Golden Hails New York Gaming Expansion
State Sen. Martin J. Golden (R-Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights, Bensonhurst, Marine Park, Gerritsen Beach, Gravesend, parts of Sheepshead Bay, Borough Park, Midwood), yesterday commended the Empire State Development and Vicarious Visions for the digital gaming firm’s announcement that they are expanding New York operations by 115 employees, as well as, developing a new $7.3 million state-of-the-art studio backed by $2 million in State incentives.
“Make no mistake about it – there is big money in video games. The size of the gaming industry is about $79 billion worldwide. In the United States, video gaming is an $18.4 billion a year industry. In New York State, where we have a highly educated work force, backed with incubators designed to encourage these small businesses, we generate less than $200 million. We should do more. We must do more,” said Senator Golden.
Senate Bill 3159-A would provide a meaningful incentive program for the digital gaming industry in New York State. The bill, sponsored by Senator Golden, would offset 25 percent of digital games production expenses done within the state. Expenses include property used or wages and salaries paid to game developers, for areas such as concept creation and game design.
“The expansion of Vicarious Visions in New York is great news. It also highlights the need for a production credit for start-up firms. Our state has so much to offer from high-tech hubs tied to institutes of higher learning. Incubators that are designed to give small businesses the support they need to get off the ground. By investing in gaming we would be creating an opportunity to become the new Silicon Valley. I would look forward to working with the Governor to grow this industry in our State,” said Golden.
Williams Intern Class Sees Government Firsthand At City Hall
City Council Member Jumaane D. Williams (D-Flatbush, East Flatbush, Midwood) this week had his summer intern class see firsthand how city government operates as they made a trip to city hall for the Council’s Stated Meeting. During Stated meetings, large amounts of legislation are put before the full body for deliberation and a vote.
The intern class took the opportunity to watch the proceedings from the balcony of Council Chambers as a number of important bills were discussed and voted upon. These included a proposed street co-naming by Council Member Williams, creating Jean-Jacques Dessalines Blvd. in Flatbush. The measure passed overwhelmingly.
The summer class of 2018 interns come from all different backgrounds and schools, including many from the 45th District. They work in various departments, including legislative, community outreach and constituent affairs. The group visiting on Wednesday operate primarily out of the district office in East Flatbush. Williams has made it a priority to open up internship opportunities at his district and legislative offices, providing summer employment for youth throughout the city. It is his hope that other local businesses will follow his example in providing youth the space for much-needed growth.
“It’s exciting to see young people who are so interested in engaging with city government,” said Williams. “A summer job helps develop essential skills for students, and it’s always been a priority for me to create opportunities in my office for that growth. I want to thank them for all of their hard work.”
Espinal Hosts Street Co-Naming for Gold Star Recipient Rasheed Sahib
City Council Member Rafael Espinal (DBushwick, East New York) will gather with friends, family and military officials today to host a street co-naming in honor and memory of Rasheed Sahib, a Gold Star recipient
Specialist Rasheed Sahib was a resident of Bushwick who emigrated from Guyana with his mother when he was three years old. He tragically lost his life 15 years ago while serving in Iraq, at the age of 22. His ambition was to become an FBI agent and he planned to go to college at the end of his service in Iraq, which began only a few weeks after the invasion of the country.
He was assigned to 20th Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Texas
The co-naming event is slated for 10 a.m., today, Aug. 10 at the corner of Woodbine Street and Irving Avenue in Bushwick.
Ortiz Backs Tighter Regulations of Ride Hailing Industry
Assembly Member and Assistant Speaker Felix W. Ortiz (D-Sunset Park, Red Hook) yesterday voiced full support for the City Council’s regulatory legislation over the ride-hailing industry.
The council’s action is a step forward to insure that riders and drivers are protected from an unregulated car ride system,” said Ortiz.
“Tighter control over the ride-hailing industry, including a “cap” on the number of drivers for companies including Uber and Lyft, will also help control traffic throughout the city, especially in communities where streets have been gridlocked from the proliferation on unregulated ride share cars,” said Ortiz.
“We also have to protect New York’s 30,000 medallion cab drivers from underpriced competition from ride-hail companies and the estimated 80,000 drivers they’ve hired. I’ve supported tightening the ride-hail industry for several years after first discovering how these companies raised their prices and began gouging riders for higher fares. My assembly legislation would provide for state regulation over this kind of price gouging,” he added.
