I would like to make you aware of my recent work on behalf of New York City’s LGBTQ community—
City Council Resolution Calling on the Medical Professionals to Treat and Provide Appropriate Healthcare to Transgender Persons
I have recently introduced a resolution into the New York City Council calling on medical and health professional to treat, and provide appropriate healthcare, to transgender individuals. This resolution follows a statement recently released by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).
While the LGBTQ community as a whole experiences greater disparities in relation to access to health insurance and healthcare, there is a specific need for transgender individuals to have access to health plans and services for transgender-related care, as well as for healthcare professionals to receive appropriate training on how to treat transgender patients. ACOG noted a concern for the gynecological health of transgender men, who may still require female (breast and cervical) cancer screenings as well as other forms of care. According the the National LGBT Cancer Network, “Trans men are less likely to get regular medical/gynecological care than heterosexual women or lesbians.” Some trans men have noted feeling healthcare professionals are not aware of available treatment options for transgender persons, not sensitive to their individual preferred pronouns, and/or presumptive concerning their sexual activities. All of these real or perceived issues may prevent transgender individuals from seeking appropriate healthcare.
Furthermore, there is a need to ensure medical and health care providers do not engage in gender identity discrimination, and where necessary refer patients to healthcare professionals that are best able to treat them. The Gay and Lesbian Medical Association (GLMA) has issued clinical guidelines for medical professionals when providing care to LGBT persons. The resolution I introduced into the New York City Council recently, Resolution 1244-2012, urges that medical and health professionals adhere to similar guidelines to provide appropriate healthcare to transgender persons.
Resolution 1244 : http://tiny.cc/bm47aw
City Council Resolution Calling on the NYC Health Department to Repeal Requirement that Transgender Persons Undergo Surgery to alter gender marker of Birth Certificates
As you well know, in New York City many transgender individuals are unable to change the ‘gender marker’ listed on their birth certificate due to New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (‘Health Department’, under the New York City Office of Vital Records) rules that are inappropriate, presumptive, intrusive, and unclear in their intentions. The Health Department’s requirements are also out-of-step with the requirements of the federal government (as outlined in the Department of State’s gender marker passport updates), which seek to make it simpler for transgender individuals to update their passport.
[On June 9, 2010, the United States Department of State updated their passport policy. A passport applicant must only provide certification from an attending medical physician stating that the applicant has undergone appropriate clinical treatment for gender transition, for the passport to reflect the desired gender. It is also possible to obtain a limited-validity passport if the physician’s statement shows the applicant is in the process of gender transition. No additional medical records will be required. Sexual reassignment surgery is no longer a prerequisite for passport issuance.]
The Health Department currently requires individuals to undergo genital surgery (also commonly referred to as “bottom surgery”) before changing the gender or sex-identifier on their birth certificates. The agency is unspecific about the nature of the genital reassignment surgery, as there are multiple types of bottom surgery available for both male-to-female (MTF) and female-to-male (FTM) transgender persons. This ambiguity creates confusion for those seeking to update their birth certificate to their identified gender, as these kinds of surgeries can be very costly. Furthermore, it is difficult to find information about the process on the department’s website.
Many transgender individuals can't afford bottom surgery for financial reasons; a high number of these individuals may be receiving hormone therapy through their medical care provider to address masculinization or feminization of physical features. Finally, not all transgender individuals— even those identifying in their current gender in all areas of life, as well as those on hormone therapy— are interested in genital reassignment surgery. It is highly inappropriate for the Health Department to make decisions that imply generalizations about transgender individuals and their personal, medical choices.
As one moves from locality or state, a person may be required to present their birth certificate to prove identity; this becomes an issue when the gender marker or sex-identifier on the birth certificate is different from that on the state identification. New York State has a specific process for amending the gender or sex-identifier on a state ID or driver’s license, but individuals moving from New York State to another state may encounter difficulty if their birth certificate is also required to receive a state ID there. Additionally, many employers require access to an individual’s birth certificate to apply for health insurance, and transgender individuals may not want their employer to know about their biological sex or medical/surgical history.
Numerous transgender-rights advocacy agencies, as well as the National Association of Social Workers, have encouraged City and State agencies to abandon surgical requirements for changing identity documents. For instance, in 2009 the state of Illinois agreed to develop new standards for how much surgery is required before a person is eligible to switch the gender or sex-identifier on a birth certificate. City and State agencies are recognizing that any regulations in regards to updating gender identification on documents must be based on the standards set by the physicians actually treating these individuals. The World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) is the major health association that sets the standards for medical treatment of transgender individuals. WPATH has stated “No person should have to undergo surgery or accept sterilization as a condition of identity recognition. Genital reconstruction is not required for social gender recognition, and such surgery should not be a prerequisite for document or record changes.”
In 2006, the Health Department considered dropping their requirement for gender reassignment surgery before switching a birth certificate's gender or sex-identifier, but did not do so citing identity fraud concerns.
The resolution I introduced into the New York City Council last year, Res. 1099-2011, urges the Health Department to abandon these confusing and intrusive requirements.
