pipeline would have on the environment. By committing to a greener world, we open up the opportunity to not only make a difference in the environment, but to also create an opportunity to train marginalized communities for thousands of green jobs,” said Williams.
Earth Day is celebrated annually across the country on April 22.
Southside United HDFC-Los Sures Celebrates 45 Years of Community Renewal
Southside United HDFC-Los Sures, a non-profit who develops affordable housing units in the Southside of Willimasburg, is celebrating its 45-year history in the Brooklyn community this Wednesday.
The anniversary will highlight the non-profits “45 years of commitment to affordable housing, community development and advocacy.
“Now more than ever, with affordable housing still being a major issue for residents of Southside Williamsburg, our organization is keenly aware of its role in stabilizing families and the community as a whole, despite the challenges that we face.”
“Many organizations close down after 45 years but we are determined to achieve even more in the next 45 years as we work diligently to meet the needs of the community and continue to be a beacon for those who rely on our services,” said Southside United HDFC-Los Sures Executive Director Ramon Peguero.
The non-profit has expanded its mission over the years and now it not only develops affordable housing units, it also manages affordable housing units, operates a weekly food pantry, a hydroponic farm, a senior center and provides entitlement services such as tax preparation through its social services office.
The organization also operates a local museum, El Museo de Los Sures, which is a hub of exquisite artistic expression, attracting patrons from the neighborhood who are eager to experience diverse artworks.
The anniversary event which will coincide with the annual fundraiser is slated for 6 p.m. this Wednesday, April 26 at 45 S. 3 rd Street in Williamsburg.
Maimonides Heart & Vascular Center to Celebrate 100th Life-Saving Heart Procedure
The Heart & Vascular Center at Maimonides will celebrate the 100th Hybrid A-FIB (Atrial Fibrillation) Ablation procedure, an important milestone in cardiac care for the Brooklyn community today.
The procedure, in which the doctor destroys tiny areas in the heart that are firing off abnormal electrical impulses, can improve a person’s quality of life and decrease heart disease symptoms.
The event is slated for 5 p.m. today, April 24, at the Maimonides Medical Center, Eisenstadt Administration Building, 5th Floor Board Room, 4802 10th Avenue in Borough Park.
