Brooklyn Lawmakers On The Move July 9, 2019

News Site Brooklyn

Myrie Has Busy Constituent Service Week

State Senator Zellnor Myrie
State Senator Zellnor Myrie

State Sen. Zellnor Myrie (D-Brownsville, Crown Heights, East Flatbush, Gowanus, Park Slope, Prospect Heights, Prospect Lefferts Gardens, South Slope, Sunset Park) will be making the rounds in his district this week, giving constituents a few opportunities to meet him and speak on healthcare, Albany happenings, and mortgage assistance. 

Myrie will be at the United Senior Citizens Center with PHrMA and New York Health Works as they provide free health screenings to check total Cholesterol, HDL Cholesterol, Blood Pressure, and BMI Levels. A team of independent health care professionals will provide information and resources to help empower individuals with knowledge about their health. Giveaways, nutrition counseling, and more will be available. 

The free health screening will take place from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Tuesday, July 9, United Senior Citizens Center, 475 53rd St #3.

Speak with Myrie at the Senator On Your Block event in Brownsville about what occurred in Albany, his agenda for the summer and next year, and anything you’d like to discuss. These events will be held regularly throughout the summer.

The Senator On Your Block Event is slated for between 5-7 p.m., Tuesday, July 9 at the Rockaway Stop on the 3 train, in front of Howard Houses Building. 

If you’re unemployed, earning less than before, behind on your mortgage payments, or need to leave your home through a short sale or deed-in-lieu of foreclosure, come to the mortgage assistance event to learn about your options, the programs available to you, and get free comprehensive counseling from local, HUD-approved housing counseling agencies.

This event will be held from 2 -8 p.m., Thursday, July 11, at Brooklyn Borough Hall, 290 Joralemon Street in Downtown Brooklyn.


Simon Keeps Momentum Moving 

Jo Anne Simon
Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon

Assemblywoman Jo Anne Simon (D-Brooklyn Heights, Downtown Brooklyn, Cobble Hill, Carroll Gardens, Gowanus, Park Slope, Boerum Hill, DUMBO) asks New Yorkers for campaign contributions after a productive legislative session in which Simon was the lead sponsor of several proposals.

Some issues she tackled as a lawmakers include: a gun violence prevention legislation establishing a “red flag” law to protect New Yorkers, a campaign finance reform bill to close the Limited Liability Corporation loophole, a bill to ease New York’s voter registration deadlines for party enrollment (it did not pass yet paved the way to reduce the deadline from 8 to 4 months) and an environmental bill to ensure energy efficient equipment and appliances are purchased when organizations receive state capital improvement funds.

A partner in the Senate and a movement fueled by advocacy from New Yorkers aided in her successful legislative season. She asks for support in order to keep the momentum going in her fight for policies that “benefit all New Yorkers.” 

The fundraising deadline is this Thursday. The link to contribute to Simon’s campaign is https://www.simonforbrooklyn.com/.


PA Williams Against New HUD Immigration Rule In Public Housing

Jumaane Williams
Public Advocate Jumaane Williams

Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams this week submitted a letter to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), strongly opposing the proposed rule which would prohibit the HUD Secretary from providing housing assistance to any household where at least one member is not of eligible immigration status. 

Williams wrote in response that “the proposed rule fails to meet the HUD Declaration of Purpose ‘…to provide for full and appropriate consideration, at the national level, of the needs and interests of the Nation’s communities and of the people who live and work in them.'” and urges it be withdrawn “in favor of a housing policy that actually serves and benefits the people of New York City and America.”

Full text of the Public Advocate’s letter sent to the Department of Housing and Urban Development is below, and the letter can also be downloaded here.  

The public comment period for this proposed change runs through 11:59 PM on Tuesday, July 9. Comments can be submitted online


Fed Lawmakers Rename 9/11 Victim Compensation Legislation 

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand
U.S. Senator Charles Schumer

U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Cory Gardner (R-CO), Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-NY),  U.S. Reps Carolyn B. Maloney (D-Greenpoint, Manhattan, Queens) Jerrold Nadler (D-Brooklyn, Manhattan), and Peter King (D-Long Island) yesterday announced their bipartisan legislation to make the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) permanent will be renamed.

First responders to 9/11, Luis Alvarez and Ray Pfeifer, will join NYPD detective James Zadrog as honorees of the bill, titled, “Never Forget the Heroes: James Zadroga, Ray Pfeifer, and Luis Alvarez Permanent Authorization of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund Act.”

“Luis Alvarez, Ray Pfeifer, and James Zadroga dedicated their lives to protecting others and advocating on behalf of those ailing after the 9/11 attacks,” said Nadler. “It is a fitting tribute to rename this legislation after these heroes who epitomize bravery and made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.”

The original 9/11 Health and Compensation Act and its reauthorization were named after James Zadroga, an NYPD detective who passed away from cancer and other health problems linked to his time at Ground Zero.

The legislation is designed to ensure that the VCF is fully funded and will remain open for those that will become ill in the future from toxic exposures at Ground Zero. A filibuster-proof bipartisan majority of the United States Senate has cosponsored this legislation. This legislation has 332 bipartisan cosponsors in the House and passed out of the House Judiciary Committee unanimously last month.