Resolution 1099 : http://tiny.cc/yc47aw
It is imperative that we treat LGBTQ persons with dignity and respect in all areas of society. We need to ensure that our laws and public agencies do not isolate anyone from fair access to basic rights like housing, healthcare, and employment. I consider myself a strong advocate for the LGBTQ community, and I will continue to work on the issues that affect the gay community in New York City.
Sincerely,
Letitia James
Member of the City Council
Friday, March 16, 2012
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
CM James Commends SAIC’s Return of $500M In Funds to the City of New York
**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
March 14, 2012
Contact: Aja Worthy-Davis at (212) 788-7081
Council Member Letitia James Commends SAIC’s Return of $500M In Funds to the City of New York
Calls on the Administration to Use Funds To Restore Critical Budget Cuts
New York, NY— As we know, the charges against Citytime were outrageous— on December 15, 2010 four Citytime consultants were charged with embezzling $80 million from the City of New York through steering public funds to consulting firms who funneled the money to shell companies controlled by the consultants and their families. By the time federal investigators and the NYC Department of Investigation began looking into the program’s payroll fraud and abuse, the list of crimes became more unbelievable. By February 2011, three upper-level Citytime officials employed by project contractor, Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) were dismissed from their positions.
And it soon became clear why such steps were taken— two officials soon plead guilty to criminal charges, and SAIC found one senior projects manager erroneously billed overtime hours. In fact, TechnoDyne, one of the largest subcontractors of Citytime, saw its executives flee the country after receiving federal indictments for their crimes. All this brought the number of people allegedly involved in Citytime corruption since last December to a whopping eleven, with federal prosecutors seizing more than $38 million in stolen funds from over 100 bank accounts hidden in international shell companies.
It is no wonder Mayor Bloomberg— on the eve of the expiration of the SAIC contract— rightfully saw fit to demand a $600 million refund from SAIC on behalf of the City of New York! In fact, today SAIC announced it would return $500.4 million in restitution and penalties in relation to Citytime. The settlement also requires that the United States District Attorney’s Office appoint an independent monitor for three years to review SAIC policies and practices.
“I congratulate the US Attorney and the administration for reclaiming these public funds on behalf of the City of New York,” said Council Member Letitia James. “The four years I have spent bringing attention to the mismanagement and unjustifiable costs of Citytime— and the work that has been done by Comptroller John Liu— has been integral to bringing these matters to light. I once called Citytime a ‘thief’s buffet’. Well today, we see that justice has been served. I furthermore hope the administration considers putting these public funds towards restoring the $53 million in cuts made to early childhood education last fiscal year, and the $60 million made in after-school programs.”
Council Member James has been a long-term opponent of the Citytime project, from her tenure of Chair of the Contracts Committee where she held two hearings on the project in 2008 and 2009, respectively. The Citytime disaster was recently described by United States Attorney Preet Bharara as ‘one of the largest and most brazen frauds ever committed against the City.’
###
March 14, 2012
Contact: Aja Worthy-Davis at (212) 788-7081
Council Member Letitia James Commends SAIC’s Return of $500M In Funds to the City of New York
Calls on the Administration to Use Funds To Restore Critical Budget Cuts
New York, NY— As we know, the charges against Citytime were outrageous— on December 15, 2010 four Citytime consultants were charged with embezzling $80 million from the City of New York through steering public funds to consulting firms who funneled the money to shell companies controlled by the consultants and their families. By the time federal investigators and the NYC Department of Investigation began looking into the program’s payroll fraud and abuse, the list of crimes became more unbelievable. By February 2011, three upper-level Citytime officials employed by project contractor, Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) were dismissed from their positions.
And it soon became clear why such steps were taken— two officials soon plead guilty to criminal charges, and SAIC found one senior projects manager erroneously billed overtime hours. In fact, TechnoDyne, one of the largest subcontractors of Citytime, saw its executives flee the country after receiving federal indictments for their crimes. All this brought the number of people allegedly involved in Citytime corruption since last December to a whopping eleven, with federal prosecutors seizing more than $38 million in stolen funds from over 100 bank accounts hidden in international shell companies.
It is no wonder Mayor Bloomberg— on the eve of the expiration of the SAIC contract— rightfully saw fit to demand a $600 million refund from SAIC on behalf of the City of New York! In fact, today SAIC announced it would return $500.4 million in restitution and penalties in relation to Citytime. The settlement also requires that the United States District Attorney’s Office appoint an independent monitor for three years to review SAIC policies and practices.
“I congratulate the US Attorney and the administration for reclaiming these public funds on behalf of the City of New York,” said Council Member Letitia James. “The four years I have spent bringing attention to the mismanagement and unjustifiable costs of Citytime— and the work that has been done by Comptroller John Liu— has been integral to bringing these matters to light. I once called Citytime a ‘thief’s buffet’. Well today, we see that justice has been served. I furthermore hope the administration considers putting these public funds towards restoring the $53 million in cuts made to early childhood education last fiscal year, and the $60 million made in after-school programs.”
