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).

Assemblymembers and Advocates Call for Publicly Financed Voter-Owned Elections in Wake of Citizens United Anniversary

Letter to Senate, Assembly Signed by Over 50 Organizations Saying New York Must Lead by Putting People, Not Big Money Corporations, In Control of Elections, Restore Trust in Government

Members of the New York State Assembly joined advocates from good government groups, labor, issue advocacy organizations and citizen activists today as they called for passage of a publicly financed voter-owned elections system for statewide and legislative races in New York.

In a Siena poll release last week, 70% of New York voters supported creating a system of publicly financed voter-owned elections. Governor Cuomo has repeatedly noted his support, as well.

As the one year anniversary of the Citizens United v. FEC Supreme Court decision that allowed corporate and special interests to spend unlimited amounts of money to influence our elections passed last Friday, New Yorkers were again reminded of the need to truly reform our elections system, putting the voices of people before those of wealthy corporate interests. Voter-owned elections are the best way for our elected officials to restore the public’s trust in government.

Organizations presented a letter addressed to Speaker Sheldon Silver and Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos, signed by over 50 organizations from across New York calling for the passage of publicly financed voter-owned elections during this legislative session. 

“New York can’t afford to wait any longer to enact a system of publicly financed voter-owned elections,” said Jessica Wisneski, Legislative Director of Citizen Action of New York. “Voters don’t trust that their government is working for their interests. 70% of the public wants to take their elections back from big money corporations, Wall Street bankers, and their lobbyists by establishing a system of voter-owned elections for statewide and legislative campaigns. Citizen Action commends the Assemblymembers who are standing with us today who have taken action to stand up for democracy by restoring integrity to our electoral process.”

"No single reform has the power to reshape Albany like campaign finance reform -- removing money from the political process will open the door to competitive elections and shut the door on donor driven decision-making," said Assemblyman Rory Lancman.

[Assemblyman Lancman was on the Susan Arbetter show on Capitol Pressroom to discuss campaign finance reform.  The show airs across the state and in the Capitol Region on WVCR-FM 88.3.  The Assemblyman discussed public financing of campaigns. Click below to listen (9 mins 13 seconds)...

 

"In the year since the Citizens United decision, we have already seen corporate money begin to flow in ways that are troubling for our democracy," said Assemblymember Brian Kavanagh who chairs the Assembly subcommittee that oversees election operations and voting rights. "The ability of special interests to drown out the average citizen’s voice has never been greater, and the need for common sense campaign finance reform, including public financing of campaigns, has never been more pressing. It’s not an overstatement to say that our democracy depends on it."

"Campaign finance reform is a critical step that we must take toward making our government more transparent and less captive to special interests,” said Assemblymember Hakeem Jeffries. “I look forward to working with my colleagues in government and the distinguished advocacy groups represented here today to make this a reality."

"If we are really going to reform Albany, we've got to start with where all of us start when we run for office--with the way campaigns are financed," said Assemblymember Francisco Moya. "Publicly financed elections allow for more accountability, transparency and time to focus on the most important part of our job, the voters and the issues they care about."

"If the State is going to see the kind of reform that Governor Cuomo has called for, and that the people of New York expect, we need to change the way elections are financed, and that begins with public financing of elections," said Lawrence Norden, a senior counsel at the Brennan Center. "The best way to end expensive give-aways to special interest is to counteract the corrupting influence they gain by financing our elections."

"Public Campaign applauds the members of the New York Assembly and advocates who are pushing for a publicly financed fair elections system to combat the influence of big money interests in politics." said Nick Nyhart, President & CEO of Public Campaign. 

"Citizens United made a bad problem worse, and in order to put voters back in charge, the entire state legislature should pass an alternative small-donor driven system of funding elections this year."

“New York’s political landscape, with its sky-high campaign contribution limits, is easily dominated by big money contributors – a situation compounded by the U.S. Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision, as we saw in last year’s election. To his credit, Governor Cuomo recognizes that this situation is toxic to a well-functioning state and has pledged to help end it by his support for public funding of elections for state races. There is great momentum for making this pledge a reality now, while the excesses of the 2010 election are still fresh in everyone’s memory. Common Cause/NY, as a long-time advocate of public funding for New York State urges Governor Cuomo to work with these Assembly Members, our coalition and the thousands of supporters for public financing around the state to pass a public funding bill early in the session,” said Deanna Bitetti, Associate Director, Common Cause/NY.

"Putting in place a system of public financing of elections is the single best way to combat the negative consequences of the Citizens United decision and reduce the improper influence of large private contributions," said Dave Palmer, Executive Director of the Center for Working Families.

"Extraordinarily well financed special interests, whose narrow interests are far too often adverse to the interests of the people of our state, will continue to exert undue and detrimental influence until such time as we finally adopt a state wide system of public financing of elections," said Assembly member Charles Lavine (13th Assembly District).

