News and Notes from Rep Anthony Weiner (NY-9th)

Social Security Administration Targets Glendale Office for Closure

Weiner, Velazquez Call for Branch to Remain Open

On Tuesday, outside the Glendale Social Security office that is set to shut its doors on July 15^th, Rep. Anthony Weiner (D – Queens and Brooklyn), joined by concerned residents, senior citizens and representatives of local elected officials, called on the Social Security Administration to keep the Glendale office open, so that residents of Central Queens won’t be denied access to the vital services it provides

Today, with the Social Security office located in Glendale set to close its doors this summer, Rep. Anthony Weiner (D – Queens and Brooklyn) and Rep. Nydia Velazquez urged the agency to keep the Glendale office open, so that residents in large swaths of Central Queens won’t be denied access to the vital services it provides.

Two weeks ago, in what it described as an effort to save money, the Social Security Administration announced to local elected officials and community leaders that the Glendale office, located at 67-10 Myrtle Avenue, would be scheduled to shut its doors on July 15^th. In the process, thousands of residents who rely upon the office, including seniors and retired and disabled residents, would be left without access to many of the important services provided by the agency.

From assisting with claims for retirement benefits, to helping with Medicare enrollment and applying for Social Security, the Glendale office provides a vital service to those who rely upon it the most. The office ensures that thousands of residents in neighborhoods like Glendale, Ridgewood, Maspeth, Fresh Pond and Middle Village receive the benefits they not only deserve, but have earned over a lifetime of hard work.

Weiner is calling on the agency to forestall the closure of the Glendale office, so that the community’s large senior population as well as disabled residents will not be forced to travel all the way to Rego Park for another Social Security office.

Weiner is also committed to working with the agency to help find an alternative, easily-accessible location that would allow the agency to keep its presence in the Central Queens community and ensure that seniors and residents of Central Queens continue to have access to the essential services the office provides.

“My older neighbors rely on Social Security to be the impressive and successful program that it is, and accessibility to an office that provides information and help about their benefits is vital,” Weiner said in a letter to Beatrice Disman, Regional Commissioner of the Social Security Administration. “I urge you to keep the current office open or to find a new, easily-accessible location for an office in the area.”

“The Social Security office in Glendale is part of the community’s fabric. Closing it would increase the time it takes for citizens to resolve problems, have new claims processed and obtain approval for benefits,” said Rep. Nydia M. Velazquez.

As baby boomers continue to reach the retirement age, the number of seniors in neighborhoods like Glendale, Maspeth, Middle Village, Ridgewood and others who require assistance from the Social Security Administration, will invariably grow. Closing the Glendale Social Security office would only prevent the needs of thousands of residents throughout Central Queens from being met.

Full text of Rep. Weiner’s letter below:

May 12, 2011

Ms. Beatrice Disman

Regional Commissioner

Social Security Administration

26 Federal Plaza

New York, New York 10278-0004

Dear Ms. Disman,

I have been contacted by many of my constituents regarding the Social Security Administration's plan to close its office at 67-10 Myrtle Avenue in Glendale, which is the closest Social Security office to residents of Glendale, Ridgewood, Maspeth, Middle Village and Fresh Pond.

This office provides essential services to many members of these communities, including many of my retired and disabled constituents. Removing it would reduce access to Social Security for those who need it the most. My older neighbors rely on Social Security to be the impressive and successful program that it is, and accessibility to an office that provides information and help about their benefits is vital.

I urge you to keep the current office open or to find a new, easily-accessible location for an office in the area. If a new location is necessary, I would be happy to offer my assistance in finding one. Thank you in advance for your prompt attention and reply to this matter.

