Brooklyn Lawmakers on the Move April 7, 2020

Rose Commends Decision of Labeling Russian White Supremacist Group

U.S. Rep. Max Rose (South Brooklyn, Staten Island) commended the U.S. Department of State’s decision yesterday to designate a foreign white supremacist group, the Russian Imperial Movement (RIM), along with three of its leaders, as a Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) for the first time in history.

“As Chair of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Intelligence and Counterterrorism, Congressman Max Rose has been the leading voice in calling for violent foreign white supremacists to be labeled as the terrorists that they are,” said a spokesperson for Rose, who is currently deployed with the National Guard to help with Staten Island’s coronavirus response.

“Congressman Rose has continued to publicly make the case that making such an historic designation was merited, necessary, and justified. Today’s decision validates that work—but this is only a first step. The threats these groups pose are real, global in nature, and this designation gives our law enforcement the tools necessary to protect our homeland. Congressman Rose will continue his bipartisan work to combat terrorism and keep our nation safe,” said the spokeperson.

Persaud to Host Online “Story Time” with Author

NYS 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) in partnership with children’s author Kamla Millwood, will be hosting “Story Time.”

“I am honored to partner with Ms. Millwood to host this online event. During these unprecedented times, it is important that children continue a healthy educational routine. This event will help inspire a passion for reading among our youngest constituents while engaging in remote learning,” commented Persaud.

The reading is slated to take place at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 8 on facebook live: www.facebook.com/peachtheduckfanpage/.

Adams and Carroll Call on Cuomo to Activate Rainy Day Fund

Borough President Eric Adams sent a joint letter with Assembly Member Robert Carroll (D-Park Slope, Windsor Terrace, Kensington, Ditmas Park) to Governor Cuomo calling on the state to authorize the use of a rainy day fund, which would allow the city to have a portion of its budget set aside to make up for lost revenue during economic downturns.

In the letter, they note that the city will only have a brief window to put away money into a rainy day fund before tax revenues plummet, making it all the more important to act quickly.

“We’re not just in the middle of a rainstorm, we’re weathering a typhoon. The coronavirus has created twin public health and economic crises in our city, which will wreak havoc on our city’s budget. Last year, voters approved a measure to deal with exactly these kinds of circumstances. It’s time the state activated the rainy day fund so we can begin to prepare for the projected budgetary shortfall. I thank my colleagues leading the charge in Albany for pushing this prudent measure,” said Adams.

“The state must take all the steps it can to mitigate a further economic crisis created by this coronavirus pandemic. As the prime sponsor of A8737 in the assembly, I call on the legislature to pass my bill to allow for New York City to activate a rainy day fund,” said Carroll.

Myrie Reports Good News and More News

State Senator Zellnor Myrie (D-Brownsville, Crown Heights, East Flatbush, Gowanus, Park Slope, Prospect Heights, Prospect Lefferts Gardens, South Slope, Sunset Park) updated everyone on COVID-19 and shared some good news that deaths have been declining for two days in a row.

“This is a promising sign, but it isn’t yet possible to say for sure whether we have hit the apex, or potentially a plateau, of the crisis, according to the state’s health officials. One thing is for sure: with the healthcare system already under significant strain, it remains critical to continue social distancing,” wrote Myrie.

Other Updates:

Cases and Hospitalization:

There are now 130,689 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in New York State with 72,181 in New York City, and 4,758 deaths across the state.

NY on Pause Extended:

Governor Cuomo announced that schools and non-essential businesses would remain closed until at least April 29.
Regents have been canceled for this June.
Increased fines for people who aren’t social distancing from $500- $1,000.

Help for Small Business

The federal government has opened the applications for assistance under the Paycheck Protection Act. Businesses with 500 or fewer employees are encouraged to apply on a first-come, first-served basis. Click here for more information.

Mental Health