"Public financing is needed now more than ever in the wake of the Citizens United court decision which has allowed unregulated, undisclosed, and unrestricted private spending to dominate politics," said Assemblymember James F. Brennan.

"It's never been more important, with the vast amounts of corporate money being poured into elections, that we enact public financing of campaigns this year," saidAssemblywoman Barbara Lifton.

"We need public campaign financing to make sure candidates who don’t have personal wealth or support from wealthy contributors can get their message out and compete effectively with wealthy or well-funded candidates," said Assembly Member Richard N. Gottfried.

"With unchecked spending and appallingly high contribution limits, corporate interests have used their power of the purse to unduly influence elected officials on issues ranging from the environment to affordable housing," said Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal (D/WF). "I am proud to support legislation requiring stricter contribution limits, instituting public financing for state elections and tougher regulations governing lobbying practices. New Yorkers deserve honest, transparent government and it’s time to finally act on these reforms. Albany has been marred by scandal in recent years, but this session offers us a chance at redemption. Competitive publicly financed elections will mean more incumbents challenged at the ballot box but fewer of them leaving in handcuffs. Competitive publicly financed elections will lead to housing policy formulated for tenants and not landlords. Competitive publicly financed elections will lead to gas drilling policies crafted by the people drinking our water and not those polluting it. New York can restore its standing as a progressive leader but we have to fix the way we finance campaigns first."

Assembly Member Rory Lancman on capitaltonight.com (1/20/2011)

Assemblyman Lancman was interviewed by Liz Benjamin on her show, "Capital Tonight." Assemblyman Lancman continued his defense of the middle-class by arguing for shared sacrifice to get New York on a firm financial footing.

Many Challenges Ahead for Cathie Black by Bryan Yurcan - Queens Chronicle

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Cathie Black, left, tours Hillside High School with Assemblyman Rory Lancman and Councilman James Gennaro earlier this month. FILE PHOTO

When Cathie Black presumably assumes the post of New York City schools chancellor on Jan. 1, she will have a lot on her plate.

Several Queens officials, educators and administrators weighed in with the Queens Chronicle about what they think some of the biggest challenges Black will face.

Black was appointed by Mayor Bloomberg when current Chancellor Joel Klein abruptly announced he was resigning from his post Nov. 9 and said he was leaving to take an executive position at media giant News Corp., whose properties include the Fox News Channel and the Wall Street Journal.

Klein has said he would stay on until the end of the year to help ease Black’s transition.

Black was granted a waiver by the state Education Department since she does not have the proper educational certification to serve in the post.

Two lawsuits, which were filed by groups opposing Black’s nomination, seek to nullify the waiver she was granted. But barring any decisions in those cases, Black will step into the role of chancellor in the new year.

Dmytro Fedkowskyj, the Queens representative to the Panel for Educational Policy, believes Black’s biggest challenge will be to implement a budget on July 1 that adequately balances the needs of every student.

“The DOE serves a diverse population of students, who range in academicsfromlow-performing togifted and each of their requirements need to bemet in order to achieve an optimal learning experience,” he said.“Given the economic environment, it will bea Herculean taskto get this done forthe more than 1 million studentsthroughoutthe city.”

Black will also have to work with the United Federation of Teachers, an organization that had a sometimes contentious relationship with Klein — and has been working without a contract for more than a year.

Dermot Smyth, the Queens political action coordinator for the UFT, said Black will have a lot of “on-the-job training” once she takes over.

Smyth said one issue that affects Queens, and schools citywide, is the city Department of Education’s plans to phase out and replace several schools that were deemed low-achieving by the state, such as Jamaica High School.

“I hope she will come to realize that closing schools is not always the best option,” Smyth said.

One Queens principal, who wished not to be identified, said Black’s biggest challenge will be improving the education experience for English Language Learner students.

“It’s very, very hard for children with limited English proficiency,” the principal said.

Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park) will get the chance to meet with Black firsthand when she conducts a tour of John Adams High School in Ozone Park on Jan. 10.

Ulrich said given the current fiscal situation in the state and city, the chancellor-designate has a tough job ahead of her.

“She faces the enormous challenge of providing quality education to our students while dealing with a very tight budget in the coming fiscal year,” Ulrich said. “I look forward to hearing her ideas on how to improve public schools for all students.”

Assemblyman Rory Lancman (D-Fresh Meadows), had the opportunity to meet with Black when she came on a walk through of Hillcrest High School earlier this month.

Lancman said Black has an impressive background as a manager in the corporate world — she served as the president of Hearst Magazines — and hopes those skills translate into her new job running the city’s public school system.

“I think she was chosen because she’s an extraordinarily gifted manager and because she has experience in the professional world,” the assemblyman said. “Hopefully, that will result in students being prepared for the professional world.”

Lancman added, “I don't know that I would have selected her but I am rooting for her.”

Assembly Member Rory Lancman Holiday Party - December 15th...

