BENSONHURST'S PREMIER NEWS BLOG

Source: Nadler.house.gov

From the office of Congressman Jerrold Nadler:

Congressman Jerrold Nadler released the following statement on the successful passage last night of legislation to avert a fiscal cliff, provide tax reform, extend unemployment insurance, and postpone the massive spending cuts attached to sequestration.

“While this isn’t a perfect bill, it does provide reforms and certainty to our tax code and postpones painful spending cuts that our nation doesn’t need.  This bill will prevent an immediate fiscal crisis, generate new revenue by asking the wealthiest among us pay a bit more in taxes, and extend unemployment benefits for the millions of people who depend on them.

“While there is still the looming threat of billions of dollars in cuts to our social safety net for kids, seniors, and the most vulnerable among us, we now have more time to try and avoid such a catastrophic outcome.  We must work toward full economic recovery and provide genuine and immediate support for the American people.  Then we must ensure that we never have another crisis in which the American economy is held hostage to advance the political demands of the most unreasonable and extremist Members of Congress.  The simplest way to do that is to abolish the debt ceiling once-and-for-all, and I have introduced and will reintroduce legislation to do just that.”

Source: Angela Schmeidel Randall via Wikimedia Commons

Congressman Jerrold Nadler wants the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to test for mold and environmental toxins in areas hit by Hurricane Sandy.

“Given New York’s recent history with environmental hazards caused by the collapse of the World Trade Center, we know all too well the danger presented by indoor contamination,” Nadler wrote in a letter to EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson, according to The Hill.

He also sent a similar letter to Craig Fugate, chief of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

“We must not repeat the same mistakes of 9/11 by leaving people to their own devices to clean up complex toxins without proper guidance or assistance from the federal government,” said Nadler.

When floodwater rose, it is said that to maybe contain raw sewage, industrial chemicals and oil, which may all be dangerous for residents. Mold, which develops after long-term moisture is trapped in homes can cause respiratory conditions such as asthma and other health issues.

From the offices of Councilman David Greenfield and Congressman Jerrold Nadler:

Councilman David G. Greenfield, Congressman Jerrold Nadler and Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty are teaming up to host an event for residents who need help applying for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) assistance in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. Any homeowner or tenant who needs help filing for FEMA funding is welcome to schedule a time to stop by Councilman Greenfield’s Borough Park district office this Wednesday, November 21st for a fifteen-minute appointment with a Met Council expert. During this meeting, the representative will assist with all of the associated paperwork and answer questions. They will also be able to explain other types of government assistance available to help New Yorkers recover from Hurricane Sandy. For more information, call Councilman Greenfield’s office at (718) 853-2704.

“I know that many New Yorkers are still assessing the damage that Hurricane Sandy caused to their homes and belongings. This is a difficult and long process, so we are committed to doing everything we can to help ease the stress and burden for residents. It is critical that everyone impacted by the storm utilize the federal, state and city programs being offered, and my office is here to assist with that process. I thank Congressman Nadler and Met Council for partnering with me to help residents through this difficult time,” said Councilman Greenfield.

“It is crucial that those who were hit hard by Hurricane Sandy receive the assistance they need to move on with their lives. I will continue working in Congress to ensure that there is adequate funding – through FEMA and other avenues – for Brooklyn residents and businesses to rebuild and repair, and my office is here to help connect constituents with those resources. My staff has assembled key resources for those seeking federal assistance,” said Congressman Nadler.

After applying for FEMA assistance, city residents can then apply to the newly-created Rapid Repairs NYC program, which will help provide expedited repairs through licensed contractors that have been brought in to the city’s hardest hit areas. Using their FEMA identification number, residents can apply to Rapid Repairs NYC by calling 311 or visiting nyc.gov. Under this program, inspections and certifications from the city Department of Buildings and Department of Housing Preservation are being completed as quickly as possible to get residents back in their homes sooner.

In addition, a number of other programs are available through agencies including the United States Small Business Administration, the Governor’s Homeowner Repair and Rebuilding Fund, the NYC Department of Small Businesses, Legal Services of NYC, and more. Call Councilman Greenfield’s office at (718) 853-2704 for more information about Wednesday’s FEMA event which is by appointment only, or about any of the other programs currently available to city residents.

