...An eclectic mix of local Politics, Education, Community Affairs, Environment, History, Birding,Jamaica Bay, Ridgewood Reservoir, Forest Park, and other assorted items of interest...
Concentrating on the Borough of Queens in New York City...and the neighborhoods of Ozone Park, Howard Beach, Woodhaven, Richmond Hill and South Ozone Park...and Community Boards 5, 6, 9 and 10...
“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.”
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,
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.
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.
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.
Resorts World Casino New York will officially open an on-site employment center to help local residents apply for permanent positions at the new South Ozone Park facility, officials announced today standing alongside New York State Senator Joseph Addabbo, Assembly Member Vivian Cook, Assembly Member Michelle Titus, City Council Member Ruben Wills, Community Board 10 Chair Betty Braton and others.
“As promised, we are continuing to hire from the local community and this on-site jobs center will allow us to do just that,” said Michael Speller, President of Resorts World Casino New York. “The new jobs center will be critical in helping us identify the best local candidates so we can build a talented and robust Resorts World family based right here in Queens. We are very much looking forward to continuing to grow our permanent staff.”
The new on-site employment center is yet another resource for local Queens residents looking for opportunities at Resorts World Casino New York. Resorts World is already working with three local employment services centers to identify candidates for careers at the new facility:
· NYC Business Solutions – Queens Workforce 1 Career Center;
· Educational Opportunity Center (EOC); and
· Council for Airport Opportunity (CAO).
More information on permanent positions and future recruiting events at Resorts World Casino New York is available at www.rwnewyork.com.
“Having an on-site employment center is not only a great way for local residents to learn about careers here at Resorts World, but also a great way for us to interact with the individuals who will be operating this facility once it opens,” said Kevin Bogle, Vice President of Human Resources at Resorts World Casino New York. “The purpose of this employment center- along with the support from the three employment services centers that we have already been working with for months – is to help us hire talented individuals from within the local community, so we have a facility here in Queens that is run by Queens residents themselves.”
The new on-site employment center will officially open on Monday, June 6th and will be open weekdays from 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM. Applicants can visit the employment center to learn more about career opportunities at Resorts World Casino New York and submit applications for open positions.
At the end of last month, Resorts World Casino New York officially launched the hiring process for permanent positions at the facility, announcing that candidates from the local community will be hired first. This announcement marked the first phase of staffing Resorts World in such fields as entertainment, hospitality, security and food services.
Resorts World also recently announced that in an effort to enhance the overall experience at the new facility, the company will hire a staff of 1,150 permanent workers; a near-50% increase from original estimates. The bulk of the additional 350 employees will work in the facility’s food and beverage, customer service and security departments.
By creating an expansive outreach network that fosters community participation, Resorts World Casino New York has developed a strategic approach toward recruiting the most talented workforce in Queens and entire New York City metropolitan area. In partnering with community-based organizations, placing advertisements in local publications and hosting on-site job fairs, Resorts World Casino New York will continue to build a dynamic workforce ready to meet the needs of its customers and the community.
The scramble to fill the seat of former Assemblywoman Audrey Pheffer has taken another turn, with her longtime aide announcing she will not run for the post.
Our Lisa L. Colangelo reports:
That clears the deck for Phillip Goldfeder, an aide to U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer. Goldfeder is being touted as the Queens Democratic Party's pick to replace Pheffer, who recently stepped down from her legislative post to become the Queens County Clerk.
The district includes parts of Ozone Park, Howard Beach and the Rockaways.
"I've been very blessed being able to work with Audrey for all those years," said Joann Shapiro. "It allowed me to serve at a certain level, and I think I did it well."
Shapiro said she made the decision not to run after having discussions with her family. "I don't plan on leaving the community," she said. "I will continue to serve in a different capacity and am looking forward to it."
Goldfeder, a Far Rockaway native, has worked for both Republicans and Democrats, including a stint on Mayor Bloomberg's 2005 campaign and City Councilman Simcha Felder's unsuccessful campaign for state Senate. He could not be reached for comment yesterday.
The seat will be filled by a special election, possibly on Primary Day in September.
The four Democratic district leaders - Shapiro, Frank Gulluscio, Lew Simon and Geraldine Chapey - will decide who runs on the party line for that race.
Former Police Officer Jane Deacy is the likely candidate on the Republican ballot.