Sincerely,

ANTHONY D. WEINER

Member of Congress

On AIDS Walk Day, Weiner, Gottfried & Advocacy Groups Call on FDA

to Permit Sales of Over-the-Counter Rapid HIV Tests

Nearly 300,000 Infected Americans Unaware of Situation

Outside of Beth Israel Hospital on AIDS Walk Day, Rep. Anthony Weiner (D – Queens and Brooklyn), joined by Assembly Member Richard Gottfried (D – Manhattan), Chair of the Assembly Health Committee, and representatives from advocacy groups committed to advancing HIV/AIDS prevention, displayed an easy-to-use oral rapid HIV kit. Weiner and Gottfried called on the FDA to allow the kits to be sold over the counter to ease access to testing for the thousands of New Yorkers who are currently unaware they are infected.

Yesterday, on AIDS Walk Day, Rep. Anthony Weiner (D – Queens and Brooklyn), Assembly Member Richard Gottfried (D – Manhattan), Chair of the Assembly Health Committee, and representatives from advocacy groups committed to advancing HIV/AIDS prevention, including Tracy Welsh, Executive Director of HIV Law Project, and Peter Pavich, Executive Director of Queens Pride House, called on the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to approve the sale of over-the-counter rapid HIV tests, which would ease access to testing for the nearly 300,000 Americans and thousands of New Yorkers who currently are unaware they are infected.

Rapid HIV tests are both simple and effective. Using a mouth swab or a finger prick, individuals can know their preliminary HIV status within minutes – with greater than 99% sensitivity. Currently, there are four FDA-approved low complexity rapid HIV tests commercially available in the United States; however, they all require a laboratory license in order to purchase them.

Weiner is calling on the FDA to make rapid HIV tests available to everyday Americans by allowing both over-the-counter sales and free distribution of tests directly to individuals. Rapid HIV tests would provide Americans the ability to conduct tests in the comfort of their home and encourage testing by offering privacy and reducing perceived stigma.

Even on the 30^th anniversary of the AIDS epidemic, the need for increased HIV testing has never been greater. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that up to 1.2 million people in the U.S. currently have HIV, and nearly 1 in 4 do not know they are even infected. In fact, two-thirds of new HIV infections are caused by people who are unaware they are infected.

In New York City alone, more than 107,000 New Yorkers are living with HIV – and thousands more don't know they are infected. According to the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, the AIDS case rate in the City is almost 3 times the national average, and HIV is the 3rd leading cause of death for New York City residents aged 35 to 54.

In a letter to FDA Commissioner Dr. Margaret Hamburg, Weiner said “Many medical professionals and HIV/AIDS groups support the approval of OTC rapid HIV tests, including the AIDS Institute, the Gay Men’s Health Crisis, and the National Minority AIDS Council. Given the critical need for increased HIV testing, it simply doesn’t make sense to keep OTC rapid HIV tests off the market.”

"It's vital for people who are HIV-positive to know their status as soon as possible, so they can begin treatment and avoid infecting others," said Assembly Health Committee chair Richard N. Gottfried.

While the Center for Disease Control claims that self-testing is not currently recommended because of counseling concerns, HIV/AIDS advocates and test manufacturers say that easy-to-read inserts in home test kits can educate users about HIV transmission, prevention, and the possibility of false positives and negatives. Additionally, a 24-hour 800 hotline can provide psychological and medical counseling to self-testers who receive HIV positive results.

Full text of Rep. Weiner’s letter below:

May 15, 2011

Dr. Margaret Hamburg

Commissioner

Food and Drug Administration

10903 New Hampshire Ave
Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002

Dear Dr. Hamburg,

I write to urge you to accelerate the approval process for over-the-counter (OTC) rapid HIV tests. There is a critical need to expand HIV testing in order to reduce the number of people who are unaware of their HIV status. Approving OTC rapid HIV tests would tear down unnecessary barriers that currently keep people from getting tested.

