Schumer Blasts Trump Budget Proposal Cutting Key NYC Anti-Terrorism Programs
U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer (D-Brooklyn) blasted President Trump’s just-released budget proposal that would cut funding for critical anti-terrorism programs in New York City yesterday.
The proposed budget would cut over 25% of the current funding level from $605 million to $448 million. This cut would affect programs that enable New York law enforcement to prevent and respond to terror attacks including The Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI), which helps cities to prevent, mitigate, respond to, and recover from acts of terrorism. The UASI funds First Responder Training efforts, like the Fire Department’s (FDNY) Tiered Response Training and the Police Department’s (NYPD) Counter-Terrorism Training, such as the active shooter course; as well as funding coordinated regional planning exercises throughout the city.
Schumer cites the recent Manchester terror attack as proof that terror is on the rise and the increased need for emergency preparedness programs and resident safety in metropolitan cities.
“The horrible Manchester attack tells us that terrorists and other evil-doers are laser focused on our weak points and still looking to exploit big cities and large events. In light of these events, it makes absolutely no sense for the just-released Trump budget to cut the anti-terror dollars New York City uses to keep us all safe,” said Schumer.
Schumer continued, “As New Yorkers, we understand the need to remain vigilant when it comes to terror because our home has been a primary of terrorists target in the past. UASI is the lifeblood of New York’s anti-terror programs and the cornerstone of effective preparedness and prevention against terror threats. At a time when terrorism is on the rise, we should not be cutting anti-terrorism funds that prevent costly and crippling disasters and more importantly, save lives.”
Senator Persaud Observes Gun Violence Awareness Day
Senator Roxanne J. Persaud (D-Canarsie, East New York, Brownsville, Mill Basin, Sheepshead Bay, Bergen Beach, Marine Park, Flatlands, Mill Island, Georgetown) will commence the observance of National Gun Violence Awareness on June 2.
Persaud and the Senate Democrats have led the fight to keep New York communities safer from gun violence over the years, passing The New York SAFE-Act in 2013. The legislation stops criminals and the mentally ill from buying a gun by requiring universal background checks on gun purchases, increases penalties for people who use illegal guns, mandates life in prison without parole for anyone who murders a first responder, and imposes the toughest assault weapons ban in the country.
Persaud also sponsored Bill S. 4363, that will create a center for research into firearm-related violence. June 3 is National Gun Violence Day.
“Gun violence is preventable and I urge everyone to join the fight. Shattering, crushing, devastating, traumatizing and distressing some of the words we can use to describe the effects of gun violence in our community. It is high time we put an end to this epidemic. We must exercise zero tolerance. Beginning June 2, I urge everyone to take a stand by participating in Gun Violence Awareness Day. Start by wearing ‘orange’ and organizing activities ‘big and small’ to bring attention to this crisis,” said Persaud.
Golden Promotes Mind and Body Health Through Summer Yoga Classes
State Senator Martin J. Golden (R-C-I, Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights, Marine Park, Gerritsen Beach) recently announced his plans to host a series of Yoga in the Park events this Summer.
The classes, in partnership with Yoga in Bay Ridge, Bikam Yoga, and Yoga Instructor Cathy Dews, will be held in Bay Ridge and Marine Park for yoga enthusiasts from beginner to more advanced.
“Yoga has proven to be so valuable to one’s mind and body, and I am glad to be again hosting a series of Yoga sessions in the parks this summer. All who participate in Yoga are giving themselves many advantages including building muscle strength, reducing blood pressure, lowering blood sugar levels, ability to be more focused, and releasing tension in limbs. So mark your calendar, get your towel and
yoga mat, and head to Shore Road and Marine Park,” said Golden.
The event is slated to start at 7 p.m. this Friday, June 2 at Shore Road Park (corner of 79th Street and Shore Road) in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn.
While the event for Marine Park will start at 7 p.m., Monday June 26 at 3000 Fillmore Avenue, near the Flagpole close to the Carmine Carro Community Center.
CM Williams Sends Condolences To Slain E. Flatbush Man’s Family; Blasts Cleveland Police Dept.
Council Member Jumaane D. Williams (D-Flatbush, East Flatbush, Midwood) is sending his condolences to the family of 21-year-old Jeremy Germain, who was found shot to death over the weekend.
Germain, who lived on East 48th Street and Snyder Avenue, was found by deputies with multiple bullet wounds to his back and one of his arms. He was rushed to Kings County Hospital where he was pronounced dead.
“Gun Violence Awareness Month is two days away. Senseless shootings such as this, is proof positive of the need for a month dedicated to raising awareness on to this issue and figuring out the best solutions to address it. I urge everyone to take this epidemic seriously and to help us, help those on the front lines fighting this viral war on gun violence,” said Williams.
At the same time, Williams took the time to blast the Cleveland Police Department for their termination of Timothy Loehmann for a minor paperwork infraction instead of his fatal shooting of 12-year-old Tamir Rice in 2014.
“While it is welcomed news that this man will no longer be in a position as a police officer. It’s troublesome that his termination was because he lied on his application — not because he murdered an innocent 12-year-old boy.”
“This is just the latest example of bad-acting police officers being given a pass for their crimes, and the difficulty of finding true accountability. Tamir Rice was a real person, whose life mattered. Law enforcement across the country cannot say that improving police-community relations is important, and yet when the opportunity to prove that arises, they fail to correct one of the primary things that has broken the relationship in the first place. Police accountability and transparency is the only way for us all to move forward in the right direction,” said Williams.
