Schumer Demands Lawmakers Expand Flood Insurance Program In Wake Of Harvey Devastation
U.S. Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY), on the heels of Hurricane Harvey and amidst Superstorm Sandy flashbacks, demanded Congress prevent the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) from expiring, yesterday.
If Congress doesn’t extend the program in the coming weeks, it is set to expire on September 30. The NFIP covers approximately 5 million policyholders nationwide, including approximately 186,235 in New York State.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides homeowners with flood insurance through the NFIP, which was established by Congress in 1968 because most private insurers have simply stopped offering flood insurance policies. The last NFIP reauthorization passed in 2012. Between 2008-2012, the program was extended 17 times and lapsed 4 times. If Congress fails to act, a lapse in NFIP would mean uncertainty that ranges from individuals not being able to purchase a new home because that home requires flood protection to homeowners at risk of drastic flood damage not being able to renew their flood coverage, and many more questions as to how the program would function during the middle of hurricane season.
“Right now the entire nation is awestruck by the cataclysmic damage delivered by Hurricane Harvey and our hearts are heavy for Texans in its path. For those of us here in New York, flashbacks of Sandy are made vivid by the torrent of Harvey. That is why, as this dangerous storm continues to churn, and as hurricane season itself continues to spin, we cannot and must not allow the national flood insurance program to expire,” said Schumer.
“While the NFIP is in desperate need of improvements — from protecting homeowners from outrageous premiums and storm victims from fraud and abuse — the program cannot be allowed to lapse, because then tens-of-thousands of New Yorkers and millions of Americans would be in jeopardy,” added Schumer.
Golden Announces BK’s 11th Annual Senior Idol Auditions
State Senator Marty Golden (R- Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights, Marine Park, Gerritsen Beach) announced Brooklyn’s 11th Annual Senior Idol contest earlier this month.
This year’s contest will go towards supporting the Xaverian High School music program. Eligible contestants must be 50 years of age or older and reside in Brooklyn. To qualify for the final to be held in October, all contest must audition first.
The winner of the show will be awarded a grand prize of $500.
“Brooklyn is home to many talented seniors who have exhibited singing and dancing abilities at our senior centers and beyond, and I think that this year’s “Senior Idol” will again be a great success full of wonderful entertainment and fun. The previous shows have brought tears and laughter to the audience and I know this year’s show will be no different. So join us and vote for your favorite singer. This is the best $10 dollars you can spend,” said Golden.
The auditions are slated for 3:30 p.m., September 14, at Xaverian High School, 7100 Shore Road, in Bay Ridge.
Finalist will compete at Brooklyn’s 11th Senior Idol slated for 7 p.m., Saturday, October 14 at Xaverian High School.
Menchaca Lays Out Vision for Improved Transportation In District
City Council Member Carlos Menchaca (D-Red Hook, Sunset Park) alongside City Council Transportation Chair, Ydanis Rodriguez (D-Manhattan) will lay out his plan for improving transportation in his district today.
The announcement will include plans to address how the Red Hook and Sunset Park community’s can continue to see transportation improvements that prioritize safety and connectivity to existing transit.
Menchaca has already been able to secure two stops in his district on the NYC Ferry service and has begun conversations on protecting the 4th Avenue bike lane and expanding Citi Bike into Red Hook.
The event is slated for 10:30 a.m., today, August 31, at the corner of Pioneer Street and Conover Street in Red Hook.
A.G. Schniederman Issues Consumer Alert On Charitable Response To Hurricane Harvey
Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman yesterday urged New Yorkers to support the charitable organizations assisting the victims of Hurricane Harvey.
Schneiderman also offered tips to ensure that donations reach their intended recipients including: take time to research the donating organization, know where your monetary donations are going, give to established organizations, beware of phone solicitations, research text and online donations, don’t respond to unsolicited spam emails, never give cash, be careful about giving out personal information and report suspicious organizations.
Hurricane Harvey made landfall last Friday on the West Coast of Texas as a Category 4 storm with winds of 130 mph. Since first touching down, Harvey has overwhelmed residents with more than 50 inches of rain that has caused many residents to be displaced and evacuated from their homes.
“The damage and destruction caused by Hurricane Harvey throughout Texas and the Gulf Coast is simply unfathomable. There will be tens of thousands of victims who will lose their homes because of this storm, and I encourage all New Yorkers to assist in the ongoing relief efforts,” said Schneiderman.
“Unfortunately, there are always some who attempt to take advantage of a tragedy to line their own pockets at the expense of those who are truly in need. New Yorkers who give to charitable organizations supporting the victims of this storm can review our tips to ensure their donation will be put to good use,” added Schneiderman.
Treyger Leads Lawmaker Gathering Regarding Harvey Relief
City Council Member Mark Treyger (D-Coney Island, Bensonhurst, Gravesend), chair of the City Council’s Committee on Recovery and Resiliency, today withh join other city council members, elected officials and local disaster recovery groups, community-based organizations, and advocates to stand in solidarity with communities impacted by Hurricane Harvey, and encourage New Yorkers to contribute to reputable storm relief efforts.
Among the New York State Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster [NYVOAD] include Habitat for Humanity NYC, Human Services Council, Waterfront Alliance, Faith in New York, Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation, St. Bernard Project, Queens Long Term Recovery Group, Staten Island Long Term Recovery Group, Red Hook Initiative, and more).
The gathering and anouncement on how those can pitch in is slated for 10 a.m. today, Sug. 31 on the steps of City Hall in Lower Manhattan.