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Inaugural Meeting of the Richmond Hill Economic Development Council on July 22...

On July 22nd, the Richmond Hill Economic Development Council held it's inaugural meeting at the Ultra Level Lounge on Liberty Avenue...Richmond Hill EDC President Vishnu Mahadeo hosted and emceed the event...

There were approximately 175 people in attendance with 131 individuals signing in and 35 business cards collected...Jason Milliard, Deputy Chief of Staff for Congressman Gregory Meeks was present as was Aneesa Baboblall and La Vorne for Assemblyman Rory Lancman...Bart Haggerty was there representing Councilmember Eric Ulrich...Community Board 10 Chair Betty Braton briefly spoke to the assemblage as did, NYPD 106th Precinct Community Affairs Officer Kenneth Zorn...

Community Board 9 members Joan DeCamp, Richard David, Melissa Rosales and J. Richard Smith and his lovely wife Jan Smith were present...Numerous community activists attended including Albert Baldeo who spoke for a short time to the crowd...Frank Singh and myself from Community Board 10 were there, as well...

New York City Department of Transportation representatives Gregory Haas, NYC DOT Project Manager, CEQR Traffic Planning and Nathan Hall were applauded when they announced that the Van Wyck Expressway reconstruction plans have been put on a permanent hold, ending plans to close the Liberty Avenue ramps which is a vital feed to the commercial business strip of Richmond Hill...

The following slideshow is comprised of photos of most of the night's speakers...

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Andrea Buteau - NYC Small Business Svcs - Director of Avenue NYC Program Management was next on the agenda, she presented the following power-point presentation:

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Ricardi Calixte - Director Neighborhood Economic Development - Queens Economic Development Corp who gave the following power-point:

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The next meeting of the RH EDC will be held on August 11th with the NYC Department of Transportation at a location to be announced...

“Access to Justice in Lending Act” Passes Both Houses of Legislature...

When Signed By Governor, Legislation Will Level the Legal Playing Field for Homeowners Facing Foreclosure by Allowing Successful Borrowers to Recover Attorneys Fees Against Banks

Assemblyman Rory Lancman (D-Queens) and Senate Deputy Majority Leader Jeff Klein (D-Bronx) announce passage of the “Access to Justice in Lending Act” (A.1239/S.2614) by both houses of the legislature. Virtually all mortgage agreements require borrowers to pay attorneys fees to lenders who foreclose on their mortgage, but borrowers don’t have the same contractual right. As a result, few homeowners are able to retain attorneys in foreclosure proceedings – most default or try to represent themselves -- even though many homeowners have valid defenses to foreclosure and could save their homes with adequate legal representation. To add insult to injury, these homeowners then have the banks’ attorneys fees tacked on to the overall amount they owe the bank, pushing desperate homeowners further into debt. This bill creates a reciprocal right to attorneys fees for borrowers who successful defend against foreclosure where the mortgage agreement gives such a right to lenders, and is modeled on an existing provision of the law which give tenants the same reciprocal rights to attorneys fees in residential leases.

“We cannot let people with valid defenses to foreclosure lose their homes merely for lack of legal representation, particularly when the mortgage agreement written by the bank tilts the legal playing field in the bank’s favor,” said Assemblyman Lancman (D-Queens). “If homeowners had the money to pay for a lawyer to represent them in foreclosure, they probably wouldn’t be in foreclosure in the first place. This legislation will allow lawyers to take on meritorious foreclosure cases with the fair and reasonable expectation that they will be compensated if they succeed.”

"We know that many of the families that we see being foreclosed upon today entered into their mortgages due to predatory lending. These are the very people who should have the best defenses to foreclosure, but lose their homes simply because they could not secure counsel to defend them. Today, we have put homeowners on even playing ground with the lenders that are foreclosing on them, and given them a fighting chance to stay in their homes," said State Senator and Deputy Majority Leader Jeffrey D. Klein (D-Bronx/Westchester).

Why is Gov. Paterson Bashing Smart Borrowing? His Own Lieutenant Governor Understands It by Rory Lancman...

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This Op-Ed by Assemblyman Lancman in the Daily News, is in response to Governor Paterson's Op-Ed in last Sunday's NY Times...

Of all the arrows in a New York governor's quiver - and there are many, New York's governorship being one of the nation's constitutionally strongest - perhaps none flies with greater effect than the power to frame the debate, both through the budget the governor alone can propose and the bully pulpit from which the governor alone can command statewide attention.

This is why Gov. Paterson's increasingly frequent flings against the modest borrowing proposed by the state's lieutenant governor, Richard Ravitch - his own appointee - are so unhelpful. These shots are way off target, and more importantly are poisoning hopes for a speedy and rational resolution of the current state budget stalemate.