Supporters said Goldfeder's connections in Far Rockaway could help bring out the important Jewish vote.
Others said he has few community ties outside of Far Rockaway and only recently started attending local civic and political club meetings.
"I think Jane's chances have gotten better," said City Councilman Eric Ulrich, a Republican who is touting Deacy as a candidate. "Outside of Far Rockaway, Phil is virtually unknown."
And he pointed out that political connections can only go so far during an election.
"At the end of the day, political capital is not transferrable," Ulrich said. "They don't care who you work for and who you know. They will vote for the candidate who will do the best job."
On Saturday May 21st, I attended a Town Hall meeting at St. Paul the Apostle Church in Corona with hundreds of others to demand that the owner of the highly profitable Queens Center Mall, the Macerich Company, give back to the community by transforming the publicly subsidized mall from a poverty wage center into a responsible development for workers of Queens.
Among those participating in the event were elected officials: NY State Senator Jose Peralta, NY Assembly Member Francisco Moya, NY Assembly Member Jeffrion Aubrey, and New York City Council Members Julissa Ferreras and Daniel Dromm.
The meeting was hosted by Make the Road New York (MRNY), Queens Congregations United for Action (QCUA), the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU) and the Retail Action Project (RAP)
In exchange for the more than $100 million in tax breaks Macerich receives, a growing community, labor, clergy coalition is pushing to hold the Queens Center Mall owner accountable to the public by requiring retailers to pay a living wage with benefits, respect workers' rights to organize a union without threats or intimidation, and provide space for community services
The owners of the mall receive tens of millions of dollars in subsidies from our tax dollars and what does the community receive in return? Absolutely nothing.
Retail is one of the areas where the largest number of jobs are being created, and it is past time for retail workers to receive a living wage and be able to unionize without being threatened by their employers. It shouldn’t even be a question for the Queens Center Mall, one of the most profitable malls in the country (profits of $876 per sq foot) to become a living wage center and not a poverty wage one,
Many people who work at the mall barely make the minimum wage. As everyone knows, it’s not possible to live on such a low salary here in Queens, much less support a family.
I feel it's important that when we talk about economic development in our community, we should be talking about jobs that provide economic stability, jobs that can support a family and not part-time jobs with poverty wages and no benefits. Macerich should be made to require union neutrality from its retailers, so employees can decide whether or not to organize a union without fear of threats or retaliation.
A living wage bill is being debated in the NYC Council which would require businesses that receive tax breaks or City subsidies to pay their workers a living wage of $11.50 an hour without benefits or $10 an hour with benefits.
I would urge anyone reading this letter to contact their City Council member and tell them that they should vote to pass a living wage law in New York City. I believe it is a moral imperative that if someone works full-time they should be able to support their family and feed their children. Thank you.
Today Assembly Members and the NYS Department of Labor teamed up with Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, New York City Comptroller John C. Liu and federal safety representatives to kick-off the first annual New York State Immigrant Workers' Rights Awareness Weekend, happening this Saturday and Sunday (May 14-15) across New York state.
This weekend, participating elected officials, city, state and federal agencies, community based organizations and activists will join together across the state to spread awareness in multiple languages about workers' rights on-the-job regardless of immigration status. These organizations will also inform immigrant workers about the services (both government and non-profit) that are available to them.
According to theDepartment of Labor Bureau of Immigrant Workers Rights (DoL) immigrant workers are less likely to approach government agencies for many reasons, including language barriers, not knowing what agencies can do for them, fear of government, and trouble getting to government agencies during office hours.
"This weekend is about letting immigrant workers know that they have the same rights to a safe workplace as every other worker," said Assemblyman Rory Lancman, Chair of the Subcommittee on Workplace Safety and co-sponsor of New York State Immigrant Workers' Rights Awareness Weekend.
“It is critical that our immigrant workers, who are the backbone of so many industries here in New York, are fully informed of their rights and have the resources they need to fight workplace violations," said U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. "I applaud the state’s enormous efforts to bring city, state, and federal resources to communities throughout New York.”
“The best way to protect workers on the job is to empower them with information. By educating and informing New York’s immigrant workers, these forums will lead to safer workplaces,” said Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-New York).
"Many times innocent employees report to work and perform their duties as expected but are not fully compensated. It is important for immigrant workers to know their rights and not be afraid to speak out. My office will continue to fight for those who have been shortchanged on the jobsite," said New York City Comptroller John C. Liu.