Rapid HIV tests are simple and effective. Using a mouth swab or a finger prick, individuals can know their preliminary HIV status within minutes. Currently, there are four FDA-approved low-complexity rapid HIV tests commercially available in the US. All are simple to use, show results in under 20 minutes, and have greater than 99.3% sensitivity. However, these tests can currently only be administered by a licensed organization or individual, creating an unfortunate roadblock to the goal of wider HIV testing. Even the sole FDA-approved “at home” HIV test requires individuals to wait several days before calling a laboratory to receive their results.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), nearly two-thirds of new HIV infections may have been unknowingly caused by individuals who were unaware of their HIV status. The requirement that individuals must be tested by a licensed third party acts as a barrier to testing, even where anonymity is assured. Especially in smaller communities, anonymity does not necessarily ensure privacy. There is good reason to believe that some individuals who would otherwise test themselves for HIV avoid clinics and outreach centers because of the perceived stigma involved.

Studies have shown that individuals can both administer rapid HIV tests and interpret their results appropriately. Concerns about user education can be addressed by easy-to-read informational inserts in the test kits that inform about false negatives, false positives, and the need for confirmatory testing. Counseling concerns can be addressed by providing a 24-hour toll free hotline for psychological and medical referrals.

Many medical professionals and HIV/AIDS groups support the approval of OTC rapid HIV tests, including the AIDS Institute, the Gay Men’s Health Crisis, and the National Minority AIDS Council. Given the critical need for increased HIV testing, it simply doesn’t make sense to keep OTC rapid HIV tests off the market. I therefore urge you to accelerate the FDA’s approval process for OTC rapid HIV tests and set a firm deadline by which these tests will be available to the public.

Thank you for considering this critical issue.

Sincerely,

ANTHONY D. WEINER

Member of Congress

Weiner Addresses Roll Call of 112^th Precinct

On Monday at the NYPD’s 112^th Precinct in Queens, Rep. Anthony Weiner (D – Queens and Brooklyn) addressed officers during roll call, where he thanked them for their ongoing commitment to fighting crime and helping the community

Weiner, Nadler Introduce Legislation to Re-route Osama Bin Laden Reward Money to 9/11 First Responders, Families & Survivors

If Bounty Isn't Paid, Bin Laden Victims Should Get It

Outside of World Trade Center 7 on Sunday, Reps. Anthony Weiner (D – Queens and Brooklyn) and Jerrold Nadler (D – Manhattan and Queens), joined by family members of 9/11 victims, announced legislation to redirect the $50 million bounty for the capture of Osama bin Laden, which the White House declared will likely never be paid, to organizations that help 9/11 survivors, families and first responders.

On Sunday, Reps. Anthony Weiner (D – Queens and Brooklyn) and Jerrold Nadler (D – Manhattan and Brooklyn) announced legislation that would award the bounty of up to $50 million approved by Congress for the capture of Osama Bin Laden, which many news reports indicate may never be distributed, to be instead distributed amongst organizations that provide service or aid to 9/11 first responders, families and survivors.

The Rewards for Justice Program, established in 1984 and administered by the State Department, established a bounty of up to $25 million in 2001 to help bring Bin Laden to justice. In 2004, Congress passed legislation providing the Secretary of State up to $50 million to award at his or her discretion to those who provided information leading to the capture of Bin Laden.

Now, following his death, U.S. officials are unsure whether the bounty of up to $50 million will be paid because his whereabouts were pieced together from various bits of information, leaving no single person responsible for putting investigators on his trail.

Weiner and Nadler’s legislation would redirect the funds to organizations that assist first responders, families, and survivors who were affected by the tragedy at Ground Zero.

“If the bounty isn’t paid, Osama Bin Laden’s victims should get it,” Weiner said. “I can think of no better recipient than those organizations which have committed themselves to helping first responders, their families and survivors whose lives have been forever affected by Bin Laden’s actions.”

"Because there is likely no awardee for the $50 million bounty for Osama bin Laden’s capture, those funds should now be used in support of the thousands of 9/11 families, responders and survivors," said Nadler. "I urge the State Department to distribute the reward money to established organizations and institutions which provide services and programs to the 9/11 community."

NYS Assembly Subcommittee on Workplace Safety and NYS Department of Labor Announce Immigrant Workers' Rights Awareness Weekend

Statewide Outreach Events Happening This Weekend

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 the Department 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.”

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“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).

