Ortiz Introduces Legislation To Repeal Jones Act To Help Puerto Rico
Assembly member Felix Ortiz (D-Red Hook, Sunset Park) introduced a resolution to the State Assembly asking the United States Congress to repeal the Jones Act yesterday.
The Jones Act is a century-old law that requires all goods ferried between U.S. ports to be carried on ships built, owned and operated by Americans. As a result, the piece of legislation has been making relief efforts to Puerto Rico in the wake of Hurricane Maria very difficult.
The Jones Act, when enacted in 1920, was designed to promote shipping by American-owned and operated vessels but has had the unintended consequences of making it twice as expensive to ship things from the U.S. mainland to Puerto Rico as it is to ship from any other foreign port in the world.
In September, Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico causing mass flooding and power outages. According to recent reports, half of the island is still without power and the island has been categorized a humanitarian crisis.
CM Williams Announces Opposition To Constitutional Convention
City Council member Jumaane Williams (D-Flatbush, East Flatbush, Midwood) announced his opposition to the Constitutional Convention yesterday.
Today 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 rights 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.
” Today I would like to make clear that I intend to vote “no” on the proposed Constitutional Convention, but not for the reasons you may think. I believe that there are many aspects of New York State’s government that need correction and reform and so I cannot support this measure for two main reasons,” said Williams.
“The first, I do not believe that our current Governor could fairly oversee the process and ensure that its actions are to the benefit of the people of New York,” continued Williams. “Second, and even more concerning, is the current situation we face in this country and state at this moment. Based on the energy being spent before the vote, I can only imagine the amount of energy that would be spent during the process. It is unfortunate that the loud noise and panic has drowned out any ability to have a reasonable discussion.”
“Still, at this time, given the state of politics from the White House to the state house, I feel that progressive energies are best focused on pushing our state undeniable democratic away from the Republican madness we see on a federal , state, and local level. Due to these concerns, I will be voting no on the Constitutional Convention question,” said Williams.
Cumbo Commemorates Women’s Suffrage Centennial
City Council Member Laurie A. Cumbo (F-Clinton Hill, Fort Greene, Crown Heights), chair of the Committee on Women’s Issues and co-chair of the Women’s Caucus, commemorated the City and State of New York’s 100th anniversary of the women’s suffrage yesterday.
Women in New York first won the right to vote in 1917, after the country’s first women’s rights convention, organized by the suffragists Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott, was held in 1848 in upstate Seneca Falls, N.Y. However, it wasn’t until 1920 when women across the nation were granted the right to vote through the 19th Amendment.
“As chair of the Committee on Women’s Issues and co-chair of the Women’s Caucus, I am proud to celebrate the centennial of women’s suffrage and the pioneers that helped propel women into the voting booth and ultimately public office,” said Cumbo
“This Movement was a catalyst for the advancement of gender equity in the State of New York and across the U.S. Despite our significant achievements and invaluable contributions, women remain underrepresented as elected officials in all levels of government. As we embark upon the next century, we must endeavor to continue the legacy of these dynamic women by increasing opportunities for women of all backgrounds to have a seat at the table,” added Cumbo.
Bichotte Pushes Passage Of Bill Eliminating Personal Net Worth Cap On MWBES
Assembly member Rodneyse Bichotte (D-Ditmas Park, Flatbush) is pushing for the passage of the Personal Net Worth Elimination Bill, A. 2819/S. 3018 to be signed into law.
The legislation would eliminate the requirement that certain MWBE owners have a personal net worth less than $3.5 million in order to obtain certification as a minority and women-owned business enterprise. The net worth cap creates restrictions on benefits for larger MWBEs keeping them from taking part in state programs designed to assist historically marginalized entrepreneurs.
The elimination of the cap will help MWBEs be eligible to bid, win mid-size projects, and gain access to capital. It will also enable prime contractors to fulfill their 30% MWBE sub-contracting goal.
The bill was passed in the Assembly earlier this year and is waiting approval in the State Legislature. The petition is expected to be delivered to Governor Andrew Cuomo later this year.
