Sanders Wants State To Increase M/WBE Spending
State Sen. Senator James Sanders Jr. (D-Richmond Hill, South Ozone Park, Jamaica, Rochdale Village, Rosedale, parts of Far Rockaway) yesterday joined with Mayor Bill de Blasio in calling on the state to increase the discretionary spending limit for minority- and women-owned business enterprises (M/WBEs) to $1 million for goods, services and construction.
Increasing this limit would ease the contracting burden on M/WBEs by significantly reducing the amount of time and paperwork that is normally required as part of the bidding process, providing more flexibility for agencies to contract directly with M/WBEs and at higher dollar values.
“As the chairman of the Senate Taskforce on MWBEs, I know all too well the struggles these entrepreneurs face in securing contracts for goods, services, and construction. I think we should be doing everything possible to help these businesses thrive and grow because it’s good for the economy and good for New York. I support this latest step by the city and will work with my colleagues in government to ensure that this continued effort is made possible,” said Sanders.
Addabbo Lauds Senate Passage Of Bill Allowing For More Cancer Screening
State Sen. Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach, Ozone Park, Woodhaven, Glendale, Middle Village, Maspeth, parts of South Ozone Park, Ridgewood, Woodside, The Rockaways) this week lauded the Senate Civil Service and Pensions Committee for passing his sponsored bill (S.3152), providing New York state employees with a maximum of eight hours excused annual leave for cancer screening.
“Providing additional time off from work will encourage more individuals to get screened for all types of cancer, leading to early detection and improved health,” Addabbo said. “If you haven’t lost a friend or family member to cancer, you likely know someone who has gone through treatment. Providing employees just eight hours for screening, equal to an average workday, could prove to be a benefit for a much longer, healthy lifetime.”
Approximately 600,000 people die from some type of cancer every year but early detection has helped significantly lower cancer mortality rates. Treatment, survivorship and reduction of costs all greatly benefit from early detection, but working men and women often lack the opportunity or incentive to undertake the necessary screening.
Addax also co-sponsored another bill (S.3944), which passed by the Senate Civil Service and Pensions Committee. The measure extends accidental disability retirement benefits to corrections officers, deputy sheriff patrol officers and their corresponding supervisors who develop heart trouble as a result of work, unless there is evidence to contradict the finding.
Ulrich To Lead Protest Against De Blasio Homeless Policies
City Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Belle Harbor, Breezy Point, Broad Channel, Hamilton Beach, Howard Beach, Lindenwood, Neponsit, Ozone Park, Rockaway Beach, Rockaway Park, South Ozone Park, Woodhaven ) this weekend will lead another community protest against the de Blasio administration’s failed homeless policies.
This weekend’s demonstration marks the second protest Ulrich organized this week. On Monday, March 18, he led a protest in front of Department of Homeless Services Commissioner Steven Banks’ home in Brooklyn, calling for his resignation.
While Mayor de Blasio continues to explore a ridiculous campaign for president, the homeless population in New York City remains at an all-time high, said Ulrich.
The protest is slated for 12 noon, this Sunday, March 24 on the City Hall Steps in Lower Manhattan.
Miller Hosts Women’s History Month Celebration
City Council Member I. Daneek Miller (D-Cambria Heights, Hollis, Jamaica, Jamaica Estates, Laurelton, Queens Village, Springfield Gardens, St. Albans) tomorrow will hold a women’s history month celebration, in which he will honor several women of distinction for their personal achievements and civic contributions.
Among the women who will be in attendance include New York NAACP President Dr. Hazel N. Dukes and Queens Borough President Melinda Katz.
The event will also include performances from Andre Street, Jr. of Edge School of the Arts, Emily Copeland of Keiko Studios Music Academy, Stephanie Perry of Majority Baptist Church, and Noel Boone of NAACP Youth Council.
The event is slated for between 1-5 p.m., tomorrow, March 23 at Thomasina’s Catering Hall, 205-35 Linden Boulevard in St. Albans.
