Johnson to Host Rat Academy
City Council Speaker Corey Johnson (D-Chelsea, Hell’s Kitchen) will be hosting a “Rat Academy” discussion this Thursday.
Johnson will join representatives from the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to provide information on safe and effective ways to keep rats out of your neighborhood.
The event will take place on Thursday, Aug. 22 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at 75 Morton Middle School, 75 Morton St.
De La Rosa “Heartbroken” by News of Homicide-Suicide in Inwood
Assembly Member Carmen De La Rosa (D-Upper Manhattan) released a statement yesterday expressing sorrow at the news of a homicide-suicide in the building that houses her district office.
Last Sunday, a 72-year-old man jumped to his death from his Manhattan apartment at 210 Sherman Ave. When the police searched the apartment, they found his wife dead on the sofa with multiple stab wounds. The police suspect that he killed her before taking his own life.
“I am heartbroken by the tragic news of what at this time appears to be a homicide-suicide case that has occurred in the building where my district office is located,” said De La Rosa. “I want to extend my deepest condolences to the family of the victim and to our entire community as we come together to mourn their loss. As a member of the NYS Assembly Mental Health Committee we have been working to eradicate stigma around mental illness and ensure that our communities have the resources necessary so that suicide is never an option.”
Stringer Says Pantaleo’s Firing Was Long Overdue
New York City Comptroller Scott Stringer (D) released a statement yesterday expressing satisfaction with the firing of Officer Daniel Pantaleo.
Five years ago, Officer Pantaleo confronted Eric Garner over his sale of untaxed, loose cigarettes and put him in a lethal chokehold. Garner reportedly begged for the officer to let him breathe 11 times before he fell unconscious and died. Yesterday, the NYPD announced that he was fired for his misdeed.
“I hope today’s long overdue decision finally gives a measure of closure to the Garner family,” said Stringer. “Now I urge the Commissioner to finish the job and terminate all the officers who stood by and watched as Eric Garner gasped for breath.”
Chin Introduces Bill to Extend SNAP Reach
Last week, Council Member Margaret S. Chin (D-Battery Park City, Chinatown) introduced legislation to create a plan to combat food insecurity among seniors.
Intro 1659 calls on the Human Resources Administration (HRA) and the Department for the Aging (DFTA) to identify the barriers keeping eligible seniors from enrolling in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The legislation will help seniors who may be homebound or isolated to access SNAP and other lifesaving City services.
“With 11% of older New Yorkers facing food insecurity, the City must do more to combat hunger among our seniors,” said Chin. “My bill will expand the nutritional safety net by pinpointing those seniors who are eligible for SNAP, but are not aware of the program. Food justice is for everyone, and initiatives aimed at creating equitable services need to include older New Yorkers.”
