Velázquez Database to Combat Rising Sea Levels
U.S. Rep. Nydia Velazquez (D-Northern Brooklyn, Lower Manhattan, Queens) has introduced a bill, entitled The National Sea Level Risk Analysis Act to help coastal communities address present and future flooding risks and develop innovative and science-based solutions to combat the climate crisis.
The bill would direct the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to collect and centralize data on flood risks across the nation. By identifying flood risks, the database, entitled the National Coastal Data Information System, would help coastal communities prepare for future natural disasters. Through a collection of maps, data on rising sea levels, and more, the system would help coastal cities and towns address the unique problems climate change poses to their area.
“Our city has already suffered the consequences of rising sea levels and flooding,” said Velázquez, “If we don’t take this threat seriously and implement bold climate solutions, it will only get worse. With the National Coastal Data Information System, we can arm our coastal towns with data on rising sea levels. Having ready and convenient access to this information is the first step to science-based solutions for our city. When we can assess how these changes may impact New York City through the information being added to this database, we can prepare sustainable infrastructure to protect our buildings and ensure the safety of our community against any disaster that comes its way.
Colton Announces Re-election Victory
Assemblyman William Colton (D – Gravesend, Bensonhurst, Bath Beach, Dyker Heights) announces his re-election victory.
“After almost all of the absentee ballots have been counted in the 47th Assembly District, I am humbled that I have gotten as much as 80% of these absentee ballots. It is now clear that I have been re-elected to the Assembly. I led the race by more than 3000 votes after the November 3, 2020 totals. Once the absentee ballots were counted, the number of votes for me has increased greatly. I sincerely thank all those who voted and supported and placed their continued trust in me,” Colton stated.
“Meanwhile it is now also clear who has been elected to represent the 47th Assembly District in other offices. I congratulate and pledge to work together with Congress member Jerrold Nadler, State Senators Simcha Felder, Andrew Gounardes, and Diane Savino, as well as the newly elected Congress Member Nicole Malliotakis. These are very difficult times and we all must work to unite together to face the challenges that our community faces.
“I will continue to speak my mind in fighting for all in my district, no matter what party to which they may belong to or who they may have voted for. I will continue to speak out on issues that benefit and protect the best interests of all families. There will be those who will attack me for not blindly following their partisan actions, but I will continue to seek to be the voice of the concerns and needs of all families in the 47th Assembly District,” Colton added.
Levin Bill for Foster Youth and Housing
City Council Member Stephen Levin (D-Boerum Hill, Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn Navy Yard, Downtown Brooklyn, Dumbo, Fulton Ferry, Greenpoint, Vinegar Hill, Williamsburg), chair of the General Welfare Committee, today is bringing a bill he introduced before the committee that would allow youths who have spent time in foster care to be eligible for rental assistance vouchers that would allow them to obtain stable housing.
It would also require that the Department of Homeless Services recognize time spent in foster care as homelessness for the purpose of meeting rental voucher eligibility requirements.
Some youths who have spent time in foster care have difficulty obtaining stable housing; many youths end up “couchsurfing,” in homeless shelters, or in the corrections system. Additionally, according to a report from a local advocacy organization, homeless mothers are more likely to have spent time in foster care.
This hearing is slated to take place today, Nov. 24 at 10 a.m. Watch here.
Gillibrand Wants her Resilience Force Proposal in Package
U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) will call on congressional leadership to include her Health Force and Resilience Force Proposal in the next coronavirus relief package.
The Health Force and Resilience Force proposal, championed by Gillibrand and U.S Senators Michael Bennet, Brian Schatz, Ed Markey, Chris Van Hollen, and Elizabeth Warren earlier this year, would invest billions in local public health infrastructure and recruit, train and employ hundreds of thousands of Americans to administer and distribute vaccines, particularly in underserved communities.
Community-based public health jobs and resources, like those created by the Health Force, are known to improve local vaccine education, outreach, and vaccination rates. While the current administration has so far dragged its feet in response to the pandemic, the Health Force and Resilience Force proposal would ensure the federal government has a proactive and coordinated approach to vaccine preparedness.