The governor has compared the state to a household or small business, arguing each faces the same strictly binary choice - "cut spending or increase revenues" - and that "borrowing accomplishes neither of those goals." The governor likens borrowing to "getting a bank loan to buy your groceries," and concludes that Ravitch's suggested borrowing will merely "delay our inevitable day of fiscal reckoning past one more November election."

However, limited borrowing has its place in our financial order, particularly as constructed by Ravitch, and particularly where, as here, the budget deficit confronting the state is not, as the governor argues, the result of "years of overspending" (another frequent fling of the governor) but instead the result of a violent economic downturn plaguing the entire nation and pushing hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers to the edge of a financial precipice of their own.

The national scope of the problem is undeniable. As detailed by the nonpartisan Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, at least 41 states experienced shortfalls in their 2010 fiscal year budgets, and 42 states have estimated gaps in their projected 2011 fiscal year budgets. New York's current and projected budget gaps, as a percentage of the state's overall budget, are about average as states go. This is why New York isn't contemplating the draconian cuts and sometimes wacky gimmicks being proposed in other states: Hawaii cut its school week to four days; Arizona sold its state capitol building; California . . . well where does one begin?

Because our budget deficit is demonstrably not rooted in any unique dysfunction in New York's fiscal policies or in our choices as a state to invest in our schools and health care system, the general admonition against making borrowing a part of the state's deficit reduction plan is misplaced.

We are not bailing our budget process out; we're bailing our people out. By employing restricted, short-term borrowing to cover approximately 10% of our projected four-year budget deficit, we are not aggravating a problem of our own making, but rather mitigating the already punishing impact on New York families of a national economic crisis and ongoing cuts in education, health care, mass transit, infrastructure and everything else.

The alternative? Even deeper cuts, resulting in greater pressure on local governments to raise property taxes, lay off workers and suspend capital projects. In other words, the exact opposite of what is broadly acknowledged to be necessary to pull our economy out of recession.

This is why, even in the worst of times, parents might sensibly decide to borrow for a child's college tuition while paring expenses elsewhere, and a small firm might increase its total long-term debt obligation by re-financing existing debt at lower interest rates with more manageable monthly payments.

Finally, the short-term borrowing proposed in the Ravitch plan cannot be viewed in isolation from the rest of the plan. It also includes such long-sought-after-reforms as moving the beginning of the state's fiscal year from April 1 to July 1, applying generally accepted accounting principles to the state's budgeting process, and mandating multiyear financial planning with obligatory adjustments on a periodic basis if the state budget goes off track. (The plan's creation of an appointed review board bears closer examination as a potentially unwise delegation of power to a body of people unaccountable to the electorate, but that's a different issue.)

As a whole, the plan, including its modest borrowing component, is structurally sound and puts New York on a path to fiscal stability. We owe it to future generations of New Yorkers to leave platitudes aside and make the hard, pragmatic decisions which will keep our people working and move this state forward.

Lancman is a New York State assemblyman representing Queens.

Assemblyman Lancman and Councilman Gennaro Join MS 217 Students At A Tree-Giveaway Event in Jamaica Hills

Students from MS 217 in Briarwood volunteered at the free tree giveaway, more than 200 trees were given out to the community over the two day event.

Tell Us About the Money-Times-Union Editorial on Proposed NYS Law in Response to Supreme Court Federal Election Commission vs Citizens United Decision

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So contributions to political campaigns, no matter how large, are ultimately about free speech, right? That, at least, was the reasoning in a groundbreaking Supreme Court decision earlier this year that said there was no real difference between contributions by corporations and those by individuals. Both were found to have a constitutional right to give to the candidates and causes of their choice.

The ramifications, we fear, will be that corporations and other special interests essentially will be able to buy the elections of the candidates they prefer and wield undue influence over the positions those politicians subsequently take.

How will the public even know that the way in which their democracy functions might as well be up for sale?

More speech, intriguingly enough.

Let's at least require that corporations tell us whose money and interests are behind those expensive political ad campaigns. Let's have the high rollers, and even the CEOs, appear on TV and radio to reaffirm their approval of their messages, much as the political candidates themselves are required to do.

Legislation that congressional Democrats, including Sen. Charles Schumer of New York, are preparing to introduce would do just that. It's hardly a substitute for the restitution of the sensible campaign finance regulations struck down by the high court in January. The law that Mr. Schumer and others envision wouldn't require, as some campaign finance reform advocates had hoped, companies to get approval from their shareholders before making political contributions or spending money on campaigns. But it would let the public in on where the money comes from and where the influence lies.

It's interesting to note that the opponents of even modest limits on campaign contributions and campaign spending have long argued that the best, and fairest, way to address the vexing issue of money in politics is disclosure. Let the people know who makes these contributions, to whom and for how much.

In the absence of tougher laws, let's at least remember that disclosure is a two-way street -- and have more of it.

