Velázquez Releases Small Business COVID-19 Relief Data for NY-7
U.S. Rep. Nydia Velazquez (D-Northern Brooklyn, Lower Manhattan, Queens) released data showing that small businesses in NY-7 have received over $1.6 billion in federal aid since the onset of the COVID-19 crisis.
District businesses obtained funding through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. Congress established both programs under the CARES Act to give small businesses the necessary capital to pay salaries and avoid closure.
“Since the pandemic began, small businesses in New York and across the country have borne the brunt of the resulting economic crisis,” said Velázquez. “During this unprecedented time, I’ve worked in Congress to construct programs that deliver small businesses the relief they need to weather these hard times. These numbers show that federal programs have been effective in getting money to the small businesses that form the backbone of NY-7’s economy. Despite this success, entrepreneurs are still struggling, and I intend to keep working in Washington to ensure businesses in New York City aren’t left behind.”
Adams on Bruno Passing
Borough President Eric Adams released a statement on the passing of former Republican Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno.
“Our state mourns the passing of former State Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno, who transitioned early this morning at the age of 91. Joe was more than a colleague during my time serving in the State Legislature — he was a friend, and someone who reached across the political aisle to provide me with meaningful support as I began my service in Albany. From his service to our country in the Korean War to his more than 40 years in elected office, he fought hard and spoke with conviction. Joe will be deeply missed, and I send my deepest condolences to his family,” he said.
Adams to Urge Organ Donors
Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams will join LiveOnNY staff, donor families and organ recipients to recognize the sixth annual Organ Donor Enrollment Day, and urge New Yorkers to give the gift of life and sign up to become a registered organ donor.
Hosted by LiveOnNY, Organ Donor Enrollment Day brings individuals and organizations together to spend one day focused solely on educating and enrolling people to save the lives of the approximately 113,000 Americans — nearly 10,000 of whom live in New York — currently waiting for a life-saving transplant. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in New York City earlier this year, organ donations dropped precipitously, making organ donor enrollment more urgent than ever.
This event is slated to take place at 2:00 p.m., today, October 8, at the Brooklyn Borough Hall Steps, 209 Joralemon Street in Downtown Brooklyn.
Rose Talks About Passing of Principle
U.S. Rep. Max Rose (D-Southern Brooklyn, Staten Island) delivered a congressional tribute for Mrs. Madeleine Brennan, the long-time principal of Dyker Heights Intermediate School 201, in a speech on the House floor last Wednesday.
Mrs. Brennan served as principal of the Dyker Heights school for 50 years, making her the longest-serving principal in New York City history, and some experts believe, in the entire country.
“She loved her job so much that even when her pension and 401k meant that she could make more money in retirement, she kept on working,” said Rose.“That passion inspired many of her students to not only become teachers themselves, but to return to Dyker Heights Intermediate School to work on her staff. Mrs. Brennan passed away this past April, but her legacy lives on in the thousands of lives she influenced over the years. She will be dearly missed.”
Ortiz on Passing of Bruno
Assistant Assembly Speaker Felix W. Ortiz (D-Sunset Park, Red Hook) statement on the death of Senate Majority leader Joe Bruno.
“I am saddened to learn of the passing of Joseph Bruno. Joe Bruno served as a State Senator for over 30 years with 14 years service as Senate Majority Leader. I was privileged to work with him on many occasions. Our most important collaboration was on legislation to help combat eating disorders and to develop state programs to address these problems.
My condolences go to Senator Bruno’s family,” he said.
