Brooklyn Lawmakers On The Move April 5, 2017

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De Blasio Nominates Eric Landau To Head Brooklyn Bridge Park

Mayor Bill de Blasio yesterday nominated Eric Landau to serve as President of the Brooklyn Bridge Park Corporation.

Landau will lead the 85-acre waterfront park’s continued expansion, oversee its daily operations and foster its long-term stability. Landau brings a wealth of experience supporting the City’s parks, having served as a Vice President at the Prospect Park Alliance and most recently as Deputy Commissioner overseeing public affairs and communications at New York City’s Department of Environmental Protection.

“Parks are among New York’s greatest treasures, and Brooklyn Bridge Park is a jewel like no other. Eric Landau has advocated for green space and sustainability for over a decade for our city, and has demonstrated impressive leadership serving the City. My administration looks forward to working with the park board to continue the critical work of developing, maintaining and protecting Brooklyn Bridge Park as one of New York City most vital public spaces,” said de Blasio.

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Martin Malavé Dilan Votes ‘No’, Jaime Williams ‘Yes’ On Budget Extender

State Sen. State Martin Malavé Dilan (D-Greenpoint, Williamsburg, Bushwick) yesterday announced he voted against the state budget extender until May 31 because the spending plan included a sweep of $65 million from city transit, did nothing to address college affordability, and ignored the financial needs of millions of New Yorkers in need of affordable housing options.

“As far as I can tell, this single extender covers nearly one sixth of the entire proposed budget. It also gives leaders a two month grace period to come to a consensus on a final budget. We’ve done smaller extenders as we fought to close significant shortfalls during the great recession. Today we may have put a new tool in the hands of anyone who wants to block reforms like raising the age. It could very well circumvent the legislative process all together. Instead of working toward consensus, we’ll just duck, cover and cut checks,” said Dilan.

But Assemblymember Jaime Williams (D-Canarsie, Mill Basin, Bergen Beach, Gerritsen Beach) said she voted for the extender as it’s the responsible thing to do and because a government shutdown absolutely had to be avoided.

“If the state had shut down, funding to schools and emergency services would have stopped. Lifesaving programs – such as those that help seniors afford their prescription drugs, food and housing assistance for the poor, and care for the sick and disabled – would have lapsed. We can’t let disagreements in government become threats to the health and well-being of millions of New Yorkers.

“Now, with the extender in place as a safety net, we must focus on passing a comprehensive, fiscally responsible, and fair state budget this week which addresses other pertinent issues to help eliminate problems with juvenile recidivist criminal activity, the need for the improvement of much of our infrastructure throughout our District and our Great State, and combat family oriented issues such as rehabilitation for the growing opioid problem. School budget votes are next month, and without a state spending plan, districts would be left in the dark regarding how much funding they will have for the next school year. I will keep fighting to ensure that a final state budget delivers for local area families.”

Eugene Joins Kings County Hospital To Celebrate Purchase Of Cutting Edge Ventilators

City Council Member Mathieu Eugene (D-Flatbush, East Flatbush) today will join administrators and staff at Kings County Hospital’s T-Building Auditorium to celebrate the purchase of new cutting edge ventilators made possible through his support.

The event signifies an important step in Eugene’s continued fight for equal access to advanced medical services within the community. The addition of this equipment allows Kings County Hospital to improve its Neonatal and Adult critical care capabilities for all New Yorkers. The technology will also enable the facility to operate at the forefront of medical treatment, while providing area patients with the opportunity remain close to home.

“As a healthcare advocate, it is my moral obligation to provide the best medical services to underserved communities,” said Eugene. “The purchase of this cutting edge equipment is an important step towards securing quality healthcare options for all residents, regardless of income level. Our community deserves the most advanced medical facilities that are possible, and today’s announcement demonstrates that we are making substantial progress towards that goal.”

The event is slated for 10 a.m., today April 5 at Kings County Hospital, 451 Clarkson Avenue in Flatbush.

Gillibrand Requests Info On Children Separated From Deported Parents

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand yesterday led a group of 15 Senators in requesting the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to provide data within 30 days regarding the effect of the increased immigration enforcement actions on children of deported parents and how the Trump Administration identifies and assists children in need of support as a result of immigration enforcement.

“We are particularly concerned about the impact of such policies on vulnerable people, including the children of deported parents,” the Senators wrote. “More than 5,100 children enter the child welfare system each year because of the deportation or detention of their parents.

“These children are United States citizens, and the deportation of their parents leaves them vulnerable in myriad ways. Abruptly separating from parents is a highly destabilizing, traumatic experience for children, and one that carries long term consequences such as feelings of loss and grief, economic hardship, and increased risk of neglect and abuse.”

Donovan, Pascrell Call For Increased Anti-Terror Funding

U.S. Representative Dan Donovan (R-South Brooklyn, Bay Ridge) and U.S. Representative Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ) led a bipartisan letter with 110 of their colleagues urging the co-chairs of the House Appropriations Committee Subcommittee on Homeland Security to fund the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NPSG) at $50 million in the FY2018 Homeland Security Appropriations Bill.

The letter cites an increase of anti-Semitic threats across the nation.

“Since January 1, at least 116 Jewish communal institutions, including community centers, schools places of worship, and others have received more than 160 bomb threats in 39 states,” the lawmakers wrote in the appropriations letter. “These incidents illustrate the many credible threats against non-profit institutions across the country and must be taken seriously. With the rise of hate groups in our nation, now more than ever Congress needs to strengthen the NSGP program.”

The NSGP program was designed to provide physical target hardening measures to protect against the threats the Department of Homeland Security has identified as of most concern to at-risk nonprofit institutions.

Lander’s Next #GetOrganizedBK Meeting Tonight

City Council Member Brad Lander (D-Park Slope, Windsor Terrace, Kensington) announced in his newsletter that Ravi Rabir, director of the New Sanctuary Coalition, a network of religious congregations and allies providing support — including physical sanctuary — to undocumented New Yorkers, will be the special guest at the “GetOrganizedBK meeting tonight.

Ravi’s been fighting for immigrants rights for more than a decade and fighting for himself too. Although he’s a green-card holder who has been in the U.S. for over 15 years, he’s facing potential deportation at his next ICE “check-in” on April 11. You can read more about his story here, Lander said in the newsletter.

The meeting is slated for 7 p.m., tonight, April 5 at Congregation Kolot Chayeinu, 1012 8th Avenue, Park Slope. Ravi Ragbir Speaks: Supporting Immigrant Communities Against ICE. RSVP: http://evite.me/t7fp95UfbU

Williams Holds Tax Lien Sale Info Session

City Council Member Jumaane D. Williams (D-Flatbush, East Flatbush, Midwood)  today will hold a tax lien sale information session.

During the information session, attendees will learn about options they have to decrease debt and how to arrange affordable payment plans. Seniors, disabled and veteran homeowners may apply for exemptions that will statutorily exclude them from a lien sale.