At the state level, meantime, even more ambitious legislation would require the shareholder approval that Mr. Schumer and others won't seek at the federal level. Passing such a law, especially in a state where the campaign finance laws are weak enough to make the federal laws seem adequate by comparison, will be difficult. Still, Sen. Daniel Squadron, D-Brooklyn, (a former Schumer aide), and Assemblyman Rory Lancman, D-Queens, are to be commended for seeing where the Supreme Court's ruling in Federal Election Commission vs. Citizens United is likely to lead.

Remember Justice John Paul Stevens' impassioned dissent.

"The distinction between corporate and human speakers is significant. Although they make enormous contributions to our society, corporations are not actually members of it," he wrote. "They cannot vote or run for office."

Yet still they can, and must, be monitored and regulated -- as a matter of the free speech rights we all enjoy.

The issue:

Federal and state legislators want more disclosure of what are now unlimited corporate political contributions.

The Stakes:

At least the public will know whose voices are being heard.

Assemblyman Lancman Passes Legislation To Keep Guns Out Of The Hands Of Domestic Violence Perpetrators

“Domestic violence offenders have no business purchasing or possessing a firearm, which they could use to further terrorize their families. Statistics show that over one-third of all women homicide victims are killed with a gun by their male partners,” said Assemblyman Lancman.

A recent study found that one in four women has experienced domestic violence in her lifetime, and nearly three out of four Americans personally know someone who is or has been a victim of domestic violence.[1] Here in New York State, approximately 450,000 domestic incidents are reported annually to police departments.[2]

“New York is one of the safest states in the nation and it must stay that way. To achieve this, we must support laws that prevent violent persons from possessing weapons,” Assemblyman Lancman said. “Victims of domestic violence often have close, personal relationships with their abusers, and that is why they need special laws to protect them from additional physical, emotional and financial violence.”

The other bills passed in the Assembly’s domestic violence package would:

• Prohibit employers from discriminating against victims of domestic violence or stalking committed by a member of the same family or household; the legislation also includes a right for the domestic violence victim to a reasonable accommodation from the employer of unpaid leave to deal with legal and medical issues relating to the domestic incident (A.9018-A);

• Prohibit housing discrimination against domestic violence victims by forbidding landlords and sellers of property from denying an individual the right to purchase, rent, lease or inhabit housing because of involvement in a domestic dispute (A.9020-A);

• Require criminal or family court judges to inquire about the defendant’s or respondent’s ownership or possession of a firearm when orders of protection are sought (A.4320-A);

• Establish the “Address Confidentiality Program” for domestic violence victims, by authorizing the secretary of state to accept service of process for victims of domestic violence and their children (A.10180);

• Allow domestic abuse victims who have an order of protection to obtain an unlisted telephone number without charge (A.6509-A);

• Expand the class of domestic violence victims who may cast special ballots (similar to absentee ballots) in elections to include non-relatives and individuals who have suffered emotional harm at the hand of an abuser (A.3910-A).

Another important piece of legislation that passed the Assembly earlier this year requires orders of protection issued in family court to be translated into the native language of the individuals (A.5273-A). This will allow non-English speaking individuals and those with a hearing impairment the opportunity to better understand what was reported in court. Other measures in the package passed today will:

• Strengthen orders of protection by authorizing family courts to extend an order for victims who are afraid of recurring violence upon a showing of good cause, even if there has not been an actual recurrence of violence (A.6195-A);

• Clarify the expiration date to indicate that the date of sentencing, not conviction, be used to determine the expiration date of an order of protection issued in relation to a family offense (A.8807-B); and

• Provide that orders of protection can’t be denied solely on the basis that the alleged abuse was not simultaneous with the date of the application (A.8393-A).

To further help victims of domestic abuse, the Assembly passed a bill Assemblyman Lancman supported that would expose individuals or parties who fail to obey or enforce an order of protection to joint liability for all non-economic damages sought by a claimant, after a fact-finding by a judge or jury (A.5516). The measure re-enforces New York’s zero-tolerance policy about domestic violence.

Beware of the Wise Men, New York by Rory Lancman -- Times Union - Albany NY

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There is much to commend in Lt. Gov. Richard Ravitch's recently released plan to address New York's long-term fiscal problems, including its call to change the start of the state's fiscal year from April 1 to July 1, apply Generally Accepted Accounting Principles to the state's budgeting, require multi-year financial planning and require quarterly certification that the state budget is on track, with mandatory adjustments if it is not.But the proposal to turn over this last critically important responsibility to an unelected panel of "highly respected private citizens" (the plan's phrase, not mine), potentially triggering a governor's power to unilaterally impose across the board budget cuts, is misguided. It is emblematic of a certain world view that is simultaneously idealistic and cynical, but either way, undemocratic.

The power to gauge whether the budget is on a five-year track is no trifling thing. It is not a simple question of mathematics. It involves substantial judgment calls about the efficacy of revenue enhancements and cost-saving measures. These are regularly some of the most hotly contested issues in government.

