Deutsch Pushes Hate Crime Prevention Office Following Discovery Of Swastikas
City Councilman Chaim Deutsch (D-Sheepshead Bay, Manhattan Beach, Brighton Beach, Homecrest, Midtown) yesterday called for the quick implementation of the new mayoral office of Hate Crime Prevention following the discovery of swastikas yesterday at Brighton Playground in Brighton Beach.
“If it seems like every morning you’re waking up to news of another hate crime in New York City, well, that’s actually accurate. In the 56 days since 2019 started, there have been at least 62 reported hate crimes. That’s a 55% increase as compared to this time last year,” said Deutsch, who chairs the Council Jewish Caucus.
“With hate crimes – particularly anti-Semitic motivated crimes – on the rise, it’s clear that the time for talking has passed. We need decisive action, and we need it now. Over a month ago, the City Council passed a package of bills sponsored by myself and my colleagues Mark Levine and Donovan Richards, that would create a new mayoral office of Hate Crime Prevention. This office would be responsible for conducting outreach and education throughout New York City about the dire impacts of hatred, bias, and anti-Semitism. This needs to be implemented quickly, and I call upon the Mayor to make it his top priority.
The proliferation of anti-Semitic hate crimes has created an atmosphere of fear among Jewish New Yorkers. It’s unconscionable that in the most diverse city in the world, residents are frightened that they are being targeted because of their religious identification.”
Adams Encourages Brooklynites To Take Part In America Saves Week
Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams yesterday encouraged Brooklynites to take part in America Saves Week, a nationwide campaign managed by the non-profit Consumer Federation of America that seeks to motivate, encourage, and support low- to moderate-income households to save money, reduce debt, and build wealth.
Ahead of his annual proclamation of April as Financial Education Empowerment Month in Brooklyn, Adams highlighted the importance for families to make smart budgeting decisions, avoid financial scams, and monitor their expenses.
“Brooklyn can’t thrive if its families can’t survive on their finances,” said Adams. “In partnership with organizations in the financial services, grassroots, and small business communities, my administration has organized and supported hundreds of free educational opportunities across our borough since 2014, which have taught thousands of our neighbors the necessary skills to make wise decisions with their dollars. When we save, we strengthen our household resilience in the tough times and growth potential in the better times.”
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the American personal savings rate is at 6.0 percent of disposable income, its lowest level since the 2008 financial crisis, and is continuing a 60-year downward trend line.
Simon & Kavanagh’s Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) Legislation Becomes Law
Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon (D-Carroll Gardens, Cobble Hill, Downtown Brooklyn, Boerum Hill) yesterday saw Gov. Andrew Cuomo sign into law the Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO), or “red flag” bill (A2689), which she sponsored along with State Sen. Brian Kavanagh (D-Northern Brooklyn, Lower Manhattan).
ERPO creates a new type of court-issued order of protection that temporarily prohibits individuals from purchasing or possessing guns if a family member, law enforcement officer, or school administrator petitions a court and the court finds that the individual is likely to engage in conduct that would harm themselves or others.
Also in attendance were Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi, advocates, and Linda Beigel Schulman, whose son, Scott Beigel, was killed while he was saving his students at the school shooting in Parkland, Florida, last year.
“Today was a historic day in New York as we took decisive action to prevent gun violence and save lives. Too often, we are able to see the warning signs that an individual close to us poses a risk of serious harm to themselves or to others, but lack a mechanism to prevent unthinkable tragedies such as interpersonal gun violence or suicide. This law will change that. This legislation will give family members, law enforcement, and school personnel the tools they need to prevent these kinds of tragedies before they happen,” said Simon.
“Gun violence is shaking our country to its core, with over 100 people killed every day by guns. The number of gun deaths is rising, with around 40,000 people losing their lives to gun violence each year. Temporarily preventing a person in crisis from accessing firearms can mean the difference between life and death.”
Ortiz Calls For Better Mass Transit For all New Yorkers
Assemblymember & Assistant Speaker Félix W. Ortiz (D-Sunset Park, Red Hook) yesterday participated today with the Riders Alliance, New York City Environmental Justice Alliance, and the Fix the Subway Coalition for their rally to highlight the positive racial and economic justice impacts congestion pricing could have on New York City’s low-income communities and communities of color.
“We cannot push transit repairs and financing off to the last-minute. Congestion pricing and sustained long-term transit funding are essential to New York’s future as the greatest city in the world. Our riders depend on the transit system that keeps New York going 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. With the right progressive leadership in Albany this year, we should be able to meet the goals we’ve talked about for too long,” said Ortiz.
“In my district, over 50% are New Yorkers of color, and over 55% of my constituents depend on public transit to get to work. But my Red Hook constituents have limited access to mass transit, and in Sunset Park, N and R train riders need better service to get to their jobs on time. As we consider congestion pricing, we must also look to improve service to our communities that rely on mass transit over other forms,” he added.
