Lost in the Ozone...

Elizabeth Warren Announces Her Bid for Senate

2011-10-12T16:49:00.001-04:00

This is hilarious..!

Elizabeth Warren talks about why she's running for the United States Senate.

Starring: Molly Erdman
Directed by: Brian Shortall
Written/Produced by: Eddie Geller
Edited by: Richard Klopfenstein

Happy Birthday to Jerry Garcia (1942-1995) - Grateful Dead - Sugar Magnolia

2011-08-02T01:12:00.001-04:00

Birthday wishes to Jerry Garcia (1942-1995) - RIP

The 2011 Tour de Queens is Sunday July 10th - Tour de Queens Trailer

2011-06-27T22:57:00.001-04:00

The 2011 Tour de Queens is Sunday July 10th
For more info: www.tourdequeens.org

Footage courtesy of Streetfilms.org from the 2009 Tour de Queens.

Deal Reached to Avert New York Teacher Layoffs by Fernanda Santos - NYTimes.com

2011-06-25T22:40:00.000-04:00

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The threatened layoffs of 4,100 teachers in New York’s public schools were averted under a deal that the Bloomberg administration, the City Council and the teachers’ union reached on Friday night.

Details were still being worked out, but the agreement calls for concessions from the United Federation of Teachers and money from the Council.

Under the deal, the union would agree to suspend teacher sabbaticals for a year and permit teachers without a permanent assignment to be used more regularly as classroom substitutes. In addition, the Bloomberg administration would concede that 2,600 teachers would be lost to attrition, 600 more than estimated, saving additional jobs. On one hand, the resolution spares Mr. Bloomberg from becoming the first mayor in nearly 40 years to impose mass teacher layoffs. On the other hand, though, it threatens to undermine his credibility, given that he has declared for two consecutive years that layoffs were inevitable, only to see them averted in a budget deal.

The budget plan also allows the Council to keep open 20 fire companies that the mayor had ordered closed, and it may be able to restore at least some of the cuts he planned for day care services and librarians.

Still, it appeared that up to 1,000 city workers — many of them in health care jobs — would be laid off.

In a news conference at the Education Department headquarters in Lower Manhattan on Friday night, Mr. Bloomberg said he was disappointed he could not avoid all layoffs. Still, he said, “this is a budget that will keep our city strong, but it is also a budget that faces fiscal reality.”

Asked whether he thought his credibility had been hurt, the mayor defended his approach, saying the city faced extremely bleak and unpredictable economic circumstances.

The City Council speaker, Christine C. Quinn, standing by the mayor’s side, praised the deal. “New Yorkers can rest easy tonight knowing that our children will still have great teachers,” she said.

Mr. Bloomberg had taken an aggressive posture during the negotiations, emboldened over the past days by the victories scored in Albany and Trenton against public-sector unions and becoming more emphatic about his demands. But in the end, he and the teachers’ union, one of his most vociferous opponents, had to reach an agreement, helping to balance a $66 billion budget that had a $4.6 billion gap.

A different rescue proposal fell apart on Thursday, after the city rejected an offer from the Municipal Labor Committee, a group representing roughly 100 municipal unions, for $262 million to be taken from a health care reserve fund they jointly manage. By then, Ms. Quinn and the teachers’ union president, Michael Mulgrew, had been secretly meeting for days.

Once the other deal collapsed, talks between Ms. Quinn and Mr. Mulgrew moved into overdrive.

On Friday morning, officials of the city’s Education Department made their way to the union’s headquarters to determine what would and would not be on the table. By late afternoon, the two sides had come to an agreement.

Ms. Quinn, meanwhile, worked to sell the plan to Mr. Bloomberg, emerging as the crucial figure in the process.

The budget must be approved by the full Council by Thursday.

Javier C. Hernandez contributed reporting

Statement from William C. Thompson, On The Passage of New York’s Marriage Equality Legislation

2011-06-25T00:14:00.001-04:00

“History will define today as a pivotal moment in the fight for equal rights for all.

I applaud Governor Cuomo, the State Senators and Assembly Members who recognized the tenor of the times and heard their constituents' voices, and the LGBT advocates and activists and supporters who served on the front lines of this long-fought battle to ensure equality for all.

Today is long overdue. The passage of time since marriage equality was unsuccessfully introduced a year ago has yielded more open minds and open hearts. I commend our leaders for employing not only common sense but courage, and a conviction to do what simply is right.

On this day, we all should reflect not just on our own lives and the privileges and rights we have, but those of our sisters and brothers, colleagues and friends, and realize that the playing field doesn't favor everyone. There are still challenges ahead. All too often we hear about anti-gay attacks in our city, state and nation. Changing the law does not necessarily change all minds.

My true hope is that today's action will create a wave of acceptance and a recognition that where you love should not be determined by where you live.

As a longtime supporter of marriage equality, I shared the pain endured by my colleagues and friends who could not get married in New York, and now share the joy of progress.

I am proud that as a New Yorker I live in a State that acknowledges that the people you love should not define the limits of your rights. Instead, through today's vote, our State leaders have shown that love and the law can go hand in hand.”

Tonight New York Made History - Bill de Blasio

2011-06-25T00:07:00.000-04:00

Forty-two years ago at a small bar in Greenwich Village, New Yorkers took a stand against discrimination and the gay rights movement was born. Tonight, New York made history once again, becoming the largest state in the country to pass marriage equality.
This victory was only made possible because of the tireless dedication and advocacy of millions of New Yorkers, some gay, some straight, all fighting to ensure that every person in our state is guaranteed the same rights and privileges.
This historic day is also due in large part to the leadership of Governor Cuomo. I congratulate the Governor, the State Assembly and the State Senate for this historic step forward. I applaud those legislators who have fought on the front lines for years and also those legislators who courageously found it within themselves and in the voices of their constituents to vote 'yes' for the first time.
Sincerely,

Bill de Blasio
NYC Public Advocate

Statement from Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer & Dan Hendrick on Marriage Equality

2011-06-24T23:56:00.001-04:00

"Today, New York made history.

"By lifting this barrier to equal rights, our state has made a clear and forceful declaration that there must be no second-class New Yorkers.

"Today has been a day when our greatest ideals were on display – ideals like 'liberty and justice for all' and the unshakable belief that 'all men are created equal.’

"This struggle has been long, and change is always difficult. We are proud that New York has debated this issue in an atmosphere of respect. But as evidenced today, the march toward greater freedom and fairness, toward true equality under the law, cannot be stopped until all of us are truly free.

"There was another kind of history made today as well – the kind recorded not in history books, but in family photographs and genealogies.

"For too long, gay and lesbian couples like us were forced to live in the shadows. No matter how long we lived together, no matter how much we loved each other, no matter how committed we were to one another, gay and lesbian relationships rested on a legal house of cards under New York law.

"Today, at last, our state government has caught up with the truth that our families, colleagues and neighbors have long known: GLBT citizens deserve the same rights, recognition and respect as every other New Yorker.

"This historic moment may never have arrived in New York if it weren’t for the leadership of Governor Andrew Cuomo. History will recall his courage and determined support, along with that of City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, Mayor Michael Bloomberg and those Assembly Members and Senators who stood up for what is right, particularly Senator Tom Duane and Assembly Members Danny O’Donnell and Deborah Glick.

"With today’s vote, New York has reclaimed its proper role as a beacon for civil rights and equality – a proud example that we hope may inspire our federal government and state governments around the country to follow suit."

--Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer & Dan Hendrick, Sunnyside, NY

Senator Gillibrand Statement on New York State Achieving Marriage Equality

2011-06-24T23:46:00.000-04:00

Praises Democrats And Republicans For Coming Together To Uphold American Values Of Equality, Justice

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand issued the following statement tonight after the New York State Senate voted in favor of marriage equality for all New Yorkers:

“New York has always led the way for equal rights – from leading the suffrage movement, to Abraham Lincoln’s remarkable speech opposing slavery at Cooper Union - and we have done it again. I want to thank Governor Cuomo for his extraordinary leadership and unwavering commitment to marriage equality which brought home this great victory. I also want to thank the committed advocates who worked day in and day out, and all of the New York State lawmakers - Democrats and Republicans - who came together to uphold the fundamental American values of equality and justice for all.

“New York State has sent a powerful message to the rest of the nation. The right to get married and start a family is a basic, human right that must be shared by all Americans. Every loving, committed couple in America deserves this right. And no politician should stand in the way of this fact.

“Marriage under the law is the foundation for strong families. I will continue to help lead the fight in Washington to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act so that all loving and committed marriages in New York are recognized by the federal government.”

New York State Lawmakers Approve Gay Marriage By Dan Wiessner - Reuters

2011-06-24T23:32:00.000-04:00

h/t to: CrooksandLiars.com for the video

New York will become the sixth state to allow gay marriage after lawmakers passed the measure on Friday, a key victory for gay rights ahead of the 2012 presidential and congressional elections.

New York state senators voted 33 to 29 to approve marriage equality legislation introduced by Governor Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat in his first year of office. New York will now be the most populous state where lawmakers approved gay marriage.

"New York has finally torn down the barrier that prevented same-sex couples from exercising the freedom to marry and from receiving the fundamental protections that so many couples and families take for granted," Cuomo said in a statement.

After Cuomo signs the bill same-sex weddings can start taking place in New York in 30 days and religious institutions and nonprofit groups with religious affiliations are not compelled to officiate.

"I have to define doing the right thing as treating all persons with equality and that equality includes within the definition of marriage," said Republican Senator Stephen Saland, speaking before the bill was passed.

Cheers erupted in the Senate gallery in the state capital Albany and among a crowd of several hundred people who gathered outside New York City's Stonewall Inn, where riots following a police raid in 1969 sparked the modern gay rights movement.

"It's about time. I want to get married. I want the same rights as anyone else," Caroline Jaeger, 36, a student, who was outside the Stonewall Inn.

But New York Bishops said in a statement that they were "deeply disappointed and troubled" by the passage of the bill.

"We always treat our homosexual brothers and sisters with respect, dignity and love. But we just as strongly affirm that marriage is the joining of one man and one woman," they said.

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, an advocate for gay marriage who lobbied state lawmakers in recent weeks, said the vote was an "historic triumph for equality and freedom."

"Together, we have taken the next big step on our national journey toward a more perfect union," he said in a statement.

ELECTION ISSUE

President Barack Obama, who attended a fundraiser in New York on Thursday for Gay Pride Week, has a nuanced stance of gay issues and could risk alienating large swathes of the electorate if he came out strongly in favor of such matters as gay marriage before the 2012 polls, experts say.

During the 2008 election Obama picked up important support from Evangelicals, African Americans, and socially conservative Latinos and Catholics -- who all oppose gay marriage, which has become a contentious social issue being fought state-by-state.

In California a judge last year overturned a ban on gay marriage, but no weddings can take place while the decision is being appealed. It could set national policy if the case reaches the U.S. Supreme Court.

Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont and the District of Columbia allow same-sex marriage, and Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois and New Jersey approved civil unions. The first legal same-sex marriages in the United States took place in Massachusetts in 2004.

But gay marriage is banned in 39 states, according to the The National Conference of State Legislatures.

In New York a recent Siena poll found 58 percent of New Yorkers support gay marriage, while nationally the U.S. public is nearly evenly split with 45 percent in favor and 46 percent opposed, according to a Pew Research poll released last month.

New York's Democrat-dominated Assembly voted 80 to 63 in favor of gay marriage last week and again passed the amended legislation on Friday 82 to 47.

A key sticking point had been over an exemption that would allow religious officials to refuse to perform services or lend space for same-sex weddings. Most Republicans were concerned the legal protection was not strong enough, so legislative leaders worked with Cuomo to amend his original bill.

"God, not Albany, settled the definition of marriage a long time ago," said Senator Ruben Diaz Sr., a Pentecostal minister and the only Democrat to vote against the measure.

However fears of a slew of litigation arising from a possible religious exemption to New York's proposed same-sex marriage law are not borne out by experience with similar laws in other states, legal experts say.

(Additional reporting by Phil Wahba, writing by Michelle Nichols)

NYS Comptroller Tom DiNapoli Fracking Proposal Gets Strong Investor Support

2011-06-22T23:56:00.000-04:00

Risk Disclosure Resolution Garners Solid Vote From Carrizo Shareholders

New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli’s shareholder resolution seeking greater disclosure of the risks associated with hydraulic fracturing (‘fracking’) garnered support from investors at Carrizo Oil’s annual meeting last week. The resolution received 43.7 percent of the vote, according to a company filing released today. DiNapoli filed the resolution as trustee of the $140.6 billion New York State Common Retirement Fund (Fund), which owns 324,994 Carrizo shares worth an estimated $11.1 million.

“We’ve seen what happens when companies sacrifice safety for short-term profits,” DiNapoli said. “This vote was a call for safer, sustainable earnings from our investments. Natural gas is a crucial part of the nation’s energy supply, but it has to be extracted the right way.”

“Hydraulic fracturing can potentially poison local water supplies, pollute the air and leave us with a waste management nightmare. Shareholders and the public need to be assured that Carrizo and other companies fully appreciate the regulatory, legal, environmental and reputational risks at stake. We can’t have a repeat of the BP disaster in New York.”

DiNapoli has requested reports on the potential consequences of fracking from seven companies: Chesapeake Energy Corp., SM Energy, XTO Energy Inc., Range Resources Corp., Hess Corp., and Cabot Oil & Gas Corp. Four firms—SM Energy, Range, Hess and Cabot—have agreed to provide disclosures on the potential consequences of drilling activities in response to DiNapoli’s requests. These agreements do not relieve the company of their legal or regulatory duties. The Fund has also voted in favor of disclosure resolutions filed by other investors at Chevron, ExxonMobil, Ultra Petroleum and Energen Corporation.

New York’s Department of Environmental Conservation is expected to release new gas drilling rules next month.

Public Advocate de Blasio Walks in Shoes of Childcare Provider

2011-06-22T23:48:00.000-04:00

In the midst of Mayor Bloomberg’s threats to drastically cut funding for childcare services, Public Advocate Bill de Blasio spent yesterday morning walking in the shoes of Linnette Ebanks, a daycare provider who educates and cares for pre-school children at Little People's Retreat Group Day Care in Brooklyn.

Watch the video here:

“Seeing firsthand how childcare providers help our children learn and grow is all the evidence you need that the Mayor’s budget has the wrong priorities,” said Public Advocate Bill de Blasio. “Today I was proud to spend a morning walking in the shoes of Linnette Ebanks and tomorrow I will continue to fight for her and the thousands of working families that depend on child care.”

The Mayor’s Executive Budget would slash $57 million from childcare services and close 110 daycare centers city-wide—including 55 in Brooklyn alone. A map of these daycare centers is here.

Gillibrand Blasts Ruling on Wal-mart Discrimination Case - Canandaigua, NY by Julie Sherwood- MPNnow

2011-06-21T23:46:00.001-04:00

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U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand released the following statement in response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision today to overturn the lower court’s ruling that would have allowed more than one million women to proceed with a class-action discrimination lawsuit against Wal-mart.

“I am deeply disappointed by the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn the lower court’s decision and deny the largest civil rights class action suit in our history from moving forward. Pay discrimination in the workplace is unacceptable and all too real. Women in this country will continue to face an uphill battle until Congress fulfills its obligation to level the playing field and close existing loopholes by passing the Paycheck Fairness Act. The time to end discrimination is now and I will continue to work with my colleagues to end this economic injustice"

Rep. Joe Crowley: Cuts to Anti-Hunger & Nutrition Programs Are "Penny-Wise & Pound-Foolish"

2011-06-21T23:36:00.000-04:00

Congressman Joe Crowley (D-Queens, the Bronx), released the following statement in opposition to the Republicans’ proposed cuts to nutrition programs for families, seniors and children in the 2012 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food & Drug Administration and Related Agencies Appropriations Act (H.R. 2112). This legislation includes a devastating cut of $650 million to one of our nation’s most important anti-hunger programs – the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). In New York State, this could mean almost 20,000 participants could be kicked off the WIC program. In addition, the bill slashes food aid for low-income seniors through the Commodity Supplemental Food Program and help for food banks through the Emergency Food Assistance Program at a time when seniors, families and anti-hunger organizations are all struggling to get by. Congressman Crowley voted against the bill, which ultimately passed by a vote of 217-203.

“At a time when families, seniors and children in New York and around the country are relying on food assistance more than ever, the Republicans’ legislation would slash access to nutritious food, counseling on healthy eating and health care referrals for those who are struggling.

“This bill is penny-wise and pound-foolish. Republicans claim they are making these cuts to reduce the deficit and get our fiscal house in order, but this bill is not the way to make that happen. What will the costs be down the road as children grow up without a healthy start because they have a hungry stomach?

“Despite not being willing to end tax breaks for oil companies making tens of billions in profits and corporations taking advantage of overseas tax loopholes, Republicans are more than ready to cut programs on the backs of those who are struggling to survive in this economy. Our priorities should be about helping working families and those in need – not eliminating benefits that are already stretched thin.”

New & Notes from NYS Senator Joe Addabbo - 15th District

2011-06-21T23:24:00.000-04:00

ADDABBO CO-SPONSORS BILL TO HELP SMALL BUSINESSES GET VENTURE CAPITAL FUNDING

NYS Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr., (D-Queens) is pleased to announce that he is a co-sponsor of legislation (S.5587) introduced in the Senate by Senator James Alesi (R-Rochester) that would amend the state’s tax law to authorize the state to license six certified capital companies to raise $150 million in private venture capital from insurance companies in order to assist New York businesses that require funds not available from traditional commercial banks through all stages of development: pre-startup, start-up, expansion, or survival. In exchange for investing in qualified businesses, the insurance companies would get premium tax credits, with such issuance to be delayed four years. While the economic benefits of the program begin almost immediately, the delayed tax credits would have no fiscal impact to New York State until 2015.

In order to qualify for the tax credits, each certified capital company mustsatisfy a number of requirements in its investment portfolio, including:

Two-thirds of its investment of certified capital must go towards qualified businesses located in under-served areas.
Ten percent of its investment must be directed towards qualified seed funds, certified as such by the Superintendent of Financial Services.
Fifty percent of its investments must go towards businesses focused on emerging technology products and services.
No more than $15 million can be invested towards one individual company.

In addition, a certified capital company under CAPCO-6 would be required to return 15 percent of its net profits on qualified investments to the Department of Financial Services. This legislation also adds to the reporting requirements already present in previous CAPCO programs to ensure compliance with the requirements set forth above.

New York State last renewed its CAPCO program in 2005. The NY CAPCO was created by the Assembly over a decade ago to utilize a premium tax credit incentive to increase investment in venture capital funds focused exclusively on New York businesses. New York insurance companies can earn tax credits by making investments in small companies that have difficulty accessing traditional funding sources. Since 1998, five CAPCO programs have been certified. Through these five programs, $400 million of private capital has been raised, and the investment from these funds has created or retained over 2,000 jobs and will generate $412 million in tax revenue by 2016. Says Addabbo, “It’s a win-win for both small business owners and investors. Our current economic climate makes getting risk capital for small businesses extremely challenging. As elected officials, we must make every effort to help our small businesses.”

The bill has been sent for review to the Senate’s Committee on Investigations and Government Operations. After passage and signature by the Governor, the bill would take effect immediately.

ADDABBO SUPPORTS BILL THAT WOULD MAKE HOME INVASION ROBBERY NEW CRIMINAL OFFENSES

NYS Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr., announced that the Senate has passed a bill (S.3205) that would amend the penal law in order to establish the new criminal offenses of home invasion robbery, which takes place when a robbery occurs, and offenders threaten physical force.

The bill elevates the crime of robbery if the robbery occurs in someone's home, and

1) a person is guilty of home invasion robbery in the 2nd degree (a class C felony) and is aided by another perpetrator; and

2) a person is guilty of home invasion robbery in the 1st degree (a class B felony) when he or she, in the course of such a robbery: a) causes physical injury upon an occupant of the home; b) is armed with a deadly weapon; c) uses or threatens to use a dangerous instrument; or d) displays or appears to display an actual firearm capable of producing death or serious injury.

Explains Addabbo, "Incidents of home invasion robbery have been increasing in New York State and could happen in any community. They are not to be mistaken for burglaries, which usually occur when the homeowner is away. Home invasion robberies feature confronting homeowners as key elements of the perpetrator’s attacks, directly with force, false pretense or impersonation, then restrain the victims to steal the home's contents. This kind of crime needs an increased penalty and enforcement to assist in ensuring the safety of our residents."

This bill is currently being reviewed in the Codes Committee.

ADDABBO STATEMENT ON ETHICS REFORM BILL: THE PUBLIC INTEGRITY REFORM ACT OF 2011

NYS Senator Joseph Addabbo, Jr., (D-Queens) released the following statement on the ethics reform bill passed yesterday:

The Public Integrity Reform Act of 2011 is a step in the right direction for ethics reform in Albany and towards restoring faith and public trust in our government. After advocating for ethics and campaign reform ever since I was elected to the Senate, I believe this is a good initial bill, but I know we can do more in the state legislature. Since the ethics issue is one that has traditionally plagued our state government, I will continue to promote the need for improved campaign finance reform and independent redistricting to create a more transparent and equitable government for the people of this state.

This ethics reform bill only allows for penalizing the state pensions for future elected officials convicted of crimes related to their government role. This bill should have included current elected officials in this category.

Did the desperate need for ethics reform set the standard so low that any bill, no matter how mediocre, would have been an improvement? Only time will tell with the implementation of the this Public Integrity Reform Act of 2011.

