Kavanagh Announces New Labor Law For State Employees
State Senator Brian Kavanagh (D, WF-Manhattan, North Brooklyn) alongside Assembly member Nily Rozic (D,WF-Fresh Meadows) announced yesterday that a new law (A8929/S7296) aimed at easing work schedules for state employees was signed into law by Governor Andrew Cuomo.
The bill is a chapter amendment for legislation signed into law late last year that directs the New York State Department of Civil Service (NYSDCS) to compile information from state agencies on the feasibility of flexible working arrangements.
The legislation also requires the department to issue a report to the Governor and State Legislature by September 1, 2018 and every three years after detailing current practices that allow for flexible work arrangements.The analysis would provide a snapshot of the current state of alternative work schedules within state agencies.
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, flexible work schedules increase work-life balance, provide personal and family-related flexibility, and can even help reduce rush-hour commuting congestion. The new law will also require the New York State Office of Information Technology Services (NYSOITS) to assist with the compilation of data and analysis as needed.
“From Brooklyn to Buffalo, New Yorkers are living and working in a 21st Century economy, but too many of our workplace policies are stuck back in the ‘Mad Men’ era. Sadly, that’s especially true for the dedicated men and women who keep our state government running. This bill is a solid step toward workplace flexibility — and a better work-life balance — for state employees,” said Kavanagh.
CM Williams Rallies For Summer Youth Employment Program Expansion
City Council member Jumaane Williams (D-Flatbush, East Flatbush, Midwood) will rally with students in support of the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) this week.
Williams alongside elected officials and advocates will call for the programs expansion in the FY19 Budget. The program does not currently have the capacity for universal placement, leaving many youths without a summer job opportunity.
The Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) currently provides six weeks of summer employment to 70,000 youth aged 14-24 around the five boroughs. SYEP also provides workshops on job readiness, career exploration, financial literacy, and opportunities to continue education and social growth.
The event is slated for 4 p.m., Thursday, June 7, on the Steps of City Hall in Lower Manhattan.
Persaud Sponsors Bill Addressing Use of Electronic Signatures
State Senator Roxanne J. Persaud (D-Canarsie, East New York, Brownsville, Mill Basin, Sheepshead Bay, Bergen Beach, Marine Park, Flatlands, Mill Island, Georgetown, Ocean Hill, Starrett City) sponsored a bill to address the use of another’s electronic signature without consent yesterday.
On Monday, the New York State Senate passed Senate Bill S1199A which amends current state law to allow for use of another individual’s signature in order to conduct business or facilitate personal matters, with the intention that it will be used just once, and solely for the purpose, it was intended.
“We must put measures in place to protect the hardworking people in the state. The security and privacy of New Yorkers is a top priority. Breaches of security affect everyone. If we are to do business with confidence, then it is imperative that we protect internet users by limiting the dangers associated with fraud,” said Persaud.
Dilan Introduces Traffic Safety, Congestion Legislation
State Senators Martin Malavé Dilan (D-Bushwick, East New York, Ocean Hill/Brownsville) and Liz Krueger (D-Manhattan) alongside Assembly member Harvey Epstein (D-Manhattan) announced yesterday the introduction of a bill designed to address congestion and improve bus service while also enhancing public safety.
The legislation (S8597/10882) removes caps on automated enforcement cameras for bus lanes and traffic lights in the city of New York and makes these programs permanent. The legislation also creates a graduated schedule of fines for repeat offenders and directs revenue from fines to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA).
The new bill aims to create a funding source for the expansion of bus lanes and red light cameras across the five boroughs. Specifically, the measure raises the maximum fine from a red-light camera from $50 to $100 and institutes a graduated fine schedule for repeat offenders of both bus lanes and red lights to provide as an added deterrent for these offenses. The funds raised from the fines are then directed to the general transportation account of the New York City transportation assistance fund established in the 2018-19 budget to provide additional revenue to the MTA.
The New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) and the MTA have both released plans for improving bus service that include expanded use of bus lanes and bus lane enforcement cameras along more bus routes in the city. However, state law currently limits the use of bus lane enforcement cameras to just 16 bus routes in the city. NYC DOT has installed additional bus lanes beyond the designated 16, but lacks the ability to enforce them with cameras, limiting their effectiveness as drivers often violate them with impunity.
“Transportation policy needs to reflect the impact it has on people’s lives. It is as much about public safety, public health and finance, as it is the ability to get from one place to another reliably and safely. A breakdown in any one of its many interconnected parts, echoes through out. If camera’s can calm dangerous intersections, they should be installed. If city transit has a bus revitalization plan, it requires enforcement. If fines can fund transit investments, they should. We need to protect people, and keep them moving, quicker,” said Dilan.
Donovan Lauds Trump’s First 500 Days in Office
Congressman Dan Donovan (R-South Brooklyn, Staten Island) applauded President Donald Trump’s first 500 Days in Office yesterday.
On Monday, the 45th President of the United States marked his first 500 Days in Office since being sworn in on January 20 of this year. The presidency has been highlighted by a series of controversial decisions including the elimination of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and Temporary Protected Status (TPS) immigration programs. However, Trump has also been celebrated by supporters for his strong stance on international treaties and tariffs.
Trump celebrated the occasion, calling it his “500 Days of Strengthening the American Economy”, and stating, “We’re lifting up forgotten communities, creating exciting new opportunities, and helping every American find their path to the American Dream — the dream of a great job, a safe home, and a better life for their children.”
“Everywhere you look, America is winning again under President Trump’s leadership. Our enemies fear us, ISIS is decimated, consumer confidence is at a 17-year high, unemployment is at a 17-year low, and our borders and communities are more secure. President Trump has kept promise after promise, and I’m continuing to work with him and my colleagues to keep the wins coming,” said Donovan.
