Schumer Demands Quick Fed Action Against Tick-Borne Diseases Before Summer Heat Up
U.S. Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY) is demanding the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services move quickly to stem dangerous tick-borne diseases before the height of the Summer season.
Last year Schumer led the effort to pass the 21st Century Care Act which included legislation that would tackle Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses like the highly deadly, Powassan Virus (POW).
The bill established a swiping plan to prioritize research, vaccine development and treatment strategies to help stamp out tick-borne diseases. In addition, the bill establishes a working group to make recommendations on existing programs and research and to prepare a report summarizing these recommendations. According to Schumer, this Summer is projected to be one of the worst Summers for tick-borne diseases.
“Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases are in a sprint to spread this summer, but the federal response to combat this trend is moving along at a snail’s pace. We must do more and we must do more now to protect kids and families.”
Schumer continued, “In times like these, it is imperative that we do all that we can to halt the continued spread of these tick-borne diseases. That’s why I am urging HHS Secretary Tom Price to fully implement the already-passed legislation within the 21st Century Care Act, to insure that we are making a sufficient attempt at ridding ourselves of these persistent diseases. There is no more time to waste and HHS must step up their game,” said Schumer.
Malliotakis Hosts Brooklyn Shredding; Recycling Event
Assembly Member Nicole Malliotakis (R-Bay Ridge, Staten Island) will host aa free document shredding and electronic waste disposal event this weekend.
Malliotakis will welcome Brooklynites from across the borough on Saturday to bring their old bills, expired legal paperwork and personal documents to be disposed of and shredded in a safe environment to help protect residents against identity theft and fraud. At the event, local residents will also have the opportunity to recycle electronic items like laptops and mobile phones.
“This event gives local residents an opportunity to protect themselves from identity theft and fraud. I encourage my constituents to attend this event and bring their old paperwork to be shredded. Taking the time to destroy old documentation will eliminate the possibility of a serious crime being committed against you in the future,” said Malliotakis.
The event is slated for 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 10 at Shore Road and 79th Street in Bay Ridge Brooklyn.
BK Lawmakers Fight Against Fraud In Used Car Industry
City Council Members Jumaane Williams (D-Flatbush, East Flatbush, Midwood) and Rafael Espinal (D-Cypress Hills, Bushwick, City Line, Oceanhill-Brownsville, East New York) are applauding the recent efforts of the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) to combat used car fraud with a newly launched public awareness campaign.
The new campaign will educate current and prospective used car owners about the rise of predatory lending in the used car industry.
This past April, Williams and Espinal alongside DCA introduced a package of legislation to combat predatory practices in the used car industry. The legislation would require used car dealerships with DCA licenses to post a Consumer Bill of Rights and disclose information about financing and pricing, provide all required notices to the consumer in whatever language the dealerships and consumer used to negotiate the contract, and provide consumers with the option to cancel their contract within two days of the sale.
“Low income and immigrant New Yorkers are especially affected by these deceptive practices. Making money off the back of struggling New Yorkers is shameful and is the responsibility of legislators to put an end to it,” said Williams.
“We must continue to be vigilant against used auto frauds. Whether through legislation, litigation, or public outreach I stand alongside DCA in protecting New Yorkers from becoming victims of this industry,” said Espinal, the Chair of the Committee on Consumer Affairs.
Maimonides Holds Annual Recognition Luncheon & Ceremony For Volunteers
Maimonides Medical Center will be honoring and celebrating its staff of volunteers later today with a special Recognition Ceremony and Luncheon.
Welcoming remarks will be given by Maimonides President & CEO Ken Gibbs and Maimonides Executive Vice President & COO Dominick Stanzione. Highlights will include special guest speaker First Lady of New York City Chirlane McCray, as well as a video presentation recognizing the contributions of the volunteers.
The event is slated for 12, noon, today, June 7 at Paradise Manor, 5802 New Utrecht Avenue in Borough Park.
Hamilton To Host Family Movie Night
Senator Jesse Hamilton (D-Central Brooklyn) will host a family movie night celebrating Brooklyn Pride Week, Caribbean Heritage and Senior Mardi Gras.
The event will feature Caribbean arts and crafts by the West Indian American Day Carnival Association (WIADCA), spoken word by Green Earth Poets Cafe, and a live steel band. The movie for the evening will be Happy Feet.
The event is slated for 6:30 p.m., Friday, June 9 at 336 3rd Street (between 4th and 5th Avenues) in Gowanus.