Wal-mart Continues To Try and Buy New York’s Love

2011-06-20T23:00:00.000-04:00

Rather Than Coming Before The City Council or Community Board, Walmart Resorts To The Only Strategy It Knows, Spend $$$$

As Walmart continues to avoid answering hard questions to New Yorkers, the company has been spending significant amounts of money in political contributions and political-style advertising to try to buy New Yorkers’ love. Today, the company announced a charitable contribution in another attempt to buy their way into New York City.

An analysis of Walmart’s New York State lobbying data from the New York State Commission on Public Integrity shows it spent $1.85 million on lobbying (including political-style advertisements) in the first four months of 2011. In 2007 through 2010, the company spent $335,385.

A similar shift has occurred in political contributions. An analysis of data from the National Institute on Money in State Politics, shows that between 2003 and 2010, Wal-Mart contributed $562,877 to statewide candidates in New York. Overall contributions have grown dramatically each election cycle in advance of the company’s efforts to expand into New York City, beginning with a mere $4,020 in 2004 and reaching $273,000 by 2010.

The mega-retailer can’t boost its flagging U.S. sales unless it expands into the nation’s largest cities, so it’s trying to break its way into New York with new store formats and new products, and most importantly-- a new image.

“Walmart can’t be trusted. The company is embracing progressive values in its public relations campaign to avoid tough questions about its history of alleged discrimination and putting local mom and pops out business.,” said Stephanie Yazgi, spokesperson for Walmart Free NYC. “Walmart’s convenient contribution won’t distract New Yorkers from its track record: the company is facing the largest gender bias class-action lawsuit in U.S. history, it has sold more guns than any company in the United States, and it failed The Human Right Campaign’s national LGBT scorecard.”

Walmart Lobbyist Spending

Lobbyist	2007	2008	2009	2010	2007-10	2011
Law Offices of Claudia Wagner LLC	$32,000	-	-	$22,500	$54,500
Patricia Lynch Associates	$65,000	$65,000	$62,834	$61,752	$254,586
Manatt, Phelps and Phillips LLP				$22,500	$22,500	$30,000
Philip Serghini	$620	$203	$2,976	-	$3,799
Walmart Stores						$1,756,853
The Wright Group						$24,000
Hodes and Landy						$30,000
York Group Associates						$16,000
Total	$97,620	$65,203	$65,810	$84,252	$335,385	$1,856,853

###

NYC Comptroller John C. Liu Statement on CITYTIME...

2011-06-20T15:06:00.000-04:00

In response to questions about today’s additional criminal charges relating to CityTime, New York City Comptroller John C. Liu issued the following statement:

“Today’s announcement unfortunately sheds more light on just how flawed the management of the CityTime project was,” said Comptroller John C. Liu. “According to the indictment ‘virtually the entirety of the more than $600 million that was paid to SAIC was tainted directly or indirectly, by fraud.’ New Yorker’s can hope that this will eventually lead to restitution for the hundreds of millions of dollars paid on an out-of-control project, years overdue and, ten-fold over budget.”

Comptroller John C. Liu’s Record on CityTime

Jan. 1, 2010	Comptroller John C. Liu takes office, and makes the elimination of fraud, waste and abuse his top priority.
Feb. 9, 2010	Rejected additional contract related to CityTime.
Feb. 25, 2010	Initiates audit of CityTime Project Oversight.
Mar. 3, 2010	Liu calls on Mayor to freeze all payments associated with CityTime; appoints new representative from the Comptroller’s Office to OPA.
Sept. 28, 2010	Liu and mayor Bloomberg announce agreement to finish installation of CityTime at no additional cost.

Immigrants For Sale - Brave New Foundation - YouTube

2011-06-19T17:05:00.000-04:00

Find out more: http://immigrantsforsale.org
Discuss: http://facebook.com/cuentame
En Español: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7pIy06BN4hk

Immigrants are for sale in this country. Sold to private prison corporations who are locking them up for obscene profits!

Here are the top 3 things YOU need to know about the Private Prison money scheme:

The victims: Private prisons don't care about who they lock up. At a rate of $200 per immigrant a night at their prisons, this is a money making scheme that destroys families and lives.

The players: CCA (Corrections Corporation of America), The Geo Group and Management and Training corporations—combined these private prisons currently profit more than $5 billion a year.

The money: These private prisons have spent over $20 million lobbying state legislators to make sure they get state anti-immigrant laws approved and ensure access to more immigrant inmates.

Be a part of the movement to follow the players, the money and the victims of this money making scheme @ immigrantsforsale.org

Gardening in East New York by TandLRadio - YouTube

2011-06-19T16:59:00.001-04:00

A video sent by a friend, Rey Pinder...

Chief Promises Police Around Racino by Stephen Geffon - Queens Chronicle: South Queens News

2011-06-18T22:32:00.001-04:00

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As the September opening day for the Resorts World New York casino in South Ozone Park edges closer, nervous neighborhood residents concerned about their safety were assured by Patrol Borough Queens South Assistant Chief James Secreto that the police manpower necessary to protect them will be provided.

Secreto told the members of the 106th Precinct Community Council at their meeting last week that if top police officials don’t give him the additional officers he has requested, he will provide them from the borough’s resources.

“One way or another we are going to have cops there,” said Secreto.

Residents fear that the influx of an estimated 8.4 million people a year into the neighborhood will add traffic and increase the risk of crimes and quality of life issues. Some expressed concern that prostitutes may be drawn into the area.

City Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park) has also voiced the concerns of his constituents and recently asked for additional police officers for the 106th Precinct in advance of the casino’s opening.

“While the new racino is scheduled to open later this summer, many of my constituents are still concerned about the level of police protection the community will receive from the NYPD,” Ulrich wrote in a recent letter to Police Commissioner Ray Kelly. “Despite the fact that vehicular and foot traffic will increase, it still remains unclear if and when the local precinct will receive additional police personnel. Undoubtedly, more police officers will be needed to patrol the residential neighborhoods surrounding the facility.”

David Quintana of Ozone Park told Secreto that he saw a large contingent of police officers standing around the New York Stock Exchange building in Manhattan. He said that in light of the expected 30,000 visitors a day coming into the neighborhood surrounding the casino, “we could use some of those officers out here.”

On the noise abatement front, the precinct’s ongoing effort to quiet troublemakers resulted in the issuance of 26 noise summonses during the period from May 30 to June 5, according to Community Affairs officer Ken Zorn.

He added that 32 noise summonses were issued the week before.

A Lindenwood resident complained that cars are still speeding through area stop signs without stopping. Capt. Thomas Pascale told him officers would be made aware of this problem.

With the Fourth of July approaching, 106th Precinct police officers will be taking a zero-tolerance stance on fireworks use.

“For children’s safety and the safety of all residents, we are going to make sure that we prevent the discharge of fireworks,” said a police department official.

Fireworks burn at an extremely high temperature and can quickly burn through clothing and skin, causing serious injuries. Items such as sparklers are mistakenly thought to be safe, when even they can be very dangerous, the officers said, adding that fireworks should only be handled by trained professionals.

Pascale said that 40 additional police officers will be assigned to the precinct’s fireworks detail on July 4.

He also said that a police command post will be set up in front of the Starbucks store on Crossbay Boulevard.

Bloomzilla Shows No Remorse! - nycisnot4sale.com

2011-06-17T08:30:00.000-04:00

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NYCisNotForSale.com

Goldfeder Has Inside Track to Fill Pheffer's Vacant Seat by Howard Koplowitz -YourNabe.com

2011-06-17T08:01:00.001-04:00

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Y. Philip Goldfeder, U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer’s (D-N.Y.) director of intergovernmental affairs, is expected to run for the seat vacated by former state Assemblywoman Audrey Pheffer (D-Rockaway Beach) and has the inside track to become the Democratic nominee in the yet-to-be announced race, a source close to Goldfeder told TimesLedger Newspapers.

Goldfeder, who declined to comment, has been Schumer’s director of intergovernmental affairs for 2 1/2 years and previously worked as the Queens director of Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s Community Assistance Unit.

Pheffer’s seat became vacant after she accepted the position of Queens county clerk last month.

Political insiders say Gov. Andrew Cuomo wants the special election to replace Pheffer to take place on Primary Day, Sept. 13, which means he is expected to announce the contest June 24 at the earliest.

Under previous law, special elections had to be held within 30 to 40 days of the governor’s announcement, but the law was tweaked to 70 to 80 days in order to accommodate ballots from overseas.

Before his position with Bloomberg, Goldfeder, a Rockaway resident, worked for City Councilmen James Sanders (D-Laurelton) and James Gennaro (D-Fresh Meadows).

Democratic district leaders in the Assembly district decide who makes it on the ballot as a Democrat, with two of the leaders — Lew Simon and Geraldine Chapey — expected to run in the race.

But the source close to Goldfeder said he is expected to be supported by the other two district leaders — Jo Ann Shapiro and Frank Gulluscio — which would be enough backing for Goldfeder to make the ballot on the Democratic line.

Jo Ann Shapiro, who was Pheffer’s chief of staff, declined to run and Gulluscio is also not expected to be a candidate.

The source said Goldfeder is close to Shapiro and noted he worked on Gulluscio’s failed Council campaigns and the two district leaders are said to be backing him.

On the Republican side, district leader Jane Deacy is a candidate for the seat and she has the backing of Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park).

The source said Ulrich’s criticism of Goldfeder — he said Goldfeder is virtually unknown outside of Rockaway — was a “silly statement,” pointing to Goldfeder’s career working for two councilmen, Bloomberg and Schumer.

“Phil has spent his entire career working from within the diverse borough of Queens,” the source said.

Bill Aims to Save Shelter Animals by Stephen Geffon - Queens Chronicle

2011-06-17T00:24:00.002-04:00

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Queens organizations have thrown support behind state legislation that would permit rescue groups to recover animals that are scheduled to be killed at shelters, saying it would help to save many adoptable pets set to be euthanized in the borough and throughout the state.

State Assemblyman Micah Kellner (D-Manhattan) recently proposed the Companion Animal Access and Rescue Act, an identical version of which is being sponsored by state Sen. Joseph Robach (R-Rochester), which he said would allow groups to find homes for animals set to be killed. Current law only allows individuals, not groups, to save the animals.

“We wholeheartedly support Assemblyman Kellner’s bill,” said Nancy Fahnestock, treasurer of CSM Stray Foundation, a Kew Gardens-based animal protection group. “This would save so many adoptable animals that are now being euthanized. In addition it would put a checks and balance system to assure that shelters are humanely treating animals by allowing rescue groups open access in visitations to select animals for adoption. This is a great step in the right direction,”

Kellner said there are now tens of thousands of animals in shelters statewide, many of which are healthy and well behaved.

“Unfortunately, shelters oftentimes don’t have the room or resources to care for these or other animals,” Kellner said. “Even worse, current law does not protect or grant access to the qualified rescue groups that are working to save these loving and loyal animals.”

