Fact Check: New York's Homeland Security Funding Is Rising - Politics by Marc Ambinder - The Atlantic

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Rep. Peter King: "The fact that the Obama Administration would cut New York's homeland security funding just 11 days after the Times Square car bomb attempt is dangerous and unconscionable.

Rep. Anthony Weiner: "Cutting Big Apple homeland security funding to the core is mind bogglingly bad judgment."

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But funding really isn't decreasing. When all federal funding is totaled, according to White House spokesperson Nick Shapiro, the city is getting $47 million more for port and transit security over the previous year's budget, the last signed into law by the Bush Administration.

Remember: $100 million in port and transit security grants were earmarked for NYC from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act -- the stimulus package.

With that money, the total for NYC will be $245 million.

"In fact, one out of every three recovery dollars for transit and port security went to NYC, making them the largest recipient in the country," Shapiro said.

Overall port and transit security grant funding increased 14% from the Bush to Obama administrations.

Port and transit security grant funding in New York City increased by 24% from the Bush to Obama administrations.

Elizabeth Warren: We Rescued The Top Of The System, Left The Bottom To Fend For Itself by Lila Shapiro - Huffington Post

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Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Elizabeth Warren, the chair of the Congressional Oversight Panel charged with monitoring the bank bailout, was on Morning Joe Friday morning to dig in to the newly released unemployment report. The numbers are bleak -- unemployment has surpassed 10 percent for the first time since 1983 -- and Warren is not surprised.

"Let's face it," Warren said, "This is sort of how we went about the rescue -- we rescued at the top and we left the bottom to kind of fend for itself -- and that's showing up in the unemployment numbers."

Warren went on to explain that the report is really about the guarantees the Government made to protect banks' assets while leaving the public out to dry.

"Look, it saved the top of the system," Warren acknowledged. "It helped stabilize it, but not so much for families who are hard hit down on the ground, the real economy." There's always the question, Warren explains, about how you save the top -- in this case, the public pays for the banks' guarantees and the top executives benefit. "We said, in effect, at the top, there's really not any pain in return for taxpayer support. Not so much so when it comes to folks at the bottom. We said wait a year, we'll get there, we'll do what we can."

Morning Joe host Joe Scarborough suggested that it was the old "socialize the profits, privatize the gains" scenario, but Warren took it one step further.

"The way I think of it is: they say something like 'Give me your money, investors and I'm going to Las Vegas and put it all on red 22. And if red 22 comes in -- woo! we are RICH. If red 22 doesn't come in, don't worry because the tax payers will pay you back the money you invested.

New York City Gets $220 Million Clean Water Stimulus Grant - Environmental News Service (ENS) Newswire

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Paerdegat Basin Bridge crossing Jamaica Bay in Brooklyn - Photo by Mike Ruby

The City of New York will receive $220 million in Recovery Act funding for water infrastructure improvements via the Clean Water State Revolving Fund.

New York Governor David Paterson and New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg Tuesday announced the city's planned water quality improvement projects that will be covered by the federal economic stimulus funding. Two of the projects will directly address storm-water issues.

The city will receive $2 million to reduce flooding from heavy rains in the boroughs of Staten Island, the Bronx, and Queens by transforming existing roadway drainage into green infrastructure that will both beautify neighborhoods and protect local waterways from untreated storm-water runoff.

To accomplish these objectives, the city will plant trees, build street planters, and landscape rain swales, which will capture and store more water during heavy rains. The Corporation has worked closely with the Mayor's Office and New York City Department of Parks and Recreation to address flooding hot-spots in neighborhoods such as Cambria Heights and Far Rockaway in Queens and Pelham Parkway in the Bronx.

Project construction is expected to begin next January and be completed in January 2012, at which time the property will be maintained by the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation.

The city will receive $20 million to restore 38 acres of wetlands and natural grasslands adjacent to the Paerdegat Basin Combined Sewer Overflow Facility located on the shores of Jamaica Bay in Brooklyn.

With nearly 500,000 residents living in the drainage area of the basin, storm-water runoff has increased five-fold annually since the 1930s. The city will implement an environmentally friendly storm-water management plan by reintroducing local vegetation, restoring the shoreline, and constructing a large catch basin to prevent rainwater runoff and street litter from reaching Jamaica Bay.

