Lentol: AG Must Sue Trump for COVID-19 Relief
Assembly Member Joseph R. Lentol (D-Williamsburg, Greenpoint) North Brooklyn) called on State Attorney General Letitia James to lead the nation’s State Attorneys General to sue President Donald Trump and federal agencies of the United States Government for failing to direct financial assistance to states during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The delays brought by the White House and federal agencies failing to reach consensus renders New York and other states in need of judicial intervention to mandate state and local financial relief.
“President Trump’s negligence has caused death and harm to many New Yorkers. This negligence will lead to the ruin of our education, health, transportation and social service systems. This is an outrage because the primary responsibility of the President is to keep the homeland safe and secure. President Trump acknowledged and then discarded willingness to provide financial relief to states led by Democratic governors. This is illegal, discriminatory and negligent, and should be overturned. The President’s actions dictate that State Attorneys General demand justice,” said Lentol.
“I urge Attorney General James to lead a nationwide effort for immediate relief in the form of vital financial aid to our states and localities to keep people safe and secure essential services,” concluded Lentol.
Adams Joins with Impacted Families from Lead Paint
Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams joined a family who has been directly impacted by exposure to lead paint in a New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) development to demand the agency provide immediate assistance for families who have been exposed to lead paint.
The demand comes after the federal monitor for NYCHA, Bart Schwartz, revealed last Thursday that 9,000 apartments likely contain lead paint where young children live or spend a significant amount of time — about triple the number of apartments NYCHA officials previously acknowledged as containing lead hazards. Those 9,000 apartments include apartments of relatives where children spent more than 10 hours a week.
Lead can cause serious cognitive issues in children, particularly when those exposed are under six years of age. Research shows that even relatively low levels of lead exposure can cause loss of IQ, hyperactivity, and other behavioral problems.”
“The latest revelation by the federal monitor only underscores the complete disregard the City has shown to Black and Brown children. I can’t help but think that if this were taking place in Sutton Place in Manhattan and not Sutter Avenue in Brownsville, the City’s response would be very different. The only way we will get a real turnaround at NYCHA is real-time, data-driven accountability and transparency of its asset management,” said Adams.
“Right now, we need to expedite remediation efforts, with help from the federal government, provide rent relief to impacted families, and ensure real accountability for any officials who are found to have misled tenants and the public about the extent of the problem. The heartbreaking story Ms. Wheeler shared is the story of so many families living in public housing, and every parent — not just those living in NYCHA — should be outraged,” he added.
Carroll, Parker Give Free Flu Shots
Assemblymember Robert Carroll (D-Park Slope, Windsor Terrace, Kensington, Ditmas Park) and State Senator Kevin Parker (D-East Flatbush, Flatbush, Midwood, Kensington, Park Slope) in partnership with NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital is hosting an annual free flu shot forum.
Shots are available for adults 18 years and older. RSVP at Carroll’s office at Carrollr@nyassembly.gov or by calling Carrolls District Office at (718) 788-7221.
This event is slated to take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, November 5 at Shepherd’s Hall at Holy Name Parish.
Treyger Oversight Hearing on Opening Schools
Council Member Mark Treyger (D-Coney Island, Bensonhurst, Bath Beach, Gravesend) presided with Council Mental Health, Disabilities and Addiction Chair Diana Ayala (D-Bronx) at a joint oversight hearing titled “Reopening NYC Public Schools: The Impact on Students with Disabilities.”
Treyger heard over four hours of testimony from NYC Department of Education (DOE) officials, advocacy organizations, parents, and students with disabilities regarding the challenges and hardships related to the City’s school reopening plan for special education students.
“We will use every tool available to get the transparency and accountability our families deserve to better meet the needs of students. DOE did not come prepared with information needed regarding attendance, staffing shortage, academic data, and more,” said Treyger. “The painful stories we heard today from students, families, and advocates further demonstrate the failure of the blended learning model. I stand by my July proposal that offers more equity and services for students who need it the most while helping working parents as well.”
According to 2019-2020 academic year data, approximately 230,000 students with disabilities are enrolled in the City’s school system, comprising 20% of the 1.1. million total number of students enrolled in public schools, who qualify for Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Per the 2019-2020 school year, only 84% of students with disabilities are receiving their IEP mandated services in full, only roughly 50% of students with disabilities graduated from high school within four years, and the dropout rates are higher than their peers. The conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic have exacerbated the inequities within our school system and only heighten the achievement gap of students with disabilities.
Senators Announce Money for Protecting Wildlife
U.S. Senators Charles Schumer (D-NY) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) announced $180,366 in federal funding for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to protect New York’s wildlife and deer population from the serious threat of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD).
CWD is an infectious, degenerative disease of cervids in deer and moose that causes brain cells to die, ultimately leading to the death of the affected animal. This funding was allocated through the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and will be used to create a researched-based digital media campaign to control and reduce the risks of this disease.
“New York’s diverse wildlife and amazing outdoor ecosystems are part of what make this state so beautiful,” said Schumer. “We must do everything we can to foster healthy biodiversity and protect our deer and moose populations from Chronic Wasting Disease. I’m proud to secure funding that will continue to develop New York as a sanctuary for wildlife and educate people on the risks of CWD.”
“New York State is home to diverse wildlife and we must address the ever-evolving challenges impacting local plants and animals,” said Gillibrand. “This critical funding will help protect our biodiversity and reduce the risk of Chronic Wasting Disease for deer and elk – especially the white-tailed deer population in New York State that are at serious risk of CWD. I will continue fighting to protect the health and safety of our wildlife population across the state.”
