Deutsch Introduces Moment of Silence Legislation
City Councilman Chaim Deutsch (D-Sheepshead Bay, Manhattan Beach, Homecrest, Midwood, Brighton Beach) yesterday introduced a resolution in the city council calling upon the state legislature to pass, and the governor to sign, legislation requiring a moment of silence in all public schools at the beginning of each school day.
The text of the resolution reads in part: “Whereas, Moments of silence are observed at the beginning of school across the country as a secular, non-sectarian way for students (and faculty) to meditate, reflect, set goals, or engage in any other silent, positive activity…Whereas, requiring all public schools to observe a moment of silence has the potential to positively impact students’ academic and behavioral progress; now, therefore, be it..”
“Data has shown that the moment of silence provides a unique outlet for children and adults. It’s a time to focus inward, to relax, and to momentarily get away from troubles and stress. I am excited to bring this resolution forward and urge the state to pass this law,” said Deutsch.
Treyger, Other Electeds Take Stand Against Rising Anti-Chinese Xenophobia
City Council Member Mark Treyger (D-Coney Island, Bensonhurst, Gravesend) today will join Asian and Chinese community leaders, elected officials, and city government representatives to call for an end to a recent surge in xenophobic anti-Asian and anti-Chinese sentiment regarding Coronavirus.
Just days after a woman wearing a facemask was attacked at a Chinatown subway station in an incident that police are investigating as a possible hate crime, elected officials and community leaders will emphasize the need to raise awareness about Coronavirus and how to stay safe in a culturally sensitive and responsible manner.
Other elected officials taking a stand with Treyger are Assemblymember William Colton, City Councilmember Justin Brannan and Democratic District Leader Nancy Tong.
The lawmakers will shed further light on the issue at 10:30 a.m., today, Feb. 6 at the Salvation Army of Bensonhurst, 7307 18th Avenue in Bensonhurst.
Adams, Ampry-Samuel Say Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation
Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams and City Council Member Alicka Ampry-Samuel (D-Brownsville, East Flatbush, Crown Heights, Bed-Stuy) and advocates today will recognize International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation.
The lawmakers will also call for a hearing to be scheduled on recently-introduced legislation that Samuel and Adams co-sponsored that would establish a committee on female genital mutilation and cutting (FGM/C) within the Mayor’s Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence.
The committee would be tasked with developing a comprehensive strategy to end the practice throughout the five boroughs.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are 506,795 women and girls who have undergone or are at risk of undergoing FGM/C in the United States and 13 percent of those at risk—approximately 65,883—live in the New York City metropolitan area.
The lawmakers will call further attention to the issue at 12 noon, today, Feb. 6 on the steps of City Hall in Lower Manhattan.
Rose Bill to Rename Dyker Heights Post Office For Mother Cabrini Passes House
U.S. Rep. Max Rose (D-Southern Brooklyn, Staten Island) this week saw the House pass his bipartisan legislation to rename the Dyker Heights Post Office as the Mother Cabrini Post Office.
Prior to the vote, Rose spoke on the House floor in support of the legislation, which was co-sponsored by the entire New York delegation, will now go to the Senate for a vote.
“Mother Cabrini will always be a shining example of our country’s commitment to the less fortunate, particularly immigrants to our country,” said Rose. “I’m proud to have the support of my colleagues from the New York Delegation, both Democrats and Republicans, who have come together in the recognition that the time has come to give Mother Cabrini her due recognition.”
Mother Frances Xavier Cabrini was born in Lodi, Northern Italy in 1850. The Pope directed Mother Cabrini to go to New York to help Italian immigrants to the United States struggling with poverty.
Cabrini organized educational classes for Italian immigrants and provided for orphans throughout New York City. Cabrini and the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus founded Columbus Hospital in New York City’s Lower East Side (now a part of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center) to address the needs of Italian immigrants.
Due to her success in New York, she was called upon to open schools around the world. Cabrini traveled across the United States as well as to Europe, Central, and South America.
Clarke Brings Primary Physician To Trump’s State of the Union Address
U.S. Rep. Yvette D. Clarke (D- Brownsville, Crown Heights, East Flatbush, Flatbush, Kensington, Park Slope, Prospect Heights, Midwood, Sheepshead Bay, Marine Park, Gerritsen Beach, Prospect Lefferts Gardens) attended this week’s State of the Union and brought Dr. Donald E. Moore, a primary care physician from Brooklyn and champion for Medicare for All, as her guest.
Democrats brought more than 80 patients, doctors and health care advocates from across the country to this year’s State of the Union.
“Health care is a pressing issue in our nation, yet Donald Trump and his administration has advised an all-out assault on America’s health care infrastructure and the Affordable Care Act. Collectively, Democrats made a statement about the importance of access to affordable health care by bringing health care guests from around the country to Trump’s State of the Union,” said Clarke.
“I was honored to bring Brooklyn physician Dr. Donald Moore who is well known in our community and is one of the greatest advocates for Medicare for All. The time is now to prioritize health care as a right, not a privilege, and Dr. Moore walks this talk every day in his medical practice,” she added.
Clarke is also a member of the Black Maternal Health Caucus.
Ortiz Joins Criminal Justice Reform Advocates
Assistant Assembly Speaker Felix W. Ortiz (D-Sunset Park, Red Hook) this week joined advocates defending the newly enacted Bail Reform Law and in support of ending solitary confinement for special populations.
“The bail reform law that took effect last month has been unfairly attacked and should be given a chance to work,” Ortiz said at the Capitol rally joined by dozens of advocates who worked last year to push for the enactment of the bail reform measure.
“There has been little coverage of the hundreds, perhaps thousands of people who bail reform has worked for. They were able to keep their jobs and provide for their families while they waited for their day in court,“ he added.
Ortiz also joined criminal justice reform advocates and mental health advocates advocating for an end to solitary confinement as punishment in correctional institutions when the person has a mental illness.
“The use of long term isolated confinement should be reformed for the general population and banned altogether for special populations. For those struggling with a mental illness, the practice can be tortuous or even deadly,” said Ortiz.
