BK Lawmakers Denounce DACA Termination
State Senators Jesse Hamilton (D-Central Brooklyn) and Martin Dilan (D-Bushwick, East New York, Ocean Hill/Brownsville) alongside City Council members Jumaane Williams (D-Flatbush, East Flatbush, Midwood) and Mark Treyger (D-Coney Island, Bensonhurst) joined other NYC elected officials in denouncing President Trump’s decision to terminate Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).
Trump, in an announcement that Attorney General Jeff Sessions delivered yesterday, ordered an end to the Obama-era program that grants two-year work permits to undocumented immigrants who arrived in the country as children. Trump plans on phasing out the program over a six month period in order to give Congress a window to pass replacement legislation.
The announcement was met with immediate backlash by immigrant groups, elected officials and “Dreamers” who are scared the action will make the more than 800,000 individuals protected under the policy eligible for deportation including 40,000 New Yorkers.
“We must be prepared to stand up for our immigrant communities, defend them from those who seek to build walls instead of bridges. For each unjust misstep, for each affront to our inclusive values, we must be prepared to manifest our core beliefs. As the Trump administration steps up its callous disregard for the well-being of our immigrant friends and neighbors, we must step up our efforts to protect these vulnerable communities. We must continue to stand together in the face of the unjust policies Trump pushes,” said Hamilton.
“This administration wants us to believe ending [DACA] is merely a matter of the law of the land, when they pardon criminals who violate those same laws. It wasn’t President Obama who overstepped his authority in establishing DACA through an executive order, Trump is the transgressor here. He’s done it repeatedly, issuing order after order, trying to get anything to stick. For someone who promised to show great heart in dealing with dreamers, Trump has again shown himself to be untrustworthy, spiteful and lacking the conviction to act in the interest of America and all who call it home,” said Dilan.
“Rather than simply expressing our outrage, those of us with the power to do so, need to formulate and enact plans of action. We need to challenge this executive action in the courts, while putting pressure on Congress to address this issue legislatively and humanely. We must all become a part of the resistance. This President has made it clear that he’s coming for all of us- whether we choose to acknowledge it or not,” said Williams.
“Targeting young people and patriots who should be focused on preparing for the school year rather than worrying if the only government they’ve ever known and sworn allegiance to is about to tear their lives apart. Our young people should not have to pay the price for the government’s ineptitude and inability to solve problems. Scapegoating them and hurting them is heartless,” said Treyger.
BP Adams To Commerate Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month
Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams will join survivors of ovarian cancer by showing his support to Tell Every Amazing Lady About Ovarian Cancer (T.E.A.L.) and all of those affected by the disease in commemorating Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.
This is the fourth anniversary of the event that spreads awareness of the disease — the fifth leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women, and the deadliest of all gynecologic cancers.
According to the National Cancer Society, ovarian cancer accounts for more deaths than any other cancer of the female reproductive system. A woman’s risk of getting ovarian cancer during her lifetime is about 1 in 75. In addition, ovarian cancer mainly develops in older women. About half of the women who are diagnosed with ovarian cancer are 63 years or older.
Adams will be joined by Dr. Wendy Wilcox, chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at NYC Health + Hospitals/Kings County as well as T.E.A.L. CEO, Pamela Esposito-Amery, who will discuss her organization’s activities for the month of September.
The event is slated for 11 a.m., tomorrow, September 6, at Brooklyn Borough Hall in the rotunda, at 209 Joralemon Street in downtown Brooklyn.
The 9th Annual T.E.A.L. Walk/Run is slated for Saturday, Sept. 9 in Prospect Park.
Ortiz Lauds New Roof Construction At Red Hook Houses
Assembly member Felix Ortiz (D-Red Hook, Sunset Park) joined with New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) officials at Red Hook Houses to “break ground” on a $63 million roof construction yesterday.
The NYCHA project includes replacing 28 roofs to improve the homes of over 6,000 residents through fewer leaks and a sturdier infrastructure. The projects main goal is to prevent future mold from developing in apartments and build safer homes for residents.
NYCHA will be investing nearly $550 million in Red Hook Houses as part of NYCHA’s Sandy Recovery to Resiliency program to make the buildings more resilient. The program started in the wake of Hurricane Sandy that impacted 10 percent of NYCHA developments causing $3 billion in damage.
“The new roofs It will also help to keep heat in buildings during the Fall and Winter seasons. The quality of life for residents will be improved. This is a huge step in the right direction for all,” said Ortiz.
Hikind Mourns Friend & Colleague Simanowitz
Assembly member Dov Hikind (D-Borough Park) is mourning the loss of his friend and colleague Assemblyman Michael Simanowitz.
Simanowitz, a democrat from Queens, passed away unexpectedly over the Sabbath on Saturday at the age of 45. Simanowitz was a native of Forest Hills and was first elected to represent the 27th Assembly District in Queens in 2011. The native New Yorker reportedly struggled with cancer for many years before his passing.
“I’m still in shock learning this terribly sad news just after Shabbos,” said Hikind. “Michael was a friend and an outstanding colleague; a proud Jew who loved his family, loved his community, and loved the Jewish people. He was as good as G-d makes people, a star, a real mensch. I will miss him very much. May his family be comforted with the other mourners of Zion and Jerusalem,” said Hikind.
South Brooklyn Political Organization Host Elected Officials & Judicial Candidate Forum
The Bay Democrats Club will host State Senator Diane Savino (D-Coney Isalnd, Staten Island), City Council members Mark Treyger (D-Coney Island, Bensonhurst) and Chaim Deutsch (D-Sheepshead Bay, Manhattan Beach, Brighton Beach, Homecrest) alongside Brooklyn Civil Court candidates at this month’s meeting.
The evenings’ agenda includes individual political addresses from elected officials and the judicial candidates as well as updates on the summer’s political happenings and a discussion of the September 12th Primary Election.
The event is slated for 7 p.m., today, Sept. 6, at 2508 Coney Island Avenue (Corner of Avenue V), 2nd Floor in Sheepshead Bay.