Donovan Denounces California’s Refusal To Secure Border
Congressman Dan Donovan (South Brooklyn, Staten Island), a member of the House Committee on Homeland Security and the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, denounced California state’s decision to not secure their Southern border with Mexico yesterday.
On Monday, California state opted not to take part in the Trump administration’s effort to send National Guard troops to the country’s southern border with Mexico. According to the Associated Press, California officials told federal authorities “they would not participate in vehicle maintenance and the other jobs” to stop illegal entries “because the work is considered too closely tied to immigration enforcement.” Additionally, California has declined a request to commit more than 200 troops to the efforts to secure the border.
Earlier this month, President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary James Mattis authorized up to 4,000 National Guard personnel to help secure the border in four southwestern U.S. states including Texas, New Mexico and Arizona. Earlier this year, Trump attempted to negotiate a deal for a border wall for passage of a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) legislation. The deal eventually crumbled during January’s budget negotiations causing the government to temporarily shut down twice within one month. The Obama-era executive action currently has 800,000 recipients, of which 30,000 live within the 5 boroughs.
“It’s stunning that a state would embrace chaos on our southern border by refusing to stop illegal immigration. We’re a sovereign country and should know who comes and who leaves. With no system to stop illegal entries, it’s a dangerous free-for-all on the border,” said Donovan.
“California has an obligation to participate in safety measures designed to enforce our laws and protect our citizens. If one state decides to ignore that responsibility, they will become the gateway for human trafficking, gang infiltration, and Central and South American narcotics networks. I voted to authorize $10 billion in funding for border security measures, and I hope work moves forward quickly.”
Eugene Brings Funding To Prospect Park Renovation Plan
City Council member Mathieu Eugene (D-Prospect Park Lefferts Garden, Flatbush, Ditmas Park) is applauding plans to improve the Parade Grounds at Prospect Park.
The $750,000 renovation plan of the Prospect Park Parade Ground includes funding from Eugene’s office. The plan includes an adult fitness area and a cooling misting line along the heavily used soccer fields; fix drainage problems at Field 7; reconstruct the volleyball court; and add shade trees and new seating. The project is slated for completion by Spring 2019.
The adult fitness area will contain 12 types of fitness equipment, including ones that are accessible. There will be an open area for group classes, and custom concrete “step-up” blocks. The misting line will be installed along Fields 9 and 10. Set on timers, it will provide a cooling screen of mist when the artificial turf fields are at their busiest and hottest. No water will collect on the ground—the mist evaporates to cool the air.
“It is truly an honor to partner with Prospect Park Alliance as we work together to improve and maintain ‘Brooklyn’s Backyard’ for future generations. Starting with the Parade Grounds, we are making a number of upgrades to the surrounding area that will benefit residents who frequently use the park,” said Eugene.
“Providing free resources that make physical fitness accessible to the public is essential to the overall wellbeing of our community, and the addition of an adult fitness area is an important step in that process. This project is part of my ongoing commitment to the preservation and revitalization of Prospect Park, and I am excited about the positive impact it will have in the community for years to come,” added Eugene.
Simon To Hosts 3rd Annual Dyslexia Awareness Day
Assembly member Jo Anne Simon (D-Brooklyn Heights, Downtown Brooklyn, Cobble Hill, Carroll Gardens, Gowanus, Park Slope, Boerum Hill, DUMBO) announced this year’s 3rd Annual Dyslexia Awareness Day.
The event will bring together students, parents, advocates, educators, and experts from across the state who care about the issue. Additionally, the annual event will feature a Town Hall, which will provide an opportunity for attendees to share their experiences with Dyslexia. The New York State Education Department (DOE) will be in attendance to listen to the Town Hall speakers.
Dyslexia involves difficulty in learning to read or interpret words, letters, and other symbols, but that do not affect general intelligence. For example, someone with dyslexia may spell words backwards or recognize letter upside down.
The event is slated Thursday, April 19, a the New York State Capitol in Albany. For additional information, please contact my office at 718-246-4889 or grossr@nyassembly.gov.
Mosley Mourns Loss of State Legislator Skartados
Assembly member Walter T. Mosley (D-Clinton Hill, Fort Greene, Crown Heights) mourned the loss of Assemblyman Frank Skartados yesterday.
State Assemblyman Frank Skartados died early Sunday morning at St. Luke’s Cornwall Hospital at the age of 62, according to reports. Skartados was diagnosed with metastasized stage IV pancreatic cancer in January, and on March 24, was admitted to the hospital for respiratory issues and pain.
Skartados, a Democrat, represented the 104th Assembly District, which encompasses the city and town of Newburgh, Marlborough, Lloyd and the city of Beacon. He was elected to a two-year term in the Assembly in 2008 and narrowly lost re-election in 2010 to Tom Kirwan. Kirwan died in November 2011, and Skartados has held the seat since winning a special election for the seat in 2012.
“I was deeply saddened to hear of my colleague and fellow Assemblyman Frank Skartados’ death this past Sunday morning. Assemblyman Skartados was a champion of his community and the environment. It was always inspiring to see and support Frank in his efforts to protect the beauty of upstate New York and the Hudson Valley,” said Mosley.
“The loss of Frank is shocking. The Hudson Valley has lost a progressive champion and our state lost a great public servant. We were all privileged to know and serve with him,” added Mosley.
