Persaud, Weinstein Laud Bill Enactment Expanding Employment Protections
State Sen. Roxanne Persaud (D-Canarsie, East New York, Brownsville, Mill Basin, Sheepshead Bay, Bergen Beach, Marine Park, Flatlands, Mill Island, Georgetown, Ocean Hill, Starrett City) and Assemblymember Helene Weinstein (D-Flatlands, Sheepshead Bay) yesterday lauded Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo for signing their legislation (A5618/S1040) expanding employment nondiscrimination protections for victims of domestic violence.
This measure implements changes in the employment provisions of the Human Rights Law to include victims of domestic violence as a protected class, expanding protections for victims of domestic violence and strengthening New York’s nation-leading support for domestic violence victims.
Current law does not explicitly say what protections and accommodations an employer must provide victims of domestic violence. This new law addresses that issue by listing the reasons an employer would need to allow a victim time off, including medical attention, victim services including for domestic violence or rape crisis, counseling, safety planning or relocation, and seeking legal services or cooperating with prosecution or appearing in court. The victim must be allowed to charge time if they have it available. The new law also expands the definition of victims of domestic violence.
“Following the signing of the Domestic Violence Survivors Justice Act, New York is once again on the right side in protecting victims of Domestic Violence with the signing of this legislation into law. This legislation, which will expand assistance to allow those victims who are employed to take the necessary time off to heal from trauma that no one should ever have to go through; and protect them from unnecessary discrimination in the workplace. It is my hope that nobody will have to use these new measures but that New York continues to lead the nation in supporting victims of domestic violence and their families,” said Persaud.
“It can be difficult for victims to obtain and maintain employment due to the stresses of domestic violence, the abuser’s interference with the victim’s ability to perform in the workplace or the need to access services that are necessary for safety. This bill provides important legal protections, which would require employers to provide reasonable accommodations to these victims. I thank the Governor for recognizing the acute problems that the victims of domestic violence all too often face in employment,” said Weinstein.
Montgomery Opposes Reductions in B38 & B54 Bus Service
State Sen. Velmanette Montgomery (D-Fort Greene, Boerum Hill, Red Hook, Bedford-Stuyvesant, Sunset Park, Gowanus, Park Slope) yesterday fired off a letter to transit officials opposing the proposed reduction of service along the B38 and the B54 bus routes.
“Thousands of Brooklyn residents rely on these bus routes to get to and from work, school and medical appointments. Often these buses connect riders to the subway system to travel into Manhattan and points beyond. Any reduction in service resulting in greater wait times and overcrowded buses is an assault on the quality of life to people who need this bus service and do not have other transportation options,” wrote Montgomery.
“Additionally, there are plans to replace the standard buses with the accordion-style articulated buses along the B38 bus line. Although these buses will have increased capacity. these buses turn very wide and create a hazard to drivers, cyclists and pedestrians. Additional service utilizing standard buses should be on the table for consideration. I respectfully request that the New York City Transit Authority reverse the proposed changes and increase the frequency of bus service along the B38 and B54 routes,” she added.
Reynoso, Adams Invest In Moore Street Market
Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams and City Council Member Antonio Reynoso (D-Williamsburg, Greenpoint) joined the city’s Economic Development Corporation (EDC) yesterday in announcing a $2.7 million investment to make improvements at Moore Street Market, one of Brooklyn’s oldest public markets.
The city council and Adams’ office provided the funding, which will go towards enhancing the market’s facilities, which is a beloved retail and shopping destination in the East Williamsburg community.
Occupying a 15,000-square-foot site at 110 Moore Street in North Brooklyn, Moore Street Market opened in 1941 and currently houses 15 vendors. In addition to selling products from culturally unique merchants, the market offers events year-round from cooking classes to holiday celebrations and seminars for small businesses. At the market, residents and visitors can find fresh produce and seafood, groceries, specialty foods, craft items, quick and sit-down dining options and personal care services available from local businesses.
“For generations, Moore Street Market, also known as ‘La Marqueta de Williamsburg’, has served residents of Williamsburg and Bushwick by offering products, events, and services that are reflective of our community’s roots and diversity,” said Reynoso. “The $2.7 million investment made for physical upgrades and the partnership between El Puente, a pillar of our community, and the market will ensure that residents continue to benefit from high-quality goods and services.”
“Moore Street Market has long been a hub for local and immigrant businesses, and a beacon of opportunity for people living in East Williamsburg and beyond,” said Adams. “Its existence is a testament to the power of grassroots organizing and civic engagement in a community that has long lacked access to resources. With this capital funding, including the $700,000 my office allocated for roof and window repairs, we are making long-term investments in the vitality of a true neighborhood amenity.”
Rose, Brannan Visit Senior Club To Discuss Social Security
U.S. Rep. Max Rose (D-South Brooklyn, Staten Island) and City Council Member Justin Brannan (D-Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights, Bensonhurst, Bath Beach) today will visit the St. Frances Cabrini Senior Club to meet with seniors and discuss their work to help constituents navigate government bureaucracy and red-tape to recover social security benefits.
Since being sworn in, Rose has helped recover or return $196,309 in social security benefits for constituents. The lawmakers will meet with seniors and discuss the importance of strengthening Social Security, including making sure the Social Security Administration is properly staffed.
The meeting is slated for 1:30 p.m., today, Aug. 21 at St. Frances Cabrini Church, 35 Bay 11th Street in Bath Beach.
Frontus Holds ThriveNYC Event
Assemblymember Mathylde Frontus (D-Coney Island, Bay Ridge, Brighton Beach) yesterday held a ThriveNYC event at the Brighton Beach Branch of the Brooklyn Public Library, in conjunction with the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.
ThriveNYC was created to open up the conversation about mental health, reduce the stigma and assist more New York City residents in getting help for their loved ones. Frontus provided educational material and connected attendees to mental health services and resources.
The event was free and information was available in both English and Russian.
Cornegy Announces Bed-Stuy Gets NORC Designation
City Council Member Robert Cornegy Jr. (D-Bedford-Stuyvesant, Northern Crown Heights) today will announce that the city will designate Bed-Stuy a Naturally Occurring Retirement Community (NORC).
The designation provides seniors the opportunity to age in place with government funding for supportive services, It comes on the heels of COrnegy’s work to develop an Aging Improvement District, an on-going project to create and support initiatives that enhance the social, physical, and psychological lives of seniors.
Cornegy will officially make the announcement and go into further detail at 11 a.m., today, Aug. 21 at the office of Brooklyn Neighborhood Services, 506 MacDonough Street, Lower Level in Bed-Stuy.