When the project is completed, five acres of parkland will become the Ecology Park, which will offer open access to salt marshes and grassland areas with permeable pavement walkways and viewing platforms. The park will include exhibits so that schools and tourists can learn about the coastal habitats in the New York City region.

Project construction is expected to be completed in January 2012 and then the property will be maintained by the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation.

The bulk of the Recovery Act funding will be spent on energy efficiency and equipment upgrades to save money and improve water quality at waste-water treatment facilities in Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, and the Bronx.

Calling the funding "important and urgently needed," Governor Paterson said, "These projects will provide a bounty to New York City by saving money through increased energy efficiency, protecting our waterways through improved waste-water treatment, reducing flooding after heavy rains and restoring precious wetlands."

"The city has tremendous infrastructure needs and this funding is an important down payment on protecting and improving our urban waterways," the governor said.

"We have the nation's most sweeping urban environmental agenda, so we leave our children a greener, healthier city, said Mayor Bloomberg.

"The infusion of stimulus dollars for water projects will bolster our aggressive programs and help us improve water quality in our rivers and bays, reduce flooding in areas that have long suffered from storm-water flooding particularly in Southeast Queens, fund open space and open street greening projects and create jobs quickly with projects that will all begin in the next few months," said the mayor.

Both officials thanked President Barack Obama and the New York Congressional Delegation for ensuring that money to help resolve New York's water quality problems was included in the economic stimulus package.

The New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation will administer the city's $220 million grant, working with the U.S. EPA, the New York City Department of Environmental Protection and the New York City Municipal Water Finance Authority.

This is not the first clean water Recovery Act funding New York has received.

In April, U.S. EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson awarded New York State a $432 million clean water grant from the stimulus package.

Since then, Governor Paterson has announced 39 clean water projects totaling more than $560 million that will receive financial assistance from the stimulus program in combination with Environmental Facilities Corporation low-interest Clean Water State Revolving Fund financing.

Rep Ed Towns Concerned with Overall Progress of Stimulus

Chairman Encouraged by Efforts to Improve Economy, but Waiting for Impact of Legislation to Take Effect

Chairman Edolphus “Ed” Towns (D-NY) concluded today’s House Oversight and Government Reform hearing titled, “Tracking the Money: Preventing Waste, Fraud and Abuse of Recovery Act Funding” with the following remarks about the current state of the Recovery Act.

The Chairman today announced that he will request a meeting with Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood about the Department of Transportation’s failure to develop clear guidance on identifying and giving priority to economically distressed areas. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) raised this concern in its second report released today analyzing the Recovery Act’s progress in 16 states and the District of Columbia.

In his closing statement, the Chairman notes that “the point of this requirement is to direct stimulus spending to communities that need Recovery Act investments the most, like disadvantaged areas of my home district in Brooklyn, NY.”

Closing Statement of Chairman Edolphus “Ed” Towns:

I am encouraged that, since the enactment of the Recovery Act, we have made some strides toward putting our economy back on track. But I am disappointed in the overall results so far. Unemployment is at a high and the full force of stimulus spending has yet to be felt.

Moreover, I remain concerned with several issues related to the Recovery Act’s implementation. One issue that I intend to address immediately is the Department of Transportation’s failure to define what qualifies as an “economically distressed area” for allocating Recovery Act funds.

The point of this requirement is to direct stimulus spending to communities that need Recovery Act investments the most, like disadvantaged areas of my home district in Brooklyn.

I will be sending a letter to the Secretary of Transportation, Ray LaHood, to explain my concerns and request a meeting with the Secretary to discuss this issue.

Another problem that needs to be corrected is OMB’s failure to issue all necessary guidelines. OMB’s inconsistency in providing adequate and comprehensive guidance creates greater challenges for states to provide timely and reliable data by the October 10th reporting deadline.

This is another obstacle to the majority of states that are already short staffed due to severe budgetary cuts. In my home State of New York, state government agencies have been forced to function with a ten percent reduction in their budgets for the fiscal year. The Office of the State Comptroller is particularly concerned that it will not be able to meet the escalating demands of auditing Recovery Act programs.

The issues we discussed today are many of the same issues that we identified at our field hearing on the stimulus, that led me to introduce H.R. 2182, the Enhanced Oversight of State and Local Economic Recovery Act. The House has passed this bill and I hope we can continue moving forward until it is signed into law.

