Johnson Recognizes Yom Kippur
Council Speaker Corey Johnson (D-Chelsea, Hell’s Kitchen) released the following statement on Sunday in recognition of Yom Kippur, the Jewish day of atonement:
“Tonight, Jewish people across our beloved city will join together for the Kol Nidre service to mark the start of their holiest day of the year, Yom Kippur. I am grateful for the opportunity to wish all who observe an easy and meaningful fast on behalf of the entire New York City Council.
“May all of us see a better year than the last, and may all our Jewish families be inscribed and sealed in the Book of Life. G’mar Chatimah Tovah.”
Velázquez Pledges Support for Updated HEROES Act
U.S. Rep. Nydia Velázquez (D-LES, Brooklyn, Queens) released a statement yesterday after House Democrats unveiled the latest iteration of the HEROES Act.
In particular, she lauded the provisions ensuring that underserved businesses and nonprofits have access to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) once it reopens. She also praised the inclusion of more grant funding for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs), which allow businesses to cover costs that the PPP doesn’t cover.
“With economic recovery stalling and a new potential wave of small business closures looming, America’s entrepreneurs need more federal relief,” said Velázquez. “Small businesses are doing all that they can to survive; they cannot afford inaction from Washington. This legislation matches the severity of the moment and will help them make it through this difficult time.”
Brewer, Williams, Torres to Take Part in 2020 Election Townhall
Tomorrow night, Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer (D), Public Advocate Jumaane Williams (D) and Councilmember Richie Torres (D-Bronx) will take part in a townhall entitled “New York and the 2020 Election”.
The townhall, hosted by the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan, will have the panelists educate attendees on how to stay informed and involved with the voting process. Jodi Rudoren, Editor-in-Chief of The Forward, will be joining the electeds on the panel.
The event will take place tomorrow from 7 – 8:30 p.m. To register, click here.
Hoylman Urges NYPD to Enforce Face Mask Requirement
State Senator Brad Hoylman (D-Chelsea, Midtown) sent a letter to NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea yesterday, urging him to enforce an Executive Order requiring all NYPD officers to wear face masks.
Last April, Governor Andrew Cuomo (D) issued an Executive Order requiring all New Yorkers to wear masks when social distancing is impossible. Despite this, he claimed to have received “numerous complains” from his constituents who have seen NYPD officers flouting the order.
“I know you agree that the NYPD has a unique responsibility to model lawful and prudent behavior, which has only become more important during the public health crisis,” said Hoylman. “I urge you to enforce the face covering mandate within your ranks to both set a good example for New Yorkers and protect public health.”
