Schumer Warns Of Possible Override Vote Of NYS Conceal & Carry Restrictions
U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer (D-Brooklyn) warned that, despite the tragic Las Vegas shooting, Congress could very soon move forward with a vote on a bill that would override New York’s tough conceal and carry reciprocity restrictions, yesterday.
The Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2017, introduced by Rep. Richard Hudson (R-NC), would allow concealed-carry permit holders to take their weapons to other states, even those that have dramatically stronger standards like New York. If the bill passes, it would allow virtually any person in the country to purchase a handgun and then carry that handgun anywhere in New York City, including the subway, Times Square or Penn Station.
According to Everytown for Gun Safety, three in four Americans live in a state that refuses to recognize all or some out-of-state carry permits. Currently, New York State does not recognize any out-of-state concealed carry permits. New York requires higher standards for concealed carry privileges than are covered by federal law or the laws of many other states. This legislation would override these states’ laws and allow concealed gun carrying, in places like New York, by people from other states. In addition, the legislation could create problems for law enforcement officials in verifying permits due to a lack of a national database.
According to reports, the bill could be voted on by the Judiciary Committee this month followed by a vote on the floor.
“If this law were to pass, someone with a gun permit from a state with low standards could legally carry a firearm in New York, even if their background would prevent them from legally obtaining a permit here. Some states already have concealed carry reciprocity and it has had deadly consequences. We must stop this madness and Congress must stand up to the bosses of the NRA and say ‘enough is enough,” said Schumer.
Harris Introduces Tax Relief For Veterans Legislation
Assembly member Pamela Harris (D-Coney Island, Bay Ridge, Beach Haven, Brighton Beach, Dyker Heights, Luna Park) introduced a bill that would create a tax credit for combat veterans who start their own business in New York State (A.8706), last week.
The new bill would provide hundreds of dollars in tax credits to veterans who start their own businesses. Harris is hoping the new bill will help veterans reintegrate back to society and help to create more jobs and grow local economies. New York State is home to over 800,000 veterans.[1]
“Veterans exemplify the very best in us. Their dedication, service and sacrifice deserve to be rewarded. This measure is a way of offering the thanks they truly deserve by making sure they have the incentives and resources they need to propel them into entrepreneurship,” said Harris.
“Many times, veterans face issues like joblessness when they return home. It’s so important that we show our veterans that they are not alone, and offer them the resources and the chance to create the small businesses that become staples of our communities,” added Harris.
Cymbrowitz Announces Expanded Puerto Rico Relief Effort
Assembly member Steven Cymbrowitz (D-Sheepshead Bay, Manhattan Beach, Brighton Beach) announced the expansion of his southern Brooklyn relief effort for victims of storm-ravaged Puerto Rico, over the weekend.
Cymbrowitz is partnering with RUSA Russian Radio, Kings Bay Y, Shorefront Y, Assembly members Helene Weinstein and Pamela Harris, State Senator Diane Savino and City Council members David Greenfieldand Alan Maisel in asking for specific goods and monetary donations to assist the victims of Hurricane Maria, thousands of whom lost their homes and worldly possessions in the devastation left by the Category 4 Storm.
Chabad of Puerto Rico will continue to coordinate the southern Brooklyn relief efforts through their successful ground operation and will continue to arrange transport and distribution of the items collected.
According to recent reports, 85% of Puerto Rico is still without power, more than 40% still without potable water and roughly one in four grocery stores remains closed.
Items still being accepted for donation include: (All food items must be unexpired) wraps or tortillas, crackers, snack packs of almonds or other nuts, apple sauce minis, non-refrigerated fruit cup minis, jelly (small size), peanut butter (small size), milk (long-shelf, 8 oz. only), individual cereal boxes, instant soups (just add water), instant meals (just add water), canned goods (best if pop-up), canned beans (smallest size), canned corn (small), chuck light canned tuna or pouch (6 oz.), chickpeas, as well as cleaning supplies.
Donation Items can be dropped off from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday-Fridays at the Kings Bay Y, 3495 Nostrand Avenue, in Sheepshead Bay, or from 8 a.m.-9 p.m. at the Shorefront Y, at 3300 Coney Island Avenue in Brighton Beach.
Note: The Shorefront Y will be closing at 4 p.m. on Oct. 11th and will be closed all day Oct. 12th and Oct. 13th.
Anyone wishing to make a monetary donation may do so by visiting chabadpr.com/relief.
Colton Seeking Justice For Hit-And-Run Victim
Assembly member William Colton (D-Bensonhurst, Bath Beach) is calling for justice in the fatal Hit-and-Run of a Bay Ridge Fire Department of New York (FDNY) EMT, Kevin Liang.
On Saturday, September 30th at approximately 7:50 PM, FDNY EMT medic Kevin Liang was knocked off his motorcycle and killed by a hit-and-run driver on the Kosciuszko Bridge on his way to his girlfriend’s house to celebrate his birthday. Liang was hit by a black SUV and was later pronounced dead at Woodhull Hospital.
Colton is hoping to raise awareness of the tragedy and rally the community to come forward with information as well as open communication about the investigation.
The incident remains an active investigation and the perpetrator remains at large. The Liang family hopes that the New York Police Department (NYPD) Collision Investigation Squad will prioritize the investigation and gather enough evidence to arrest the hit-and-run driver as soon as possible. Liang was known as a kind, friendly, and helpful person by his family and colleagues.
Kevin Liang’s funeral is set take place this week, while the family continues to appeal to the public to come forward with any information on the accident.
