Clarke Slams Revised Version Of Trumpcare
Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (D-Crown Heights, Flatbush, East Flatbush, Brownsville, Sheepshead Bay) yesterday slammed the Senate Republicans latest version of “Trumpcare” to replace the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare.
“This latest version of the Republican health care plan demonstrates that, even after nearly eight years of threatening to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, the Republicans have failed to devise a replacement that would fix inadequacies with the current law or provide anything close to the Health insurance benefits that Americans currently enjoy. In fact, Trumpcare remains a cynical attempt at offering a fraction of the benefits of the ACA, by leaving Americans out in the cold with substandard access to care,” said Clarke.
“Under Trumpcare, nearly every American would lose the comprehensive benefits provided through the Affordable Care Act, premiums for older adults and individuals with pre-existing conditions would increase dramatically, and millions of families would lose their access to health care. The cosmetic changes Mitch McConnell, Ted Cruz and Senate Republicans have made to Trumpcare cannot change the simple fact that the bill would hurt most Americans,” she added,
Clarke urged people across the nation to continue raising their voices in opposition to the new legislative package.
“Republicans must give up on this ill-conceived attempt at tax reform for the wealthy masquerading as access to health care known as Trumpcare and work with Democrats to mend the Affordable Care Act. Our very lives are at stake,” said Clarke.
Adams Lauds Clinton Hill/Prospect Heights Banking Development District
Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams yesterday lauded the New York State Departmnet of FInancial Services for approving a new Banking Development Districts (BDDs) in parts of Clinton Hill and Prospect Heights in Brooklyn.
The district will start with the placement of Ridgewood Savings Bank to service and address the needs of unbanked and underbanked consumers and small businesses is an investment in holistic community growth.
“I am pleased to see the establishment of a new banking development district in Clinton Hill and Prospect Heights, the first such designation for our borough in nearly a decade. As the co-applicant on this project with Ridgewood Savings Bank, my administration was proud to work on this effort and garner approval for it through our Borough Board,” said Adams.
“The popularity of Brooklyn’s brand must translate into prosperity for all Brooklynites, and I appreciate the Governor’s Office and DFS Superintendent Vullo’s partnership in helping us advance that mission through millions in subsidized public deposits and additional benefits that will improve local financial services,” the Borough President added.
Greenfield Brings Safer Intersections To Boro Park
City Councilman David G. Greenfield (D-Borough Park, Midwood, Bensonhurst), working closely with the city’s Department of Transportation, yesterday announced he is bringing safer crosswalks to three of Boro Park’s busiest intersections – 17th Avenue and 57th Street, 21st Avenue and 57th Street and 21st Avenue and 58th Street.
The three busy intersections are crossroads where thousands of children and families cross each day on the way to school, work, parks and other activities. The work will include bright new street markings on all sides of the intersection as well as new pedestrian crossing signs alerting drivers to watch out and stay safe.
Community members raised this issue at the town hall in May that Greenfield hosted with Mayor Bill de Blasio. Greenfield explained that these improvements are especially necessary since two of the intersections are near Franklin Delano Roosevelt High School and Greenfield’s newly renovated 18th Avenue Park.
“All New Yorkers should be confident that their children can walk safely to and from our schools and parks and get back home in one piece,” said Greenfield, adding the work comes on the heels of news that the long-awaited stop light at 18th Avenue and 56th Street has finally been approved and will be installed in the fall.
Nadler Trashes GOP Anti-Transgender Amendment
Congressman Jerrold Nadler (D-Western Brooklyn, Manhattan) yesterday condemned a failed GOP anti-transgender amendment during debate of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2018.
Congresswoman Vicki Hartzler (R-MO) introduced the proposed amendment, which would have prohibited medical treatment (other than mental health treatment) by the Department of Defense relating to gender transition.
“Transgender individuals are part of the fabric of America and have always been part of our military, whether we have historically acknowledged them or not. Selectively denying healthcare to trans service members, which is available to other members of the military, only serves to alienate, undermine, disrespect and ultimately harm those serving our country,” said Nadler during the Congressional debate.
“This amendment is a shameful and targeted attempt to enact a conservative agenda that singles out transgender individuals. It circumvents our military’s doctors and uses the denial of healthcare to force currently serving, and future, transgender members of our armed services from their posts entirely,” he added.
The amendment was defeated by a vote of 214-209.
Flatbush Tenant Coalition Holds Massive City Council Candidates Forum
The Flatbush Tenant Coalition (FTC) tomorrow will hold a massive City Council Candidates Forum for Council Districts 35, 40, 45 (Crown Heights, Prospect Lefferts Gardens, Flatbush, East Flatbush, Midwood)
The forum follows a similar forum that the FTC held last July, when more than 250 people showed to ask crucial questions of the candidates in their local state senate and assembly races.
Among the issues expected to be addressed include jobs, education, affordable housing, public safety, youth employment, tenants’ rights, senior issues, gentrification & predatory equity.
The District 35 forum will feature incumbent City Councilmember Laurie Cumbo, and challengers Ede Fox and Jabari Brisport.
The District 40 will feature incumbent City Council Member Matthew Eugene, and challengers Jennifer Berkley, Brian Cunningham, Pia Raymond, and Rose St. Albord.
In District 45, incumbent Jumaane Williams is being challenged by several contenders. Challenger Lou Cespedes is confirmed for the forum. Councilmember Williams will not be in attendance.
The forum is slated for between 10 a.m. and 12 noon, tomorrow, July 15 at the Erasmus High School Auditorium, 911 Flatbush Avenue between Church and Snyder avenues in Flatbush.
