Eugene, De Blasio Remind Residents Health Insurance Deadline Coming Up
City Council Member Mathieu Eugene (D-Flatbush, East Flatbush, Lefferts Gardens) yesterday joined Mayor Bill de Blasio at Kings County Hospital for a rally to remind New Yorkers of the January 31 open enrollment deadline to sign up for health insurance through the GetCoveredNYC Program.
A longtime advocate for universal access to quality healthcare, Eugene spoke on the importance of providing healthcare to all New Yorkers, regardless of income level or ethnic background. He also spoke on the necessity of providing healthcare services to underserved New Yorkers, which will lessen the burden on the government than if they are uninsured and require medical care.
“I am grateful to the Mayor for choosing this place, Kings County Hospital, a wonderful institution where medical professionals are working hard every single day to keep New Yorkers healthy,” said Eugene. “I also want to commend and thank the leadership and CEO of Kings County Hospital for the work they do serving the community. As many of us who work in public office and for different city agencies know, in the city of New York, there are many programs available to help people, but not everyone takes advantage of them, even when they are qualified. Not everyone sees the importance of these great programs, but today, I am proud to be part of an innovative concept, because we are doing outreach to them. I am a strong advocate for health, and I pledge to continue to work together with the mayor to ensure that everyone in my district registers for healthcare coverage.”
Clarke, Ortiz Decry Supreme Court Decision On Transgender Military Ban
U.S. Rep. Yvette D. Clarke (D-Brownsville, Crown Heights, East Flatbush, Flatbush, Kensington, Midwood, Prospect Heights, Prospect Lefferts Gardens, Park Slope) and Assembly Member Felix Ortiz (D-Sunset Park, Red Hook) yesterday decried the U.S. Supreme Court decision allowing the Trump administration to begin enforcing its ban on transgender service members in the military.
“Donald Trump’s ban on transgender Americans serving in our nation’s military is extremely calculated, cruel, and inhumane. Its sole purpose was to dehumanize and degrade brave women and men seeking to serve their country and further divides our nation,” said Clarke.
“I am very concerned that the Supreme Court is permitting this ban to proceed for now, providing a year of uncertainty for our military and creating an opening for hatred, bigotry, and discrimination to take root. This was a shameful decision by SCOTUS that weakens our military and our nation. Transgender Americans are not a burden and deserve to serve with dignity,” she added.
Ortiz said the U.S. Supreme Court made a mistake by approving a terrible policy that endorses discrimination in the armed forces and undermines the nation’s national security by keeping talented and dedicated people from serving their country.
“The President’s awful ban on transgender troops treats dedication and sacrifice with hate and it takes our nation in the wrong direction by undermining our nation’s commitment to ensuring equal rights. I join with New York’s transgender community. While Washington governs through hatred and divisiveness, we will fight back to ensure that every person is treated with respect,” said Ortiz.
Savino Makes Key Appointments for Internet and Technology Committee
State Sen. Diane Savino (D-Coney Island, Sunset Park, Staten Island), chair of the newly created Committee on Internet and Technology, this week appointed cyber security strategist Adriana Babino as Senior Advisor to the Committee on Internet and Technology & Richard Mulvaney as Counsel.
As chair, Savino plans to focus heavily on labor laws in relation to the gig economy, security and privacy, as well as use her extensive labor history knowledge to protect workers, all while ensuring New York State is ahead of the curve with innovating trends.
“With a brand new committee, it is imperative that we hit the ground running” said Savino. “Ms. Babino has extensive knowledge of the industry, specializing in cybersecurity. The world is moving at an extremely fast pace. Mr. Mulvaney is a well seasoned attorney who will ensure that were properly crafting and examining the law within our jurisdiction. I am excited for both of these experienced leaders to be joining my team and help us move New York forward with so many new innovations coming down the pipeline .”
Wright Holds Community Forum For Brooklyn Parent Leaders
Assemblymember Tremaine Wright (D-Bedford-Stuyvesant, Northern Crown Heights) tonight will hold a community forum in the district for Brooklyn parent leaders with Mayor Bill de Blasio and Schools Chancellor Richard Carranza.
Come to discuss parent empowerment in New York City’s school system and meet with elected officials and other Brooklyn parents.
The forum is slated for 5:30 p.m., today, Jan. 23 at Boys and Girls High School, 1700 Fulton Street in Bedford-Stuyvesant.
Cumbo Holds Informational Session For Non-Profits
City Council Member Laurie Cumbo (D-Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, Prospect Heights, Crown Heights) is holding information sessions and conference calls for non-profits seeking New York City Council Discretionary Funding.
To be eligible for funding, organizations must have a valid not-for-profit status with the IRS, and be registered with the NYS Charities Bureau.
The first session is slated for 6 p.m., tonight at the Dweck Center of the Central branch of the Brooklyn Public Library, 10 Grand Army Plaza at Grand Army Plaza.