Rep Nydia Velazquez Christmas Party on Dec 17th at the Warsaw in Greenpoint Bklyn...

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Elected Officials Want PA to Provide Community With Expert Help

12 Western Queens Electeds Ask Port Authority to Provide Community With Expert to Make Its Arguments about Cross Harbor Threat

“We need to ensure that the community’s views and concerns about danger of

additional truck and rail traffic are presented in the most professional manner.”

Assemblywoman Marge Markey and eleven other elected officials have formally asked the Port Authority of NY-NJ (PA) to provide the Western Queens community with professional support to respond to the agency’s new Cross Harbor Freight Movement Program.

The Port Authority began a series of briefings this fall as it began an environmental impact statement for its initiative to control the movement of freight into and through New York metropolitan region.

At a forum sponsored by Citizens of Maspeth and Elmhurst Together (COMET) on November 16, Assemblywoman Markey said that the community deserved expert assistance in framing its arguments about the current and future impact of rail and truck traffic that will potentially result from implementation of the Cross Harbor Program. “We need a consultant who will work directly with local public officials and Community Board Five to ensure that community views and concerns are properly documented and presented in the most professional manner,” she said.

In a letter to Port Authority Executive Director Christopher Ward, Markey and the other Queens public officials said: “We are in accord with your regional goals for coping with the movement of freight in the future, but we are determined to ensure that they are not achieved at the expense of our communities. Providing us with a consultant to work with us through this EIS process will help ensure the community’s views are incorporated into your final report.” 

In addition to Assemblywoman Markey, the letter was also signed by Congressman Joseph Crowley, Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez, Congressman Anthony Weiner, State Senator Joseph Addabbo, Assemblyman Michael Gianaris, Assemblyman Andrew Hevesi, Assemblywoman Catherine Nolan, Assemblyman Michael Miller, City Councilmember Elizabeth Crowley, City Councilmember Diana Reyna and City Councilmember Jimmy Van Bramer.

This is the second time in eight years that the communities of Maspeth, Ridgewood, Glendale and Middle Village have been put into the center of a plan to solve the region’s freight traffic problems to relieve the burden of truck traffic into New York. A 2003 proposal for a rail freight tunnel into the city from New Jersey would have made the local Fresh Pond Rail Yard a principal destination for the traffic from that route, burdening the surrounding communities with the adverse impact of an enormous increase in truck and rail traffic.   

The letter from Markey and the other officials to the Executive Director Ward said: “The communities of Maspeth, Middle Village, Glendale and Ridgewood have been energized over recent years to find solutions to what are already intolerable conditions for many of our residents as a result of current rail and truck traffic,” adding, “We have been aggressively working with shippers, transportation companies and community organizations to address the adverse impact of current and near-term projected increases in truck and rail traffic on our neighborhoods. We need your help to ensure that community voices are heard in a meaningful way as your agency proceeds.”

For Media Information Call Mike Armstrong, 718-651-3185, 917-279-8437

The full text of Assemblywoman Markey’s letter and names of those other elected officials who have signed with her follows:

December 7, 2010

Christopher Ward, Executive Director

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
One Madison Avenue, 5th Floor, New York, NY 10010

Re:  Cross Harbor Freight Movement Program

Dear Executive Director Ward:

My colleagues and I represent the Maspeth, Middle Village, Glendale and Ridgewood communities that will be greatly impacted by the Cross Harbor Freight Movement Program. As your agency undertakes the scoping phase of your Tier I Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process, we want to bring our concerns to your attention and seek your agency’s assistance.

While the Port Authority is properly motivated by the need to reduce highway congestion and eliminate travel delays in the metropolitan region, we believe that it is critical that the EIS process underway also address the potential impact that each of the various alternatives would have on our communities.  Your proposed solutions to reduce highway congestion should not further erode the quality of life of the thousands of families living in our communities who are already overwhelmed by truck traffic on commercial and residential streets and the impact the current rail freight traffic through our communities.