A statewide survey found that 71 percent of all New York rescue groups have been turned away by a shelter, which then killed the animals they offered to save.

“When a humane organization volunteers to take these animals, they should not be denied,” Kellner said.

The act also sets qualifications and guidelines for both shelters and rescue groups.

“Outlining the responsibilities of those who work directly with the animals will help ensure that the animals receive the proper care,” said Kellner. “These provisions ensure that animals are given fresh food and water on a daily basis, exercise and socialization with other animals, clean living environments and prompt veterinary care.”

To ensure compliance, routine inspections of the facilities would be mandated.

Kellner’s bill was named in memory of Oreo, a pit bull mix, who, in June, 2009 survived being thrown off a six-story building in Brooklyn, from which she suffered two broken legs, a cracked rib and severe internal injuries. Her owner was arrested on cruelty charges, and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals took her in and brought her back to good physical health.

But that November, the ASPCA announced that Oreo was untreatably aggressive and that she would be euthanized. A nonprofit animal rescue group, Pets Alive Animal Sanctuary, offered to take her in, but the request was refused and Oreo was put down. The ASPCA and the Humane Society have not taken a stance on this bill.

CAARA is supported by a number of animal welfare groups, including Best Friends Animal Society, Alley Cat Allies, the No-Kill Advocacy Center and the League of Humane Voters of New York.

Holding Our Breath - Editorial on Marriage Equality Bill - Queens Tribune

2011-06-16T21:44:00.002-04:00

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First and foremost – we thank and congratulate Sens. Shirley Huntley and Joe Addabbo for changing their position on gay marriage. The two were the only remaining Queens Democrats who had previously voted against gay marriage; this week they said they changed their minds. Yes, we recognize that they perceived the issue to be in opposition of their constituents, and we are glad to see that the people they represent spoke up in great numbers to convince them to change their position.

We certainly realize that this is not a fait accompli. As of printing, there were only 31 Senators committed to voting in favor of granting members of the LGBT community the right to marry one another; 32 are needed, and a vote was expected by Friday.

This newspaper has taken great pride in championing what we feel is the basic equality of civil rights for all New Yorkers. If, indeed, the measure does pass, it will be a historic day in New York – and one of celebration here in Queens, home to one of the largest organized gay communities on the East Coast.

We patiently await the vote of the Senate. Do the right thing. We all should be equal.

Senator Tony Avella Speaks on S.4792 - The Millionaires Tax - YouTube

2011-06-16T17:17:00.000-04:00

Go Tony..!!

Statements on Congressman Anthony Weiner's Announcement of his Resignation from New York Congressional Colleagues

2011-06-16T16:11:00.000-04:00

Statement from Rep. Joe Crowley on Weiner Resignation

“Anthony has been a strong advocate for his community and an influential legislator. Although I was deeply disappointed in his behavior, this is a sad way to end his congressional service. I know Anthony and Huma well and I know brighter days are ahead for them and their family. I wish them the best during what is surely a difficult time in their lives.”

Statement from Rep. Edolphus “Ed” Towns on Weiner Resignation

“Despite his personal problems, Congressman Weiner was an extremely effective lawmaker who had a positive impact on his constituents and the nation as a whole. He championed many causes, and was tireless in his efforts to make life better for all Americans. His voice will be missed. My heart goes out to Anthony Weiner and his family at this difficult time and I hope forgiveness and reconciliation rules the day. I wish them only the best”.

Congressman Gregory W. Meeks Statement on Congressman Anthony Weiner Resignation

Congressman Gregory W. Meeks (NY-6), Senior Member of the House Financial Services Committee and House Foreign Affairs Committee, released the following statement in regards to Congressman Anthony Weiner’s announcement of his resignation:

“This is a sad day, but Anthony has made the right decision for himself, his family and the Democratic Party. He will be sorely missed by me and his constituents. I wish him the best.

DiResto Eying Pheffer's Assembly Seat by Toni Cimino - Queens Courier

2011-06-16T08:37:00.000-04:00

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Retired NYPD Lieutenant Glenn DiResto may be throwing his hat in the ring for Audrey Pheffer’s empty Assembly seat.

At least one person may be throwing his hat in the ring for Audrey Pheffer’s empty Assembly seat.

Retired NYPD Lieutenant Glenn DiResto said he decided to explore the possibility of running for the seat after Pheffer’s former chief of staff, Jo Ann Shapiro, decided not to run.

“Jo Ann has a tremendous amount of experience and would have been a great candidate. However, with her not running it makes the race more appealing,” said DiResto.

DiResto was a former City Council candidate in the 2009 Special Election that was won by Eric Ulrich.

“I am interested in the position because the problems that face our neighborhoods are the same as they were two years ago,” said DiResto. “We really need someone who understands the problems of the neighborhoods and has the personal, professional and civic experience to help solve those problems.”

DiResto has said he does not expect to get an official party line designation and notes he “hopes to be making a final decision in the next couple weeks” as to whether or not he will run.

“As a constituent, I believe everyone has an opportunity to run,” said County Clerk Pheffer. “There are many people who are very involved, and those who run must be responsive to the community.”

The 23rd Assembly district encompasses areas of Ozone Park, Howard Beach and the Rockaways. Pheffer told The Courier that the biggest challenge for whoever fills the seat will be the budget.

“He or she needs preparation to learn the process and make decisions,” she said. “The budget process is tough, and there’s still a deficit.”

Governor Andrew Cuomo has not yet set a date for the Special Election.

New York Assembly Passes Bill to Legalize Gay Marriage 80-63; Legislation Now Heads to Senate by Kenneth Lovett - NY Daily News

2011-06-16T03:44:00.001-04:00

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Same-sex marriage moved one step closer to being legalized in New York with Assembly's vote.. Justin Sullivan/Getty

The Assembly Wednesday passed a bill to legalize gay marriage while Senate Republicans battled over whether to let the measure come to a floor vote.

The measure passed 80 to 63, the lowest margin in the four times it has been approved by the Assembly since 2007.

"It feels different this time because I'm very hopeful it will pass the Senate and become law this year," said Assembly bill sponsor Daniel O'Donnell (D-Manhattan), one of a handful of gay state lawmakers.

Gov. Cuomo, who has made gay marriage a priority, crowed, "We are on the verge of a pinnacle moment for this state."

The fate of the bill is still up in the air in the GOP-controlled Senate, where 31 senators are on record as supporting it - one shy of the 32 needed for passage.

Senate Republicans discussed the issue behind closed doors for four hours Wednesday. Saying they were unable to decide how to proceed, they are scheduled to continue the talks today.

Just two of the 32-member GOP conference publicly support legalizing gay marriage. Four others are on the fence.

Sources said those who oppose the bill were split over what the Senate should do. Some senators argued against bringing the measure to the floor.

Others are said to have pushed for a floor vote to get the issue off the table in time for next year's elections as the GOP tries to maintain its slim majority.

Senator after senator were said to have spoken "passionately" about his feelings on the gay marriage issue at the four-hour conference.

Some expressed religious objections to the gay lifestyle. Others fear political backlash from conservatives that could cost the GOP the majority next year. Still others had legal concerns about the way the bill submitted by Cuomo was written.

Cuomo said his bill offers exemptions from anti-discrimination laws for certain religious groups and affiliated groups, like the Knights of Columbus.

Several Senate Republicans who are lawyers, including Stephen Saland, one of the four undecideds, have argued that under Cuomo's bill, those groups still could be sued under other parts of state law, sources said.

Senate Republicans are considering reworking the bill or asking Cuomo to amend his legislation, sources said.

"If there are any imperfections in the bill, it behooves us to address them and quickly clean them up," one senator said.

Two of the four undecided Republicans - Andrew Lanza of Staten Island and Greg Ball of Putnam - want stronger religious exemptions.

The legislative session ends next week.

New York Legalizing Gay Marriage? - The Last Word with Lawrence O'Donnell - msnbc

2011-06-16T02:55:00.000-04:00

Human Rights Activists Celebrate word of Senator Addabbo and Senator Huntley changing their positions to YES votes on the Marriage Equality Act in New York State

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Genting is on the Right Track - Op/Ed by Anthony J. Gellineau -Leader-Observer

2011-06-15T22:44:00.000-04:00

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When I hear so-called “LEADERS” of South Queens rail about the lack of job creation by companies like Genting, I think back to the days when quite a few people would prey upon the ignorance of those in earshot to bring attention to THEMSELVES. These are people who thrive in the midst of those who are less fortunate, taking advantage of their fears by casting something as the bogeyman that is out to get them. These same “leaders” do nothing to improve the life condition of the people they are talking at – they produce no results other than the temporary mental satisfaction of those who feel someone is standing up for them, only to have those same people leave in the same way in which they came.

True civic organizations fight daily to improve the quality of life of the residents in our communities. We meet with entities in our communities to address issues; we bring decision-makers to our meetings with our members to get their questions answered. We spend an inordinate amount of hours researching, communicating and disseminating information to our constituents. We teach our constituents to fish, and we don’t expect anyone to give us a fish.

My civic association, together with other civic associations that surround the Aqueduct racetrack have been fighting for close to 20 years, looking forward to the reconstruction and revitalization of the track. We have been in discussions with Community Board 10, Borough Presidents Schulman and Marshall, Assemblywoman Pheffer, deceased Assemblywoman Pauline Rhodd-Cumming, and Senators Maltese and Addabbo; we have worked on several different plans and we have lived through several different disappointing fits and starts. When Genting was awarded the right to build their casino, we all felt a sense of relief and optimism. And to their credit, Genting has been working with us in partnership, alerting our constituents to their opportunities, answering all of our questions – all the while becoming acclimated to our community. The relationship thus far could not be better.

Despite the feelings of optimism for many, there are some that believe that the selection of Genting brought disenfranchisement. You would think that it would be those who sought the rights to build the casino but were not selected. In this case however, it is a community of people who thought they were initially awarded the rights in a previous process, only to be disappointed when that process was deemed invalid. Some decided to own the previous process as if they were investors. They had built a sense of ownership with the belief that they were going to be intricately involved in the development of the project. Rightly or wrongly, the invalidation of that process left some people feeling as if they lost a significant stake in the development of the racetrack. These people, led astray by the supposed previous winners, are ripe for exploitation by the misguided and their cohorts who are more than eager to accommodate.

Before Genting was even chosen to develop the racetrack, a group of people, led by MISGUIDED LEADERS held a protest in front of the racetrack in June of 2010 to protest the bidding process. Illustrating a severe lack of understanding of the procurement process, THEY denounced the state’s RFP and it’s “lack of inclusion”. Since then, THEY have continued to lead people astray with poorly conceived assertions and sound bites. Those of us who live next to Aqueduct have been simply baffled by these tactics. They continue to antagonize our community without consulting those that live here – promulgating mistruths along the way. Simply put, it needs to stop.