To rip just a few such questions from recent headlines: Will a slight increase in the personal income tax for people making hundreds of thousands of dollars a year raise what its supporters hope? Or far less, because it will drive wealthy New Yorkers to leave the state?

Will downsizing prisons save what supporters claim, or cost the state more money in the long run?

Is the governor's projected deficit in next year's budget correct, or understated by as much as a billion dollars?

These "calculations" are as much based on the values and judgment of the individuals doing the calculating as on any mathematical or accounting formula.

The idealism behind the faith in such "panels of wise men" (and women) is obvious. Removed from the grind of political calculation, and accomplished in their respective fields of business and finance (and perhaps past government service), they are free to do what is right for right's sake.

The cynicism is obvious as well. The wise men can provide cover by delivering the dreadful news that elected officials are too afraid to deliver. When the hard decisions are made, "The wise men made us do it," will be the excuse.

But our experience with other such panels of wise men should give us pause. They have had a bad run of late. Politics is rarely really removed from a panel's deliberations, and appointees as often as not either gleefully exceed the scope of their mandate or slavishly follow the directives of their appointing master.

The panel of three wise men given the task of vetting state comptroller candidates for the Legislature's consideration in 2007 following the resignation of the previous comptroller sat mute for hours upon hours of hearings, and then made the political decision to exclude obviously well-qualified candidates who happened to be legislators.

The panel of wise minds known as the Commission on Judicial Nomination took it upon themselves to exceed their mandate to examine whether candidates for chief judge were well qualified, and instead excluded a plainly well qualified Court of Appeals judge because of extraneous considerations that have yet to be fully explained.

Similar results can be seen with other recent panels and commissions. For example, the New York City Traffic Congestion Mitigation Commission was charged by the Legislature with studying congestion in the city. Ultimately, the members who already supported the mayor's congestion price proposal when they were appointed just rubber-stamped his plan along "party lines."

For these reasons, it would be far better to require the Legislature itself or the comptroller to affirmatively certify compliance with a five-year financial plan on a quarterly or semiannual basis, after public hearings on the matter. Ultimately, they answer to the public for their decisions, and their judgment -- good or bad -- is rooted in the authority and legitimacy which only they possess as elected representatives of the people.

In our constitutional order, there is no room for panels of enlightened wise beings to which we can turn over our government to save us from ourselves.

First published in print on Page 1: Friday, March 19, 2010

Assemblyman Rory Lancman, a Democrat, represents the 25th District in Queens.

Assemblyman Rory Lancman - Tour of MS 217 with NYS 1st Lady, Michelle Paterson Jan 27, 2010

Tour of MS 217 With Michelle Paterson Jan 27, 2010

MTA Fails Woodhaven with Drastic Cuts by Lisa Fogarty - Queens Chronicle

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Here we go again.

For the second time in a year, the Metropolitan Transit Authority has announced drastic cuts that officials and residents say will cripple residents in Woodhaven and Richmond Hill.

In an effort to fill in a $334 million budget hole, the authority will sever both the W and Z trains, the latter of which runs from Jamaica to Manhattan, making four stops along Jamaica Avenue, and 24 bus routes, including the Q56 bus — which passes through Jamaica, Kew Gardens, Richmond Hill and Woodhaven on its way to East New York, Brooklyn. The bus is known for transporting residents to Jamaica Hospital, the Woodhaven and downtown Jamaica business districts and several area schools.

Other debilitating MTA cuts include slashing MetroCard funding for students, limiting paratransit services that will only transport the elderly and handicapped to and from bus and subway stops and — in another classic case of déjà vu — eliminating the Rockaway rebate program.

“We fought this fight last year,” said Greater Woodhaven Development Corp. Executive Director Maria Thomson at an emergency press conference held Tuesday in the new Woodhaven offices of Assemblyman Mike Miller (D-Glendale) and attended by Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park), Assemblyman Rory Lancman (D-Fresh Meadows) and Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley (D-Middle Village).

Thomson pointed out that the MTA’s plan to cut the Q56 hurts seniors who are unable to take the subway because of the steep, and often unkempt, staircase. “They [MTA] don’t know us and they don’t see it, but we’re going to make them see it — we’re going to fight.”

Ulrich called the decision a “direct slap in the face,” not only to children and seniors, but to the small businesses along Jamaica Avenue that rely on patrons who use public transportation. “When Jamaica Avenue fails, the entire community fails,” Ulrich said. “The MTA is saying to them: We don’t care about small businesses, children or senior citizens.”

Another MTA cutback, the reduction of Access-a-Ride service, which provides approximately 27,000 rides per day, will result in fewer seniors getting out and about to socialize and take advantage of vital programs, says Roseann Rosado, executive director of Queens Multi Service in Glendale, which provides services such as food stamps and Medicaid assistance. “We do not need our seniors and our disabled citizens home, isolated and alone,” Rosado said.