As public officials, we have been aggressively working with shippers, transportation companies and community organizations to address the adverse impact of current and near-term projected increases in truck and rail traffic on our neighborhoods. We need your help to ensure that community voices are heard in a meaningful way as your agency proceeds.

To do this, we respectfully request that the Port Authority retain a consultant who will work directly with local public officials and Community Board Five to ensure that community views and concerns are properly documented and presented in the most professional manner for inclusion in the EIS.

The communities of Maspeth, Middle Village, Glendale and Ridgewood have been energized over recent years to find solutions to what are already intolerable conditions for many of our residents as a result of current rail and truck traffic. We are in accord with your regional goals for coping with the movement of freight in the future, but we are determined to ensure that they are not achieved at the expense of our communities. Providing us with a consultant to work with us through this EIS process will help ensure the community’s views are incorporated into your final report.

Sincerely,

Margaret Markey, Member of Assembly

Joseph Crowley, Member of Congress

Nydia Velazquez, Member of Congress

Anthony Weiner, Member of Congress

Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr., State Senator

Michael Gianaris, Member of Assembly

Andrew Hevesi, Member of Assembly

Michael Miller, Member of Assembly

Catherine Nolan, Member of Assembly

Elizabeth Crowley, City Councilmember

Diana Reyna, City Councilmember

Jimmy Van Bramer, City Councilmember

Op/Ed: The Devil and the Dream Act by Javier Castano - QueensLatino.com

Read original...

Congressman Luis Gutiérrez

Amid virgins, saints and repentant politicans, immigration reform begins its ascent pass immigration reform,” said Rep. Luis Gutierrez, with his hand on his chest and invoking God. “But we still have a window to complete our dream.”


Gutierrez also identified the Devil: The Republicans.


The audience applauded and shouted, “Yes We Can,” every time that Gutierrez attacked the devil. The immense Christ who was on his back stood petrified.


The Chicago congressman also did acts of magic, took the pen from his jacket that he sent to President Barack Obama to sign the order to halt the deportation of illegal immigrants. “Our goal is to postpone the deportations and get the Dream Act.”


He then used soapbox phrases: “Today is born a movement that requires 100% of each one of us,” “This is a historic day” and we “will not rest until all illegal immigrants are legalized.” The crowd was delirious as Congressman Gutierrez spoke of the American Dream.


At his side was Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez, “my great friend and companion in the struggle for immigrants of this nation.” But Velazquez has not delivered 100% as required Gutiérrez, because she has not wanted to sponsor the Dream Act.


Congresswoman Velázquez has removed herself from support of the Dream Act that would grant permanent residency to undocumented students. She would not give her support for the Dream Act.


Velazquez returned the favor to Gutierrez: “Luis has fought for the defense of immigrants and we need to organize because the approval of the Dream Act is a Christian and human act … The Dream Act is like a down payment on immigration reform.”


Amen.


“Lying in the house of the Lord is a sin,” said Jacinto Negron, who was sitting at the back of the church with his angelic face and the desire to go unnoticed far from the press, politicians and nonprofit organizations who planned this event. “I do not like politics.”


But it gets worse. The Democrats lost control of Congress before the onslaught of Satan in the elections on November 2. And on the 18th of this month Velazquez handed the chairmanship of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus to Charles A. Gonzalez of Texas.


The people who crammed the church of Santa Brigida in Brooklyn were brandishing posters in favor of the Dream Act and against deportations. The Blessed Virgin of the Swan, La Guadalupana, San Lorenzo Ruiz and the Blessed Virgin stood motionless.


Sonia Guinansaca, 21, does not like to sit still. She is like the little devil Republican Congressman Gutierrez talks about. “We want politicians to stop saying lies and … they have used to us to get our votes and avoid being held responsible for not doing anything,” said Guinansaca while holding a sign saying: “Gutierrez does not speak for the dreamers,” alluding to the DREAM Act.


Guinansaca is one of twenty one undocumented students who were arrested for a day last July 22 in Washington,DC for dedicating themselves 100% to the Dream Act and for condemning lying politicians. “Gutierrez did not help, told us that we were spoiled children who do not know how to do things, and don’t even talk about Velázquez because she doesn’t even want to sponsor the Dream Act.”