The NAACP is this country’s foremost civil rights organization, and using its legacy to back a misguided campaign devalues its meaning to all of us. The redevelopment of Aqueduct means a lot to all of us, and inappropriately calling a company racist because it has not “consulted” any one self-appointed “leader” is unjust. While holding true to our values of fairness and community, have maintained a high level of communication with Genting and we have met their efforts to hire locally with vigor and anticipation, not cynicism. We have publicized their many opportunities and we have encouraged our constituents to respond. We will continue to reciprocate the same respect the Genting officials and representatives have shown to us. We will continue to urge those who have the community’s interest at heart to do the same. We ask those with PERSONAL agendas to go elsewhere.

Anthony J. Gellineau is president of the South Ozone Park Civic Association West.

News & Notes from NYC Public Advocate Bill de Blasio

2011-06-15T22:27:00.000-04:00

Public Advocate Delivers Thousands of Signatures to Mayor from Parents Opposing Child Care Cuts - June 7, 2011

Parents oppose closing 110 daycare centers, eliminating daycare for thousands of kids

At a City Hall rally today, Public Advocate Bill de Blasio delivered 3,773 signatures to Mayor Bloomberg from parents opposing unprecedented cuts to childcare. The petitions were collected by organizers from Public Advocate de Blasio’s office from parents at daycare centers, including some of the 110 centers that will be eliminated by Mayor Bloomberg’s budget. The Mayor’s proposals will slash services for as many as 7,000 children, according to the Citizens’ Committee for Children.

“We need to be committed as a city to preparing our kids to learn on that first day of school. That’s something every parent knows and certainly something an ‘Education Mayor’ should understand,” said Public Advocate Bill de Blasio. “This budget consigns an entire generation of New York City kids to inferior childcare—and in some cases no childcare at all—during those first critical years of their development. The parents of this city cannot let that happen.”

The childcare cuts will eliminate the Priority 5 and 6 programs which provide vouchers for daycare services to working parents and those enrolled in job training. The drastic cuts will require the Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) to provide much more limited childcare services by closing 110 daycare centers across the city and requiring increased co-payments. In many instances childcare services will be shifted to cheaper providers whose programs are shorter in duration and provide less individual attention and instruction due to larger class sizes.

The signatures delivered by Public Advocate de Blasio put the total collected by a broad coalition of childcare advocates to over 30,000. Public Advocate de Blasio gathered the signatures as part of his campaign to make children a priority in this year’s budget. He has also collected over 5,200 petition signatures against the proposed firing of over 4,100 teachers.

Statement on DOI’s Report on Blizzard Response

June 3, 2011

“Way back when the snow was still falling, it was clear that the botched storm response was first and foremost a failure of leadership. I commend the Department of Investigation for putting together this thorough report and for incorporating information from constituent cases provided by my office. Now that allegations of a slowdown have been debunked, our efforts should turn to making sure we are ready in six months when winter returns.”

Statement in Support of TLC’s Five-Borough Taxi and Livery Service Plan

June 2, 2011

”The Five-Borough Yellow Taxi and Livery Service Plan is a winner for all of New York City’s residents. By auctioning new medallions that permit taxis picking up street hails outside of Manhattan, we will improve transportation in the outer boroughs while adding over $1 billion in revenue and thousands of good jobs for New York City. I also believe that the City’s efforts to ensure financing for livery owners seeking outer borough permits are a key piece of making this plan work. I am proud to support this proposal.”

Statement on Governor Cuomo Withdrawing from “Secure Communities” Program - June 1, 2011

“Secure Communities has unfairly targeted immigrants and increased wrongful deportations. Despite its name, the program has made New Yorkers less safe and torn families apart. I applaud Governor Cuomo for pulling us out of the program so we can get back to focusing on the law enforcement priorities that truly keep our communities safe.”

News & Notes from NYC Comptroller John C. Liu

2011-06-15T21:16:00.000-04:00

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NYC COMPTROLLER JOHN C. LIU ON CITYTIME

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Comptroller John C. Liu issued the following statement today:

“My office’s review of the CityTime project, which defrauded taxpayers of millions of dollars, has not interfered with the ongoing criminal investigation, nor have we been informed that it has. We applaud the U.S. Attorney for charging seven people and recovering $28 million to date. We are committed to working cooperatively with all law enforcement agencies.”

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COMPTROLLER LIU STATEMENT ON EDC LIVING WAGE STUDY

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City Comptroller John C. Liu stated the following in response to questions about a recently completed study commissioned by the NYCEDC, “The Economic Impacts on New York City of Proposed Living Wage Mandate.”

“The EDC’s claim that a living wage kills jobs shows just how distorted the agency’s operations have become. The proposed living wage would be a requirement on new projects that are heavily subsidized by taxpayers. It may curtail the number of new minimum wage jobs, with the hope that these new jobs would then pay a decent wage. The claim of job losses is rhetoric at its worst.

NYC Comptroller John C. Liu Releases NYC Claims Report

2011-06-15T21:01:00.000-04:00

Lawsuit Payouts Declined by 7% in FY 2010,

But City Agencies Can Do More to Save Taxpayers

Tort Claims Payments Once Again Topped Half a Billion Dollars

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New York City Comptroller John C. Liu today released his Claims Report for Fiscal Years 2009 and 2010.* The report, the first under Comptroller Liu’s tenure, provides a comprehensive examination of data regarding claims filed against the City and analyzes recent trends.

Comptroller Liu’s report shows that in FY 2010 the City paid out $520.6 million in personal injury and property damage tort settlements and judgments; seven percent less than FY 2009, when the City paid $559.9 million.

“City agencies generally work hard to serve our residents, but we need to collectively minimize and prevent costly settlements that continue to hover at a half-billion dollars annually.” Comptroller Liu said. “My office will continue to work with Corporation Counsel to reduce the overall cost of litigation and settlements while being fair to people who have been harmed.”

In the Mayor’s Fiscal Year 2012 Executive Budget, the City has budgeted $655 million for the settlement of claims. Comptroller Liu testified last week that an analysis by his office deemed that number overestimated potential payouts by roughly $50 million.

Tort Claims Detail:

The report found that the New York City Police Department (NYPD), Health and Hospitals Corporation (HHC), and the New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) accounted for 67 percent of total tort claims paid in FY 2010.

The NYPD surpassed HHC in total claims payouts for the first time in 30 years. The City paid $135.3 million in FY 2009 and $135.8 million in FY 2010 on behalf of the NYPD. By comparison, claims against HHC cost the City slightly less, totaling $134.9 in FY 2009 and $134.4 million in FY 2010.

Comptroller Liu cited HHC’s success in risk and litigation management and noted that in addition to the NYPD, the DOT and Department of Education (DOE) may benefit from a pilot program replicating the HHC model of proactive management to reduce the costs incurred by the City. The Comptroller also suggested the Mayor’s Management Report track and publish agency claims data.

“This would better highlight agency efforts with regards to claims and civil litigation, and identify areas where greater risk management is needed,” Comptroller Liu said. “By posting this information the City will increase fiscal accountability.”

Click on image to enlarge

Non-Tort Claims:

The Comptroller’s Office also settles non-tort claims. These claims include disputes between contractors and City agencies, salary claims, and Department of Education tuition claims. In FY 2010, non-tort payments jumped to $165.1 million, up from $94.5 million the year before. The primary cause of this increase is DOE tuition reimbursement settlements, which totaled $132.9 million in FY 2010.

DOE tuition reimbursement claims arise when the City is unable to provide the necessary resources to special needs students. As a result, these students attend private schools for instruction and the City pays the tuition after a claim is filed. Comptroller Liu has recommended that the DOE take a more proactive view of their risk management programs to help drive down these costs.

Additional Findings:

The Comptroller’s Office early settlement of claims is estimated to have saved the City $17.2 million in FY 2009 and $18.2 million in FY 2010, by working in cooperation with other City agencies and streamlining processes.
In FY 2010, 2,286 defective sidewalk claims were filed against the City, the lowest number in a decade. As a City Councilman, Comptroller Liu authored and was the prime sponsor of Local Law 49, which amended the City Administrative Code in relation to liability for sidewalk claims. As a result of the legislation, the City has seen a significant decrease in the amount of taxpayer funds paid out to settle these claims.
The Comptroller’s Office re-evaluated its agreement with Cybersettle, an electronic settlement program, and determined that the same goal could be accomplished more efficiently by in-house staff than through an outside consultant — saving the City $600,000 annually.
The Comptroller’s Office collected a record $1.3 million as part of its Affirmative Claims program, in which the office pursues monetary reimbursement from companies who damage City property.
Personal injury claims accounted for 98 and 99 percent of tort settlements in FY 2009 and FY 2010 respectively.
The cost of civil rights claims increased 67 percent in FY 2010 to $78.7 million, largely due to a December 2009 class action settlement of $33 million that challenged strip search procedures in Corrections Department facilities.
Working with the State Attorney General, the Comptroller’s Office was able to secure $95,000 for a crime victim under the Son of Sam Law, which allows crime victims the opportunity to receive portions of monetary settlements awarded to those convicted of the crime.

Filing an eClaim:

As a result of legislation signed into law on March 24, 2010, the City is required to accept Notices of Claim via electronic means. As a result of the legislation, the New York City Comptroller’s Office successfully designed, developed and implemented the “eClaim” system within six months of the law, which allows a claimant to electronically file a claim and attach all necessary supporting documentation.

Background:

Under the New York City Charter, the Comptroller is responsible for settling and adjusting claims for and against the City. The report on claims data is published every two years.

*Data may not include all claims against the City that will ultimately be settled due to a time lag between when a settlement occurs and when settlements and updates are entered into the claims database. For the purpose of this report, “settlement and judgment costs,” liabilities,” “expenditures” or “amounts paid” are used interchangeably with “recorded settlements and judgments.”

Comptroller Liu credited Deputy Comptroller for Legal Affairs and General Counsel Ricardo Morales, as well as the Bureau of Law and Adjustment for their efforts in compiling the report.

The full report can be viewed at www.comptroller.nyc.gov.

We Love NYC Teachers!

2011-06-15T20:28:00.001-04:00

This video was made by a friend of mine...Watch it..!

A short video put together by NYC public school students and parents opposed to the planned layoff of over 4,100 teachers

Congressman Gregory W. Meeks Amendment to H.R. 2055 (St. Albans Veterans Campus) Passes on House Floor

2011-06-14T23:58:00.000-04:00

The Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2012 passed in the House of Representatives today. Included in the bill was Congressman Meeks amendment to stop the Enhanced Use Lease Process (EUL) for the St. Albans VA in the Sixth Congressional District of New York.

