Cuomo Announces Crackdown on Workzone Violations Across the State
Yesterday, Governor Andrew Cuomo (D) announced “Operation Hardhat”, a statewide traffic enforcement effort targeting those who drive recklessly through workzones.
Throughout the summer, state troopers will patrol highway workzones where maintenance and construction are underway, such as the Adirondack Northway. Said troopers will disguise themselves as maintenance workers and identify drivers who defy the orders of flagging personnel.
“New York’s highway workers and first responders put their personal safety on the line every day to help ensure our roads and bridges remain safe and in good repair,” Cuomo said. “As New Yorkers, we have a responsibility to keep these essential workers out of harm’s way – and that means slowing down, moving over and using common sense. We have zero tolerance for those who drives recklessly and endanger the lives of others.”
De Blasio Announces $48.8 Million in COVID-19 Relief
Yesterday, Mayor Bill de Blasio (D) announced that the Mayor’s Fund has amassed $48.8 million to assist the communities hit hardest by the pandemic.
The Mayor’s Fund launched the COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund last march to support frontline workers, small business owners and other vulnerable New Yorkers. Of the $48.8 million raised, more than $5.7 million came from in-kind donations.
“COVID-19 has taken a devastating toll on immigrant communities and people of color,” said de Blasio. “As our city continues to the weather this crisis, we will keep finding innovative ways to increase resources and assistance for our most vulnerable neighbors and frontline workers.”
AG James Delivers $1.5 Million to Sexual Harassment Victims in Construction Industry
Last Monday, New York Attorney General Letitia James (D) announced that 18 former employees of Long Island-based contruction company Trade Off have been awarded $1.5 million in compensation for sexual harassment.
Previously, an investigation by the AG’s office revealed patterns of severe sexual harassment against female employees at the company over the past four years. The investigation also revealed evidence of retaliation against employees who reported the harassment.
All employees deserve to work in an environment where they are valued and respected and not subjected to harassment,” said James. “Today’s agreement will end Trade Off’s deplorable and unlawful treatment of its female employees and provide affirmative relief to the brave women who came forward. My office remains committed to seeking justice on behalf of workers and mandating accountability on the part of employers. Sexual harassment will never be tolerated, not in construction and not in any other industry.”
Krueger, Brewer to Host Town Hall on Reopening Process
Tomorrow, State Senator Liz Krueger (D-Upper East Side, Lenox Hill) and Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer (D) will be hosting a virtual town hall on the challenges of reopening New York.
The electeds will dispense information on the reopening process, discuss the Open Streets program, and talk about how to mitigate the spread. Brewer will also go over how we could rethink land use planning in a post-COVID city.
The event will take place tomorrow from 7-8 p.m. on facebook.com/statesenatorlizkrueger. To RSVP, click here.