Although few seemed floored that the MTA had decided, yet again, to toy with Rockaway residents’ rebate program, which allows free passage on the Cross Bay Bridge, Lancman reminded conference attendees that, while negotiating its terms for a bailout last April, the rebate was one of the programs the MTA had promised to keep alive.

“MTA has lost credibility with state legislators and obviously with the public,” Lancman said. “All of us feel a great sense of betrayal that the services we fought for are back on the chopping block.”

Adding insult to injury, Ulrich said, families affected by the Department of Education’s phasing out of Broad Channel High School in the Rockaways face a double whammy — those students who may not get a seat at the new facility may have to pay tolls to get to school or full MetroCard fare.

“Public school education is supposed to be free,” he said.

Miller agreed: “An additional $89 a month for families to pay for a MetroCard — at that point they’re going to have to make a decision between sending them to school and putting food on the table.” He added, “We’re not going to take it; we’re going to fight.”

Assemblyman Lancman at the Broadway-Flushing Homeowners' Association 45th Anniversary and International Buffet...

November 15, 2009, Assemblyman Rory Lancman honored the Broadway-Flushing Homeowners Association on their 45th anniversary for their civic dedication in preserving and improving the quality of life in our community.

BEWARE: This Halloween there may be a Sex Offender Answering the Door...

As Children Hit the Streets for Trick or Treating, Concerned Lawmakers Unveil TOP TEN list of zip codes with Highest Number of Level 2 & 3 Sex Offenders Living in Queens County

Announce New Law that will Allow Parents to receive Instant E-mail Alerts when a Sex Offender moves into their Zip Code

Days before Halloween, Senator Jeff Klein (D-Bronx/Westchester), Senator Joseph Addabbo (D-15th District, Queens), Assemblyman Rory Lancman (D-25th District, Queens), Assemblywoman Catherine Nolan (D-37th District) and Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley (D-30th District, Queens) released new data showing where the most amount of sex offenders are living in Queens County. They also announced details of a new law that will create a statewide e-mail notification system of registered sex offenders.

“I am thrilled Governor Paterson saw the need for this type of system and signed the legislation. New Yorkers deserve to have the convenience and peace of mind that these email alerts will bring so that we can continue to protect our children from the kind of unsavory individuals who are, in many cases, our neighbors,” said Senator Klein.

Currently, there are 11,428 level 2-3 sex offenders on New York State's Sex Offender Registry, which classifies offenders according to their risk of re-offending: low-risk (Level 1), moderate risk (Level 2) and high-risk (Level 3). Members of the public can access this database at local police stations or via a toll-free telephone number. Level 2 and Level 3 offenders are also listed on an internet subdirectory at the DCJS website.

Senator Klein and Assemblyman Lancman sponsored the bill, signed into law by Governor Paterson last month that will create a statewide e-mail notification system of sex offenders.

"Parents can now learn in real-time when a sex offender moves into their neighborhood, and armed with this information, they can take steps necessary to protect their children," said Assemblyman Lancman. "Ultimately, this is why we develop new technology such as emergency alert systems -- to keep our families safe."

“More often than not, sex offenders become repeat offenders,” said Council Member Elizabeth S. Crowley (D-Queens). “With the recent egregious crimes against youth from California to Florida to here in New York, we need to take further steps to prevent sex offenders from striking again. That is why I support this law to inform neighbors of nearby registered sex offenders so they take the necessary precautions to keep their families safe.”

As of 2009, there are 1,132 known sex offenders residing in Queens County. The top ten zip codes are as follows: 11691 (63 registered sex offenders), 11434 (61 registered sex offenders), 11412 (55 registered sex offenders), 11385 (54 registered sex offenders), 11368 (42 registered sex offenders), 11413 (40 registered sex offenders), 11435 (39 registered sex offenders), 11433 (36 registered sex offenders), 11372 (35 registered sex offenders), 11420 (33 registered sex offenders).

Thanks to the statewide emergency communication system, NY Alert, which is managed by the Department of Homeland Security, it will now be easy for New Yorkers to register for instant e-mail notifications that will allow them to keep tabs on a specific geographic area, such as where they live or where their children attend school.

“I support this law because as a parent of three young children their safety and well being is of the utmost importance to me. I want my children to grow up in a safe neighborhood, where they can walk home from school and go out and play with their friends knowing that they will be safe. This law allows me to know when a registered sex offender moves into my neighborhood and alerts my children as to what dangers may be nearby and what they should do should someone that they don’t know approaches them. Currently, as a parent of children in the public school I am notified by my children’s school. However, my neighbors who may not have children in the public school system also deserve to be notified so that they can protect themselves,” said Jo Ann Berger with the Beacon Parents Forum.

