Cuomo Announces Reopening Date for Gyms, Fitness Centers
Yesterday, Governor Andrew Cuomo (D) announced that gyms and fitness centers will be able to reopen in New York starting Sunday, Aug. 24.
Facilities that do reopen will be subject to stringent health and safety standards, including universal masks. Additionally, local elected officials may opt to keep gyms in their districts closed until Sep. 2.
“As New York maintains daily positive test rates below 1 percent, the State has determined that local elected officials can allow gyms and fitness centers to reopen at 33 percent capacity while following rigorous safety protocols, including wearing masks at all times,” Cuomo said. “While it’s encouraging that we’ve reached the point where it’s acceptable for them to begin reopening in our communities, this is not the time to forget that the pandemic is ongoing. New Yorkers must closely adhere to the guidelines and local health departments are required to strictly enforce them to help ensure gyms and fitness centers reopen safely and protect the public health.”
James Vows to Fight Trump Admin’s Efforts to Defund USPS
New York Attorney General Letitia James (D) released the following statement yesterday, in response to President Donald Trump’s (R) efforts to interfere with the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) in the weeks leading up to the election.
“President Trump’s actions to interfere with the operations of the U.S. Postal Service in advance of the presidential election is deeply disturbing. It is an attempt at an authoritarian power grab in an effort to hold on to power, plain and simple. I, along with numerous other state attorneys general from around the nation, are now swiftly examining every legal option to protect the postal service and Americans’ right to vote absentee. While the president works to disenfranchise voters, we will fight to protect our democracy and ensure every eligible voter has the opportunity to cast a ballot come November.”
Hoylman Promotes Bill to Bring Ballot Drop Boxes to New York on Fox
Yesterday, State Senator Brad Hoylman (D-Chelsea, Midtown) appeared on Fox News to discuss his new bill to set up ballot drop boxes across New York State.
Ballot drop boxes are large kiosks set up by local election boards, where voters can drop off their absentee ballots. They spare voters from having to wait in line at polling places or rely on the post office to deliver their ballot on time; for this reason, Hoylman thinks they will be especially valuable in this coming election.
“It’s the best way to get your ballot to the Board of Elections if you don’t want to vote in-person, in my opinion,” said Hoylman. “We have the precedent here. They’re secure, they’re safe, they cut out the U.S. Postal Service, which has been undermined by the current administration, and voters will have confidence that their votes will be counted.”
Velázquez to Hold Media Availability at USPS Office
Today, U.S. Rep. Nydia Velázquez (D-LES, Brooklyn, Queens) will visit a local post office to meet with her constituents.
There, she’ll discuss the importance of defending the USPS – not just to preserve the nation’s right to vote, but also to ensure the delivery of vital medicines and to keep the economy going. She will also answer questions about the legislation the House is slated to vote on this Saturday.
The event will take place today from 12-12:30 p.m. at the Post Office in Sunset Park, 5501 7th Ave.