“New York has been greatly enriched by the many contributions made by immigrant workers to the economic and social fabric of our state. The Division of Human Rights joins the Department of Labor, elected officials and community-based organizations in this effort to educate them about their rights under our law so they can continue to lead healthy and productive lives while gainfully employed," said Commissioner Galen D. Kirkland, New York State Division of Human Rights.
"The Wage and Hour Division of the U.S. Department of Labor appreciates the opportunity to participate at the State-wide events this weekend to increase awareness of workers' rights with regard to the laws that we enforce. We are committed to ensuring that all workers are paid at least the proper minimum wage and overtime," said Maria L. Rosado, District Director, U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division.
"Every worker, without exception, has the right to a safe and healthful workplace," said Robert Kulick, Occupational Safety Health Administration's regional administrator in New York. "Through outreach and education, we strive to inform workers of this right and their right to a voice in the workplace when it comes to their safety and health. We want all workers to return home healthy and whole at the end of each work day."
"Federal, state, and local labor laws are meant to protect all workers regardless of whether they are recent immigrants or whether their ancestors came over on the Mayflower," said Assemblyman Joseph Lentol (D-Brooklyn). "This weekend's events will help to remind us of that fact."
"America is built on hopes, dreams, and honest labor of immigrants. It is important that we continue to recognize our heritage and guarantee justice in all phases," said Assembly Member Jack McEneny (D-Albany).
“Our economy and our country have enjoyed the contributions of immigrants through their hard work, perseverance, dignity and the dream that living with these values will lead to a better life for them and their children,” said Assembly Member Carl Heastie (D/WFP, Bronx). “We should do all we can to ensure that they know their rights and that they are protected.”
"There is a large population of immigrant workers in Western New York," said Assemblymember Sam Hoyt (D-Buffalo, Grand Island). "Many of them may be fearful of the authorities or confused by the process of getting their paperwork in order. I want to communicate to them that they have rights, too, and to help them work legally and safely in New York State."
"As Chairman of the Task Force on New American's it is a real privilege to be asked to participate in this important statewide event. As an immigrant myself, I know first hand how hard it is experience the obstacles many of these people are facing on a daily basis, it can be extremely frustrating and discouraging. Every worker needs to know we are there to protect their rights," said Assembly Member Alec Brook-Krasny (D-Brooklyn).
“Immigrants are an essential part of our communities, our workforce, and our economy, contributing over $200 billion in economic activity in New York City alone,” said Assemblymember Brian Kavanagh who serves on the Assembly Labor Committee. “It is our duty to make sure that workplaces are safe and that immigrants have the information and legal protections they need. I am proud to be joining Assemblymember Rory Lancman in sponsoring an Immigrant Workers’ Rights Awareness event in my district and I applaud him for his tremendous work on this and the many other initiatives he has undertaken to promote worker safety.”
"I am proud to be co-sponsoring the Staten Island event for this statewide initiative with Councilmember Debi Rose. We should never forget that we are a country of immigrants and that workplace safety is a right for all of our residents, regardless of their immigration status. This event gives us the opportunity to educate Staten Islanders about their rights and the services available to them,” said Assembly Member Matthew Titone (D-Staten Island).
Assemembly Member Michael DenDekker (D/WFP- Jackson Heights) "urges the community to come and hear about Labor Law protections, Workers' Compensation, your health and safety at work plus various other kinds of information on different community services. I feel this is a great opportunity for everyone to know and benefit from all the rights, services and protections allowed by law."
"As a daughter of immigrants and the only Asian-American in the New York State Legislature, I believe this weekend will serve well to ensure that our community fully understands their rights as employees and are rightfully protected. My office which assists a vast majority of new immigrants from all of New York State will also be on site that day to help coordinate the services offered by all the different agencies," said Assembly Member Grace Meng (D-Queens).
"Through the experiences of parents who came to Corona, Queens from Ecuador, I have seen first hand the obstacles that immigrants face: whether it's from hiring discrimination, intimidation, or even the simple struggle to have documents in your native language. It is a top priority of mine to protect immigrants, the people who have made New York and Queens their home just like my parents did many years ago, from abusive and dangerous environments--and that's why I'm thrilled to be a part of this statewide effort to bring resources and activists together to help raise awareness for immigrant workers’ rights," said Assembly Member Francisco Moya (D-Queens).