• Democratic State Senator Diane Savino held onto her seat against Republican Lisa Grey in the 23 District, with 75.7 percent to 24.3 percent of the vote.
• In District 11, Republican Michael Grimm beat out Democrat Mark Murphy, 52.6 percent to 46.4 percent.
• In District 22, State Senator Marty Golden wins over Demorat Andrew Gounardes, 58.1 percent to 41.9 percent.
• Democrat Jerrold Nadler held onto his seat in District 10 against Republican Michael Chan, with 80 percent to 20 percent of the vote.

Update (9:52 a.m.):

• District 47′s Councilman William Colton beat Republican James Rippa, with 74.2 percent of the vote.
• Peter Abbate was uncontested and held his seat in the 49th District.

Source: Jnpet via Wikimedia Commons

Congressman Jerrold Nadler introduced legislation yesterday that requires the U.S. Department of Transportation to direct airline carriers to “establish a policy to ensure, to the extent practicable, that a family that purchases tickets for a flight with that air carrier is seated together during that flight.”

The Families Flying Together Act of 2012 also requires carriers to make their policies available to the public online.

The lobbying group Airlines For America said Nadler’s bill to require families to be seated together on flights is “needless,” according to The Hill.

“Families should not be stuck paying hidden fees, or buying ‘premium’ seats, simply because they wish to be seated together on crowded flights,” said Nadler, who is also a member of member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. ”It is positively absurd to expect a two or three-year-old to sit unattended, next to strangers, on an airplane. It is up to air carriers to make their seating policies clear and easily accessible to the public.”

The lobby group claims that the aviation industry already prioritizes seating families together.

“Airlines have always worked cooperatively with their customers to seat parties, including those traveling with children, together,” a spokesman said.

The debate has come up several times earlier this year as news sources were reporting that as airlines changed their policies, they began to charge separate fees for aisle or window seats, thus making it difficult to sit together without paying extra first.

The bill has not become law yet as both sides continue to plead their cause.

Image courtesy of the offices of Assemblyman Dov Hikind

No new information has been released regarding the vandals responsible for the wave of anti-Semitic graffiti in Borough Park. The acts of hate have prompted many community leaders to publicly condemn the perpetrators.

Congressman Jerrold Nadler has announced his desire to join the local leaders and work with law enforcement, elected officials and community leaders to keep the neighborhood free from symbols of hate.

 “I stand with the Borough Park community in condemning these ugly acts of hate directed at the Jewish community.  Swastikas, which are abhorrent and unacceptable symbols of hatred and violence, placed at the core of Brooklyn’s Jewish community unfortunately demonstrate that anti-Semitism is alive and well.  The perpetrator must be caught and prosecuted, and we must stand together to say that we will not tolerate such cowardly displays of bigotry,” he said.

After police at the 30 Precinct at 451 West 151st Street made a poster labeling Occupy activists, Christina Gonzalez and Matthew Swaye, as “professional agitators” because they shot and posted videos documenting NYPD stop-and-frisks, Congressman Nadler issued the following statement:

I am appalled by reports that the NYPD crafted a ‘Wanted’-like poster advising officers to look out for ‘Professional Agitators’ – OWS activists who were apparently legally documenting the NYPD’s controversial stop-and-frisk activities.  Such conduct, apparently geared at curbing political dissent, smacks of McCarthyism and has no place in the United States.  Law enforcement officials may not brand as enemies or agitators people who simply question their authority or speak out publicly against their actions.  Police officers have no business branding people as anything other than criminals or persons of interest in criminal investigations.  Putting the activists’ faces on a police poster subjects them to unfair public shame and scrutiny.

And, the NYPD’s response that the poster was intended to advise officers to comport themselves properly because they may be videotaped is not a suitable response.  Officers should comport themselves properly at all times.

“We must not tolerate the tactics of police states.  And we must not tolerate any limitations on our First Amendment freedoms.  I know that our excellent police force is fully capable of enforcing the laws and protecting our citizens without resorting to such methods.  Freedom of speech is not a crime, and the NYPD must respect those who are exercising their rights.

Source: Matt H. Wade via Wikimedia Commons

When the news first broke of the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the measure, news channels were were reporting from opposite sides of the spectrum. The responses from local politicians were split as well, with most sticking to the political views of their parties.

