Clarke’s Fight for Tenant Rights: Legal Assistance
U.S. Rep Yvette Clarke (D-Crown Heights, Flatbush, East Flatbush, Brownsville, Sheepshead Bay) was one of the representatives who introduced legislation on Friday that will establish a competitive grant program that provides legal assistance to eligible tenants facing eviction.
“Legal Assistance To Prevent Evictions Act Of 2020” will not only provide free assistance but favor organizations that have a record of providing legal services to low-income populations, Give preference to jurisdictions that promote tenant rights, and ensure that the grant applies to tenants in both urban and rural areas.
“I am proud to stand with my colleagues Whip Clyburn and Congressman Price in support of The Legal Assistance To Prevent Evictions Act because it is crucial that we support initiatives that protect our nation’s most vulnerable,” Clarke said, “Safe and affordable housing is a human right and for far too long, families in my district and across the nation have been traumatized by evictions that have left them penniless and in danger.
NYS Senator Felder Battles Opioid Crisis
NYS Senator Simcha Felder ( Borough Park, Midwood, Sunset Park, Kensington, Bensonhurst, Gravesend) and the NYS Senate Majority passed a package of legislation aimed at combating the opioid crisis. The Joint Senate Task Force on Opioids, Addiction & Overdose Prevention issued a report whose findings informed the measures which aim to provide support to those fighting and recovering from addiction. It also informs on expanding health, treatment and recovery services.
“The legislation we passed addresses the opioid crisis at all levels and enables us to better serve impacted individuals and prevent future opioid abuse. I thank my colleagues on the Joint Senate Task Force for the time and effort they committed to help us better understand this complex issue and respond accordingly,” said Senator Felder.
This comes on the back of a tour Felder took through the Integrated Health Care Center of Interborough Developmental and Consultation Center (IDCC) to learn more about the specific needs and challenges faced by the individuals and communities they serve.
“Opioid addiction does not discriminate, no community is immune. Families and communities everywhere are enduring its pain and trauma. I was pleased that the Task Force joined me to tour a facility on the front lines of the fight to stop this crisis dead in its tracks,” said Senator Felder.
Ortiz Outraged out Gay Slurs Against Resident Doctor
Assistant Speaker Felix Ortiz (Sunset Park, Bayridge, Red Hook) put out a statement on Dr. Chad Jenson being intimidated and harassed on account of his sexual orientation by other doctors at Brooklyn Hospital Center.
Jenson moved to New York City for his first year of residency and was allegedly gay bashed by his surgical bosses at Brooklyn Hospital Center. Jenson alleged that there were vulgar jokes being made on his expense and filed a lawsuit which ultimately ended in the termination of Dr. Armand Asarian and Dr. Sandeep Sirsi’s jobs. According to media sources, Brooklyn Hospital Center, which is part of the Mount Sinai network, said it is “committed to a healthy and inclusive work environment.”
“It is hard to believe that a doctor could be attacked by his colleagues for his sexual preferences in such an offensive and totally unprofessional manner. How could this happen at the Brooklyn Hospital Center? The hospital administration owes the doctor and the people of New York an explanation for how such conduct could take place. We have zero-tolerance for hatred and bigotry of any kind. The doctors who committed this alleged attack should be reprimanded and, if warranted, not permitted to work at the hospital in the future. I have asked for a full investigation,” said Ortiz.
Menchaca Reminds Constituents Of Industry City Public Hearing
City Council Member Carlos Menchaca (D-Sunset Park, Red Hook) is reminding constituents through his newsletter that the City Planning Commission is holding a public hearing on the Industry City rezoning proposal tomorrow.
Menchaca wrote: While every City Planning Commission meeting is open to the public, and is live-streamed on their website, this is the only hearing where the public will be allowed to speak or comment on the proposal, rather than just listen to the Commissioners deliberate.
“If you cannot attend, or prefer to share your thoughts in writing, the City Planning Commission is also collecting comments through their website. You can access the submission form here.