Guinansaca and her student friends took to the church pulpit to denounce the politicking. “They wanted to stop us from talking, but we did it,” said the student who has no Social Security number and therefore cannot get a diploma to attain his dream of becoming a teacher.


A similar situation is that of Oscar Chico, 18, a student at the International Public School in Corona, Queens. “I can go to college because I won a scholarship, but many of my colleagues cannot attend because they are undocumented,” said Chico standing beside one of the virgins embedded in the walls of the front of the temple.


On one side of the church, against the wall, Miguel Piedra was holding a banner of the United Front of Ecuadorian immigrants. “I am here to demand immigration reform and advocacy for Latino families,” said Piedra.


Jesus Morelo also went to church to support the passage of the Dream Act and immigration reform. He was standing behind Felicita Osorio, who said: “My son Antonio of 24 years could not go to college because he did not have papers and hopefully this will not continue to happen to other immigrants.”
Angel Vera of Make the Road New York, the organizers, said “it is important to fight for legislation in favor of immigrants and against abuse of the system.”


From the pulpit and close to politicians, a woman screamed: “I am Guadalupe, undocumented, and I have no fear.” Not of the politicians, the devil or La Migra.


Among the politicians who spoke in favor of illegal immigrants were Councilwoman Melissa Mark-Viverito, New York City Council President Christine Quinn, Queens Councilman Daniel Dromm, Manhattan Councilman Ydanis Rodríguez , New York State Senator-elect Adriano Espaillat, Congressman Anthony Weiner and New York City Comptroller John Liu.


All spoke of the American Dream that also belongs to the 12 million undocumented immigrants in this nation.


In the fiscal year that ended two months ago, the U.S. government has deported 390.000, of which 50 percent have criminal records It is the largest number of deportations
in the history of this nation and reflects the new strategy of the Office of Homeland Security.


It represents an increase of more than 23,000 deportations compared with the previous fiscal year. A total of 81,000 have a criminal past.


The Movement of Immigrants in Action (MIA) had posted signs in several parts of the church to attract attention. At the national level they want to stop the deportations and pass the Dream Act; in New York they are seeking to prevent the Safe Communities program from taking fingerprints of criminal suspects; and at the city level that the La Migra (ICE) is removed from operating in Rikers Island.


Congressman Gutierrez said that if people were willing to give 100%, “then we give you 100% and together we will approve the Dream Act.” He thanked Javier Valdes and Ana Maria Archila of Make the Road New York and the group left the church together after having served its purpose.


The saints and virgins stood as witnesses to the national campaign “to stop the deportations and pass the Dream Act.”


May God listen to all of our confessions.


Translated from Spanish by the National Institute for Latino Policy (NiLP)

Public Advocate De Blasio Demands Disclosure from Gov. Pataki’s 501c(4): Revere America...

De Blasio Challenges Former Governor Pataki to Publicly Debate Why Revere America’s Contributors are Hidden from the Public

Public Advocate Bill de Blasio, along with Representatives Yvette Clarke, Carolyn Maloney, Gregory Meeks, Jerrold Nadler, José E. Serrano, Nydia M. Velázquez, and Anthony Weiner, today demanded that former New York State Governor George Pataki disclose what corporations are funding his 501(c)(4) organization, Revere America. The request sent to Governor Pataki, who is the Chairman for Revere America, highlighted his past public commitments to restrictions and disclosure on unlimited spending by outside interest groups.

According to the Center for Responsive Politics, Revere America has spent $2,184,212 nationwide, including $695,054 in New York State this election cycle under Pataki’s chairmanship, all while refusing to disclose any of its contributors to the public. The Public Advocate challenged Governor Pataki to participate in a public debate about his decision to keep the source of Revere America’s funding secret.