We recognize that there are still important issues to be resolved before Recovery Act spending and accountability works as intended. Be assured that we intend to continue our detailed oversight of this program until we finally see our economy recover.

Rep Ed Towns Honors 39th Earth Day...

U.S. Representative Edolphus “Ed” Towns (NY-10), today commemorated Earth Day’s 39^th anniversary and emphasized his commitment to reducing global warming and helping to preserve the environment for future generations.

A lifetime champion of green technology and improved efficiency, Rep. Towns proudly supported the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), which is now investing billions of dollars nationwide in projects that will lower energy costs, reduce American dependence on foreign oil, and create jobs to stimulate our economy.

“I was a proud co-sponsor of the economic stimulus legislation that is helping to get our economy back on track while making crucial investments in green projects that will conserve our environment and halt global warming,” said Rep. Towns. “The stimulus is an excellent example of an opportunity where we can stimulate our economy with jobs that will help improve the planet.”

Rep. Towns also outlined several steps he intends to take as Chairman of the House Oversight Committee to reduce the federal government’s carbon footprint, including expanding the “Green the Capitol” initiative.

“Making older buildings more efficient, improving the fuel efficiency of the federal vehicle fleet, increasing standards for green buildings and requiring all federal agencies to use environmentally sound disposal methods are just a few things I hope to achieve as Chairman that will reduce the federal government’s energy consumption and save millions of taxpayer dollars,” stated Rep. Towns.

In addition, Rep. Towns also helped to fund local projects that will reduce Brooklyn’s dependence on foreign oil and reduce energy costs for all Brooklynites.

“Projects like the East River Kinetic Hydropower System (KHPS) Turbines, which will provide 5 megawatts of clean, renewable energy and create new high-tech, high-paying jobs are symbolic of the revolutionary steps we can take to protect our planet and ensure our children and grandchildren live in a safe and clean environment,” said Rep. Towns. “I am committed to supporting investments that will positively benefit Brooklyn and the entire planet for years to come.”

Federal Stimulus Town Hall - Hosted by Rep Anthony Weiner and Senator Joe Addabbo - April 15th 6:30 pm at PS 254...

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What: Federal Stimulus Town Hall - Hosted by Rep Anthony Weiner and Senator Joe Addabbo

Where: PS 254 - 84-40 101st Street - Richmond Hill, NY

When: April 15th - 6:30 pm - 8 pm

Councilmembers Crowley and Yassky Issue Guide to Federal Stimulus Package for Small Businesses...

Council Member Elizabeth S. Crowley and Council Member David Yassky, Chair of the Council’s Committee on Small Business, today issued a guidebook that will help small business owners navigate the benefits made available to them in the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act of 2009. The stimulus package provides $288 billion in tax relief to individuals and companies, but it is difficult to understand the particular programs made available in the 1,000 page law.

“Small businesses are the lifeblood of the City’s economy, and during these difficult economic times, it is critical that small business owners understand all of the benefits and programs that are available to them through the federal stimulus package,” Council Member Yassky said. “While I do believe that we need to do more for our small businesses, President Obama’s American Recovery & Reinvestment Act lays the groundwork for economic recovery, and we hope that this guidebook will provide the roadmap to get us there.”

“Local businesses are a necessity for economic stability,” said Council Member Elizabeth Crowley. “As we face great challenges, we must revaluate how we spend our money. The best way to contribute to our economy and to a sustainable city is to buy locally grown, produced and manufactured goods. The federal government is creating public and private partnerships with the Stimulus dollars. It is essential that we make sure that entrepreneurs and local businesses of all sizes are aware of how to bring those dollars to our neighborhood’s main streets.”

Small businesses are the backbone of this economy – about 95% of businesses in NYC are considered small businesses - and throughout this City, in every borough, these businesses are feeling the drastic effects of the credit crunch. The guidebook will bring the stimulus incentives directly to the New York City small business owner – incentives ranging from tax breaks for purchasing new equipment and hiring veterans, to training vouchers for small business owners’ employees, and special incentives for installing energy efficient windows.

They were joined by representatives of the Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, and Bronx Chambers of Commerce on the steps of City Hall on Sunday, where the groups applauded the Council’s efforts in this area and pledged to distribute the guidebooks to their members.

To get copies of the guidebook, please contact Council Member Crowley’s office at (718) 366-3900.

Weiner: Use Stimulus Funds to Help Fix Queens and Brooklyn Elevators...

