Eugene Launches “District 40 Cares” Relief Effort
City Council member Mathieu Eugene (D-Prospect Lefferts Gardens, Flatbush, East Flatbush, Ditmas Park) will launch relief efforts for victims of the recent natural disasters through his “District 40 Cares” campaign today.
The collection drive will provide critical supplies to those affected by the devastation caused by hurricanes in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean and the earthquake in Mexico.
Items being accepted for donation include: diapers, batteries, feminine hygiene products, first aid supplies, water, infant care items, flashlights, toothbrushes, and cleaning supplies.
“It has been painful to watch residents of Puerto Rico, the Caribbean, and Mexico cope with the horrific natural disasters of the past month. We will never replace the lives that have been lost in these tragic circumstances, but we can lend assistance to help rebuild the homes and communities that have been destroyed. While there are significant relief efforts under way, we know that additional critical supplies will make a difference to those in need of assistance,” said Eugene.
“When Haiti was struck by a horrible earthquake in 2010, I was grateful to the community for the outpouring of support. It is only right that we come together again and help those who are now facing the same dire circumstances. Our thoughts and prayers are with the many families suffering during these challenging times,” added Eugene.
The event is slated for 12-noon, today, oct. 11, at Eugene’s District Office at 900 Rogers Avenue in Flatbush.
Greenfield Announces $3.5 Million Renovation of Midwood Library
Councilman David G. Greenfield (D-Borough Park, Midwood, Bensonhurst) announced the renovation of the second floor children’s section of the Midwood Library, located at Avenue J and East 16th Street, yesterday.
An early schematic design of the project shows the renovated space will include more computers, books, and meeting areas, as well as a brand new play area for toddlers. Greenfield funded the renovation in the last two budget cycles, after funding the library’s new outdoor plaza with benches, a water fountain, and new gardens. Since 2010, Greenfield’s office has invested millions in community libraries across the district.
In addition, Greenfield secured funding for thousands of new Jewish books and Sunday hours at Midwood library as well as five others in the district. The renovation project is expected to begin sometime in 2018.
“This is one of the best libraries in our community. Thousands of children visit Midwood Library each week, but the children’s floor is inadequate and out of date. That’s why I’m funding a complete, top-to-bottom renovation of the second floor children’s area,” said Greenfield.
“The most important thing to me is that the library is kid friendly, so we encourage children to read. That’s why we’re going to have a toddler play area and kid-safe computers with filters. We’re even going to put in a space for stroller parking! I want to make sure that families with small children make visits to Midwood Library a part of their regular lives,” added Greenfield.
Mosley Urges State To Stop Selling Firing Accelerators
Assembly member Walter T. Mosley (D-Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, Prospect Heights, Crown Heights) is pushing for New York State to prevent the selling and possession of firing accelerators that make legal guns.
In an announcement yesterday, Mosley, urged the state to review it’s gun laws and pass a new bill introduced by Assemblywoman Patricia Fahy (D-Albany) that would criminalize the possession, manufacture, or sale of firing accelerators.
The move comes off the heels of the Las Vegas Massacre, in which shooter, Steven Paddock, used a “bump stock,” one of many such apparatuses that turn semi-automatic weapons into something like a machine gun, to claim the lives of more than 50 people and injure over 500 more individuals on Oct. 1.
Mosley is arguing for a stricter firing accelerator law, claiming their potential for death and injury is well documented and noting the lack of laws prohibiting their sale and transportation.
“I have long been an advocate for gun control, and I was proud to cast my first career vote in support of the New York SAFE Act. This legislation introduced by Assemblywoman Fahy, which I am proud to co-sponsor, will close an important loophole and will keep all New Yorkers safe.,” said Mosley.
Donovan Keeps Critical Services At Brooklyn VA
Congressman Dan Donovan (R-South Brooklyn, Staten Island) announced his successful advocacy to keep critical medical services at the Brooklyn Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC), yesterday.
A proposed change would have required veterans to travel to Manhattan for certain inpatient surgeries, including open heart procedures, joint reconstructions, and appendectomies. In August, Donovan led a push, together with a bipartisan coalition, for the VA to abandon the proposal and maintain existing services at the Brooklyn VAMC.
Earlier this year, Donovan passed an amendment requiring the Department of Defense (DOD) to reanalyze the housing assistance it provides to local student-veterans. Staten Islanders receive a fraction of the resources given to student-veterans in the other four boroughs. Just this month, Donovan announced a federal grant for veterans in need to access pro-bono legal services.
“After discussing this matter extensively with my veterans’ roundtable, I asked the Department of Veterans Affairs to reconsider its proposal. Our veterans have sacrificed enough, and they shouldn’t have to trek to Manhattan for medical care. To their credit, the VA heard our concerns and decided to keep everything as is at the Brooklyn hospital. I’ll keep fighting for those who put everything on the line to defend our great country,” said Donovan.
“After putting their lives on the line to defend our freedom, our veterans deserve nothing less than reliable access to high-quality health care,” said Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams.
“Our veterans deserve a fully functional local hospital with a wide array of services to accommodate their unique medical needs. Secretary Shulkin agreed that our veterans should not be forced to travel to Manhattan to receive the tests, treatments and programs for which they are entitled. I hope moving forward, the VA will be looking for ways to expand our local VA hospitals so that each borough will have an easily accessible medical facility that meets the demands of the growing local veteran population,” said Senator Marty Golden.
Bichotte Hosts Constitutional Convention Town Hall
Assembly woman Rodneyse Bichotte (D-Ditmas Park, Flatbush) will host a Town Hall meeting on the Constitutional Convention this week.
Next month, voters will be asked to decide on the convening of a New York State Constitutional Convention. The NYS Constitution predates the United States Constitution by ten years and provides greater protections for New Yorkers. The NYS Constitution has the power to continue protections not included in President Trump’s policy changes.
However, the current right and protections guaranteed under the State Constitution could be open for modification if a convention is convened including protections for seniors, public education, unions, workers’ rights, housing, safety net programs and the environment.
The event is slated for 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 12, at Salem Missionary Baptist Church, at 305 East 21 Street in Flatbush.
Hamilton Hosts Free Homeowners Workshop
Senator Jesse Hamilton (D-Central Brooklyn) will hosts the second part of a two part homeowners workshop tonight.
The free info session will include information on financial literacy and home ownership with JP Morgan Chase, as well as insight into investment.
The event is slated for 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., today, Oct 11., the Brownsville Public Library, at 61 Glenmore Avenue (between Watkins St. & Mother Gaston Blvd.) in Brownsville.
