Lancman Bail Bill Of Rights Signed Into Law
City Council Member Rory Lancman (D-Kew Gardens Hills, Pomonok, Electchester, Fresh Meadows, Hillcrest, Jamaica Estates, Briarwood, Parkway Village, Jamaica Hills, Jamaica) yesterday saw Mayor Bill de Blasio yesterday sign into law two bills he sponsored known as the Bail Bond Consumer Bill of Rights.
The first measure, Int. 510-B, requires bail bond agents to post a sign prepared by Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) containing information regarding maximum premiums or compensation under state law, and how to file a complaint with DCA.
The second measure, Int. 724-A, requires DCA to produce a consumer bill of rights for those seeking bail bond services, requires bail bond agents to post a sign containing the information about the business, and adds additional protections for consumers seeking bail bond services.
“Today New York City takes a meaningful step forward towards treating bail bonds as the dangerous consumer financial products they have always been. My bill requires bail bond businesses to post the rules they are required to follow so that vulnerable New Yorkers are informed about the laws that protect them,” said Lancman. “The city must do everything in its power to ensure that bail bond businesses follow the rules the state has already laid out.”
Vallone Bill Providing Better Senior Center Oversight Signed Into Law
City Council Member Paul Vallone (D-Auburndale, Bay Terrace, Bayside, Beechhurst, College Point, Douglaston, Flushing, Little Neck, Malba, Whitestone) yesterday saw Mayor de Blasio sign his bill, Int. 399-B,requiring the Department of the Aging to report annually on participant attendance, services, budgets, costs, and rates of utilization at senior centers signed into law.
“The fact that the core of Department for the Aging’s service portfolio is the agency’s citywide network of 246 contracted senior centers frequently providing educational programs, congregate and home delivered meals, recreational programming, along with a variety of essential services, truly speaks to the importance of these centers and the population they serve,” said Vallone, chair of the Committee on Economic Development.
“This bill will provide not just greater transparency, but also better understanding and insight for our senior centers in the hope that we can help adequately provide essential services to the population that needs it the most.”
Peralta Presents Citation to Hero Rookie Cop
State Sen. Jose Peralta (D-Corona, East Elmhurst, Elmhurst, Jackson Heights, Woodside) yesterday presented a state citation to police officer Osvaldo Nuñez, assigned to the 115th Police Precinct, for saving the life of an infant girl who was unresponsive after her mother brought her to the precinct.
Rebeca Alarcon ran with her 20-month-old toddler to the 115th Precinct after noticing her daughter stopped breathing. Officer Nuñez, who was right outside the precinct, immediately came to her rescue. He placed the baby on the ground and performed CPR. After, baby Leah began responding and open her eyes.
“Office Nuñez is a true hero. He saved the life of baby Leah who was having difficulties breathing and unresponsive. He is a hero to me, to Leah’s family, to the community and to the entire city. Thank you, Officer Nuñez,” said Peralta.
Officer Nuñez, who grew up in Queens, recently graduated from the police academy.
Avella Introduces Legislation Allowing National Guard Members to Receive Veterans Exemption
State Sen. Tony Avella (D-College Point, Whitestone, Bayside, Flushing, Jamaica Estates, Fresh Meadows, Bellerose, Floral Park, Jamaica, Douglaston, Little Neck, Auburndale, Kissena Park, Briarwood) yesterday announced his newly introduced legislation aimed at allowing men and women who served in the country’s National Guard to receive the Veterans Alternative Exemption.
The proposed bill, S9138, builds on Avella’s previous efforts to update state laws to expand the Alternative Veterans’ Exemption to those who served during the Global War on Terrorism as well as in the conflict in the Balkans. By passing these pieces of legislation, the state can properly honor all of those who have served our country.
“Those who sign up to the National Guard sacrifice their time and often put their lives at risk for our country in times of crisis. They have been called to duty when our state, and our country, has needed them most, such as following the attacks on 9/11 and during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan,” said Avella.
“That is why I, after discovering that these heroes were not entitled to veterans’ property tax benefits, have developed and introduced legislation, S.9138, to give them access to the Alternative Veterans Exemption. This measure will put New York State law on par with federal law, which includes those who served in the National Guard under the definition of a veteran.”
Addabbo Partners With Glendale Food Pantry & Girls Scouts For School Supply Drive
State Sen. Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach, Ozone Park, Woodhaven, Glendale, Middle Village, Maspethand parts of South Ozone Park, Ridgewood, Woodside, the Rockaways) has partnered with the Girl Scouts of America Troop 4791 and the Sacred Heart Food Pantry in Glendale for a school supply drive.
For the entire month of August, Addabbo’s Middle Village office and the Girl Scouts will be collecting school supplies to benefit students and parents who may not be able to afford school supplies and personal hygiene products before school starts again in September.
“With two children in the school system, I understand how difficult it can be for parents to purchase all of the necessary items on their school supply lists,” Addabbo said. “The growing number of supplies students need can become quite expensive, especially if a family has more than one student attending school at the same time. Hopefully this drive can provide these families who are assisted by the Sacred Heart Food Pantry some of the items that they need.”
The school supplies needed include:
- Pens and pencils;
- Folders;
- Loose-leaf paper;
- Highlighters;
- Crayons;
- Notebooks;
- Three-ring binders.
While the personal hygiene products requested include:
- Bar soap, deodorant, shaving items, and shampoo;
- Facial tissues;
- Toothpaste, toothbrushes, and mouthwash;
- Band aids;
- Disposable diapers;
- Feminine products;
- Sunscreen.
At the end of the drive, on August 31, Addabbo’s office will deliver the collected goods to the Sacred Heart Food Pantry in Glendale. The pantry will then hand out the items to parents and families in need from around the neighborhood.
In order to donate, visit Addabbo’s Middle Village office located at 66-85 73rd Place, or call 718- 497-1630.