“The passing of this legislation with the inclusion of my bipartisan amendment is a big win for veterans in my district and veterans across Metropolitan New York. This amendment precludes the leasing of any government land at the St. Albans Veterans campus to a private developer. By having the amendment included in this bill it will prevent the fabric of my community from being destroyed by the creation of high-density residential and retail developments. This amendment brings home the point that this EUL does not meet the needs of veterans and therefore should be stopped immediately,” stated Congressman Meeks.

In addition to the hiring of a private developer for veteran owned land, this EUL process also does not plan for the inclusion of construction of a full service hospital based on a study conducted in 2004 that supposedly showed the decline of veterans in my district, but didn’t take into account the returning Iraq and Afghanistan veterans and their needs. Veterans in the vicinity have adamantly expressed the need for a full service hospital, but the VA has chosen to ignore their wishes.

Congressman Meeks added, “The nearly 400,000 veterans in the vicinity of my district deserve to have their medical needs met with the inclusion of a full service hospital. To not take into account their needs is a disservice to our brave men and women in uniform.”

This bill will now go to the Senate for their consideration the matter and then, upon its passing, will go to the President for signature.

Council Member Ulrich Joins Civic Group to Beautify Traffic Triangle

2011-06-14T23:52:00.002-04:00

Sal Bacarella, Sal Simonetti, Charles Jensen, CM Eric Ulrich, Garden Works employees, Carol Ann Provisiero, Madeline Castellano, Maria Provisiero, Elizabeth Madafferi, Paul O'Neil, and Pauline Simonetti gather for a group photo after completing the project.

Council Member Eric A. Ulrich (R-Queens) joined members of the Our Neighbors Civic Association of Ozone Park on Saturday morning to clean up and beautify Ruoff Triangle at Rockaway Boulevard, 101^st Avenue and 87^th Street. The project, funded by the civic association, included clearing the area of overgrown brush and planting new trees, flowers and shrubs. The area has now been transformed into an inviting area for local residents and passersby to relax on the benches and get some shade. Instrumental in carrying the effort out were Sal Simonetti, civic president, Sal Bacarella of Garden Works landscaping of Astoria and CM Ulrich, who served as civic president before his election to the City Council.

Ulrich said, “It’s great to see residents and civic members taking it upon themselves to improve their neighborhood. This triangle has gone from being run-down and overgrown to a beautiful area that goes a long way towards making the intersection much more welcoming for pedestrians.

Simonetti said, “Our civic group had some money to use on a project, and this seemed like a great way to do something everyone in the community could enjoy. It’s nice to do something that will help spruce up the area and provide a nice place to relax.”

Ballfields at $120 Million Randalls Island Largely Unused, Not Attracting Neighborhood Kids by Daniel Beekman - NY Daily News

2011-06-14T09:04:00.001-04:00

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If you build it, they will come - but not to Randalls Island.

Dozens of new ballfields in the sprawling park beneath the RFK-Triborough Bridge went unused last summer by the kids who need them most, the city parks boss admits.

And with school almost out for summer, advocates are complaining the $120 million revamp of Randalls Island Park in early 2010 created a playground for the rich and took crucial dollars from neighborhood ballfields.

Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe cited the low traffic earlier this year to justify plans for a private sports camp.

"Fields on Randalls Island have gone largely unused during weekday daytime hours in July and August, and thus availability should not be an issue," he wrote City Councilwoman Melissa Mark-Viverito in January.

The deal called for Florida-based IMG Academies to operate the camp on Randalls Island after donating $200,000 to the Randalls Island Sports Foundation. But plans for the $895-a-week camp fell through in April, with IMG citing low enrollment.

Mark-Viverito (D-East Harlem/Bronx) slammed the pricey park rehab, claiming thousands of trees were cut down to make way for the artificial turf fields.

"Why would you build so many fields and then have a problem in terms of utilization?" she asked. "It was shortsighted and now we're paying the price."

"From day one, we were concerned there was no need to build so many" new fields, said Geoffrey Croft of NYC Park Advocates. "Now that has come to fruition. The result is the fields are empty."

The park boasts fancy golf and tennis centers, but no basketball courts, he added.

During the rehab, the city took heat for a $2.2 million-per-year pay-to-play scheme involving Manhattan private schools. It was struck down in court after East Harlem and Bronx community groups sued.

"The fields were built mostly to accommodate the private schools," Croft said. And Marina Ortiz, of East Harlem Preservation, called the park "a private playground ... designed to bring in revenue."

There's a move afoot now to try and spread the word about what's in the park. Randalls Island fields go unused partly because they are isolated and more people need to be made aware of the space, said Frances Masrota of Manhattan Community Board 11.

A renovated E. 103rd St. pedestrian bridge is set to reopen soon, while the M35 bus runs between the park and E. 125th St. - but few youngsters make the trip.

The Parks Department has assigned a representative to attend Board 11 meetings and share info related to Randalls Island to try to spread the word on what's there.

The fields are "generally permitted to capacity" in the evenings and on weekends, Parks spokesman Zachary Feder said. The park foundation also offers a free summer program, he noted, and softball leagues.

Rep. Ed Towns Addresses Hundreds of Brookdale Hospital Workers & Supporters at 1199 SEIU United Healthcare Workers Rally

2011-06-13T23:54:00.001-04:00

On Friday June 10^th, Rep. Edolphus ‘Ed” Towns addressed Brookdale University Hospital workers (1199 SEIU United Healthcare Workers),at a rally outside of the facility. The dispute between the union and Brookdale is over the failure of Brookdale Hospital management to make payments for health coverage. In a statement released last week the Congressman put his support behind the workers. “These workers entered into a good faith contract and it is the responsibility of the State Department of Health to see to it that every effort is made to resolve this dispute in favor of the workers and the community”, said Towns.

City Council Member Mark Weprin Blasts DOE Plan to Add Sixteen Tests

2011-06-13T23:39:00.001-04:00

New York City Council Member Mark S. Weprin (D-Oakland Gardens) denounced the New York City Department of Education (DOE)’s plan to use sixty-four million dollars of federal grant money for sixteen new standardized tests for public school students.

“Enough is enough,” said Council Member Weprin. “It is time for parents to rise up and give the DOE a wake-up call. Stop the insane obsession with testing.”

Council Member Weprin noted that as the fiscal climate has worsened in recent years, many schools have lost arts, music, physical education, and sports programs. The added tests will almost certainly mean less time and money available for these vital components of a well-rounded education.

“At a time when DOE is planning to lay off teachers, choosing to spend sixty-four million dollars on additional standardized tests is truly an outrage,” said Council Member Mark Weprin. “These tests will do nothing to improve education in our public schools and will only continue to sap time and resources that should be going toward helping our children learn.”

Shockingly, DOE plans to make students take tests for the sole purpose of evaluating teachers; the results would have no impact whatsoever on students, who will continue to spend more and more classroom hours on testing and test preparation drills without any resulting advantage in terms of actual learning.

“In short, the children are being used,” said Weprin.

“Fourth graders already spend ten percent of the school year taking tests,” said Council Member Weprin. “How much more testing do we really need?”

Council Member Weprin is also concerned that there are many cases in which students’ test scores are beyond a teacher’s control. Even the best instructor cannot change a child’s home situation, socioeconomic status, previous educational experience, or attention span, all of which can factor considerably in how well that child does on a standardized test. So besides harming students, an additional bevy of City tests would likely fail to achieve the stated goal of tracking teachers’ abilities.

In recent years, test preparation has already crowded out a broad curriculum, as time and resources consistently shift away from any subject matter that will not appear on state examinations. There is a monetary cost too, in the form of millions spent on test-prep materials as well as on administering and then grading the exams.

“Parents need to write to DOE Chancellor Dennis M. Walcott to make it clear that we are fed up with the extreme emphasis on standardized tests in City schools,” said Council Member Mark Weprin.

NYC Comptroller John C. Liu on the Mayor’s Fiscal Year 2012 Executive Budget

2011-06-12T23:57:00.001-04:00

New York City Comptroller John C. Liu today presented testimony before the New York City Council Finance Committee regarding Mayor Bloomberg’s Fiscal Year 2012 Executive Budget.

Comptroller Liu’s testimony as prepared for delivery is below:

Good afternoon Chairman Recchia and members of the Finance Committee, and thank you for allowing me the opportunity to present testimony on the Mayor’s Fiscal Year 2012 Executive Budget.

The Mayor’s FY 2012 Executive Budget totals $65.7 billion after various prepayments. The FY 2012 budget is the product of a series of actions which closed a $3.26 billion gap in the July 2010 Financial Plan stemming from a structural imbalance where expenditures exceeded revenues. The gap was further exacerbated by State actions that took place during the year.

While it is estimated that FY 2011 will end with a $3.217 billion surplus, when compared with the $3.646 billion surplus similarly transferred from FY 2010 to FY 2011, it becomes clear that in the current year, the City is drawing on more resources than it is generating. However, if past history is any indication we can anticipate that the year may end with a budgetary surplus.

Overall spending in the FY 2012 budget has decreased by 0.4 percent when compared to the FY 2011 budget. But these numbers mask the fact that while overall expenditures have been held flat, the City-funded portion of the budget has increased from 67.1 percent of the FY 2011 budget to 70.7 percent of the FY 2012 budget. The City-funded portion of the budget is $2.2 billion greater than the FY 2011 budget and $2.1 billion more than was planned a year ago. The Financial Plan assumes that by FY 2015 the City-funded portion of the budget will exceed 74.5 percent. This trend is a direct result of a reduction in State and Federal aid to New York City.

As we hear talk of layoffs and cutbacks it is critically important for the City to identify as many areas of savings as possible.

You are well aware of the outcome of my office’s work on the CityTime issue. As a result of our steadfast oversight, the project is now nearing completion without any additional cost to the taxpayers. While that may be good news, it does not make up for the fact that the costs ballooned from $68 million to more than $700 million. My office will continue to work closely with the investigative authorities on this issue in hopes of possibly recouping some of the money that has been allegedly funneled to subcontractors on the project.

In addition, it was a welcome sign that the Department of Education has decided to cancel a $43 million contract with another high priced consultant, Future Technology Associates, who have been suspected of utilizing subcontractors to overbill the City. My office has been conducting an audit into the vendor for quite some time and will continue to do so in order fully disclose what really went on.

While we are discussing the DOE, I would like to point out that a review of OMB documents within the past week has found that after years of looking the other direction, the Department of Education has decided to finally seek additional Medicaid reimbursement funding from the State for occupational and physical therapy and speech and language services. The Executive Budget assumes an additional $100 million in revenue as a result of increased Medicaid reimbursements on top of the previous estimate of $17 million presented in the Preliminary Budget.

My office has been working with the City’s Office of Management and Budget and the UFT to identify the actual value of funds eligible for the City. While the current estimate of $117 million is enough to significantly impact the cuts proposed to the classroom, we believe this to be a cautious estimate. The City may be eligible for greater reimbursements, which would free up funds for use elsewhere.