Representative Anthony Weiner (D-Brooklyn and Queens) called on the New York City Housing Authority to allocate part of the $600 million in stimulus funding to fix elevators in Pomonok and Sheepshead-Nostrand Housing.

Rep. Weiner worked to include $1 billion infusion for public housing in the House economic stimulus bill. The final stimulus packaged signed by the President provides approximately $600 million for New York City’s public housing agency to repair elevators and upkeep the aging buildings.

Pomonok Housing in Queens is home to more than 4,300 New Yorkers, including many senior citizens. With 35 buildings and 54 residential elevators, it is the City’s third largest Housing Authority development. The Sheepshead Bay Housing in Brooklyn has 18, six-story buildings with more than 2,700 residents.

Full text of the letter follows...


Mr. Douglas Apple
General Manager
New York City Housing Authority
250 Broadway
New York, NY 10007-2516

Dear Mr. Apple:

I have been contacted by several concerned constituents and community leaders regarding Pomonok and Sheeepshead-Nostrand Housing. Members of these two communities have longstanding concerns about the lack of resources made available to their buildings by the Housing Authority.

The community appreciates the fact that the Housing Authority has been trying to accomplish more with less in this difficult economic climate. It is m hope that the $600 million that the New York City delegation in Congress recently delivered to the Housing Authority will allow the Housing Authority to provide the necessary resources for Pomonok and Sheepshead-Nostrand Housing to have clean grounds, working elevators, and general upkeep befitting housing developments in New York City.

I look forward to continue working together with the Housing Authority and our Queens and Brooklyn communities.

Sincerely,

ANTHONY D. WEINER
Member of Congress

Weiner Urges Paterson to Increase City Medicaid Funding

Says State Plan Shorts City Up to $900 Million in Stimulus - Letter to Governor Says It Is ‘Simply Unsatisfactory’

Representative Anthony Weiner (D – Brooklyn and Queens), the New York City Democratic Whip, today sent the following letter to Governor Paterson:

March 5, 2009

The Honorable David A. Paterson

Governor of the State of New York

State Capitol

Albany, NY 12224

Dear Governor Paterson:

As a member of Congress who helped write the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, and, most importantly, as a member of the New York City delegation, I write to express my concern that the state’s plan to allocate Medicaid savings shorts New York City.

In New York State, the federal government covers 50 percent of the Federal Medicaid Assistance Percentage (FMAP) program costs, while the state and counties cover the other 50 percent. The State then pays roughly 66 percent of the non-federal portion of FMAP, with the localities paying the other 34 percent. Yesterday, when you announced the local shares under the FMAP program for New York City and all the counties, there is a clear discrepancy in funding allocations. The State is not keeping 66 percent, the percentage it pays into the program, of the FMAP funds, but instead is keeping between 76 and 80 percent.

The FMAP program provisions of Public Law 111-5, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act are clear in providing that localities that bear the burden of Medicaid costs see their share of fiscal relief. If properly allocated, the City of New York should receive up to $2.8 billion. Under the announcement by your staff, the City would be shorted up to $900 million. This is simply unsatisfactory.

I look forward to your prompt compliance with the intent of Public Law 111-5.

Sincerely,

ANTHONY D. WEINER

Member of Congress

Chairman Towns Statement on the Possible Obstruction of the Committee's Investigation Into Executive Compensation Awards...

U.S. Rep. Edolphus “Ed” Towns (D-NY), Chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, today issued the following statement regarding the possible obstruction of the Committee’s investigation into executive compensation awards.

Chairman Towns’ statement:

“The Committee takes very seriously Attorney General Cuomo’s allegation that Merrill Lynch provided misleading information to Congress, regarding bonuses for its top executives. These filings raise the disturbing possibility that Merrill Lynch executives may have obstructed this Committee’s investigation into executive compensation practices and the awarding of bonuses at the company.

To get to the bottom of this matter, I have directed Committee attorneys to begin a detailed investigation of this allegation, focusing on two primary issues: (1) did Merrill Lynch executives attempt to cover-up the decision to pay its top employees $5.8 billion in bonuses on the eve of its merger with Bank of America; and (2) as a part of this cover up, did Merrill Lynch executives deliberately attempt to mislead this Committee in their November 24, 2008 letter, asserting that ‘incentive compensation decisions for 2008 have not yet been made.’

