James Prepares to Take Legal Action Against Insurrectionists
New York Attorney General Letitia James (D) released a statement yesterday in response to reports that insurrectionists are planning to conduct riots at state Capitols across the nation.
According to an FBI bulletin released earlier this week, armed insurrectionist groups will be conducting attacks on every state Capitol and the U.S. Capitol in the days leading up to the inauguration of President-Elect Joe Biden (D).
“After last week’s deadly attack at the U.S. Capitol, my office is closely monitoring all threats against our state Capitol in Albany,” said James. “While I am working with law enforcement on the ground to ensure the chaos that we saw in Washington, DC does not take place right here in New York, we will not hesitate to take legal action against anyone who seeks to terrorize or harm legislators, Capitol staff, law enforcement, or members of the public. Our system of government may not be perfect, but it works, and we will not allow those fueled by lies and unhinged conspiracy theories to run wild as they violently seek to overthrow the government through sedition and insurrection. Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, our duly elected president and vice president, will assume office on January 20th and history will remember all who sought to destroy our democratic republic.”
Espaillat Announces New COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic in Washington Heights
Last Tuesday, U.S. Rep. Adriano Espaillat (D-Manhattan, Bronx) announced that NewYork-Presbyterian is opening a COVID-19 vaccine clinic at the 168th Street Armory.
Starting today, NewYork-Presbyterian will be offering vaccines to patients aged 65 and older by appointment at the Armory. To receive a vaccine, those eligible must sign up via Connect, the hospital’s online portal.
“Our communities have overcome incredible challenges, even as we have been devastated by this deadly pandemic and suffered tremendous loss,” said Espaillat. “I’m grateful to NewYork-Presbyterian and all the frontline workers, who have been here for our community through this pandemic, and I am thrilled they will be able to offer the COVID-19 vaccine to people 65 and older, a significant step in stopping the spread of this virus. With the help of this vaccine, which has been tested and produced based on science and proven to be safe and effective, we will get through this together, and we will build back stronger and better than ever before. I encourage my eligible constituents to sign up for an appointment.”
For more information or to register for Connect, click here.
De Blasio Announces NYC Will Cancel Trump Organization Contracts
Yesterday, Mayor Bill de Blasio (D) announced that the City is taking steps to terminate three Trump Organization agreements.
Starting immediately, the City will begin the process to cancel its agreements allowing the Trump Organization to oversee the Central Park Carousel, Wollman and Lasker skating rinks, and Ferry Point Golf Course. The news comes on the heels of last week’s attempted coup at the U.S. Capitol, which President Donald Trump (R) helped incite; de Blasio claimed that he was acting under a clause that lets him terminate the contracts in the event of criminal activity.
“The President incited a rebellion against the United States government that killed five people and threatened to derail the constitutional transfer of power,” said de Blasio. “The City of New York will not be associated with those unforgivable acts in any shape, way or form, and we are immediately taking steps to terminate all Trump Organization contracts.”
Seawright Appointed to Ways and Means Committee
Last Monday, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie (D-Bronx) appointed Assemblymember Rebecca Seawright (D-Upper East Side, Yorkville, Roosevelt Island) to the Ways and Means Committee.
The Ways and Means Committee plays an important role in the State’s budgeting process. It also oversees all appropriation bills and requests, and conducts public fiscal hearings with the Senate Finance Committee.
“I am privileged to serve and grateful to Speaker Heastie for his trust,” said Seawright. “New York State faces fiscal challenges not seen in more than a generation. The task ahead will not be easy as we work to defeat the COVID- 19 virus and its fallout.”