"We can no longer accept immigrant workers filling jobs critical to our economy without receiving fair wages and benefits. This weekend's event is a step towards making sure that they are aware of all the rights they are entitled to as employees. We will continue to work with the immigrants rights community as well as the different federal and state agencies to assure this goal is accomplished," said Assembly Member Sam Roberts (D-Syracuse).
"I'm elated to be involved in the inaugural New York State Immigrant Workers' Rights Awareness weekend. We must ensure fairness of workers' rights regardless of origin or status throughout the state all while promoting the need to treat one another with dignity and respect. This weekend's event will provide us the platform to both raise awareness and stand united with our immigrant brothers and sisters," said Council Member Debi Rose (D/WFP-Staten Island).
left to right: Bay Terrace President Warren Schreiber, Senator Toby Ann Stavisky, Council Member Mark S. Weprin, and Assemblymember David I. Weprin lead a “tax revolt” at City Hall against outrageous real property tax assessment increases.
New York City Council Member Mark S. Weprin (D-Oakland Gardens), founder of the City Council Co-op and Condo caucus, stood with Senator Toby Ann Stavisky, Senator Tony Avella, Assemblymember Edward C. Braunstein, Assemblymember Grace Meng, Assemblymember David I. Weprin, Council Member Daniel J. Halloran, Council Member Peter Koo, co-op shareholders, and co-op board members and presidents from Eastern Queens to protest the outrageous increases in real property tax assessments on co-ops and condos. They called on Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Department of Finance Commissioner David M. Frankel to rescind the increases because they are arbitrary, inconsistent, and unfair.
“These increases cannot stand,” said Council Member Mark S. Weprin. “As an official who represents tens of thousands of co-op and condo residents, I will continue to fight for tax equity.”
The rally and property tax “revolt” took place in advance of City Council Finance hearings to be held on Monday, May 2 at 10 AM at 250 Broadway. At that time, Council Members will call on Commissioner Frankel to explain how he can justify the increases or rescind them immediately.
Since the New York City Department of Finance (DOF) released its real property tax assessments earlier this year, there has been considerable and well-justified angst on the part of Queens co-op and condo boards. When DOF changed the valuation methods, some co-ops saw their valuations rise by as much as one hundred fifty percent, at a time when property values are basically flat. DOF later agreed to limit increases to fifty percent.
“I am a shareholder in a co-op where valuation skyrocketed one hundred forty-seven percent this year, and then DOF decided to cap increases at fifty percent, for this year only,” said Senator Toby Ann Stavisky. “Fifty percent is totally arbitrary and is still a very large increase on middle class families.”
It has also been reported that a computer glitch at DOF was responsible for some of the unusually high assessments.
“The failure of DOF to recognize its mistakes for three months, only to ultimately blame all of its failures on a computer glitch, is simply unacceptable,” said Assemblymember Edward C. Braunstein. “It's time for DOF to abandon its effort to balance New York City’s budget on the backs of co-op owners in Queens.”
"Our ongoing fiscal recovery depends on our neighbors being secure in their homes and able to afford their groceries and medications,” said Assemblymember Grace Meng. “This plan doesn't allow for that; it's simply pickpocketing."
“The City’s formula for valuing these properties doesn’t add up,” said Council Member Daniel J. Halloran. “This is just a hidden co-op tax on my constituents.”
Council Member Peter Koo said, "DOF stated that a computer glitch is the cause for a one hundred forty-seven percent tax assessment increase for co-ops and condos in Queens. This is an unacceptable answer, and whatever glitch occurred should be corrected and assessments re-evaluated.”
"DOF was caught red-handed using commercial properties to value residential co-ops,” said Bob Friedrich, President of Glen Oaks Village Owners. “The Presidents Co-op Council, an affiliation of fifty co-op Board Presidents in Queens, is calling for an independent investigation and is preparing to file a lawsuit if these flawed valuations are imposed."
“Co-ops and condos represent a last bastion of middle class housing in New York City,” said Warren Schreiber, President of Bay Terrace Cooperative, Section One. “As property taxes continue to rise, many long-time residents could be forced from their apartments.”
There may also be a need to correct the underlying issue with legislation at the state level.
"I have introduced legislation to reclassify certain property held in cooperative form," said Assemblymember David I. Weprin. “This will better reflect that the units are primary residences, not investment properties.”