Committee attorneys are also reviewing the responses of other major financial institutions to our October 2008 letters, regarding executive compensation and the use of TARP funds. We will not hesitate to exercise every means at our disposal to protect the integrity of the Congressional investigation process and to bring real transparency to the use of TARP funds.”

Federal Stimulus Package Town Hall Sponsored by Senator Malcolm Smith at York College on March 12th...

As part of his efforts to bring government directly to his constituents, Senator Malcolm Smith has arranged together with his fellow Senators, a number of town hall forums regarding the Federal Stimulus Package...

Here, you will find out how your community may benefit from the stimulus package, what projects are eligible for funding and other information you may need to know regarding this important topic.

Please join him at the first event in Queens:

Thursday, March 12, 2009

6:00 - 8:00 p.m. - York College - 94-20 Guy R. Brewer Blvd. - Jamaica, NY 11421 - (Room 3D01)

Invited guests include: Members of Congress, the NYS Assembly and City Council, the Queens Borough President and members of Governor Paterson's Economic Recovery Cabinet, including Chairs and Commissioners of various State Agencies.

RSVP: Please contact Senator Smith's office at (212) 298-5585

Resources from Economic Recovery Plan Flow to New York City...

Velázquez Hails $6 million in Funding for NYC Community Health Centers

Just two weeks after President Obama signed the “American Recovery and Reinvestment Act” into law, vital resources already have been allocated to benefit New York City families. Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) today applauded the fast action of the Administration, which has announced nearly $6 million in funds to provide much-needed preventative and primary health care services to New York’s working families.

“Funding from the economic recovery plan has already begun to flow to New York City. The law was designed to help get our nation back on its feet, and the vital resources being allocated will stimulate the economy and improve the quality of life for New Yorkers,” Velázquez said.

The Department of Health and Human Services will disperse $155 million in grants authorized by the economic recovery plan to support community health centers across the country. All told, New York State community health centers will receive $7,068,705. The funds are expected to provide healthcare services for more than 45,000 patients and create 335 jobs in the state. New York City health centers will receive $5.9 million:

• · $1.3 million for the William F. Ryan Community Health Center Network in New York City;
• · $1.3 million for the Beacon Christian Community Health Center in Staten Island;
• · $1.3 million for the Urban Health Plan, Inc. in the Bronx;
• · $697,149 for the Bronx Community Health Network, Inc. in the Bronx; and
• · $1.3 million for the Floating Hospital in Long Island City.

“With more than 2.5 million in our state lacking health insurance, this is an investment that will create new jobs while taking strides to ensure a healthy future for New York City,” Velázquez said.

There are more than 50 community health care centers throughout New York state, providing 1.1 million New Yorkers with high quality, affordable and accessible primary and preventive care. These Centers never turn anyone away – regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. In addition, community health centers in New York support approximately 12,000 jobs, including physicians, nurses, dentists, and other medical professionals.

“It is imperative that we provide quality health care options for all New Yorkers, and the work of our community health centers is unmatched in this effort,” Velázquez said. “From basic care to dental coverage and mental health programs, our neighborhoods benefit from the services provided by community health centers.”

New President Means More Beat Cops Coming to NYC - Says Rep Weiner...

Adds Up to 3,500 Cops to City Streets to Fight Crime and Terrorism

“Cops are a Proven Way to Cut Crime, Fight Terrorism,” Weiner Says

The new federal budget provides a big boost to crime fighting in New York City, Representative Anthony Weiner (D – Brooklyn and Queens), a member of the House Judiciary Committee and sponsor of the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program, said today.

The budget released this week provides funding for 50,000 new beat cops nationwide over the next two and a half years, at a total cost of $6.5 billion. The funding provides for up to 3,500 cops to New York City streets.

The funding is part of the COPS program, one of Rep. Weiner's signature issues.

This is a stark change from Bush's plan, which zeroed out the cutting-edge crime-fighting program for eight straight years.

Highlights of New COPS Funding

• § Budgets for an additional 50,000 new beat cops for communities across the country
• § Total cost over two and a half years is an estimated $6.5 billion nationwide
• § Funding could place an estimated 3,500 new cops on city streets
• § New funding for cops comes on top of the $1 billion for new hires included in the federal economic stimulus package. That funding provides an estimated 400 cops to city streets

Created in 1994 by President Clinton, the COPS program provides localities with a 3-year federal grant for the specific purpose of hiring new police officers. Localities are required to pick up 25% of the cost of the new hire each year and to keep the officer on staff for an additional year. Grants have provided localities with $9 billion since 1994 to hire 117,000 police officers nationwide, including nearly 7,000 in New York City.

