Brooklyn Lawmakers On The Move April 28, 2016

Get our insider newsletter delivered direct to you.

Nadler Praises House Passage Of Email Privacy Act

Manhattan/Brooklyn Congressman Jerrold Nadler (Borough Park, Kensington, and parts of Bay Ridge, Bensonhurst, Dyker Heights, Red Hook, Sunset Park and Midwood) yesterday praised the unanimous (419-0) House passage of the Email Privacy Act, which requires the government to obtain a warrant in order to access peoples’ electronic communications from a third-party provider.

Nadler introduced similar legislation in 2012 and has been pushing for these type of privacy protections since he led hearings into the issue in 2009.

“In an era where government access to peoples’ private information held by third-party providers has become far too easy, Congress is finally taking steps to update our laws to reflect our new understanding of what it means for people to be ‘secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures,” said Nadler.

---

Jeffries In Bipartisan Effort To Eliminate Deadly Synthetic Drug Use

Central Brooklyn Congressman Hakeem Jeffries joined a bipartisan delegation of House members including U.S. Representatives Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08), Trey Gowdy (SC-4), G.K. Butterfield (NC-1) and Chris Collins (NY-27) in introducing a bill designed to measure and mitigate the detrimental effects of synthetic drugs across America.

The Synthetic Drug Awareness Act of 2016, H.R. 5020, would require the United States Surgeon General to submit a report to Congress on the public health effects of the rise in synthetic drug use among young people aged 12 to 18. This comprehensive study is essential to further educate parents and the medical community on the health effects of synthetic cannabinoids and stimulants.

Synthetic drugs are chemically produced in a laboratory. Their chemical structure can be either identical to or different from naturally occurring drugs, and their effects are designed to mimic or even enhance those of natural drugs. When produced clandestinely, they are not typically controlled pharmaceutical substances intended for legitimate medical use.

According to the New York City Department of Health, since 2015, there have been more than 6,000 synthetic cannabinoid-related emergency department visits in New York, with males account for approximately 90% of these emergency room visits. Nationwide, the problem is even more significant.

“In order to solve the problem, we must completely understand the problem. This legislation will help provide the Congress and public health officials with the information necessary to combat the rising scourge of synthetic drug abuse throughout the country. The Synthetic Drug Awareness Act of 2016 is a strong first step in an all-hands-on-deck effort to eradicate the use of synthetic drugs in New York City and across America,” said Jeffries.

---

Treyger, Harris Partner On Tax Credit Bill For Green Homeowners & Businesses

City Council Member Mark Treyger (Coney Island, Bensonhurst) and Assembly Member Pamela Harris (Coney Island, Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights) announced yesterday they are partnering on new legislation that would create tax credits for homeowners and small businesses who invest in green infrastructure for their properties.

Harris introduced a measure in the state legislature encouraging homeowners and businesses to outfit their properties with cost-effective, resilient measure for managing rain water by offering a tax credit for fifty percent of construction costs. The maximum value of the credit is $5,000.

“As residents of Coney Island know, our neighborhood is vulnerable to flooding not just during extreme storms like Hurricane Sandy, but during any period of sustained, heavy rain. I am proud to introduce legislation that will make it much more affordable for our neighbors to make the necessary upgrades to their homes and invest in building a stronger community,” said Harris.

Treyger will soon introduce a resolution in the City Council in support of Harris’ bill. As chair of the City Council’s Committee on Recovery and Resiliency, Treyger has aggressively pushed the government at all levels to invest in resiliency to protect the city from future weather events and climate change, but also to deal with the looming financial crisis that could be caused by rising flood insurance costs as a result of the upcoming FEMA flood maps.

“We must be cognizant of how important it is for us to find new methods through which we can make our city more environmentally-friendly, economical, and efficient. New Yorkers across the city should be encouraged to play a part in that. Offering homeowners and businesses a tax credit means making their property “greener” will be a more cost-effective proposition. Being more conscious of the environment shouldn’t be a financial burden,” said Treyger.

Examples of green infrastructure include planter boxes, permeable pavements, green roofs covered with vegetation, functioning much like a rain garden and rerouting of rooftop drainage pipes from draining rainwater into storm sewers and instead into rain barrels, cisterns, or permeable areas.

---

Gentile Hosts Rain Barrel Giveaway

Bay Ridge City Council Member Vincent Gentile along with the Department of Environmental Protection will kick off the opening day of the Bay Ridge Greenmarket’s 9^th season this weekend with a giveaway of 200 free rain barrels.

Rain barrels are a win-win situation for homeowners and the environment. Homeowners simply install and connect the 60 gallon rain barrel to their downspout. Then, storm water is collected from rain that falls on the rooftop, avoiding the sewer system and thus reducing sewer overflows into local waterways. By collecting storm water, homeowners can save on their water bills by using the water for gardening and other household chores.

To secure your rain barrel (1 per person) you must call Gentile’s office at718.748.5200 or email sgiovinco@council.nyc.gov.

After attendees receive their rain barrels they’re encouraged to stick around and enjoy fresh produce, fruits and vegetables from the Bay Ridge Greenmarket. Live music and a short program will begin at 11 a.m. as Gentile and Grow NYC celebrate its 9^th season in Bay Ridge.

The rain Barrel Giveaway is slated for 10 a.m., Saturday, May 7 at 95^th Street and 3^rd Avenue (Inside Walgreens’ Parking Lot).

---

Parker Supports De Blasio’s Funding Increase Of Beacon Schools

State Senator Kevin Parker (Flatbush, East Flatbush, Midwood, Ditmas Park, Kensington, Windsor Terrace, and Park Slope) yesterday hailed Mayor de Blasio’s increased funding for social services at Beacon centers in city schools.

De Blasio’s included an extra $5.7 million in 2017 and $16.8 million in subsequent years for the programs in his recently released FY’17 executive budget. The city currently operates 80 Beacon centers in public schools where students get after-school tutoring and help looking for jobs, among other services.

“I firmly support Mayor Bill De Blasio’s plan to increase the amount of funding for Beacon Centers throughout the New York City area. In addition to serving as a learning center for our children, Beacon Centers also play a vital role in the community as they provide resources for parents and residents within the area they are located,” said Parker.

“In addition, Beacon Centers ensure that students are receiving professional development outside of the classroom. I applaud the Mayor’s initiative which will augment the Beacon program in 67 high-needs communities. This further fuels my enthusiasm to continue advocating for making every public school in New York City a Beacon School as introduced in legislation I have sponsored that is currently before the Senate,” he added.

---