Deutsch To Rally For NYPD Officer Pay Equity
City Council member Chaim Deutsch (D-Sheepshead Bay, Manhattan Beach, Brighton Beach, Homecrest, Midwood) will rally today to call for pay equity for New York Police Department officers, who currently earn significantly less than peers in other departments.
Deutsch has spearheaded an effort to have colleagues sign onto a letter asking Mayor de Blasio to negotiate a fair raise for the NYPD. There are currently 30 Councilmembers – a majority – signed onto the letter.
“New York City police officers are being severely underpaid, making it difficult for them to support their families and make ends meet. It is disgraceful that the men and women who protect one of the richest cities in America struggle to be able to feed their families and pay for basic needs. Moreover, this deficiency is detrimental to our shared goal of ensuring safety and justice for every New Yorker. We expect a great deal from our police officers, and it is imperative that the NYPD be able to recruit and retain the finest in order to meet those expectations. In 2017, the number of police officers resigning before retirement reached a six-year high, with many of the departing officers leaving for better-paying police jobs in the NYC area,” read the letter.
“It is time for the City to work with the union to ensure the members are compensated fairly, which includes offering substantial wage increases that are not diminished by givebacks in other areas. Over the coming months, we will be speaking out for these police officers, who work night and day to keep our streets safe. This administration must support the working women and men in our city,” continued the letter.
The event is slated for 9:30 a.m., today, March 19, on the steps of City Hall in Lower Manhattan.
Gounardes Co-Sponsors Legislation Prohibiting The Sale of Dogs, Cats, Rabbits at Retail Pet Shops
State Senator Andrew Gounardes (D-Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights, Bensonhurst, Marine Park, Gerritsen Beach, Gravesend) yesterday announced his co-sponsorship of Senate Bill S4234, prohibiting the sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits by retail pet shops and authorizing collaboration with entities to provide space to showcase cats or dogs for the purpose of adoption.
“It’s time we cut the supply chain to these horrible puppy mills off at the root. It is widely known that dogs, cats, rabbits, and other animals at puppy mills are mistreated and often develop long-term behavioral and physical problems as a result of abuse,” said Gounardes.
“Animal shelters across New York State are ready, willing, and able to assist with the adoption of healthy, happy pets to families who will welcome them to a warm and loving home. This piece of legislation will ensure our furry, four-legged friends are never again subjected to the cruelty of the puppy mill supply chain,” added Gounardes.
Rose To Swear In Newly Enlisted Service Members At Fort Hamilton
Congressman Max Rose (South Brooklyn, Staten Island), an Army combat veteran who currently serves in the National Guard, will swear in newly enlisted service members in a ceremony at Fort Hamilton on Wednesday.
“Being able to administer the oath and swear in these soldiers is an incredible honor, and one I take very seriously—especially as Fort Hamilton is where I took the same oath of service,” said Rose.
“The men and women who take this oath to our country, to protect and serve, represent the best our nation has to offer,” added Rose.
Rose served as an active duty officer in Afghanistan from 2012-2013 and earned a Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and Combat Infantry Badge. Rose is Ranger-qualified and continues to serve in the National Guard. He is the first post-9/11 combat veteran to represent New York City. Rose serves on the House Committees on Veterans Affairs and Homeland Security, and is Chairman of the Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence.
The event is slated for 9 a.m., Wednesday, March 20, at Fort Hamilton, at 116 White Avenue in Fort Hamilton.
Malliotakis Rally To Restore Cuts To Veterans Programs
Assembly member Nicole Malliotakis (R,C,I,Ref-Brooklyn, Staten Island) alongside Assemblyman Michael Reilly (R-South Shore) and American Legion Gold Star Post #1365 last week held a rally to call for full restoration of funding for veterans’ peer counseling and mental health programs.
The proposed budgets of both Governor Andrew Cuomo and the Assembly Majority called for a $4.8 million cut to critical veteran services.
The Assembly Majority cuts include $3.7 million cut to the Joseph P. Dwyer Program, a peer-to-peer counseling and mental health program, and a $1.1 million cut from the Veterans Benefit Advising Program, which assists New York state veterans, service members and their families to ensure they receive the benefits they earned in service.
“It’s unconscionable that the governor and Assembly Majority would attempt to cut precious funding that provides peer-to-peer counseling and mental health programs for our veterans. These support services can mean the life or death of a veteran attempting to assimilate back into civilian life while struggling with PTSD,” said Malliotakis.
“Restoring the money is not only an obligation but a way we can truly thank these veterans, who bravely and unselfishly put their lives on the line for us,” added Malliotakis.