The program has been enormously successful. Between 1998 and 2000, COPS hiring grants were responsible for reducing crimes by about 200,000 to 225,000 crimes - one third of which were violent, according to a 2005 Government Accountability Office report.

Rep. Weiner is a long-time champion of the COPS program, sponsoring its reauthorization each Congress for the last three years. The Judiciary Committee plans to consider Weiner's COPS bill in the next couple of months.

Rep. Weiner said, “Our safety challenges can't take a backseat to our economic ones. More cops mean less violent crimes and greater vigilance against terrorism. The COPS program is a proven winner, cutting crime and making neighborhoods safe in New York City.”

U.S. Rep. Edolphus ‘Ed’ Towns Statement on President Barack Obama’s Address to a Joint Session of Congress...

“President Barack Obama addressed a joint session of Congress for the first time since taking office last month. I am humbled by President Obama’s honest assessment of the state of our nation and equally inspired by his ‘blueprint for our future.’

Yesterday, I participated in President Obama’s White House Fiscal Summit, which brought together select members of Congress, economists, unions, business leaders, lawmakers, and advocacy groups to discuss the most pressing issues currently facing our country, including the current economic crisis, health care, and Social Security. This meeting was a precursor to tonight’s speech, and a constructive first step toward breaking out of the economic tailspin that we have been engulfed in for far too long.

New Yorkers need solutions, and they need them now. Tonight, President Obama proposed several policy measures that will help improve the financial stability of our markets, help keep families in their homes, implement reforms to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse in government spending, reduce healthcare costs, cultivate our economy with clean renewable energy, and modernize our educational systems so that we can foster innovation and remain viable in the global economy.

The President talked openly about the ‘stark reality of what we’ve inherited – a trillion dollar deficit, a financial crisis, and a costly recession.’ In New York, the rate of unemployment and foreclosures has reached record highs– all remnants of Wall Street’s collapse and a severe economic downturn. People are wondering where they will get their next meal, how they will pay their rent, and who they will turn to for help. That is why I supported the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act that President Obama signed into law last week, which is estimated to create 3.5 million jobs nationwide and 215,000 jobs in New York. I am also working to advance the Helping Families Save Their Homes Act, set for consideration on the House floor this week, that would help millions of families avoid foreclosures.

A new day is here, and in the words of our President, ‘that day of reckoning has arrived.’ We have a lot of work to do. I join President Obama in believing that if we work together our nation can restore the American promise.

“For all of the TySheoma Bethea’s in communities all across America, we are not quitters.”

Ed Towns Holds Town Hall Meeting, Answers Questions About Federal Action...

FORECLOSURES FROM PREDATORY LOANS HIT BROOKLYN HARD

On Saturday, Rep. Edolphus “Ed” Towns (NY-10) will host a town hall meeting in response to the public outcry about the prevalence of predatory lending and its impacts on Brooklyn communities. Adding to the financial crisis, predatory lenders have targeted elderly, minority, and financially inexperienced borrowers, disrupting families and destroying communities all across the country. In Brooklyn, the problem has manifested in many ways, including the high rate of foreclosures and the lack of affordable housing.

At the meeting, residents will hear from Rep. Towns, Chairman of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, whose committee is charged with oversight of federal agencies and the stimulus package. Brooklyn District Attorney Charles Hynes will address preventative measures and issues in predatory lending, and a representative from the Census Bureau will also be on hand to present information about the 2010 Census. The event is free and open to the public.

Date: Saturday, February 28, 2009

Time: 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm

Location: Holy Family Church - 9719 Flatlands Ave.- Brooklyn, NY 11236 - Between Rockaway Parkway and East 98^th Street

$30-35 Million Windfall for Anti-Crime Programs in NYC: Says Rep Weiner...

Stimulus Provides Record Boost for Fighting Drugs, Gangs, and Violence against the Elderly Funding is More Than the Last Four Years Combined

Buried deep in the stimulus bill is more than $30 million to help New York City fight crime. The “Justice Assistance Grant” (JAG) program is a multi-purpose, anti-crime initiative that helps cops, District Attorneys, and prosecutors take on gang violence, drug trafficking, and juvenile justice.

