BK Fed Lawmakers Decry Trump Administration’s Ban Of Transgender Individuals In Military
U.S. Senator Charles Schumer (D-Brooklyn) and Congresswoman Yvette Clarke (D-Crown Heights, Flatbush, Midwood, Sheepshead Bay) decried President Donald Trump’s tweets announcing that transgender people are no longer “accepted or allowed” in the military, yesterday.
Trump in a series of tweets made the announcement Wednesday afternoon, after he “consulted with generals and military experts” on the issue. The policy decision was made by the Trump based on the “tremendous medical costs and disruption transgender [people] in the military would entail.”
The policy change is in stark contrast to former President Barack Obama’s stance, whose administration last year announced the end of “don’t ask, don’t tell,” allowing transgender individuals to serve openly in the armed forces.
“The America I know promises that everyone is equal under law, and that means those Americans who are qualified and meet military standards should be allowed to serve. We must be clear-eyed about the threats to our civil rights and unified in opposition to any and every attempt to erode them. I will fight tooth and nail against any policy that discriminates these patriots and erodes the capability of our military,” said Schumer.
“Donald Trump’s decision to ban transgender individuals from the armed forces insults the principle that all Americans, regardless of their gender identity, have the right to participate fully in our civil society. This change in policy represents an attempt to define transgender people as “the other,” whose interests are not entitled to respect. I reject that attack on our rights, and I am prepared to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with transgender individuals across this nation,” said Clarke.
Adams Announces 4th International Day Of Friendship
Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams yesterday proclaimed Sunday, August 6 to be “International Day of Friendship” in Brooklyn, as part of his fourth annual celebration recognizing the hundreds of cultures and ethnicities that make Brooklyn an unparalleled center of diversity.
The day will honor the borough’s various heritages with a series of cultural identity-oriented festivities in the Downtown Brooklyn area featuring a series of artistic and cultural performances from a wide variety of groups represented in the borough, as well as a taste of ethnic cuisine from an array of local food trucks. As with previous years, Adams will cap his International Day of Friendship celebration with a mass singing of “We Are The World.”
“Our diversity is our greatest strength as Americans, and that’s what International Day of Friendship is all about,” said Adams. “Our borough is made up of a beautiful mosaic of customs, faiths, languages, and personal stories of perseverance. This celebration is all about bringing people together so that we can all appreciate our differences, learn from them, and embrace our own and other hyphens, from Dominican-American and Italian-American to Japanese-American and Nigerian-American. I invite everyone to come join me to celebrate One Brooklyn.”
For the first time, the celebration will present a Global Village, including tents from countries around the world showcasing their cultures, cuisines, and customs; featured nations will include Australia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, China, Egypt, Mongolia, the Philippines, Poland, South Africa, and Tanzania, as well as regional displays on the Caribbean and Oceania.
The 4th Annual International Day Of Friendship will kick off at 1 p.m. with a Unity Parade of Flags, featuring the flags of 195 nations marching down Fulton Street from the intersection at Flatbush Avenue towards Brooklyn Borough Hall. Following the parade through 5 p.m., New Yorkers from more than 80 countries as well as dancers, drummers, and stilt walkers will enjoy the festival from behind Brooklyn Borough Hall to Columbus Park towards DUMBO.
Donovan Bipartisan Homeland Security Bill Moves Forward
Congressman Dan Donovan (R-Southern Brooklyn, Staten Island) and the House Homeland Security Committee yesterday passed bipartisan legislation he co-sponsored with Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), and Stephanie Murphy (D-FL) aimed at helping federal, state and local first responders prepare for terrorist attacks.
The Joint Counterterrorism Awareness Workshop Series Act of 2017 [H.R. 3284] authorizes the Joint Counterterrorism Awareness Workshop Series (JCTAWS), a nationwide initiative, conducted by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), to help State and local jurisdictions prepare for, protect against, and respond to coordinated terrorist attacks.
“Quick and decisive action is crucial when responding to an active terror situation, and exhaustive planning is the key to preparedness. This is a good bill that will help local authorities maintain readiness if and when they’re faced with a terror attack,” said Donovan, who chairs the House Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Communications.
JCTAWS brings together a wide range of first responders including law enforcement, fire, emergency medical services, and public health officials as well as the private sector and nongovernmental organizations to prepare for, prevent against, and respond to a coordinated terrorist attack. Since 2011, over 30 cities have hosted these workshops, where they test their current plans, policies, and procedures while identifying gaps and best practices. After each workshop, the host city, with its Federal partners, develops a summary report with key findings and possible gap mitigation strategies.
Savino Bill Helping Seniors Gets Signed Into Law
State Sen. Diane Savino (D-Coney Island, Gravesend, Brighton Beach, Staten Island) and members of the Independent Democratic Conference (IDC) yesterday celebrated Governor Andrew Cuomo’s signing of Savino’s legislation to expand the Senior Homeowners’ Exemption (SCHE) and Disabled Homeowners’ Exemption (DHE).
Savino’s legislation, which received support from Mayor Bill de Blasio, raises the income cap for SCHE/DHE to $50,000 for a full 50% property tax exemption and to $58,400 for a partial exemption, which will provide much-needed relief to City homeowners. The eligibility levels have not been raised since 2006. The current income limit for a full 50% reduction is just $29,000.
This year, the IDC fought to increase the income eligibility for the SCHE and DHE programs which provide major property tax exemptions to residents living on fixed incomes. Seniors could potentially save upwards of $1,000 a year through the exemption.
“Our seniors and disabled New Yorkers, who live on fixed incomes, deserve to reside in their communities without the fear of losing their homes. Many of our senior citizens choose to age in place in the neighborhoods where they’ve raised their families, worked and enjoyed throughout their lives. I thank Governor Cuomo for signing this important legislation into law. I look forward to helping my constituents sign up for this savings,” said Savino.
“Property taxes represent an affordability challenge particularly important to New York City seniors and those living with disabilities. This law takes a step forward in meeting that challenge. Recognizing the unique circumstances these households face and accommodating their needs means keeping our communities whole. I am proud to be a part of meaningful action to make our communities more affordable and to work in partnership to keep more money in the pockets of these New Yorkers,” said Senator Jesse Hamilton (D-Central Brooklyn).
Also praising the measure was Assemblymember Steven Cymbrowitz (D-Sheepshead Bay, Manhtattan Beach, Brighton Beach), whose district includes a large Naturally Occurring Retirement Community (NORC).
“With higher than average health expenses and steady increases in the cost of living, senior and disabled homeowners are fighting harder than ever to make ends meet and still pay their property taxes. I’m pleased that we were able to correct this inequity and make life a little easier for thousands of people,” said Cymbrowitz, who multi-sponsored the legislation.
The law will take effect soon after the New York City Council passes legislation to enable the raised income levels, which de Blasio supported in his Executive Budget.