In an effort to help find employment for those who are currently struggling to do so, Assemblyman Mike Miller (D-Queens) has announced that he will be hosting two job fairs in the month of May.
“In these tough economic times people need all the assistance they can get.” Assemblyman Miller said. “Working with All Nations Baptist Church and Christ Congregational Church, we decided that putting these job fairs together would be an excellent way to find employment for those who are currently struggling to put bread on the table so they can once again provide for their families.”
Assemblywoman Audrey I. Pheffer (D-Queens) was pleased to welcome Yvonne Morel, an 11th grade student who attends Nightingale-Bamford School in Manhattan and is a resident of Ozone Park. Miss Morel was chosen to take part in a shadowing program sponsored by the League of Women Voters of New York State Education Foundation, Inc. The program “Students Inside Albany Conference” was held April 10-13, 2011 – allowing the students to experience firsthand the daily activities of New York State Senate and Assembly Members.
Assemblyman Miller Honors Richmond Hill Peer Tutors
Pictured are (from left): Arunan Naahanathan, Assemblyman Miller, Mr. Robert Whalen, Natasha Moses, Chante Sherwood, Janagan Naahanathan, Daisy Tenecela, and Ivan Gamba
Assemblyman Mike Miller (D-Queens) met with students from Richmond Hill High School who serve as peer tutors for their fellow students struggling in Mathematics. The Assemblyman presented the students with Certificates of Merit for their service to their community.
Assemblyman Miller Announces Collegiate Scholarship Program
Assemblyman Mike Miller (D-Queens) announced today that the New York Conference of Italian-America Legislators is now accepting applications for four $1,500 scholarships to be awarded in June at their Annual Conference Weekend. Scholarship winners must be present to receive their awards.
“Given the high costs of college, every opportunity must be given to local students and their working families to meet their required expenses.” Assemblyman Miller said. “I highly recommend that students from Assembly District 38 apply to the Conference for these scholarships so that they may hopefully secure as much extra help with their expenses as possible.”
This year the Italian-American State Legislators Conference will be awarding four $1,500 scholarships to four current or future college students from New York State. Eligibility will be based upon the student’s grade point average, athletic involvement, interest in pursuing a higher education, involvement in the local community as well as individual financial need. The applicants must live in the 38thAssembly District, which includes parts of Glendale, Ridgewood, Woodhaven, Ozone Park, South Ozone Park, and Richmond Hill.
Applicants must have demonstrated a grade point average of 85 and over, have good conduct and demonstrate the dedication to pursue and complete a higher education degree, have demonstrated community service and involvement in extracurricular activities, and can demonstrate financial aid. All requests must be submitted to Assemblyman Miller no later than April 19th, 2011.
For more information regarding the scholarship, please contact Assemblyman Mike Miller’s District Office at 718-805-0950.
Miller: Assembly Passes Pay Equity Legislative Package - Measures Would End Unfair Wage Gaps
Assemblyman Mike Miller (D-Queens) announced the Assembly passed a package of bills designed to end wage discrimination throughout the state. The legislation is accompanied by a resolution proclaiming April 12, 2011, as Equal Pay Day in New York State (K.365).
“In this day and age, it’s unacceptable that some New Yorkers still aren’t earning equal pay for equal work,” Miller said. “That’s why the Assembly passed a package of bills – and has done so for over a decade – that aims to rid our state of this shameful problem.”
The legislative package passed by the Assembly would make it easier to enforce equal-pay policies and create a statewide comparable-salary policy. The bills would:
Make it a discriminatory practice to compensate employees of different sexes differently for work that is of comparable worth (A.3690);
Enact the New York State Fair Pay Act to address and enforce pay equity, including broadening equivalent job definitions, specifying methods to determine equivalent skill, making it unlawful for an employer to discriminate between employees on the basis of sex, race or national origin and ensuring traditional and minority jobs are not undervalued (A.6130);
Make it a discriminatory practice for public employers to compensate employees of different sexes differently for work that is of comparable worth (A.6448); and
Establish a statewide policy of equal pay for both sexes and comparability of value of work and ensure corrective action (A.1780).
“It’s inexcusable for New York – a state that historically has set the standards in equality leadership – to not have policies in place that grant equal pay for equal work,” Miller said. “It’s plain and simple: Wages should be based on skill, effort and experience. Ending the antiquated and unreasonable wage gap is a responsibility New York must take seriously.”
