MANH Lawmakers on the Move, July 7, 2020

Manhattan Lawmakers on the Move bannner

Cuomo Announces Postponement of Indoor Dining Reopening

Governor Andrew Cuomo (Photo Credit: www.governor.ny.gov)
Governor Andrew Cuomo

Last Sunday, Governor Andrew Cuomo (D) announced that the City will enter its third phase of reopening without indoor dining.

Originally, indoor dining was slated to reopen on Monday, July 6. However, after seeing the results of reopening indoor dining in other states, the City reneged on the plan.

“New York City is a crowded, dense urban area and — until recently — was the global epicenter of the COVID-19 crisis,” Cuomo said.  “Out of an abundance of caution and after seeing other states’ experiences with indoor dining, we will wait to reopen it as the city moves to Phase Three tomorrow.   As we end this holiday weekend, I urge everyone to be New York Tough: wear a mask, socially distance, use hand sanitizer and continue the smart practices that have made our state a national leader in combatting this virus.  I also remind local governments of their duty to enforce the standards that have made NY’s reopening safe and successful.”

Cuomo also took the time to share the latest COVID-19 data coming out of the state. Hearteningly, the data showed that less than one percent of the tests conducted the previous day came back positive.


James Orders BLM Foundation to Stop Soliciting Donations from New Yorkers

Attorney General of NY Letitia James
Attorney General of NY Letitia James

New York Attorney General Letitia James (D) issued a cease-and-desist to the Black Lives Matter Foundation yesterday, ordering them to stop soliciting contributions from New York donors.

The Foundation, despite its name, has no affiliation with the Black Lives Matter Movement; in fact, it has come under fire for accepting donations intended to go towards the latter. More importantly, it has not registered as a charitable organization in New York, meaning it cannot legally solitit donations within the state.

Every organization that seeks to solicit donations from New Yorkers must follow state laws,” said James. “We will also fight for transparency so that donors’ goodwill isn’t preyed upon by opportunists. The Black Lives Matter Foundation failed to register or file any financial documents with the state, and therefore has failed to provide New Yorkers with information on how their donations will be used. That’s why we are taking action by demanding that the foundation stop soliciting contributions from New Yorkers. I encourage all donors to practice due diligence when giving to charities.”


Espaillat Congratulates New President-Elect of DR

U.S. Rep. Adriano Espaillat (Photo credit: U.S. House Office of Photography)
U.S. Rep. Adriano Espaillat

U.S. Rep. Adriano Espaillat (D-Manhattan, Bronx) released a statement yesterday in support of Lic. Luis Abinader Corona, the new President-elect of the Dominican Republic.

Corona ran as a member of the Modern Revolutionary Party, a center-left party that rose to prominence in 2014. He will officially take office on Aug. 16.

“I warmly congratulate the Lic. Luis Abinader Corona for his triumph in Sunday’s presidential election in the Dominican Republic, and a special recognition to the Dominican people for exercising their right to vote amid the coronavirus pandemic, both Dominicans of the island as well as those abroad, which speaks highly of our commitment to democracy,” said Espaillat. ′′We are confident that as a politician, entrepreneur and economist the Lic. Luis Abinader Corona will utilize his efforts in service to the Dominican nation, and surround himself with the best men and women of the Modern Revolutionary Party and the country to ensure the social and economic progress and development for all of the Dominican people.”