Persaud Applauds New Law Protecting Barber Shops, Beauty Shops, and Salons
State Sen. Roxanne Persaud (D-Canarsie, East New York, Brownsville, Mill Basin, Sheepshead Bay, Bergen Beach, Marine Park, Flatlands, Mill Island, Georgetowne, Ocean Hill, Starrett City ) applauded Gov. Andrew Cuomo for signing into law this week a measure adding further protections for barber shops, beauty shops, and salons.
Previously, these businesses were victim of a loophole in the state Penal Code that prevented shop owners from pressing charges against those who left without paying for the services provided.
“Beauty salons and barber shops are no different than other small businesses whose livelihoods depend on the support of their communities,” Cuomo said. “This legislation closes a nonsensical loophole, and gives these businesses equal protection under the law once and for all.”
Persaud said signing the legislation into law puts more focus on the community-wide importance of safeguarding hair-service businesses and bringing them equality under the law.
“Barbershops, beauty shops, and salons are integral to our local communities. For years, they have acted as social hubs, where community members not only receive hair services, but also interact and talk about issues in their own lives, and by extension, within the neighborhood,” said Persaud. “However, these small businesses rely on income from providing hair services to stay open. Ensuring that those who steal hair-services face criminal penalties will help these businesses prevent financial hardship by deterring potential offenders.”
Cumbo Introduces Measure To Better Enforce City’s Current Lead Laws
City Councilwoman Laurie Cumbo (D-Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, Prospect Heights, Crown Heights) this week introduced a comprehensive package of bills to better enforce the City’s current lead laws and address the gaps and shortcomings that continue to result in devastating consequences for far too many children and families.
“I can think of nothing more important than our children’s health, safety and well-being, which is why I’m proud to put forth Intro 1117, which puts the power of action and knowledge in the hands of the people by informing parents that they may obtain a free lead testing kit for drinking water from the Department of Environmental Protection, send a sample of their drinking water to a laboratory free of charge, and receive the results of such analysis within 30 days. This bill, as part of the larger package, seeks to remedy the shameful fact that we as a city have not kept up with our own laws and best practices regarding lead,” said Cumbo, adding that this is a preventable issue that no parent should have to face.
Cumbo said the problem of lead in homes, schools and parks has impacted the most vulnerable in the city for far too long.
“We cannot allow them to remain forgotten because they are poor or Black or live in public housing or are too young to speak up for themselves or to vote. It is the responsibility of this body to speak up for those who cannot, and to make sure our eyes and ears are to the ground in every corner of this city. And today we are saying to the families who have suffered from these tremendous failures: we hear you and we will do everything we can to remedy this inexcusable situation,” she said.
Cumbo noted that in 2017, 4,261 New York City children tested positive for elevated blood levels.
Williams Introduces Legislation Bringing More Transparency To NYPD Body-Worn Cameras
City Council Member Jumaane D. Williams (D-Flatbush, East Flatbush, Midwood) this week introduced legislation aimed at bringing transparency and accountability to the usage of body-worn cameras by the NYPD.
The legislation, Intro 1136, would require public reporting on the number of officers utilizing body-worn cameras, and the activities captured on video as a result. It would also mandate disclosure of whether those videos were used in any internal investigations of officer conduct.
Specifically, the legislation says that the “department shall submit to the speaker of the council, and make publicly available on the department’s website, a report related to the department’s use of body-worn cameras.” That report would lay out the number of officers equipped with cameras, the incidents captured by those cameras, any use of force incidents recorded, as well as whether the footage lead to any internal affairs reviews.
The information required for reporting under Intro. 1136 would also include the race, gender, and age of parties who were subject to any law enforcement activity captured by body-worn cameras.
“While this administration is able to point to some important successful police reforms, it cannot be claimed in the areas of accountability and transparency,” said Williams. “That officers are being equipped with body cameras is only effective if there is transparency regarding what they capture. It seems too often, footage is only released when it puts police activity in a positive light. With this bill, the public and the Council will receive key information on how to make the body camera program as effective as possible at improving safety and promoting justice.”
Reynoso To Celebrate Installation of 30 Art Signs In Bushwick
City Council Member Antonio Reynoso (D-Bushwick, Williamsburg) today will join with students of EBC High School, local artist Tom Gleisner, and the City’s Department of Transportation’s Art Program in celebration of 30 art signs recently installed on Broadway between Madison Street and Myrtle Avenue in Bushwick.
Students from local EBC High School first had the idea for this project as a way to beautify the corridor and change the narrative of Broadway, a street that is often thought of as unsightly and uninspiring. The 30 art signs depict prominent and influential historical figures in the hopes of bringing a source of inspiration and beauty to local residents, while helping to create a more positive narrative for Broadway and the surrounding area.
This project is part of a long term campaign called “Brighten Broadway” and has been made possible through the collaboration of DOT Art’s “Arterventions” Program; former EBC teacher and local artist Tom Gleisner, who directed the production of artwork; the Public Service Artists Guild; and EBC students who created the artwork now on display.
The event is slated for 11 a.m., today, Sept. 28 in front of EBC High School, 1155 Dekalb Avenue in Bushwick.
VIDA Celebrates 45th Anniversary
The Vanguard Independent Democratic Association (VIDA) will honor the tremendous contributions of it’s founding members, labor and community leaders as part of its 45th Anniversary celebration.
The event is slated for between 6-9 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 11 at Giando’s On The Water | 400 Kent Avenue in Williamsburg. To purchase tickets, a journal ad, or a sponsorship, please click on this link http://www.vidabk.com/.