According to a study released today by Representative Anthony Weiner (D – Queens and Brooklyn), a member of the House Judiciary Committee, the City will receive a $30 to $35 million windfall in JAG funding – more than the last four years combined.

Among the programs that have been funded with jag dollars in the past are:

• NYPD used funds to implement state-of-the-art child exploitation tracking system

• Brooklyn DA used funds to try violent juvenile offenders, particularly those affiliated with gangs

• Manhattan DA used funds to target criminals who are violent and habitual offenders

• Queens DA used funds to target hate crimes and track patterns of youth gang development

• Staten Island DA to enhance the prosecution of violent offenders.

• Special Narcotics Prosecutor used funds to crackdown on career and violent narcotics offenders

• City used funds to manage digital images and videos sent to 911 and 311 systems via cell phones and computers.

The recently-enacted stimulus provides more than $2.76 billion nationwide to allow states and local governments to support a broad range of activities to prevent and control crime and to improve the criminal justice system.

Rep. Weiner said, “These funds get the federal government back in the business of keeping our streets safe. They will help all levels of law enforcement put violent criminals and gangs behind bars.”

Rep. Weiner Announces New Legislation to Send Rejected Stimulus Money to Other States in Need

"If some Governors decide to reject the money, other states should be able to use it to create thousands of jobs," Weiner says

Representative Anthony Weiner (D - Brooklyn and Queens), a Regional Democratic Whip, announced new legislation to send stimulus money rejected by Governors to other states in need.

To date, five (5) Governors have announced they will turn down sections of the economic stimulus package.

Rep. Weiner said, "If some Governors decide to reject the money, forty-five (45) other states should be able to use it to create thousands of jobs. We have plenty of projects across the country that will put people to work and help achieve long term economic growth and stability. This money would help prevent layoffs for police, firefighters and teachers."

Legislators Call On Governor Paterson And Mayor Bloomberg To Use Stimulus Money To End Flooding In Northeastern Queens

Assemblyman Rory I. Lancman, Congressman Anthony Weiner, State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky and Councilman James Gennaro called on Governor David Paterson and Mayor Michael Bloomberg to use New York's share of federal stimulus funds to improve the sewage and drainage infrastructure in Northeast Queens, in order to put an end to basement and roadway sewage and rainwater flooding that has plagued the area for years. The elected officials issued their demands at the Utopia Jewish Center, whose ballroom was flooded in 2008.

"For years my constituents have waited for the City to put a stop to the flooding in this area. With the federal stimulus package New York finally has the resources to solve this problem once and for all. It is up to Mayor Bloomberg and Governor Paterson to put those stimulus dollars to good use by investing them in sewage and drainage projects here and show that they have not forgotten about Queens," said Assemblyman Lancman.

"Queens residents expect answers not excuses when it comes to ending the flooding problems. Some catch basins in Queens were designed a generation-and-a-half ago. Stimulus money should be used to solve the area's sewage infrastructure and free up the strain on the City," said Congressman Weiner.

Assemblyman Rory I. Lancman, Congressman Anthony Weiner, State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky and Councilman James Gennaro call on Governor Paterson and Mayor Bloomberg to use stimulus money to end flooding in Northeastern Queens.

"We anticipate New York State will receive approximately $25 billion in federal stimulus money. Part of this funding should be used to mitigate the flooding problems, which are familiar to anyone who lives in Fresh Meadows, which can turn into a veritable swimming pool during an intense downpour.

We are calling today on Gov. David Paterson and Mayor Michael Bloomberg to do what is right and fair, and earmark some of the stimulus package funds for this area so that the storm sewer infrastructure can be upgraded to a level appropriate for the community's needs," said Senator Stavisky.

"Just the other day the Bloomberg Administration warned of severe flooding that will hit New York City in years to come due to climate change. The residents of this part of Queens don't need a fancy report to know this; they already scoop buckets of flood water out of their basements every time it rains. If we don't use federal stimulus funds to bail them out and fix this problem for good, these folks will be bailing out their basements forever. Let's get this done now!" said Councilman Gennaro, who chairs the City Council's Environmental Protection Committee.