“As Governor, George Pataki defended our democracy, now he’s undermining it,” said Public Advocate Bill de Blasio. “Revere America is funneling millions of dollars into our elections, all while hiding any corporate contributions from the public eye. If Governor Pataki refuses to reveal the sources of his funding, he should at minimum be willing to participate in a public debate so he can explain why he is keeping shareholders, consumers and the New Yorkers he used to serve in the dark.”



Demand Disclosure: Revere America from Bill de Blasio on Vimeo.

“The Supreme Court's decision in Citizens United was an astounding example of judicial activism,” said Rep. Jerrold Nadler. “The justices answered a question they were not asked and struck down a century of law prohibiting independent expenditures by corporations and unions using their general funds in favoring or opposing particular candidates. And as predicted we have seen corporations draw on general treasury funds to finance candidate advertising without any transparency, this is bad for our country and democracy. I join with my colleagues in government and demand accountability and disclosure of all contributions that have been used to support election-related advertising.”

Take action NOW...send an email to Pataki demanding disclosure


Last week, Public Advocate Bill de Blasio sent formal requests to sixteen non-profit organizations and trade associations on all sides of the political spectrum, including Revere America, requesting disclosure of any corporations that are contributing to their electioneering efforts. From September 1st to October 8th, these organizations have spent over $22 million, according to electioneering reports filed with the Federal Election Commission.

Governor Pataki’s actions as Chairman of Revere America stand in sharp contrast to his initiatives and statements as Governor. While serving as Governor he publicly stated, “You have to restrict what individuals can do with unlimited amounts of their own money or what interest groups can do in a way that now is completely unaccountable.” Additionally, following through on a campaign pledge, Pataki also introduced a campaign finance reform package that included dramatically lowering contribution limits, enhancing disclosure and cracking down on sham issue ads.

Today’s action is part of an ongoing campaign by Public Advocate de Blasio to reduce the impact of the Citizens United decision on the electoral process. It builds upon the work the Public Advocate has done over the past several months – most notably using public actions or negotiations to persuade corporations like Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase & Co. and Morgan Stanley to adopt policies against spending treasury dollars in elections.

The New York City Public Advocate is the second highest citywide elected official and serves as a trustee for the New York City Employees' Retirement System, which manages more than $30 billion in assets, one of the largest funds of its kind in the nation. Since the Supreme Court’s decision in Citizens United eliminated longstanding restrictions on corporate spending in elections, Public Advocate Bill de Blasio has been pressuring corporations to reform their political spending practices to reduce the impact of the decision.

Ridgewood Democratic Club Annual Dinner Dance on June 10th, 2010 at Riccardo's By the Bridge...

The Ridgewood Democratic Club (RDC) held it's annual Dinner Dance at Riccardo's by the Bridge in Astoria on June 10th, 2010...The affair was hosted by RDC President James Grayshaw, Assemblymember and 37th Assembly District - Part B District Leader Cathy Nolan, 37th Assembly District - Part B District Leader Tom Bornemann, and RDC President James Grayshaw and RDC Executive Board members Lois Marbach and Joan C. DeCamp...

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The gala affair began with a visit by New York State Lt. Governor Richard Ravitch...The award for Labor Leaders of the Year were presented to Michael Mulgrew - President of the United Federation of Teachers and Pat Collins, Jr., - President of the Steel Workers International Union...

The Business Leaders of the Year were Mary Gasparic - Amalgamated Bank, Ridgewood Branch Manager and Michael Lewis - Lewis Monument Company of Ridgewood, NY...

The Man and Woman of the Year were awarded to Donna Dowd and John Sendlein...

The Lifetime Service Awards were presented to Ann Maggio and John Mistrella...

The Community Service awards were presented to Chet Szarejko - The Polish-American Congress and to Paul Finnegan - New York Irish Center...

And, the Public Service Awards of the Year were presented to Assemblymember Michael Gianaris and New York City Councilmember Jimmy Van Bramer...

Local political leaders on attendance at the reception were Member of Congress Nydia Velazquez, State Senator Joe Addabbo, New York Assemblymember Michael Miller and New York City Councilmember Elizabeth Crowley....