Treyger Calls for Free Diapers for Low-Income Families
Council Member Mark Treyger (D-Coney Island, Bensonhurst, Gravesend) will rally for his new bill Int. 380, that will provide free diapers for low-income families today.
Treyger will be joined by elected officials, high school students, and advocates in rallying for his legislation set to require the city to provide free diapers at domestic violence shelters, childcare centers, and other city facilities.
Diapers are an expensive necessity and low-income families struggle to afford them. The cost of diapers can especially be a hardship for single parents, and studies show that moms who struggle to afford diapers are more likely to have depression.
In addition to promoting the bill, students from Bronx High School of Science will briefly present their social studies project about the need for clean diapers throughout New York City.
The event is slated for 10 a.m., today, Feb. 22, on the steps of City Hall in Lower Manhattan.
BP Adams Pushes For BK Youth Movement For Gun Reform
Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams will join high school students, parents, and youth organization leaders from across the borough to help mobilize a Brooklyn-wide, youth-led movement for gun reform today.
The event comes off the heels of last Wednesday’s deadly mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, which resulted in the death of 17 students and teachers. The suspected gunman, 19-year old Nikolas Cruz, opened fire on the students by using an AR-15 semi-automatic rifle, and has now been charged with 17 counts of premeditated murder.
Adams, an outspoken advocate on reducing gun violence across America as both a legislator and 22-year veteran of the New York City Police Department (NYPD), will announce Brooklyn Borough Hall as an open hub for students and advocates to convene and organize in preparation for future anti-gun violence actions.
In the wake of the tragedy, surviving students from the Parkland Shooting have organized the March For Our Lives set for March 24th in Washington, DC, to empower other youth and students to push for stricter gun laws at the state and federal level.
The event is slated for 11:00 a.m., today, Feb. 22, at Brooklyn Borough Hall – Conference Room, at 209 Joralemon Street in Downtown Brooklyn.
Donovan To Honor Military Service Academy Nominees
Congressman Dan Donovan (R-South Brooklyn, Staten Island) will honor 18 outstanding Staten Island and South Brooklyn students who earned nominations to the U.S. military service academies today.
Each nominee underwent a rigorous application process in which a local committee evaluated academic records, extracurricular activities, recommendations, and leadership skills to earn their nomination.
This year, Donovan awarded seven nominations to the U.S. Military Academy, ten to the U.S. Naval Academy, one to the U.S. Air Force Academy, and two to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. While two students received nominations to multiple academies.
The event is slated for 7 p.m., today, Feb. 22, at 575 Mill Road in Staten Island.
Brannan Announces Neighborhood Policing At 62nd& 68th Precincts
City Council member Justin Brannan (D-Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights, Bensonhurst, Bath Beach) announced yesterday that the New York Police Department (NYPD) will be implementing neighborhood policing into their patrol patterns at the 62nd and 68th Precincts.
The 62nd Precinct will first see the addition of neighborhood coordination officers (NCOs) in April, with 68th Precinct following in July.
Neighborhood policing is a system that divides the precinct into four or five sectors and sector officers work the same shifts in the same neighborhoods to increase familiarity and build relationships with residents. Each sector also has two NCOs that serve as liaisons between the police department and the community while working directly with neighborhood leaders to find solutions facing the area.
Neighborhood policing is Mayor de Blasio and Police Commissioner James O’Neill‘s comprehensive plan to strengthen the connection between the NYPD and the communities they serve. The 68th Precinct serves Bay Ridge and Dyker Heights, and the 62nd Precinct serves Bath Beach and Bensonhurst.
“It’s important that residents and police officers work together to build trust in order to achieve the mutual goal of safe streets and strong neighborhoods.Our neighborhoods will benefit from neighborhood policing and the return of the ‘cop on the corner.’ People will become familiar with the officers serving their community every day, which goes a long way in building trust,” said Brannan.
PA James Condemns Trump Administration’s Cuts To SNAP
Public Advocate Letitia James will condemn the Trump Administration over proposed cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) today.
Earlier this month, President Donald Trump released his 2019 federal budget that included changes to the food assistance program. According to the new plan, households that receive $90 or more through SNAP, would instead receive half of their benefits in the form of a USDA food package, dubbed “America’s Harvest Box.” The box would be filled with shelf-stable milk, ready to eat cereals, pasta, peanut butter, beans and canned fruit, vegetables, and meat poultry or fish, according to initial reports.
Currently, those on SNAP receive monthly benefits through an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card in which individuals are able to shop directly at grocery stores for items they need and want. The new proposal will limit individuals ability to choose their food items and dietary decisions within their households.
The event is slated for 1 p.m., today, Feb. 22, at Trump Hotel, at 1 Central Park West in Midtown Manhattan.
New Kings Democrats Hold General Body Meeting
The New Kings Democrats will hold a general body meeting this week.
The meeting will focus on the NKD’s new Executive Committee as well as give an opportunity for new members to learn more about the political organization and the #RepYourBlock movement.
The event is slated for 7 p.m., today, Feb. 22, at First Unitarian Congregation, at 119-121 Pierrepont Street in Brooklyn Heights.
