Levin Calls to Begin Automated and Rapid Coronavirus Testing Immediately
Councilmember Stephen Levin (D-Boerum Hill, Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn Navy Yard, Downtown Brooklyn, Dumbo, Fulton Ferry, Greenpoint, Vinegar Hill, Williamsburg) is calling on New York State and New York City labs to immediately begin automated testing for anyone who displays the symptoms of dry cough, high fever, and shortness of breath notable of the coronavirus.
“We can’t wait any longer. We’ve been hearing for days that FDA approval is imminent, yet only one lab, Northwell, was approved just yesterday. Every single hour we lose can have escalating catastrophic consequences. The FDA’s inaction necessitates us taking action on our own right now to save the lives of New Yorkers,” said Levin.
The testing applies to any state or city lab which has the ability to run automated and rapid tests but has been waiting on FDA approval, resulting in limited numbers of Coronavirus tests they have been able to run.
“If we don’t take these measures right now, today, we risk letting the epidemic curve continue to grow exponentially. That is not only catastrophic but also avoidable. We must act decisively immediately without any further delay,” finished Levin.
Bipartisan Brooklyn Electeds Support Rose’s Toll Relief Effort
U.S. Rep. Max Rose (D-South Brooklyn, Staten Island) along with a bipartisan group of state and local elected officials announced their support of the Tax Relief for Bridge Tolls Act legislation put out by Rose and urged Congressional leaders to take up the measure.
“I’m proud to have such broad-based, bipartisan support for this effort because providing toll relief for commuters is something we should all be able to get behind,” Rose said. “This isn’t about party or politics, this is about keeping hard-earned money in the pockets of Staten Islanders and South Brooklynites.”
Under Rose’s legislation, a typical Staten Island commuter who takes the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge with an E-ZPass and resident discount who spends $1,430 annually on bridge tolls could claim a $215 credit under this bill, while a typical Brooklyn commuter who commutes over the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge and pays $3182.40 annually could claim a $1,091.20 credit.
“For years, we have fought back against toll hikes and secured discounts to soften the heavy economic costs the tolls have placed on the hardworking people who call [Staten Island and Brooklyn] home,” wrote the elected officials in letters to Congressional leadership.“Congressman Rose’s Tax Relief for Bridge Tolls Act could be another game changer for our constituents.”
Colton Celebrates International Women’s Day Local Event
Assemblyman William Colton (Gravesend, Bensonhurst, Bath Beach, Dyker Heights) reminded constituents that International Women’s Month is a worldwide celebration that recognizes women today around the world.
“Women play an inspiring role in our society, and we must recognize the ones that are going above and beyond to create a better and brighter future for the next generation. Many women these days raise a family and have a job, which is not easy. Our children must learn how important the role of a woman is,
For many years my office has been recognizing a number of distinguished women in our neighborhood. It has become a tradition and this year once again we will be honoring many great women for their achievements at 12 noon, Sunday, March 29 at 29 Bay 25th Street in Bath Beach.
If you know anyone that you would like to nominate, contact Colton’s office either by email: coltonw@nyassembly.gov or by calling: 718-236-1598 and ask for Sarah or Nancy.
Gounardes Bill to Expand Drivers Education- Passed
State Sen. Andrew Gounardes’ (D – Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights, Marine Park, Gerritsen Beach, Bath Beach, Bensonhurst, Sheepshead Bay) bill to expand NY Driver’s Education to include pedestrian and cyclist safety passed the Senate yesterday, taking it one step closer to becoming law.
“Week after week, families experience the heartbreak of losing a loved one to traffic violence. Last Thursday, we lost a beloved member of our Bay Ridge community in a traffic collision. Many of these fatal accidents are due to reckless or inattentive driving. We have to change the culture that allows drivers to believe they own the road, starting with robust street safety education when a teenager gets their permit,” said State Senator Andrew Gounardes. “I am proud that this bill to expand driver education has passed the Senate, and I look forward to fighting for it to pass in the Assembly and become law.”
The legislation requires new drivers to learn about pedestrian and bicyclist safety awareness as a prerequisite for obtaining a license to operate a motor vehicle and integrates that education into the pre-licensing exam. This bill was co-sponsored by Senators Rachel May, Zellnor Myrie and Jessica Ramos.
Persaud Establishes Small Business Crime Prevention Services
State Sen. Roxanne J. Persaud’s (D-Canarsie, East New York, Brownsville, Mill Basin, Sheepshead Bay, Bergen Beach, Marine Park, Flatlands, Mill Island, Georgetown, Ocean Hill, Starrett City) sponsored bill that seeks to improve New York’s business climate passed in the NYS Senate yesterday.
“Running a small business in the 21st century is not as easy as it may have once been in the past,” said Persaud. “While small-business owners focus on running their enterprise on a daily basis, it is easy for important improvements and upgrades to fall by the wayside. This bill will help proprietors access vital resources they may not have utilized prior, particularly when it comes to securing your business from becoming a victim of crime. I applaud the Senate Majority Conference for bringing this vital legislation up for a vote.”
The bill seeks to help the business climate by providing for a program of crime prevention services and assistance tailored specifically for small businesses
