Mosley, Salazar Call For Passage Of Safer New York Act
Assembly member Walter T. Mosley (D-Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, Crown Heights) and State Senator Julia Salazar (D-Bushwick, Bedford-Stuyvesant, East New York, Ocean Hill/Brownsville) will rally alongside police reform groups today to call on the state legislature and Governor Andrew Cuomo to pass the Safer New York Act and repeal 50-a, New York’s police secrecy law.
The Safer New York Act is a package of bills that would increase police transparency and accountability, and enhance public safety in communities across New York.
One significant component of the measure is a bill to repeal 50-a, which states in part that “All personnel records used to evaluate performance toward continued employment or promotion, under the control of any police agency…shall be considered confidential and not subject to inspection or review” without a lawful court order or written officer consent.
The the controversial state law is frequently used by the New York Police Department (NYPD) and other police departments to block police misconduct and discipline records.
The event is slated for 12-noon, today, Feb 12, Million Dollar Staircase, State Capitol Building in Albany.
Espinal Ramps Up Fight Against Plastic Pollution In NYC
City Council member Rafael Espinal (D-Bushwick, Brownsville, Cypress Hills, East New York) will announce new innovative legislation he is set to introduce that will ban certain forms of single-use plastics.
Espinal has been a leading voice on the problem of plastic pollution. Last May, he introduced legislation that would ban all non-biodegradable plastic straws and stirrers in New York City food service establishments.
The move was part of a nationwide movement to address the environmental impact of plastic, and follows similar bans in Seattle, Malibu, and Miami Beach. If passed, the bill would make New York City the largest city to institute a ban of this type.
Plastic pollution is a growing problem throughout the world. It is estimated that there are currently about 5 trillion pieces of plastic floating in the world’s oceans, including a large concentration in the Pacific Ocean roughly the size of Texas. On our current trajectory, by 2050 there will be more plastic in the oceans by weight than fish. These pieces of plastic decimate marine life, and some research has suggested that it could have adverse impacts on human health as well.
The event is slated for 11 a.m., Wednesday, Feb. 13, at Package Free, 137 Grand Street in Williamsburg.
Malliotakis Introduces Bill To Prohibit Supervised Injection Sites
Assembly member Nicole Malliotakis (R,C,I,Ref -Brooklyn, Staten Island) introduced legislation this week that amends the public health law and the education law, prohibiting supervised injection sites across New York state.
The introduction comes almost a year after Mayor Bill de Blasio’s first announced plans to open four supervised injection sites across New York City, allowing heroin users to shoot up with clean supplies in a “safe” space.
Malliotakis has been a staunch opponent of the Mayor’s proposal, pushing to keep heroin injection sites out of the city and state. Last year, she wrote a letter to the U.S. Attorney General and received assurance from the Department of Justice that their “agents and prosecutors will not stand idly by while misguided, dangerous, and destructive federal criminal violations take place” and that “the Department, as always, will enforce the law where prosecution will serve a substantial federal interest.”
The Assemblywoman cites the lack of sufficient evidence like a 2010 analysis of injection sites in Australia, that found 7% of clients who attended the center more than 98 times in a year were still injecting 80% of the time outside the center, while the 26% who visited 10-98 times per year injected 95% of the time on the street, in a car, a toilet, at home or someone else’s home, as proof of the unsuccessfulness of injection sites.
“It is time for our government to take responsibility and end this epidemic by prohibiting supervised injection sites, educating our youth about the dangers of opioids, offering addicts effective treatment and focusing on getting hardened drug dealers who poison our children off the streets. Lets be proactive, not reactive,” said Malliotakis.
Felder To Hold Medicare Rights Seminar
State Senator Simcha Felder (D-Borough Park, Midwood) wil hold a medicare rights seminar this week.
The event will help seniors to apply and navigate the Medicare process. Medicare provides affordable health care for people over 65, but the various options often leave new enrollees with questions about coverage, eligibility and costs.
“Transitioning to Medicare can be daunting, especially for people navigating the system for the first time. If you are struggling to understand all your rights and responsibilities under Medicare, you are not alone,” said Felder.
“If you are turning 65 this year, experienced counselors are here to guide you and answer all your questions. People are always relieved when they leave the seminar knowing how to proceed with confidence,” added Felder.
The event is slated for 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 13, at 4623 16th Avenue.
Space is limited and appointments are required, please call 718-484-3216.
Ortiz Introduces “Green New Deal” Legislation
Assistant Speaker Assembly member Felix W. Ortiz (D-Red Hook, Sunset Park) announced yesterday the he is sponsoring the “Green New Deal for New York Act” in the State Assembly (A.5334/S.2817-A).
The legislation will establish a new “Green Deal For New York” task force. The task force would develop a plan, along with legislative language, for New York State to become greenhouse gas emissions neutral by 2030 by transitioning from a fossil fuel–based economy to one based on one-hundred percent clean renewable energy.
The legislation is co-sponsored in the Senate by Senator James Sanders (D-Queens).
“The time has come to take serious steps that will allow us as a state to step away from energy that destroys our environment. The Green New Deal will place New York State on track to be fully powered by renewable energy by 2030 and help protect our residents, our state, and our future,” said Ortiz.
Treyger Holds Free TASC Prep Course Events
City Council member Mark Treyger (D-Coney Island, Bensonhurst) will hold a series of Free TASC Prep Courses for individuals looking to get their High School Equivalency (HSE) Diploma, starting next month.
The events will give individuals an opportunity to prepare for getting a HSE or General Education Diploma (GED). The courses will include meals, assistance with child care, case management, counseling, job readiness training, and help with pursuing employment opportunities.
The courses are set to start next month, those interested must be 19 years or older, must take a Math or Reading test to start and attend the orientation.
Reading Test Dates:
Feb. 13, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Math Dates:
Feb. 12 & 14, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Orientation:
Feb. 15, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
All test will be administered at the O’Dwyer Community Center, at 2945 West 33rd Street (between Surf & Mermaid Avenues) in Coney Island. For more information, those interested can call 718-310-5677 or 718-387-1600
