Colton Blames NYPD Cuts for Crime Rise
Assemblyman William Colton (Gravesend, Bensonhurst, Bath Beach, Dyker Heights) is outraged with the crimes that are on the rise in NYC.
“As time passed by since the city council voted on Mayor De Blasio’s proposed budget cuts to the NYPD, it became more and more evident that it was the biggest mistake ever made. We see more and more homicides, and robberies in our city because our law enforcement hands have been tied,” Colton stated.
“Stripping the Police Department of the funds that are necessary to protect our communities didn’t do any good but jeopardize the lives of our citizens. This gruesome incident that took place on July 17th, 2020 at approximately 7:00 pm, when an 89-year-old Asian woman was slapped and then lit on fire in front of her house by two suspects is an example of why we need to fund our NYPD. Criminal actions like these cannot be and will not be tolerated. Individuals that commit criminal acts must be condemned and brought to justice. I will fight for justice and I will protect all the citizens no matter what their ethnicity or their skin color to the best of my ability. We are all human beings, and no one should be afraid to walk the streets of our great New York City. Lawbreakers must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Defunding the police is not the answer. It sends the wrong message to the criminals,” Colton added.
Persaud Wants you to Wear a Mask
State Sen. Roxanne Persaud (D- Canarsie, East New York, Brownsville, Mill Basin, Old Mill Basin, Sheepshead Bay, Bergen Beach, Marine Park, Flatlands, Mill Island, Georgetown, Ocean Hill, Starrett City) reminds everyone where New York City currently stands in reopening and to wear a mask.
“I’m sure when reading the newspapers and watching television, you know that New York City entered Phase IV of reopening on July 20, albeit with some limitations. Museums, movie theaters, gyms, and malls remain shuttered, as does indoor dining. I understand the impact of the continued closure of some businesses has on our communities and will continue to advocate for reopenings with useful safety precautions. Please review the guidelines by sector HERE,” she wrote.
“What is alarming to many (including myself), is the utter disregard for social distancing and refraining from large social gatherings. While it’s true that New York has come leaps and bounds from where we were last Spring; however, other areas of the country are now far surpassing our prior infection rates. People are traveling again and adherence to self-quarantine from out-of-state visitors has often been ignored. Governor Cuomo’s office has required travelers from over half the country to self-quarantine for two weeks when coming to New York.
“I encourage you to continue to wear a facial covering and adhere to the social distancing protocols while in public spaces. We have seen enough heartache and loss and can not afford to revert to where we were last Spring,” Persuade finished.
Rose Wants Priority Relief for Restaurant Industry
U.S. Rep. Max Rose (D-Southern Brooklyn, Staten Island) is urging Congressional leaders to prioritize relief for the restaurant industry through enhancements to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).
“As you negotiate the next package of relief for businesses and families affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, I urge you to include a second round of the Small Business
Administration’s (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) that ensures that the hardest hit industries, like the restaurant industry, are prioritized in the program’s processing and disbursement, and include language to mandate that SBA lenders proactively reach out to their restaurant industry clients to expedite this second round and prevent confusion,” wrote Rose in a letter to House and Senate leadership. “We know well the mistakes made in the first round of PPP, and we must never repeat them. Restaurants are suffering disproportionately, with sales decreasing from $66 billion in February of this year, to $30 billion by April. With mounting local restrictions like those in New York City, make no mistake—this industry is in danger of going under, and the programs we authorize now must prevent that from happening.”
Specifically, Rose is calling for expenses including for PPE, insurance costs, and costs to conform to local government regulations as cities and states reopen to be eligible for PPP forgiveness. In addition, Rose seeks to mandate that lenders proactively reach out to the smallest and hardest-hit restaurant customers, and to allow small businesses from the restaurant industry to apply for a second round of PPP, even if they do not meet the Senate-proposed 50% revenue loss threshold.
Myrie Offers List of Services
State Sen. Zellnor Myrie (D-Brownsville, Crown Heights, East Flatbush, Gowanus, Park Slope, Prospect Heights, Prospect Lefferts Gardens, South Slope, Sunset Park) wants to remind his constituents what services are available for them.
Child Services:
- The American Debate league is offering 100 FULL SCHOLARSHIPS for children from 4th-12th grade to participate in the 4th Annual “Public Speaking, Debate & Speech Summer Camp” hosted by the American Debate League in partnership with Queens College. Due to COVID-19, the summer camp will be online this year. To register please click on ADL Speech & Debate camp.
- DYCD will host a 5 week, virtual and in person FREE Summer Camp for grades K-5. Imani House Inc, a non profit servicing Brooklyn has been assigned by DYCD to offer Summer Sessions at Sunset Park High School. Space is limited and if you have any questions, email LizaH@imanihouse.org.
Other Services:
- Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, both Prospect Park Alliance and NYC Parks have lost critical funding, and as a result the seasonal workforce is significantly smaller compared to last summer.Park greeters will engage the public and keep the park green and vibrant. Learn more at prospectpark.org/greeter to learn more and register.
- In partnership with GrowNYC and Harvest Home Farmers Market, NYC Health + Hospitals is opening new farmers markets at health facilities around the city, which offer fresh, affordable food and accept EBT/SNAP, Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) coupons, and Women, Infants and Children (WIC) coupons. The farmers market will take COVID-19 precautions and will be located at Kings County Hospital, 451 Clarkson Avenue between E. 37th and E 38th Streets on Wednesdays from 8am – 4pm through November 25, 2020.
- Find your nearest open cooling center at nyc.gov/beattheheat or call 311.
- Reports show that as many as 12 million Americans have not received their stimulus check even though they are eligible to receive one. Mobilization for Justice is offering a free clinic to help people get access to their check. For help, call 212-417-3791.
Simon Stands for the Dyslexic
Assemblywoman Jo Anne Simon (D-Brooklyn Heights, Downtown Brooklyn, Cobble Hill, Carroll Gardens, Gowanus, Park Slope, Boerum Hill, DUMBO) shared that her bill to ensure that people who are incarcerated are screened for dyslexia and can access appropriate educational interventions passed in the assembly.
“Our educational system is not a level playing field — while dyslexia amongst the general population is around 20%, it is higher for people who are incarcerated and too often goes undiagnosed and unaddressed in people of color. Literacy is a matter of social justice. I’m hoping for swift passage in the Senate. New York would be the first state in the nation to do this.
“Thank you to producer and actor Ameer Baraka — all the advocates — for working with me to shine light on this issue. Mr. Baraka was diagnosed with dyslexia while he was incarcerated and has been an important partner to me and to everyone impacted by dyslexia,” she wrote.
