Treyger to Hold Hearing on School Reopenings
Council Member Mark Treyger (D-Coney Island, Bensonhurst, Bath Beach, Gravesend) will preside over a City Council Committee on Education hearing on reopening schools for the 2020-2021 academic year and will discuss Resolution 1410.
As of August 12, 2020, the number of parents and guardians opting to have their children receive only remote instruction for the 2020-2021 school year continues to grow, reaching about 300,000 requests. In addition, 15% of teachers have submitted a request to only teach remotely, with no information from the DOE on how they plan to hire full-time replacements to maintain staffing ratios. Yesterday’s announcement to delay remote learning until September 16 and in-person instruction until September 21 still leaves many unanswered questions on how the DOE will be prepared for the extraordinary needs of their students and families this school year. In order to reopen safely, we need adequate testing protocols, additional time for planning, and enough funding to meet safety standards.
Educators, parents, students, and school staff are encouraged to sign-up to testify via the Council website at https://council.nyc.gov/testify/ and can also submit testimony without registration by emailing testimony@council.nyc.gov or via the website at https://council.nyc.gov/testify/ up to 72 hours after the close of the hearing.
Adams Food Distribution in Brownsville
Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams will join local elected leaders for a major food distribution event in the Brownsville area of Brooklyn, which is one of the neighborhoods that has borne the brunt of the public health and economic impacts stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic.
More than 1,000 people from the community are expected to attend the event tomorrow, where Borough President Adams and his partners in government will distribute 54,000 pounds of fresh, healthy food, which will be available in a “grab-and-go” format to encourage social distancing, to those in need. Attendees will also have the opportunity to complete the 2020 Census and register to vote.
The event is slated to take place at 12 noon, today, Sep. 3, at the Dr. Green Playground, Sutter Avenue and Mother Gaston Boulevard in Brownsville.
Rose: Do not Defund the Police
U.S. Rep. Max Rose (D-Southern Brooklyn, Staten Island)who strongly denounced Mayor Bill de Blasio’s defunding of the police department, issued the following statement on President Donald Trump’s orders to defund New York City:
“With this order, President Trump is joining Mayor de Blasio in defunding the police. It was wrong then and it’s wrong now. I don’t care whether you’re a Republican or a Democrat, I will not sit back if you’re putting my constituents at risk by playing politics. I will be looking into whatever options are available so New York City is not put at further risk because of the Mayor or the President,” said Rose.
Following a bipartisan push by Rose, Congress passed legislation to increase funding for critical counterterrorism programs of which New York City relies upon by $90 million over previous funding levels.
Eugene Providing Free Food, Masks
Council Member Mathieu Eugene (D-Crown Heights, East Flatbush, Flatbush, Kensington, Midwood, Prospect Park, Prospect Lefferts Gardens) today is partnering with local organizations to provide free food and masks to residents facing food insecurity and to help protect them during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Among these organizations is the Met Council, the Council of People’s Organization, and The Haitian Emergency Health and Disaster Organization.
“I want to commend and thank the community organizations that have partnered with me to provide these resources to those in need.
“This has been a very difficult time for our community, with many people suffering health issues, unemployment, and food insecurity as a result of the novel coronavirus. It is up to each of us to do everything in our power to help underserved residents provide for their families and maintain their health. It cannot be overstated that members of our community facing financial difficulties need these resources to maintain their health, and they need extra masks to prevent the spread of germs.
“I am confident that we will emerge from this pandemic and rebuild our community, but we must remain vigilant against this horrible virus until there is a proven vaccine or approved treatment. I am very appreciative to all of the first responders, essential workers, and medical professionals whose dedication to this city helped us lower the infection rate, but our work is not over, and that is why I will continue to provide these resources to all New Yorkers,” he said.
The giveaway is slated for 3 p.m., today, Sept. 3 outside Eugene’s district office, 900 Rogers Avenue in East Flat6bush.
Malliotakis Supports Peaceful Protest Act
Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis, the Republican and Conservative Party candidate for Congress in New York’s 11th District (Staten Island-Southwestern Brooklyn) announced her backing of the ‘Support Peaceful Protest Act’.
The legislation would deny eligibility for enhanced federal unemployment benefits to anyone convicted of vandalism, looting or violence in relation to a protest march or demonstration.
“Since the end of May, we’ve seen civil unrest sweep across the country. While the vast majority of protesters have been peaceful, a small minority wreaked havoc; vandalizing private property, attacking monuments and government buildings, looting and engaging in vicious attacks in on law enforcement.
“The Support Peaceful Protest Act is a step in the right direct to combat the civil unrest our nation faces. The passage of the Act would send a clear message to potential lawbreakers; if you are convicted of any of the serious crimes listed in the legislation, you will pay the price by being deemed ineligible for enhanced federal unemployment benefits like the $600 being dispersed as part of the COVID-19 economic stimulus package. It is ludicrous that federal government should be enabling destructive and violent anti-government agitators to collect a weekly allowance while they break laws and create mayhem in the streets of our cities. After being sworn in as a Member of Congress, one of my first acts will be to join Rep. Banks as a cosponsor of this legislation,” she said.