Unfortunately, the online form is only in English, and confusingly, there are two separate deadlines for submitting public comments. I’ll try to clarify.
- If your comment relates to the impact Industry City may have on the neighborhood (for example, on housing, transportation, air quality, climate change, and so on), comments are due by March 2nd.
- If your comment relates to any other aspect of Industry City’s rezoning proposal, comments are due by March 25,
Anyone with questions can call Menchaca’s at 718-439-9012 or email Renae Widdison at rwiddison@council.nyc.gov.
The hearing is slated for 10 a.m., tomorrow, Feb. 19 at the City Planning Commission hearing room, lower concourse, 120 Broadway in Lower Manhattan.
Schumer Blasts Trump For Eliminating Dog-Sniffing Bomb Detection Teams
U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY) on Sunday blasted President Trump’s proposed Fiscal Year 2021 federal budget for totally eliminating dog-sniffing bomb detection teams that are used across transit hubs like Penn Station, airports and more.
The counterterrorism tool also known as Visible Intermodal Prevent and Response (VIPR) teams are often utilized across the city in transit hubs, particularly when threat levels are up. New Yorkers have not only grown used to seeing dogs in places like Penn, airports, ferries, ports and special events, but they welcome their presence.
Schumer is revealing, today, that the just-out budget crafted by the president and his team has quietly cut the VIPR dog teams from 31 to 0. Schumer announced a new fight to keep the public safety pack protecting us and made the case as to why the administration should reverse its decision immediately.
“It is unthinkable, especially with terror threats all the more common here, to think that the White House would even put a plan to rid New York and the nation of critical DHS and TSA canine VIPR teams, because those dogs do some of the most critical work, and often at a moment’s notice,” said Schumer. “I’m making it public that I’ve got a bone to pick with the White House over the total slashing of the VIPR counterterrorism teams and the way in which this was handled—without any input from experts or Congress. So, we will fight this cut, make the case, and hopefully keep this critical tool that is used by NYPD and others readily available.”
Eugene Reminds Nonprofits Deadline is Nearing for Discretionary Funding
City Council Member Mathieu Eugene (D-Flatbush, East Flatbush, Prospect Lefferts Gardens) is reminding not-for-profit organizations in his district who are seeking city council discretionary funding that the application period to apply is currently open, but will conclude today Feb. 18.
“If you have not yet applied for discretionary funding, I am urging you to do so at your earliest convenience. Please be advised that all not-for-profit community based organizations that wish to apply for discretionary funding for FY 2021 must submit a Council Application,” said Eugene.
Please click here to fill out the application.
For any questions about the application or any related budget matter, contact Eugene’s council office at (212) 788-7352 or email meugene@council.nyc.gov.
Simon Fundraiser Set For This Week
Assemblywoman Jo Anne Simon (D-Brooklyn Heights, Downtown Brooklyn, Cobble Hill, Carroll Gardens, Gowanus, Park Slope, Boerum Hill, DUMBO) is slated to have a major fundraiser this week.
“It’s been my privilege to serve you these last five years. Last session, I passed a major gun violence prevention law and campaign finance reform law. I also helped passed initiatives to improve our election laws, housing laws, protect our environment and women’s health,” said Simon.
“This year, I am also honored to take on the challenge of serving as the Chair of the Assembly Ethics Committee. I will also be focused on ending solitary confinement, education and dyslexia legislation, my bill to increase community input and public oversight in hospital closures, ensuring a more reliable transit system, and a bill to study fake “crisis” pregnancy centers that don’t actually provide women’s health care. In the community, I will continue to fight for bringing back the B71 bus, a more sustainable solution to fixing the BQE, and responsible, community-driven approaches to development projects like the Gowanus re-zoning,” she added.
The fundraiser is slated for 6-8 p.m., tomorrow, Feb. 19 at the Someday Bar, 364 Atlantic Avenue in Boerum Hill. RSVP to Anne at atstrahle@gmail.com or call 917-279-6520. For those that can’t make it but want to contribute to Simon’s Campaign click here.
