Rose to Host Virtual Service Academy Day
U.S. Rep. Max Rose (South Brooklyn, Staten Island) will host a virtual Service Academy Day this today to help students, parents and teachers from Staten Island and South Brooklyn navigate the application process for our nation’s service academies.
“Now more than ever, we need anyone and everyone who feels a call to public service to step up to the plate,” said Rose. “One of the greatest honors of serving in Congress is the ability to help these young men and women get started on the life-changing journey of serving their country, and my office will be here to help guide them every step of the way.”
The meeting is slated to take place at 6 p.m. on Thursday, June 11 at Zoom Virtual Meeting.
Myrie Advance Policing Reforms Legislative Package
State Sen. Zellnor Myrie (D-Brownsville, Crown Heights, East Flatbush, Gowanus, Park Slope, Prospect Heights, Prospect Lefferts Gardens, South Slope, Sunset Park), together with the Senate Majority, advanced a major policing reforms legislative package which includes the repeal of 50-a and other important bills to help implement real improvements to law enforcement efforts in New York.
“So you’re right. This is the moment. We are tired,” Senator Myrie said. “There has been no consequence for the brutality against our people. And to this day, I don’t know if the officer that sprayed me and my colleague in the Assembly has a history of excessive use of force. That is what this bill is about. It is about history. We have seen brutality go unanswered. This isn’t an attack. This is accountability. This isn’t targeting. This is transparency. This isn’t anti police. This is pro people.”
Last year, a public hearing was held to examine the repeal of section 50-a of the Civil Rights Law as part of the Senate Majority’s ongoing commitment to reforming the justice system. Recent national events surrounding the deaths of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd have highlighted the immediate need for these reforms. The implementation of these policing reforms will help the healing process for minority communities that have been disproportionately targeted and harmed by police.
Ortiz on the Passage to Repeal 50-a
Assistant Assembly Speaker Felix W. Ortiz (D-Sunset Park, Red Hook) released some statements on the passage to repeal the bill 50-a.
“Today, the New York State Assembly took another historic step in creating equal treatment for all by repealing 50-a which shielded police from accountability by keeping disciplinary records from public scrutiny. This law kept bad cops employed and empowered, hid police misconduct, allowed racist cops to stay on the beat and sent the message that police are above the law. This bill will hold police accountable and ensure they will not get away with misconduct in any form.
“This bill, in addition to nearly a dozen others bills we are passing this week, sends a strong message to my community: No one is above the law. We See You. We Hear You. Black Lives Matter! Enough is Enough!
“Reform is on the way and we will not stop fighting for criminal, economic and social justice in every area of our society. As we have been doing with our response to the Covid-19 coronavirus, we must do the same here – work together for the benefit of everyone. Love one another. Be safe and God bless,” he said.
Cumbo on Justice and Repeal50A
Majority Leader Laurie Cumbo (Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, Prospect Heights, Crown Heights, Downtown Brooklyn) released some statements on the restorative justice being done in the aftermath of the murder of George Floyd.
“I am committed to making not only my fellow New Yorkers proud, but my son, and his children as well. We will not allow the narrative to continue down the path that has been traveled for centuries. Right now, we are taking control of the narrative in demanding the dismantling of institutions that create circumstances which ensure stereotypes have validity and impact the lives of many through the unequal distribution of funding by zip code. Those institutions in effect deny equal access to safe housing, education, and proper healthcare. Something must be done, and I applaud my fellow New Yorkers for demanding your voices be heard.
“While we are all tired, we have seen the immediate after-effects of protesting and being civically engaged. Cities and States across the country have begun to make changes, including New York State. Today, the NYS Legislature officially voted to #Repeal50A, a long-standing legislative initiative that has gained social traction in the wake of George Floyd’s death. At a city level, the Mayor has announced a commitment to reform the NYPD and make cuts to its FY21 budget. This is great news, but we must recognize that there is much more work to be done,” she wrote.