"Community notification via email offers parents vital information which they can use to protect their children from becoming victims of these predators, many of whom are repeat offenders. Using the statewide emergency communication system, NY Alert, it will be easy for New Yorkers to register for instant e-mail notifications. They won't have to spend time scanning NY State's Sex Offender Registry, available to the public at local police stations, or calling a toll-free number, or viewing an Internet subdirectory at the Department of Criminal Justice Services Web site. Over 11,420 level 2 & 3 sex offenders (moderate- & high-risk for re-offending) are now on the registry. Email updates will allow parents and school officials to keep tabs on their own neighborhoods or where children attend school," said Senator Addabbo.

“I applaud Senator Jeff Klein and Assemblyman Rory Lancman on their leadership on this issue. Parents and community members need to be able to stay informed as to who is living in the area surrounding schools, this legislation will go a long way in making sure that parents and community members are kept informed,” said Assemblywoman Nolan.

According to DCJS, as of 2009, New York City is home to more than fifty-five hundred registered sex offenders. The largest population is found in Kings County, at about 1,786. The Bronx is the second highest with approximately 1,426, followed by Queens at 1,132 and New York County with approximately 1,100. Staten Island is home to more than 243 registered sex offenders.

Assemblyman Lancman Named Chair Of Assembly Subcommittee On Workplace Safety

Today Speaker Sheldon Silver appointed Assemblyman Rory I. Lancman of Queens as chair of the Subcommittee on Workplace Safety. Functioning as a subcommittee of the Labor Committee, chaired by Assemblywoman Susan John, the Subcommittee on Workplace Safety's oversight and legislative focus is on ensuring a safe and healthy work environment for New York's nearly nine million public and private sector employees.

“I look forward to working with Speaker Silver, Chairperson John and my colleagues on the Labor Committee to advance the health and safety of working New Yorkers,” said Assemblyman Lancman. "Hard economic times have too often correlated with a 'race to the bottom' when it comes to workplace safety, but we will be diligent and proactive in protecting our working men and women from dangerous working conditions."

Speaker Sheldon Silver stated, "“As Chair of the Subcommittee on Workplace Safety, Assemblyman Lancman will work closely with the Assembly Labor Committee to ensure all workers in New York have an adequate, hazard-free workplace. He has worked to inform immigrant workers of their rights by bringing translators into multilingual communities, and fought against proposed cuts to Medicaid that could have devastated nursing care. I congratulate him on this appointment, and look forward to working with him as he leads this important subcommittee.”

Assembly Labor Committee chairperson Susan John stated, "I look forward to working closely with Assemblyman Lancman to make sure that all New Yorkers work in a safe, clean and healthy environment."

Gulluscio Hits Ground Running for 2009 by Stephen Geffon - Leader-Observer

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More than 200 enthusiastic Frank Gulluscio supporters packed the Roma View Room in Howard Beach last Thursday evening with Democratic elected legislators from the area to raise funds for Gulluscio’s upcoming City Council race in the 32nd District.

Gulluscio is expected to face some of his prior opponents in the September 2009 Democratic Primary and, if successful, the incumbent Republican Councilman Eric Ulrich in the November 2009 General Election. Speaker after speaker touted Gulluscio's night as eminently qualified to become the area's next council representative.

Congressman Gregory Meeks said Gulluscio is dedicated to the community and has made a substantial difference.

"In Frank Gulluscio, we have a man that we know we can depend upon when times are hard," said Meeks, adding, "he's ready to serve."

Assemblywoman Audrey Pheffer, who is co-leader with Gulluscio of the South Queens Democratic Club and has worked with him for many years, said, "I know what Frank can do, I know what he has done, I know what he will continue to do."

Pheffer said that in his current position as district manager of Community Board 6 in Forest Hills, "he really knows what has to be done and what could be done and what should be done (in city government)."

State Senator Joseph Addabbo told the audience that when he was the area's councilman, Gulluscio was always with him when the tough financial decisions had to be made. Addabbo said it is clear, without a doubt, that Gulluscio has the best all-around qualifications to represent the area as councilman.

Coming to the podium with the theme music from Rocky playing in the background, Gulluscio received a cheering standing ovation from the audience. He told his supporters that he would be a councilman of the people, "a real person that will represent the north, the south, the east, and the west of this district."

Gulluscio also said his campaign would be a personal, grassroots, door-to-door, block-to-block effort to win the council seat and represent the community.

"I am running to ensure that all of us of this district has a voice and a strong advocate at City Hall," he said. "I pledge to work for the needs and the interests of all the residents in this district."

More good words about Gulluscio came from Lindenwood resident Joan Vasta, who said, "I trust Frank completely, he's a man of his word."

Marie Mauro, also of Lindenwood, said she is a great believer in Gulluscio and is supporting him because "I think he's going to do a great work for the community."

She said that she went out and got petitions for Gulluscio when he ran in the Special Election last February. Gulluscio was eventually tossed from the ticket over technical reasons in the nonpartisan election.

"The first time it was a disappointment,” she said, “but this time he's going to make it and we're going to make sure that he makes it."

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.