The $100 million in additional reserves have been allocated to cover various other expenses in the DOE budget, such as $48 million for general education non-personal service and $26 million for charter schools. These dollars and any additional Medicaid funds realized during Fiscal Year 2012 should be used to help offset the proposed teacher layoffs, which have a more direct negative effect on classroom services.

In the Executive Budget, the Mayor has allocated nearly $1 billion towards funding anticipated changes in the actuarial assumptions and methods used in computing pension contributions. The City actuary is currently reviewing an independent audit of the rate change and will offer his recommendations to the pension boards. While it is expected that the actuary will recommend a change in the assumed rate of return of the City’s pension funds, there is more uncertainty about what other modifications would be proposed. As such, the eventual cost of the any recommendations is unknown at this point. It is also uncertain as to when the recommendations and the eventual changes would take effect.

Another potential area of savings is through the City’s settlement of claims. My office is responsible for authorizing monetary amounts of settlement where we feel the City may have been at fault for personal injury or property damage. The City has indicated that they expect a rise in the cost of settlements to occur. However, my office anticipates that based upon historical data, the City is overestimating this total by at least $50 million.

As always, my office will seek the most fair and equitable results in our claims settlement process and continue to act in the best interest of the taxpayer when doing so.

We have also identified some risks to the Mayor’s plan. Most significant is the assumption that contract discussions with the UFT and CSA will not result in any additional cost to the City. These are placed as risk because the Mayor has not budgeted for raises consistent with those of other municipal unions, and has instead relied on a labor strategy that uses productivity initiatives to offset cost.

Another risk to the Mayor’s plan is his underestimation of overtime. In fact, my office has estimated that the overtime costs will be upwards of $195 million more than the Mayor anticipates.

As we gradually move out of this recession, it is important to note that the City is continuing on a steady but slow path to recovery. Despite mostly positive indicators for the City’s short-term economic condition there exist the possibility of negative externalities that could hinder the current expansion. Factors outside of the City’s control such as rising energy prices, the continued depression of the construction industry specifically within the residential construction sector, and the potential European debt crisis can be expected to produce additional drag on the US and local economies.

One area that has shown strength is our City’s pension systems. After posting returns of 14 percent last Fiscal Year, the most recent data show that the funds are up more than 20 percent in the current year. These gains will help offset future payment towards the pension systems.

My office released a study last week, the first of its kind, which revealed the past decade of fluctuation in the markets will cause pension costs to rise in the short term. However, due largely to already enacted benefit reforms that took place between 1995 and 2009 the long term costs to the City will steadily decline. These projections are sound and have been verified by independent professional actuaries.

The study shows that over the next 30 years City pension costs as a percentage of the City's budget will decline from 11.4 percent in FY 2016 to 5.1 percent FY 2040.

I hope I was able to be helpful today in presenting an accurate look at the City budget, as well as provide some areas worth exploring during phase of the budget process. As always my office is available to assist you in any way necessary.

Momentum Builds in Fight to Restore Child Care Cuts

2011-06-12T23:35:00.000-04:00

Parents and Kids Confront Mayor on Cuts and Release Report on Impact of Lack of Child Care Options on Families

Elected Officials Spend Day as Child Care Providers

Less than a week after a super majority of Council members wrote to the Mayor decrying his so-called "solution" to child care in the City, which would leave thousands of kids without care, and days after 30,000 petitions were delivered to City Hall calling on the Council and Mayor to restore the money for child care, dozens of parents and children descended on the Mayor's house to ask "What should we do with our kids if there is no child care?" and Public Advocate Bill de Blasio and Borough President Scott Stringer spent the day as a child care provider to show their support for the issue.

Also, today, the Center for Children’s Initiatives, a nonprofit focusing on early care and learning, issued a report along with Wachs Family Fund of the Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors and Cornell School of Industrial and Labor Relations, with findings on what happens to New York City working families that lose child care.

The report is based on 83 interviews with NYC families eligible for a child care subsidy but unable to obtain one because of capacity cuts over the last 3 years. Strikingly, it finds that several parents reported that 311, NYC’s information line, informed them that the surest route to a child care subsidy was applying for public assistance [Executive Summary and Page 8].

Other report highlights:

Parents interviewed see care not only as necessary so they can work – but they increasingly cite the educational value of high quality early learning programs. Several cited how unfair it was that only families earning “six figures” have access to excellent care. [Report Executive Summary and Page 9].
A parent anecdote from Claudette, a home health aide earning $7.75 an hour providing care for elderly clients and the sole supporter for her 15 month old baby. When the center closed that provided care for her 15 month old while she worked full time, she desperately searched for a new caregiver. She couldn’t afford full-time care, so settled for part-time care out of her neighborhood. Claudette now has more than 45 minute commute to her part-time provider. She’s often late for work – threatening her future employment. She knows that going on public assistance would give her higher priority for care - but she’s trying to avoid that. [Report Page 3 - Sidebar]

“Without child care, I don’t know what I’m going to do,” said Kim Sandy, a single mother whose 3-year old son attends The Educational Alliance’s Lillian Wald Day Care Center. “I won’t be able to keep my job and provide for my family. So many parents depend on this care – for the Mayor to continue to cut child care just doesn’t make sense.”

“With the Mayor’s cuts, 7,000 fewer children from low income working families will have access to child care next year,” said David Nocenti, Executive Director of Union Settlement Association. “These children are more than just numbers – they are our city’s future, and they deserve safe, affordable, educational care that will set them on a path to success.”

Also, today, Public Advocate Bill de Blasio and Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer took part in the United Federation of Teachers “Daycare Provider for a Day” program by visiting home daycare sites where providers educate and care for pre-school children.

"Seeing firsthand how childcare providers help our children learn and grow is all the evidence you need that the Mayor's budget has the wrong priorities," said Public Advocate Bill de Blasio. "Today I was proud to spend a morning walking in the shoes of Linnette Ebanks and tomorrow I will continue to fight for her and the thousands of working families that depend on child care."

“New York must never balance its budget on the backs of children and family, but that’s exactly what these cuts to child care and early education accomplish,” said Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer. “Despite the Mayor’s restorations, the child care system at large is still under siege, and next year 7,000 fewer children from low-income families will be able to access care. This administration has worked to gradually dismantle such a critical social safety net; in total, the city has lost 14,000 child care slots in the past four years due to cuts of this nature. New Yorkers deserve more than a half-a-loaf response from City Hall on an issue that impacts our most vulnerable constituents and their children.”

Already Fired Once By Wal-mart for Massively Condemned “Harold, Call Me” Ad, Infamous Terry Nelson’s Firm Now Welcomed Back To Wal-mart Family

2011-06-12T23:16:00.000-04:00

Already Fired Once By Wal-mart for Massively Condemned “Harold, Call Me” Ad, Infamous Terry Nelson’s Firm Now Welcomed Back To Wal-mart Family

At The Time, Wal-mart Said Firing Nelson Was: "..The right course of action" — What Has Changed?

African-American elected officials unequivocally slammed Wal-mart today for working with infamous race-baiting political operative Terry Nelson’s firm FP1 Strategies- five years after they already fired him once for being behind the universally condemned racially tinged “Harold, call me” ad in the 2006 Tennessee senate race. The ad received national criticism from all corners of the political world and was eventually pulled, after which Wal-mart severed its relationship with Nelson. However, Walmart, through its joint lobbying efforts with other retailers, is now working with Nelson’s new firm, a shocking reversal from five years ago when Wal-mart said they fired Nelson because ''we believe this is the right course of action.''

In reaction to the news that Wal-mart is working with Nelson, African-American elected officials roundly criticized Wal-mart and called for them to drop him, again:

Said Council Member Charles Barron: “First Wal-mart in its racist ways has been known to discriminate against African-American, black and brown workers. Wal-mart has been known to discriminate against women. And now to work again with a professional known race baiter is unacceptable. Wal-mart must not come into New York City.”

Said Council Member Letitia James: “It’s unbelievable that Wal-mart would work with a firm tied to someone like Nelson after firing him once for one of the worst ads in our lifetime. Wal-mart needs to sever the relationship once and for all and never bring him back."

Nelson has a long history of transgressions. Aside from being behind one of the most widely condemned political ads in recent memory, Nelson also:

Was affiliated with the 2002 phone jamming scandal in 2002 in New Hampshire
Was involved in, although not indicted for, the Tom Delay money-laundering transactions

News & Notes from Senator Joe Addabbo

2011-06-11T23:14:00.001-04:00

STATEMENT FROM NYS SENATOR JOSEPH P. ADDABBO, JR.

ON ANNOUNCEMENT OF ETHICS REFORM AGREEMENT

June 8, 2011

NYS Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. released the following statement on the agreement reached between Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and the NYS Legislature on ethics reform:

"Yesterday's agreement on ethics reform is the right answer to public outcries for immediate action. We have given New Yorkers a reason to once again believe that their government is responsible and is accountable to them."

"Governmental ethics reform has been on my radar since my City Council days starting in 2001, serving on its Government Operations Committee. Aside from pledges and promises, if we are to move this state government in the direction of improved ethics and credibility, then ethics and campaign finance reform are required ingredients to that end.”

"We've got more work to do, but now with stronger disclosure requirements, an independent oversight commission, greater transparency for those doing business with the state by ending 'pay to play', and tougher deterrents for public corruption, such as no pension awards, we've overcome the past blockages in Albany to ensure that the people come first with state government."

ADDABBO CO-SPONSORS BILL INCREASING PENALTIES FOR ANIMAL FIGHTING; VOTES IN FAVOR OF HUMANE ANIMAL BILLS

June 7, 2011

NYS Senator Joseph Addabbo, Jr., (D-Queens) announced the passing of animal rights legislation in the Senate as part of the 1^st annual New York State Animal Advocacy Day on June 1. Among the passed bills were S.946, S.3317 and S.3237, which was co-sponsored by Senator Addabbo. The bill was in relation to increasing the penalties for those convicted of violating the prohibition of animal fighting. Passing this day, with Senator Addabbo’s support, were the inclusion of theft of dogs and cats within the crime of grand larceny in the fourth degree (S.946), along with the establishment of a toll-free hotline where individuals can report instances of animal fighting (S.3317).

Senator Addabbo praised the passing of these three bills, noting animal fighting is a distasteful sport and an unfortunate avenue some seek to capitalize financially in today’s economic climate. “For far too long, animal fighting has been, and remains, a serious problem that affects communities throughout the nation. Today, I proudly stand in support of these bills to eliminate this disturbing sport and to bring peace and comfort to all animals unfairly subjected to this harsh reality,” said Addabbo. “Animals used for animal fighting are specifically bred, conditioned and trained to fight, and have been known to sustain severe injuries often resulting in unfortunate deaths,” explained the Senator.

