BP Adams Kicks Off Colon Cancer Awareness Month
Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams will kick off Colon Cancer Awareness Month by hosting a community forum today.
The forum will include colon cancer survivors, gastroenterologists and oncology nutritionists in highlighting that the disease is curable, treatable, and preventable through early screening, healthy nutrition, and an understanding of genetic predisposition.
Colon cancer is the third-deadliest cancer in the United States, and the third-leading cause of cancer death in Brooklyn. Central and Eastern Brooklyn, in particular, have been hit hard by the disease, especially among African-Americans; men in East New York have the highest colon cancer death rate in the entire borough. The program will include a discussion of the latest research on the disease and important information on the impact of factors such as genetics and nutrition; attendees will be able to sample healthy food options at the conclusion of the program.
In discussing the importance of preventive health, Adams will also promote his month-long #NoButtsAboutIt campaign to encourage mass participation in free colon cancer screenings being held for uninsured or underinsured persons, in partnership with the American Cancer Society, at 10 hospitals across the borough throughout the month of March.
The event is slated for 6 p.m., today, March 1, at Brooklyn Borough Hall, at 209 Joralemon Street in Downtown Brooklyn.
Malliotakis, Golden To Protest Internet Sales Tax Proposal
Assembly member Nicole Malliotakis (R,C,I,Ref-Brooklyn/Staten Island) alongside State Senator Marty Golden (R-C-I,Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights, Marine Park, Gerritsen Beach) will speak out against a proposed internet sales tax today.
Governor Andrew Cuomo recently announced his fiscal 2019 state budget proposal that included new taxes and fees to help reduce a $4.4 billion budget deficit. One of the proposals included in the plan included expanding the existing internet sales tax collected by online retailers like Amazon and eBay when products are sold to New York state residents.
According to reports, the proposed “Internet Fairness Conformity Tax” would require third-party online marketplaces to collect sales taxes on any products sold to a NYS residents, regardless of the sellers location. Budget officials say the expanded tax would generate $75 million initially and then another $150 million per year over the next three years.
The event is slated for 10 a.m., today, March 1, at Malliotakis’ Staten Island district office, at 11 Maplewood Place. Then a second press conference is slated for 2:30 p.m., today, at Golden’s Brooklyn district office, at 7408 5th Avenue in Bay Ridge.
Williams Wishes Constituents A Happy Purim
City Council member Jumaane Williams (D-Flatbush, East Flatbush, Ditmas) wished his constituents a happy Purim as the celebration begins Wednesday evening in the Jewish community.
According to Chabad organization, the jolly festival of Purim is celebrated every year on the 14th of the Hebrew month of Adar (late winter/early spring). Purim 2018 begins on Wednesday night, February 28, and continues through Thursday, March 1 (March 2 in Jerusalem). It commemorates the salvation of the Jewish people in ancient Persia from Haman’s plot “to destroy, kill and annihilate all the Jews, young and old, infants and women, in a single day,” as recorded in the Megillah (book of Esther).
“I would like to wish everyone a Chag Purim Sameach! I find inspiration and hope in the Purim story and its message of strength through unity. When King Achashverosh was swayed to persecute the Jewish people, he reasoned they were a scattered community and so would not be able to successfully resist. However, when Queen Esther approached the King to advocate for the Jewish People, they joined together to fast and pray as a unified community. Ultimately, their unity overcame the King’s intolerance. A beautiful expression of unity demonstrated by the Jewish people on Purim is through the Mitzvah of Matanos L’Evyonim – supporting the needy. My thanks to the Rabbis and community leaders who go out of their way to collect and raise money for those in need,” said Williams.
“Purim is an important reminder of the power of community and the strength of joining together to fight oppression, a message that is resonant as we confront the challenges of today. We must remember this lesson and the Purim commandments as we work together to improve our community.Chag Sameach!” added Williams.
Simon, Kavanagh Applaud Passage Gun Violence Prevention Bill
Assembly member Jo Ann Simon (D-Brooklyn Heights, Downtown Brooklyn, Cobble Hill, Carroll Gardens, Gowanus, Park Slope, Boerum Hill, DUMBO) and State Senator Brian Kavanagh (D-D-Northern Brooklyn, Lower Manhattan) applauded the Assembly Codes Committee’s passage of the Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) Bill to prevent gun violence yesterday.
The ERPO bill A8976/S7133 would create a new type of court-issued order of protection that temporarily prohibits individuals from purchasing or possessing guns if a family member or law enforcement officer petitions a court and the court finds that individual likely to engage in conduct that would harm themselves or others. Similar legislation has successfully been enacted in Connecticut, Indiana, California, and Washington.
