BK Lawmakers Weigh In On Trump’s State of the Union Address
Congressman Max Rose (D-South Brooklyn, Staten Island), Assembly member Nicole Malliotakis (R,C,I, REF-Brooklyn, Staten Island) and City Council member Jumaane Williams (D-Flatbush, East Flatbush, Midwood) reacted to President Donald Trump’s State of the Union Address yesterday.
On Tuesday night, Trump delivered his annual national address in which the main theme was unification and compromise over division, according to CNBC. Trump announced a second North Korea summit at the end of February and re-affirmed his commitment to building a border wall. He also called for an end to investigations into his administration and for bipartisan cooperation, among other appeals during the national address.
A highlight of the night, was Trump’s recognition of the record number of job creation for women, which prompted the cheering of Democratic congresswomen in the crowd who were were dressed in white to celebrate the 100th anniversary of gaining the right to vote, to stand and applaud each other.
“Tonight is the easy part, but tomorrow we have to get to work. The president is right, the American people are united around doing something to lower healthcare costs, rebuild our infrastructure, and end the opioid epidemic. Let’s do our jobs and get the results the American people expect of us,” said Rose.
“Tonight, in his State of the Union speech, President Trump celebrated America’s history of greatness and called for unity and compromise to solve the problems that all Americans want to see addressed for the good of our nation. These issues are not Democrat or Republican issues. President Trump has offered an olive branch and now it’s up to Speaker Pelosi, Senator Schumer and the Democrats in Congress to stop placating the most radical members of their party and negotiate in good faith to achieve the best deal on behalf of the American people,” said Malliotakis.
“First of all, let me be clear. Donald Trump does not speak for the United States of America. In this speech, he again displayed to the Congress and the American people unrivaled ignorance and division. Know that while this has always been America, that’s not the full story. There have also always been people who fight back against injustice, a Resistance. These are the people who create change. The State of the Union is not found in poll-tested phrases, nor cheap applause lines. Millions will continue the fight to repair that state, no matter what the President says in his moment of dishonest, disingenuous pageantry,” said Williams.
Persaud Honors Jackie Robinson’s 100th Birthday During Black History Month
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) introduced legislation yesterday commemorating the 100th birthday of Jackie Robinson during Black History Month.
On Feb. 5, the Senate adopted Resolution J366, which honors Robinson, professional baseball player for the Brooklyn Dodgers and the first African American to play in Major League Baseball, a week after the anniversary of his 100th birthday. He is best known for breaking the color barrier in the MLB and an exceptional career in baseball.
Robinson, born on Jan. 31, 1919, joined the Dodgers in 1947 and was soon named Rookie of the Year for his extraordinary ball playing. He went on to achieve All-Star status, become the first African American player to win the Most Valuable Player Award and helped the Dodgers win their first World Series championship in franchise history. Additionally, the MLB retired his uniform number, which was a first for a major American sports league, and named April 15 “Jackie Robinson Day,” where every player on every team wears his signature No. 42.
Persaud pushed for adoption of the resolution with the aim of commending Robinson and individuals like him who have contributed to the historic richness and ethnic diversity of New York, which is also where he lived while playing for the Dodgers — at 5224 Tilden Ave in Brooklyn, known today as the Jackie Robinson House and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
“In New York, Jackie Robinson is a household name, yet his impact on equality stretched beyond baseball and across the state and country. He inspired us to believe in our own abilities and respect each other regardless,” said Persaud.
Cymbrowitz Applauds Appointment Of New Interim Chair of NYCHA
Assembly member Steven Cymbrowitz (D-Sheepshead Bay, Manhattan Beach, Brighton Beach), Chair of the Assembly’s Housing Committee, applauded yesterday the appointment of Kathryn Garcia as New York City Housing Authority’s (NYCHA) new Interim Chair.
On Tuesday, Mayor Bill de Blasio appointed Garcia to as Interim Chair of city’s embattled public housing authority, succeeding Stanley Brezenoff who will depart later this month.
Garcia will serve as Interim Chair while the City begins the process of selecting a permanent head of the authority. As outlined in the agreement, the City, Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Southern District of New York (SDNY) have a month to develop a list of candidates. The City will then have an additional month to select a permanent Chair and CEO from this list.
Garcia previously worked as the Commissioner of the Department of Sanitation being appointed in March 2014. She has also served as Chief Operating Officer at the New York City Department of Environmental Protection, where she was responsible for the operation of the City’s water supply, water and sewer system, and wastewater treatment plants. Kathryn earned her Bachelor of Arts in Economics and History at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
“During the short period of time that Stanley Brezenoff has been Interim Chair of NYCHA, he has done a remarkable job of getting the agency back on course during a very difficult period. I congratulate Kathryn Garcia on her appointment as NYCHA’s new Interim Chair, and I look forward to working with her and General Manager Vito Mustaciuolo as we continue to address NYCHA’s significant capital needs in order to ensure the safety and security of all NYCHA residents,” said Cymbrowitz.
Maimonides Breast Center To Receive Gift From Artist Saladeen
Maimonides Medical Center announced this week that contemporary artist King Saladeen will donate his art piece titled, “The Fight to Find a Cure” during a special unveiling to be held at the Maimonides Breast Center.
The piece aligns perfectly with the Breast Center’s mission to support and inspire patients in their fight against breast cancer.
The program for the unveiling will include welcoming remarks from Kenneth D. Gibbs, Maimonides President and CEO; and Dr. Patrick Borgen, Chair of Surgery and Director of the Breast Center. Highlights will include King Saladeen’s remarks following the unveiling as well as survival stories from two Maimonides Breast Cancer patients.
