Schumer, Gillibrand Slam Senate Republicans Health Care Bill
U. S. Senators Charles Schumer (D-NY) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) over the weekend slammed the Senate Republicans’ health care bill and brought to light the detrimental impact it would have on New Yorkers if passed.
“This bill is designed to strip away healthcare benefits and protections from New Yorkers and Americans who need it most, in order to give a giant tax break to the folks who need it the least. Simply put: this bill will result in higher costs, less care, and millions of Americans will lose their health insurance. It’s every bit as bad as the House bill; in some ways, it’s even worse,” said Schumer.
Schumer said the bill would hurt the more than 6.3 million New Yorkers enrolled in Medicaid—many in nursing homes and approximately 1.3 million in New York City alone. Schumer said the bill also abandons people with pre-existing conditions, especially maternity care and mental health; defunds Planned Parenthood, eliminating care for women in New York and across the country; weakens health care coverage for those with opioid, substance abuse and mental health disorders; and forces older Americans to pay more for coverage. Schumer said the bill slashes support for healthcare programs in order to give tax breaks to the very wealthy.
“It is unfathomable that the Senate GOP wants to ask middle class and low-income workers to pay more money for less coverage, all to cut taxes for insurance companies and the wealthiest among us,” said Gillibrand. “I could not think of a more out-of-touch or insulting proposal to working Americans already struggling with the high cost of health care today.”
Persaud Honors Community Icons
State Senator Roxanne J. Persaud (D-Canarsie, East New York, Brownsville, Mill Basin, Sheepshead Bay, Bergen Beach, Marine Park, Flatlands, Mill Island, Georgetown) today will honor will honor 19 outstanding individuals and organizations that have contributed to the growth of the community.
The honorees that have contributed to the growth of the community through service, socio-economic development, advocacy, spiritual or community empowerment.
“Community empowerment is key to achieving the vision for having strong and resilient communities,” said Persaud. “It is my hope that this recognition event will not only highlight the positive impact the honorees have on the communities but to remind others that they too can make a difference.”
This event is slated for between 6-8 p.m., tonight, June 26 at the Brookdale University Hospital and Medical Center, 1 Brookdale Plaza in Brownsville.
Cumbo Unveils Reverend John Pratt Way
City Council Member Laurie A. Cumbo (D-Fort Greene Clinton Hill, Prospect Heights, Crown Heights) this weekend unveiled a street sign in honor of the late Reverend Dr. John L. Pratt, Sr.’
Pratt, who “accepted the challenge” to serve as both a spiritual and community leader, served as pastor of the Zion Shiloh Baptist Church in Fort Greene for 32 years. During his tenure, he inspired his parishioners to “keep praying, caring, and loving” for God answers all prayers.
Additionally, he was a former member of Brooklyn Community Board 2; advisory board member for Cumberland Diagnostic and Treatment Center, member of the Fort Greene Support Rescue Group, president of the Brooklyn Council of Churches, and a staunch advocate for affordable housing, social and economic justice.
Joining Cumbo were Assembly Member Walter T. Mosley, members of the Pratt family, parishioners of the Zion Shiloh Baptist Church, community residents and leaders.
The sign was unveiled at the intersection of Clermont and Myrtle avenues
Mosley Blasts State Government for Ending Mayoral Control
Assemblymember Walter T. Mosley (D-Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, Prospect Heights, Crown Heights) late Friday blasted state government for ending its session without extending New York City Mayoral Control of public schools.
Since 2002, the legislature has authorized the Mayor of New York City to control the Department of Education, instead of allowing the Board of Education to be controlled by the state government.
“Allowing New York City to control their schools should be a non-partisan issue. Supporters and critics of the current Mayor alike believe that keeping New York City schools in New York City hands is what’s best for our students. No one is eager to return to the days of sprawling bureaucracy that occurred under the Board of Education. With a school system of over 1 million students, it’s hard to imagine how the state could effectively control New York City public schools,” said Mosley.
Mosley said the state continues to have input and oversight in New York City schools, mayoral control allows these schools to be directly accountable and has better results for students. Since the implementation of mayoral control in 2002, 72% of students graduate on time, a huge improvement from the 50% graduation rate of prior years. And the dropout level has fallen to its lowest level ever at 8.5%, he said.
Harris Champions Buy American Act
Assemblymember Pamela Harris (D-Coney Island, Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights) last week announced that she helped pass the New York Buy American Act, a measure to help ensure the use of American-made steel and iron in state road and bridge projects (A.8427-A).
The measure seeks to boost both the state and national iron and steel industries and pave the way for prioritizing other American-made materials in state-funded projects.
“With reconstruction currently happening throughout Brooklyn because of Superstorm Sandy, we have an opportunity to invest in American-made materials,” said Harris. “We can make sure our money works harder by supporting homegrown industries that will create jobs and grow the economy.”
The New York Buy American Act requires that contracts over $1 million awarded by certain state agencies and entities, including the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and the Bridge Authority, use American steel and iron for the construction or reconstruction of roads and bridges.
The measure also creates a workgroup tasked with evaluating the legislation’s impact on trade relations with other countries and will make recommendations about possibly expanding the act to include other materials like cement, concrete and aluminum.
Harris noted that the act would result in more American-made materials being used in rebuilding housing and infrastructure on Coney Island and other areas hit by Sandy.
Williams Celebrates Completion Of Mural
City Council Member Jumaane D. Williams (D-Flatbush, East Flatbush, Midwood) today will join Groundswell, and Midwood High School in celebrating the completion of a new mural that depicts how Flatbush has evolved into a multicultural community over the years.
Groundswell is a nonprofit that brings together artists, youth, and community organizations to use art as a tool for social change, for a more just and equitable world.
Planning for the mural began in April of this year, where representatives from Williams’ office met with Midwood High School students and Groundswell to come up with a vision for the mural. Work on the mural started on May 10 during “Community Paint Day.”
The mural dedication is slated for 11 a.m. today at the intersection of Nostarnd and Flatbush avenues near Brooklyn College in Flatbush.
ESPA Mayoral Forum Slated For Tonight
Among the candidates scheduled to appear include Mayor Bill De Blasio, Sal Albanese, Darren Aquino, Eric W. Armstead, Richard Bashner, Michael O. Basch, Robert Gangi, Scott Joyner, Paul Massey Jr., Eric Roman, Collin J. Slattery and Karmen M. Smith.
The event is slated for 7 p.m., tonight, June 26 at the Clarendon Road Church, 3304 Clarendon Road (Corner of Clarendon Road & New York Avenue) in East Flatbush.