The bill’s passage comes two weeks after the Parkland, Florida shooting at Marjory Stoneman High School where 19-year old Nikolas Cruz opened fire on the students by using an AR-15 semi-automatic rifle, killing 17 students and staff. According to the NY Post, the local sheriff’s office received at least 18 calls about shooting suspect Nikolas Cruz over the past decade — including warnings that were passed on to the disgraced school deputy who failed to stop the massacre.
“The recent school shooting in Parkland, Florida has shaken the country to its core. We have learned that the shooter had a history of escalating violence and that people close to him were concerned about his behavior and reported it to law enforcement — but there was no mechanism for them to act. A temporary Extreme Risk Protection Order can prevent tragedies in cases like this,” said a joint statement from Simon and Kavanagh.
“When a person exhibits warning signs that they pose a risk of serious harm to themselves or others, family and household members often observe these signs firsthand. A temporary Extreme Risk Protection Order would restrict a person’s access to firearms if a court finds they are likely to harm themselves or others, while providing due process protections and the right to appeal. Gun violence claims 33,000 lives every year in the United States. It is a public health crisis and we must do all that we can to prevent future tragedies from occurring,” concluded the joint statement.
Jeffries Honors Female Hip-Hop Artists For Women’s History Month
Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (D-Central Brooklyn, Coney Island, Queens) a member of the House Democratic Leadership and the Congressional Black Caucus, announced a new project to highlight female Hip Hop artists in honor of Women’s History Month.
Jeffries, who made headlines last year for paying tribute to the Notorious B.I.G. on the floor of the House of Representatives, will release a list of his top ten female rap lyrical collaborations, showcasing one artist each day for the first ten days of March. Jeffries cited the legendary Shirley Chisholm, the first black woman elected to Congress, as an inspiration for the project. Chisholm represented some of the same parts of Brooklyn that Jeffries represents today.
Jeffries has been a vocal advocate for artists and creators in Congress. Last month, alongside with Rep. Doug Collins (R-GA), he introduced the Music Modernization Act, a bill that would reform the music licensing process to make sure creators are adequately paid for their artistic work.
“Representative Chisholm lit up the House Floor for seven terms despite politics being viewed at the time as a man’s game. She made clear through the power of her example that opportunity is everything. Her legendary contributions to our nation continue to be felt today,” said Jeffries.
“In every field of human endeavor, women excel when given a fair shot. It’s true in politics, business, science, academia and Hip Hop. In honor of Women’s History Month, which starts tomorrow, I will drop my top ten list of the best female rap lyrical collaborations of all time. With 45 in the White House, Hip Hop is a great escape,” added Jeffries.
Deutsch Hosts Property Tax Info Session
City Council member Chaim Deutsch (D-Sheepshead Bay, Manhattan Beach, Brighton Beach, Homecrest) will host a second public session with the Department of Finance (DOF) regarding property taxes this month.
The event will give residents an opportunity to learn about their property’s assessment including how to dispute their assessed value, change their property’s description and file for exemptions.
Every January, the DOF mails New York City property owners a “Notice of Property Value” (NOPV). This important notice has information about your property’s market and assessed values. The DOF determines your property’s value every year, according to State law.
According to Deutsch, many property owners only learn of the changes in their property taxes in June, when they get their first tax bill for the year. However, by then it can be too late to appeal an assessment. Deutsch aims to help residents review their annual notice now, to help property owners understand how a property assessment is determined.
The event is scheduled for 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Wednesday, March 7 at Madison High School Library, at 3787 Bedford Avenue (between Avenue P and Quentin Road) in Madison.
Persaud Decries Senate GOP Down Vote On Gun Safety Legislation
State Senator Roxanne Persaud (D-Canarsie, East New York, Brownsville, Mill Basin, Sheepshead Bay, Bergen Beach, Marine Park, Flatlands, Mill Island, Georgetown, Ocean Hill, Starrett City) denounced Senate Republicans unanimous opposition to gun safety legislation yesterday.
On Wednesday, New York State Senate Democrats forced four bills onto the Senate floor for a vote, and the Senate Republicans voted against each measure. The bills would have implemented effective background checks, established extreme risk protection orders, and banned bump stocks across the state.
The push for anti-gun violence legislation comes off the heels of the school shooting in Parkland, Florida that occurred on Feb. 14 at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School 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, that has the power to shoot off 400 rounds per minute.
“It is very disappointing that every single member of the Senate Republican Majority voted against bills to combat gun violence.It is the responsibility of every member of the New York State Senate to take action to protect our families. Gun violence is non-partisan. We must all fight to end the senseless violence from firearms that puts New Yorkers at risk,” said Persaud.
“Gun violence is preventable, and should not be considered as a “fact” of life in the community I serve. As elected officials, it is our duty to ensure the people we serve are safe. I appeal across the aisle to my GOP colleagues to step up and do the right thing, so we can make New York safer, together,” added Persaud.