"I'm astonished" - Bill Thompson Targets Bloomberg on Food Stamps

Feb 19, 2009 - New York City Comptroller and mayoral candidate Bill Thompson today demanded that the Mayor reverse his position to block an extension of food stamps for able-bodied adults without dependents, saying that the mayor is ignoring the reality of the economic crisis and its impact on many New Yorkers.

Earlier this week, President Obama signed legislation extending food stamps for America's poor.

But the mayor has rejected the federal aid and won't comply with the spirit of President Obama's economic stimulus.

This is not about ideology -- it's about people struggling to survive and put food on the table while at the same time looking for gainful employment. We want to help them and give them support.

I'm outraged -- and I need your help to demand action. Watch my speech on the steps of City Hall yesterday - then sign my petition to Mayor Bloomberg, demanding he comply with the President's economic stimulus:

It's easy to say that out-of-work New Yorkers don't need food stamps when you're Mike Bloomberg. After all, billionaires can afford to eat at Manhattan's finest restaurants for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

But for those innocent victims hardest hit by the economic crisis, food stamps are the difference between eating a healthy meal and going to bed hungry.

They're the difference between giving a child a bowl of cereal in the morning -- or sending a child to school with nothing at all.

This isn't the first time Mayor Bloomberg has turned his back on the city's hungry. According to the New York Times:

In 2006, Mr. Bloomberg overruled a decision by two of his top aides to seek a federal waiver that would have allowed New Yorkers, along with others in areas with high unemployment, to receive food stamps beyond the time limit.

At a time when the Wall Street bankers get bailed out, why is the Mayor denying people in need the money to buy groceries?

We can't let Mayor Bloomberg turn his back on hungry New Yorkers at a time when they need our help the most. Sign the petition now:

New Yorkers deserve a mayor dedicated to helping all people, not just the most fortunate.

New Study Shows Many Vacant Stores in Queens - 211 Queens Storefronts Shuttered on 10 Strips

Here's a prime example of what Congressman Weiner is talking about...After being in business on Jamaica Avenue for the last 70 years, Jason's of Woodhaven is closing...check out the pics and video by Ed on Project Woodhaven Bids Farewell to Jasons...

“Stimulus Money Will Jump Start Queens Businesses,” Weiner Says

The knee-deep recession is forcing small businesses throughout Queens to close shop at an alarming rate, according to a new study released today by Representative Anthony Weiner (D-Brooklyn and Queens), a member of the House Commerce Committee.

Highlights from the Weiner Study

§ Out of a total 1,730 stores surveyed, 211 are closed or in the process of closing.

§ 12% of community stores in Queens are vacant.

§ Vacancy rates have doubled from the past year.

§ 21 is the average number of closed stores per neighborhood.

§ Most Vacant Stores: Jamaica Avenue strip with 80 closed stores out of 335.

§ Highest Percentage of Vacancy: Rockaway, with 17 out of 40 stores, or 42.5% closed.

Click on image to enlarge...

This week, President Obama and Congress gave a major economic boost to small businesses in New York City. The final economic stimulus package that was signed by the president will create or save approximately 30,000 jobs in Queens – more than 90,000 jobs overall in New York City.

New York City has more than 200,000 small businesses, accounting for two-thirds of the city’s private sector jobs. Of these, 96% have fewer than 50 employees. The recently signed stimulus economic stimulus package will help ease the burden on small businesses.

New Relief for Small Businesses

§ Provides $750 million to improve existing SBA loan programs and to create new ones

§ Offers relief for small businesses by boosting the write-off for equipment and property expenses to $250,000 – up from $125,000.

§ Allocates $375 million to eliminate and reduce government fines and fees to borrowers and lenders who are part of existing loan programs.

§ Makes it easier for small businesses to free up their funds for investment and job creation. The stimulus bill increases the carryback of net operating losses from 2 years to 5 years.

Rep. Weiner said, “When the economy catches a cold, small businesses catch pneumonia. Too many community shops – the backbone of the City’s economy, are hit hard by this downturn. The stimulus package will help jump start Queens businesses.”

Weiner’s office surveyed 10 neighborhood shopping strips in Queens and collected data from the Queens Chamber of Commerce and Queens BIDS. Neighborhoods surveyed include Myrtle Avenue, Kissena Boulevard, Bay Terrace Shopping Center, Sutphin Boulevard, Sunnyside, Austin Street, Woodhaven Boulevard, Jamaica Avenue, and Beach 116^th Street.