Hoylman Seeks to Outlaw Robocalls
State Senator Brad Hoylman (D-Chelsea, Midtown) is sponsoring a bill that would put an end to one of the biggest annoyances facing New Yorkers: automated robocalls.
The bill, dubbed the Robocall Prevention Act, would impose $2,000 fines on telemarketing companies that harass consumers with unwanted robocalls, and allow recipients of robocalls to sue offenders and get awarded damages.
“There isn’t an issue I hear more about from constituents than the proliferation of robocalls,” said Hoylman. “These calls aren’t just annoying — they’re dangerous, and often used to defraud unsuspecting consumers, seniors and vulnerable New Yorkers.”
Johnson Reacts to Yeger’s Contentious Anti-Palestine Tweet
City Council Speaker Corey Johnson (D-Chelsea, Hell’s Kitchen) sent out a tweet yesterday in response to a vitriolic statement made by City Councilman Kalman Yeger (D-Bensonhurst, Borough Park).
Yeger came under fire after getting in a heated Twitter argument with Bklyner reporter Zainab Iqbal. Yeger concluded the argument by brazenly claiming that Palestine “does not exist”.
In response, Johnson released a statement clarifying his stance on Israel and voicing his disapproval of Yeger’s remarks.
“I am a strong supporter of the state of Israel and believe in a two state solution for Palestine and Israel that respects the dignity of both the Palestinian and Israeli people,” said Johnson. “I denounce Council Member Yeger’s comments as they are unhelpful and unwelcome. Comments like these do nothing to help advance the dialogue needed to foster a peaceful solution, which is something we should all be working towards.”
Espaillat Responds to Carson’s NYCHA Announcement
Representative Adriano Espaillat (D-Washington Heights, Sugar Hill) recently released a statement regarding an announcement by U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Ben Carson (R) and Mayor Bill de Blasio (D).
Earlier this year, Carson and de Blasio announced that they had signed a deal that would bring in a federal monitor to ensure that NYCHA housing is up to standard, and force de Blasio to appoint a new NYCHA chair by April.
“This agreement makes it clear that the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) can no longer shirk its responsibility to its residents, our city, and our communities,” said Espaillat. “Years of underfunding and deprivation of resources have led us to this point. While I am glad to see New York City and the federal government are finally recognizing the need for considerable investment and higher standards, we know that actions speak louder than words.”
