Maisel Introduces Bills Improving Quality-Of-Life For New Yorkers
Council Member Alan Maisel (D-Canarsie, Flatlands, Mill Basin, Bergen Beach, Gerritsen Beach) announced the introduction of several pieces of new legislation that will significantly impact the lives of millions of New Yorkers last week.
The first is Resolution 1640 calling upon the New York State Legislature to introduce and pass legislation that would provide a tax increase deferment for seniors 65 years and older. This legislation aims to reduce the pressure that many seniors experience when living in gentrifying neighborhoods where taxes are rising as property value increases.
Another piece of legislation, Introduction 1702 would require officers responding to noise complaints to carry a decibel meter to measure loud noises. This introduction is in response to a recent court decision limiting the ability of police officers to issue violations leading to noise Complaints.
The last two bills introduced by Maisel deal with problems regarding the NYC Department of Transportation (DOT). Introduction 1703 would require the DOT to provide warnings to motorists for new traffic regulations and to maintain such warnings for at least 30 days. It will also require that the DOT provide an option for email updates, enabling city residents to opt-in through the department’s website. In addition, the second piece of legislation will be subject of a hearing by the New York City Council’s Committee on Transportation that would require the DOT to repair “ponding” problems within 60 days of a complaint being filed with the city.
“The passage of these bills would significantly improve the quality of life of thousands of New Yorkers and would certainly make New York City a more livable place to reside in,” said Maisel.
Cuomo Signs Golden Bill Expanding Unlimited Sick Leave For 9/11 Responders
State Senator Martin Golden (R-Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights, Marine Park, Gerritsen Beach) announced that Governor Andrew Cuomo signed his legislation to expand unlimited sick leave benefits for New Yorkers who responded in 9/11 response efforts.
The legislation will expand unlimited sick leave benefits for public sector officers and employees who developed a qualifying health condition as a result of their heroic response to 9/11 rescue, recovery and clean-up efforts at World Trade Center sites. Under the bill (A. 7901/S. 6398), individuals would be eligible for unlimited paid leave at 100 percent of their regular salary dating back to the time of their diagnosis.
Individuals would qualify for the benefit bill if they: currently work for a municipality, public authority or state employer outside of NYC, have filed a notice of participation in the World Trade Center clean-up and recovery efforts and have qualifying World Trade Center health condition as defined by statute.
“This legislation will help the thousands of brave men and women who put their lives on the line to save others during the tragic events that unfolded on September 11, 2001. The first responders who led recovery efforts on that day, and the weeks and months that followed, deserve the very best health care and assistance New York has to offer, and I commend the Governor for signing this legislation as we will continue to support these heroes,” said Golden.
Persaud Opens Mobile Office Hours
Senator Roxanne Persaud (D-Canarsie, East New York, Brownsville, Mill Basin, Sheepshead Bay, Bergen Beach, Marine Park, Flatlands, Mill Island, Georgetown, Ocean Hill, Starrett City) announced the opening of a mobile office yesterday.
The mobile office will give residents who are unable to reach Persaud’s district office an opportunity to reach the Senator with more ease and access. Residents are encouraged to bring their questions, concerns or issues for Persaud to the mobile office.
“I want to make our services accessible to all our constituents. I encourage everyone in the community to take advantage of the services we provide,” said Persaud.
The event is slated for 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., on Thursday, Sept. 14, at Brooklyn Sports Club, at 1540 Van Siclen Avenue in East New York.
Schumer, Nadler Applaud $39 Million In Federal Grants For Anti-Terrorism Effort
Congress members Charles Schumer (D-Brooklyn) and Jerrod Nadler (D-Borough Park, Kensington, and parts of Bay Ridge, Bensonhurst, Dyker Heights, Red Hook, Sunset Park, Midwood and Western Manhattan) are applauding Governor Andrew Cuomo‘s recent announcement of more than $39 million in federal grants in counterterrorism efforts across the state.
The funding, from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), strengthens critical efforts already underway between local, state and federal law enforcement agencies to protect transportation infrastructure from terrorism.
The funding will include $20.9 million for the NYS MetropolitanTransportation Authority (MTA), to directly support transportation infrastructure security activities, specifically against terrorist attacks. The grants are part of the federal Transit Security Grant Program, and will be used to harden infrastructure, planning, and training and exercise activities. Another $18.1 million will provide funding for transportation infrastructure security activities and facility security plans among port authorities, facility operators, and state and local government agencies required to provide port security services. In addition the funding will support increased port-wide risk management, enhancement domain awareness, training and exercises, expands port recovery and resiliency capabilities and furthers capabilities to prevent, detect, respond to, and recover from attacks involving improvised explosive devices and other non-conventional weapons.
“With ISIS-inspired attacks becoming more and more frequent across the globe, top terror targets like New York City must remain proactive and well-protected. Federal security funds are the cornerstone of effective preparedness and prevention against terror threats and enable local law enforcement to do all they can to keep New Yorkers safe and secure,” said Schumer.
“September 11th fundamentally changed the way we—as New Yorkers and Americans—thought about terrorism and the ever-present security risks for our City, State, and country as a whole. One of the primary risks areas is our transportation infrastructure, and I have long called for greater attention to our ports as an area susceptible to attack. We will never forget the lives lost and the sacrifices made by thousands on 9/11,” said Nadler.
Lander To Host Disco Town Hall With Punk Rock Band
City Council member Brad Lander (D-Park Slope, Windsor Terrace, Kensington, Gowanus) will join Will Butler of Arcade Fire and a constituent of District 39, for a “Disco Town Hall.”
Lander will address fans of the popular punk band during the band’s after-party in New York City as part of the band’s North American Tour which will include a discussion on the campaign to close Riker’s Island and other work for racial justice happening across the city.
After the discussion Will and other band members will play a few of their songs and then DJ a dance party for attendees.
The event is slated for 10 p.m., today, Sept. 12, at NuBlu, 151 Avenue C in the Lower East Side. Tickets are $5 and can be purchase here.
