Meeks Introduces Investor Choice Against Gun Proliferation Act
U.S. Rep. Gregory W. Meeks (D-Jamaica, Laurelton, Rosedale, Cambria Heights, Saint Albans, Springfield Gardens, Far Rockaway, JFK Airport) yesterday introduced H.R. 5106, the Investor Choice Against Gun Proliferation Act, a bill that would amend the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 to require public companies to disclose substantial financial relationships with gun manufacturers and dealers.
In the immediate wake of the tragic shooting at Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida, at least 10 public companies have announced they are cutting ties with the National Rifle Association (NRA), the advocacy arm of the gun industry.
“In the marketplace, as in a democracy, sunshine is one of the best medicines. Investors have a right to know if their investment portfolio represents their values. While Congressional Republicans remain paralyzed by conservative dogma and the gun lobby, this bill empowers concerned citizens in the private sector,” said Meeks.
“Lawmakers cannot simply bemoan Republican apathy and wait for Congress to catch up with the groundswell of support for commonsense gun safety laws. Americans are dying every day, and they need action now. They need to know the true human impact of their investments.”
Crowley Signs Two Discharge Petitions
U.S. Rep. and House Democratic Caucus Chairman Joe Crowley (D-Sunnyside, Astoria, College Point, East Elmhurst, Jackson Heights, Corona, Woodside) this week joined 87 House Democrats in signing two discharge petitions to try to force vote on gun control measures.
A discharge petition is a legislative maneuver that allows the minority party to pressure the majority party to bring a bill to the House floor.
The two stalled measures are H.R. 4240, which provides resources to help states strengthen and expand the background checks system and closes a number of gun sale loopholes, and H.R. 3464, which prohibits licensed gun dealers from selling guns to buyers without licenses without first completing a background check.
“America’s schools, places of worship, and public spaces are no longer safe from gun violence. Yet, Speaker Ryan and Republican leaders are too indebted to the NRA to do the right thing and enact commonsense, bipartisan gun safety measures,” said Crowley.
“Americans overwhelmingly support strengthening backgrounds checks and closing the dangerous loopholes that allow gun sales over the internet and at gun shows without proper vetting, and they want their leaders to act,” he added.
Addabbo To Host Free Tax Prep Service
State Sen. Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach, Ozone Park, Woodhaven, Glendale, Middle Village, Maspeth) is inviting constituents to his district office in Howard Beach this month month for a free Tax Prep Service in conjunction with the NYC Department of Consumer Affairs and RGC VITA.
In order to qualify for this free service, you must earn $54,000 or less.
“Filing for your taxes can be difficult and can lead to audits and other financial penalties if not done correctly. That is why I encourage anyone who may need assistance in filing their 2017 taxes to come to the free event at my Howard Beach office,” Addabbo said. “This is a fantastic opportunity for seniors who may need some help filing their taxes, those with complicated tax returns due to a number life of circumstances, or even those who are just getting started in the job force and never had to file taxes before. The experts on-hand will make sure you get the maximum return you are owed.”
If you plan to come to the event to file your taxes, you will need to bring with you:
- Government-issued photo ID (includes IDNYC);
- Social Security or Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers and birth dates for you, your spouse and any dependents;
- Proof of income forms including W-2, 1098, 1099 and others, or income and expense records if you are self-employed;
- 2016 tax return (if available);
- Proof of health insurance coverage (Forms 1095-A, 1095-B, or 1095-C), or Health Insurance Exemption Certificate (if available) for you, your spouse and any dependents;
- Payment records for child care, including the provider’s name, address, and Employer Identification Number, Taxpayer Identification Number, or Social Security number;
- Records of cash and non-cash charitable contributions; and
- Account and routing numbers for direct deposit of your refund.
Also, if you are filing a joint return, both spouses must be present at the event.
Queens, NY (February 28, 2018) As the deadline to file your taxes on Tuesday, April 17, 2018 quickly approaches,
The free tax prep is slated for between 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Wednesday, March 14, at Addabbo’s district office, 159-52 102nd Street in Howard Beach. IRS-certified VITA/TCE volunteer preparers will be on site for this free one-day, pop-up event to help tax payers get their full refund.
To be seen by a volunteer preparer, appointments are necessary. To schedule an appointment call Addabbo’s Howard Beach office at 718-738-1111. Walk-ins will be seen as time permits.
Lancman Applauds Bronx, Staten Island DAs For Criminal Discovery Reforms
City Council Member Rory I. Lancman (D) yesterday Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark and Staten Island District Attorney Michael E. McMahon for their announced plans to enhance their criminal discovery procedures.
The two prosecutors made their announcement at the city council’s recent Committee on the Justice System hearing, which Lancman chaired.
The Staten Island DA’s office has finalized its Early Action Discovery policy for felony cases, in which prosecutors will provide evidence, including police reports, witness statements, and search warrants, without first requiring a request, and within 21 days of Supreme Court arraignment. The Bronx DA’s office announced that it is drafting a policy that will contain considerations for misdemeanor cases, and that it is in the beginning stage of providing discovery pre-indictment.
“I commend Bronx District Attorney Clark and Staten Island District Attorney McMahon for taking these steps to enhance criminal discovery procedures in their respective boroughs. As the Committee highlighted at yesterday’s hearing, a criminal discovery process that is open and transparent will lead to a fairer and more efficient justice system,” said Lancman.
