Clarke to FCC: Review Puerto Rico After Earthquake
U.S. Rep. Yvette D. Clarke (D-Brownsville, Crown Heights, East Flatbush, Flatbush, Kensington, Midwood, Prospect Heights, Prospect Lefferts Gardens, Park Slope) led a letter to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) requesting answers on Puerto Rico’s ability to communicate through its communications network (broadband, wireless and by telephone) after experiencing an earthquake earlier this month amidst the coronavirus pandemic.
“The FCC must act now to ensure that the people of Puerto Rico—our fellow American citizens—have the means to stay connected. Puerto Ricans time and time again have been faced with adversity, but always respond with such courage and resilience. Puerto Ricans deserve a stable and reliable telecommunications network which is why I led a letter seeking answers to FCC Chairman Pai,” said Clarke.
In January, Clarke, along with Reps. Ruiz and Soto, sent a letter to FCC Chairman Ajit Pai to request that the FCC initiates a review of the recent communications network outages in Puerto Rico following two earthquakes that devastated the island earlier in the month, after the lingering impacts of Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017.
Cornegy to Read Click Clack Moo Cows That Type
New York City Council Member Robert Cornegy Jr.(D-Bedford-Stuyvesant, Crown Heights) will sing songs and read Click Clack Moo Cows That Type to the library’s youngest patrons tomorrow May 29.
“It is my pleasure to share my favorite illustrated children’s book, ‘Click Clack Moo Cows That Type,’ at the Brooklyn Public Library’s virtual storytime,” said Cornegy. “Even in the face of this public health crisis, our libraries remain an indispensable resource for our shared communities. Brooklyn Public Library’s online offerings present a window to the world for families across our borough and beyond. Thanks to the librarians and staff at the Brooklyn Public Library. And a special thanks to all the children and parents able to join our virtual storytime.”
The daily storytime is part of a suite of programs for young children now available online including hands-on arts and science activities and librarian-led play recipes. BPL is also hosting virtual activities for school-age kids and teens; and providing homeschool resources for students K-12. Parents can find suggestions on the BKLYN Kids blog for a librarian-curated list of books and activities for families.
Rose Announces National Guard to Assist Brooklyn VA with Testing
U.S. Rep. Max Rose (South Brooklyn, Staten Island) announced that following his efforts, the New York National Guard’s 24thCivil Support Team has deployed two Mobile Testing Units to the Brooklyn VA Medical Center to help supplement the VA’s efforts testing of veterans and staff.
“No matter the challenge, the National Guard has continued to rise to the occasion and do what’s necessary to complete the mission, and this is no exception,” said Rose.“Bringing these Mobile Testing Units to the Brooklyn VA will help ensure all the veterans and staff are able to get the tests they need. I can’t thank the leadership of the Brooklyn VA and National Guard enough for working with us to make this happen and ensure no one is left behind.”
Each Mobile Testing Unit can conduct up to 100 tests per day. This added capacity will supplement the Brooklyn VA’s current testing capabilities, helping ensure all veterans and staff have access to testing.
Ortiz- Makes Sure Schools Get Full Funding
Assemblyman Felix W. Ortiz (D-Sunset Park, Red Hook)sponsored a bill to protect schools that will ensure they receive full state funding for the entire 2019-2020 school year despite closings due to COVID-19.
“My bill to fully fund our schools for this school year was passed by the State Assembly today,” Ortiz said. “During this COVID-19 emergency, It’s critical we protect school funding. New York’s parents and students are depending on us to ensure education is a priority, especially during a time of crisis. Along with my colleagues in the Assembly, I am committed to providing the best education for our children and providing support for our teachers,” said Ortiz.
New York State law requires schools to be in session no less than 180 days per academic year in order to receive full Foundation Aid funding. Due to the COVID-19 State of Emergency, all schools in New York State were ordered closed. This legislation waives the 180-day requirement during the COVID-19 State of Emergency allowing all school districts in New York State to receive 100% of their school aid for the 2019-2020 academic school year.
Reynoso Announce Outdoor Dining Legislation
City Council Member Antonio Reynoso (D-Bushwick, Greenpoint, Williamsburg) along with City Council Speaker Corey Johnson (D-Manhattan), the NYC Hospitality Alliance, the NYS Latino Restaurants, Bars, & Lounges Association and restaurant owners will hold a virtual press conference today to announce legislation requiring opening up spaces throughout the city for outdoor dining amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The legislation will require the City to identify open spaces (including sidewalks, streets, and plazas) where restaurants and bars can safely serve customers outside. It would create a fast, simple permitting process that would allow outdoor service through the City to start quickly once we begin re-opening.