S.3237 co-sponsored by Senator Addabbo makes it a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for a period up to one year, and a fine of up to $1,000, for the knowing presence as a spectator at a place where an exhibition of animal fighting is being conducted. S.946 classifies stolen pets as a class E felony, and equates such charge to such current conditions as stolen credit cards, or stolen religious materials. S.3317 makes it easier for authorities to receive information on illegal animal fighting activity. “These measures passed by the Senate will allow New York to strengthen our outdated dog-fighting laws,” said Addabbo in relation to his decision to support all measures.

Currently, all three bills await passage in the Assembly before the Governor can act on each measure. “It is my hope and belief that New York will get serious in protecting the interests of our four-legged friends,” concluded Addabbo.

ADDABBO: LET’S MINIMIZE ELDER ABUSE BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE

Bill Passes Senate; Mandates Domestic Violence Prevention Programs in Senior Centers

June 6, 2011

NYS Senator Joseph Addabbo, Jr., (D-Queens) a member of the Senate’s Committee on the Aging, announced a measure that recently passed the Senate with unanimous support. Bill S.4235, if enacted into law, would direct the New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence to develop domestic violence prevention programs for utilization by senior centers throughout the state. The bill would amend the executive law to incorporate this new vital requirement for senior citizens.

Senator Addabbo praised the intent of the bill and called on the Assembly to take further action on moving the bill. “It is important to remain both mindful and aware of the occurrences of domestic violence among seniors. A well informed and educated senior versed on prevention methods can save such an older adult’s life and reduce the risk of tragedy.” Addabbo pointed to senior centers as gathering places for many seniors in the community, and felt it was a logical place for domestic violence prevention programs to be offered.

Although domestic violence prevention programs are in existence, few if any meet the needs of our older adults. “Far too often, seniors are reluctant to seek help when it comes to sensitive issues. Establishing and promoting domestic violence prevention programs at senior centers is ideal,” stated Addabbo.

Should the legislation advance and pass the Assembly, the Governor will have 10 days to deliberate if the bill should become law. If the bill is enacted, it takes effect immediately.

Addabbo concluded, “I am hopeful this bill will reduce the growing problem of elder abuse in New York and improve the protection of seniors against domestic violence abusers.”

ADDABBO LEGISLATION WOULD MAKE USING A GOVERNMENTAL AGENCY TO HARASS INDIVIDUALS A CRIME

June 6, 2011

NYS Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. (D-Queens) announced the bipartisan passage of one of his pieces of legislation in the Senate (S1242), which will define the use of a governmental agency to harass another individual to fall within the crime of aggravated harassment in the second degree.

Addabbo praised his bill’s passing in the Senate, noting that he got the idea for the bill from constituents who complained to him about being harassed, without reason, by their neighbors. The bill passed the Senate unanimously (54-0) and a vote is pending in the Assembly.

“Neighbors and other members of a surrounding community should not have to live with fear of being inundated with unwarranted harassing messages and visits from governmental agencies and inspectors,” said Addabbo. “This legislation reduces the threat of enlisting governmental agencies to seek and rectify false claims by holding those individuals liable who target others with intent to threaten and alarm.” The Senator also mentioned that while both the city and state are facing tough economic times, neither can afford to waste money and resources on false accusations.

Examples of harassment can comprise a neighbor calling a city or state departmental agency on another individual to justify a false claim against that individual, to the placement of false complaints regarding illegal dumping of resources into a neighboring reservoir. A person is found guilty of aggravated harassment in the second degree when that individual harasses, annoys, threatens or alarms another through physical or verbal means. Said Addabbo,

“Each unfounded claim becomes a waste of taxpayer time and money, for an inspector must invest time and effort to investigate the false claim.”

Addabbo concluded, “Should this bill become law, I plan on working with the appropriate agencies to ensure individuals are no longer subjected to misconceived threats.”

STATEMENT BY NYS SENATOR JOSEPH P. ADDABBO, JR. ON TODAY’S OPENING OF RESORTS WORLD NEW YORK JOB CENTER

June 6, 2011

NYS Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. (D-Queens), released the following statement on today’s opening of the Resorts World New York Job Center:

I appreciate the professional efforts of Genting New York and the fulfillment of another promise made to the community with the opening of a Job Center at the site of the Aqueduct Racino, Resorts World New York. While I believe that the demand for jobs citywide greatly exceeds the supply of job opportunities, I am grateful for Genting’s emphasis on local hiring. Through the opening of the onsite job center and its Web site, http://www.rwnewyork.com, Genting has provided qualified residents with the means of applying for employment at Resorts World New York. I look forward to meeting with Genting monthly to address various issues in addition to jobs, which include public safety and traffic patterns, and always respect their commitment to adhering to the concerns of my constituents.

Congressman Gregory W. Meeks Introduces St. Albans Veterans Care Act - Action Needed NOW..!

2011-06-11T22:57:00.000-04:00

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Congressman Gregory W. Meeks (NY-6) introduced H.R. 1799, The St. Albans Veterans Care Act, to stop the Enhanced Use Lease Process (EUL) for the St. Albans VA in the Sixth Congressional District of New York on May 6, 2011. Additionally, Congressman Meeks will be offering an amendment to H.R. 2005, the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2012.

This bill addresses the concerns of the current EUL process that has been designed by the Department of Veterans Affairs for the St. Albans VA in the Sixth Congressional District. This process is one that is highly unfavorable to veterans due to the VA’s hiring of a private developer to develop on federal property, a proposal veterans in both communities are strongly against.

The CARES (Capital Asset Realignment for Enhanced Services) process began in May 2005, followed by the Enhanced Use Lease (EUL) process in 2006, and release of the RFP in 2007 for the St. Albans Campus. Under the VA’s EUL, the present St. Albans facility would be modernized with funds gained by leasing 25 acres of the property for private development.

Additionally, this bill also addresses the VA’s plan for not including the construction of a full service hospital, which veterans in the vicinity have adamantly expressed the need for. By not including a full service hospital, veterans from Queens and Long Island will have to travel more than an hour to the nearest full service veteran’s hospital. This decision by the VA was based on a study conducted in 2004 that did not take into account returning Iraq and Afghanistan veterans and their needs.

“Veterans in my district and across Metropolitan New York, many of whom are currently returning from brave service in Iraq and Afghanistan, deserve a full service Veterans Affairs hospital to support their medical needs. The redevelopment plan promulgated by the Department of Veterans Affairs sadly neglects the views of these courageous men and women, instead leasing government property for private development. Therefore, in representing their views, I introduced this bill to immediately stop the EUL process and prevent the destruction to the fabric of my community that a private developer would cause,” stated Congressman Meeks.

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ACTION NEEDED NOW..!

We need your help today!! The legislation to terminate the EUL(privatization) for St. Albans VA will be voted on the floor of Congress this Monday. We need everyone to call the Representatives listed below on Monday 13th and urge them to sign on to the Bill and vote in support of this legislation.

We are asking you to call the following N.Y.S. Representative's offices(these representatives had not signed on to this bill when it was put before them.). Please let the House Representative know that:

The New York State Veterans Community is requesting your support of HR Bill 1799 which will be presented for a vote on Monday June 13^th 2011. Please vote YES to this very important piece of legislation.

Representative           District#                    Washington#
Rep Nan Hayworth      (845) 206-4600           (202) 225-5441
Rep Paul Tonko            (518) 843-3400            (202) 225-5076
Rep Maurice Hinchey (607) 273-1388            (202) 225-6335
Rep Chris Gibson         (518) 610-8133             (202) 225-5614
Rep Bill Owens            (315) 782-3150            (202) 225-4611
Rep Richard Hanna    (315) 252-6700           (202) 225-3665
Ann Marie Buerkle      (585) 336-7291           (202) 225-3701
Kathy Hochul               (716) 634-2324           (202) 225-5265
Brian Higgins               (716) 852-3501           (202) 225-3306
Louise Slaughter       (716) 853-5813           (202) 225-3615
Tom Reed                    (585) 218-0040        (202) 225-3161

There is strength in numbers- let us come together as a community and get this bill passed!!!!

Stop Bloomberg’s Budget Cuts For NYC – nycisnot4sale.com

2011-06-11T20:24:00.000-04:00

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Say NO to Mayor Bloomberg's Proposed Budget Cuts

Tell Mayor Bloomberg No More Budget Cuts

Sign the Petition - Click here Every Voice Counts..!

Weiner Is Said to Be Planning to Seek Treatment by Raymond Hernandez and Thomas Kaplan - NYTimes.com

2011-06-11T15:38:00.000-04:00

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Members of the news media surrounded Representative Anthony D. Weiner near his apartment in Queens on Saturday.

Representative Anthony D. Weiner planned to check himself into a treatment center on Saturday after House Democratic leaders, including Nancy Pelosi, called on him to resign and suggested he needed psychiatric counseling.

A spokeswoman for Mr. Weiner said he would request a leave of absence from the House and seek treatment, but provided no further details.

“Congressman Weiner departed this morning to seek professional treatment to focus on becoming a better husband and healthier person,” said the spokeswoman, Risa Heller. “In light of that, he will request a short leave of absence from the House of Representatives so that he can get evaluated and map out a course of treatment to make himself well.

“Congressman Weiner takes the views of his colleagues very seriously and has determined that he needs this time to get healthy and make the best decision possible for himself, his family and his constituents.”

Ms. Pelosi, the minority leader, was joined in her call for Mr. Weiner to step down by other leading Democrats, including the chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee, Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz of Florida; and the leader of the House Democrats’ re-election efforts, Representative Steve J. Israel of New York. Their calls underscored the growing concern that his online exchanges with women had become a distraction for the party.

“Congressman Weiner has the love of his family, the confidence of his constituents, and the recognition that he needs help,” Ms. Pelosi said in a statement. “I urge Congressman Weiner to seek that help without the pressures of being a member of Congress.”

Ms. Wasserman Schultz called Mr. Weiner’s online exchanges a “sordid affair” that had become an “unacceptable distraction” for the congressman, his constituents and the House, according to The Associated Press.

“The behavior he has exhibited is indefensible and Rep. Weiner’s continued service in Congress is untenable,” Ms. Wasserman Schultz said.

The calls by Ms. Pelosi and the other top Democrats, who issued their statements within minutes of one another Saturday afternoon, were the culmination of a tumultuous week that began when Mr. Weiner admitted to having inappropriate conversations with at least six women online, after nearly a week of denying any wrongdoing.

The leaders’ statements reflected the panic within Democratic circles that Mr. Weiner would return to Washington this week, after a Congressional recess, and bring yet another round of controversy and distraction to House Democrats.

On Saturday afternoon, Mr. Israel called Mr. Weiner, a New York Democrat, to let him know that Mr. Weiner’s situation had become politically untenable and that he would be calling on him publicly to step down. On Friday, Mr. Weiner acknowledged he had exchanged at least five private messages on Twitter with a 17-year-old Delaware girl, but indicated that the messages were “neither explicit nor indecent.”

Raymond Hernandez reported from Washington, and Thomas Kaplan from New York.