Congressman Michael Grimm:
“President Obama has pulled the wool over the eyes of the American people and broke a fundamental promise by imposing on us one of the largest middle class tax increases in the history of the country. He cannot have it both ways. At a time when millions of American are out of work, he and the Democrats who fought hard for this economy-crushing tax, must be held accountable.”

Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis:
“Today’s ruling sets a dangerous precedent for the power of the federal government. By requiring everyone to purchase health insurance, we have taken another step toward socialism and rationed healthcare, which begs the question of what else the federal government can require citizens to purchase.”

Congressman Jerrold Nadler:
“The Supreme Court did not disgrace itself today and we can go on from here to legislate for the better welfare of the American people,” according to NY1.

Senator Diane Savino:
“There is no doubt that this is a huge political win for the Obama administration. And it’s a big personal win for Barack Obama. He staked his presidency on this… Reasonable Republicans will know that it’s time for people to put this issue to rest,” according to SILive.

City Councilman James Oddo:
“It was a divided country before the decision, and probably even more so afterward. The people will have their say in November. It underscores the stakes on Election Day.”

The Healthcare Act means a lot of new territory for healthcare providers, hospitals and citizens to wade through. Let us know, what are your thoughts on the Affordable Care Act?

Source: Canwest News Service via Wikimedia Commons

The following is a press release from Congressman Jerrold Nadler:

Representatives Jerrold Nadler, NYC and Queens-based Carolyn Maloney, California-based Jackie Speier and Susan Davis, joined by the leaders of women’s advocacy organizations, unions, and business groups from across the nation, introduced critical new legislation: The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. The bill is meant to ensure that pregnant women are not forced out of jobs unnecessarily or denied reasonable job modifications that would allow them to continue working.

Currently, pregnant working women around the country are being denied simple adjustments permission – to use a stool while working a cash register, or to carry a bottle of water to stay hydrated, or temporary reassignment to lighter duty tasks – that would keep them working and supporting their families while maintaining healthy pregnancies.  The legislation will close legal loopholes and ensure that pregnant women are treated fairly on the job. At press time, the bill had 63 original cosponsors.

The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act will accomplish this by requiring employers to make reasonable accommodations for pregnant workers and preventing employers from forcing women out on leave when another reasonable accommodation would allow them to continue working.  The bill also bars employers from denying employment opportunities to women based on their need for reasonable accommodations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.

In recent and startling examples, Heather Wiseman, a retail worker in Salina, Kansas, was fired because she needed to carry a water bottle to stay hydrated and prevent bladder infections; Victoria Serednyj, an activity director at a nursing home in Valparaiso, Indiana, was terminated because she required help with some physically strenuous aspects of her job to prevent having another miscarriage; and Peggy Young, a delivery truck driver in Landover, Maryland, was forced out on unpaid leave because she had a lifting restriction and was denied light duty.

For the well-being of pregnant workers, and for the sake of the economic stability of American families, our laws must be updated and clarified.

Read the rest of the bill here.

Source: Giancarlo Dessì via Wikimedia Commons. A hydroponic tomato greenhouse.

The environmental movement has taken root all over New York. From compost workshops in Flatbush to community gardens in Park Slope, the support for localized sustainable agriculture grows. Now, there is something else.  BrightFarms, a sustainable agricultural hydroponics business, recently announced plans to build the world’s largest rooftop garden in Sunset Park. The rooftop farm will be located on the roof of a former U.S. Navy building, Federal Building #2.

The 100,000 square foot hydroponic greenhouse will grow up to 1 million pounds of local produce a year, including tomatoes and various herbs, according to Super Market News.

“I am so pleased that the revitalization of Federal Building #2 is continuing,” said Congressman Jerrold Nadler in a press release. “As we watch this once-dormant industrial space recreated as a variety of innovative and productive uses, we can take great pride in the years of work and vision required to come to this point. This site is truly becoming a part of Brooklyn’s working waterfront once again. I look forward to tasting the first tomatoes and lettuce grown on its roof.”

Prior to the rooftop farms announcement, renovation of the unused industrial space created 1,700 construction jobs for New Yorkers according to The Real Deal.

As this project starts taking shape, will other Brooklyn neighborhoods work to transform abandoned or industrial spaces for urban farming? Readers, do we want a similar model here in Bensonhurst and if so, where?