Council Member James has been a long-term opponent of the Citytime project, from her tenure of Chair of the Contracts Committee where she held two hearings on the project in 2008 and 2009, respectively. The Citytime disaster was recently described by United States Attorney Preet Bharara as ‘one of the largest and most brazen frauds ever committed against the City.’
###
NYC Council To Vote TODAY on CM James’ Legislation To Require City Agencies To Report Cost Overruns On Large Private Contracts
**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
March 13, 2012
Contact: Aja Worthy-Davis at (212) 788-7081
New York City Council To Vote on Council Member Letitia James’ Legislation To Require City Agencies To Report Cost Overruns On Large Private Contracts
Bill Is In Response To Administration’s Previous Lack Of Oversight, Ongoing Review Of Contracts
New York, NY— Last fall, Council Member Letitia James introduced legislation that would require City agencies to report to the New York City Council cost overruns on large contracts. The current legislation, Int. 707A-2011, would address construction and service contracts for capital projects with a minimum expenditure of $10 million. The bill would require additional oversight when such projects exceed the original cost by twenty percent or more.
Specifically, the Mayor would be required to notify the Council at two points in time— first, the Council would be notified of the initial request for a cost increase; and additionally, once the project extension or modification has taken place, the Council would be notified of any additional contract extensions or modifications that result in a 10% cost increase above the revised contract value.
During Council Member James’ tenure as Chair of the Contracts Committee, the committee held hearings on the outsourcing of public services to the private sector; as well as two oversight hearings on the Office of Payroll Administration’s City Time contract, which she criticized at the time as costly and poorly-managed. Since 2010, she has requested that the Council’s Contracts Committee investigate the Emergency Communications Transformation Program (ECTP) project and what was at the time a $286M contract request from the City of New York; the administrative layoffs of the New York City Deputy Sheriffs’ and the contracting out of their collection duties; the rising costs of the NYCAPS program; and more recently a $1.95M NYC Health and Hospitals Corporation contract with Navigat, a private consulting company.
“In the last five years, contract costs have increased at nearly twice the rate of overall budget spending, reaching over ten billion in spent public funds,” said Council Member Letitia James. “The vast majority of these expenditures go towards personnel and professional service contracts, and there has been considerable evidence that some of these contracts are poorly-managed and lack needed oversight. I hope this legislation strengthens the Council’s commitment to contracts review, and the overall goal of cutting costs and identifying savings.”
On October 31, 2011, the Contracts and Technology Committees discussed Int. 707 in a hearing entitled, “Managing NYC Government IT Contracts”. Additionally, in the last year Council Member Letitia James’ has introduced legislation that would create a New York City Chief Procurement Officer who would publish and submit to the Mayor, City Council, and City Comptroller an annual report detailing information on City contracts. She has also introduced legislation that would establish a task force on best practices in City procurement and disposal.
The New York City Council will vote on Int. 707A-2011 at the Stated Meeting on Wednesday, March 14, 2012, following a Contracts Committee vote earlier in the day.
###
March 13, 2012
Contact: Aja Worthy-Davis at (212) 788-7081
New York City Council To Vote on Council Member Letitia James’ Legislation To Require City Agencies To Report Cost Overruns On Large Private Contracts
Bill Is In Response To Administration’s Previous Lack Of Oversight, Ongoing Review Of Contracts
New York, NY— Last fall, Council Member Letitia James introduced legislation that would require City agencies to report to the New York City Council cost overruns on large contracts. The current legislation, Int. 707A-2011, would address construction and service contracts for capital projects with a minimum expenditure of $10 million. The bill would require additional oversight when such projects exceed the original cost by twenty percent or more.
Specifically, the Mayor would be required to notify the Council at two points in time— first, the Council would be notified of the initial request for a cost increase; and additionally, once the project extension or modification has taken place, the Council would be notified of any additional contract extensions or modifications that result in a 10% cost increase above the revised contract value.
During Council Member James’ tenure as Chair of the Contracts Committee, the committee held hearings on the outsourcing of public services to the private sector; as well as two oversight hearings on the Office of Payroll Administration’s City Time contract, which she criticized at the time as costly and poorly-managed. Since 2010, she has requested that the Council’s Contracts Committee investigate the Emergency Communications Transformation Program (ECTP) project and what was at the time a $286M contract request from the City of New York; the administrative layoffs of the New York City Deputy Sheriffs’ and the contracting out of their collection duties; the rising costs of the NYCAPS program; and more recently a $1.95M NYC Health and Hospitals Corporation contract with Navigat, a private consulting company.
“In the last five years, contract costs have increased at nearly twice the rate of overall budget spending, reaching over ten billion in spent public funds,” said Council Member Letitia James. “The vast majority of these expenditures go towards personnel and professional service contracts, and there has been considerable evidence that some of these contracts are poorly-managed and lack needed oversight. I hope this legislation strengthens the Council’s commitment to contracts review, and the overall goal of cutting costs and identifying savings.”
On October 31, 2011, the Contracts and Technology Committees discussed Int. 707 in a hearing entitled, “Managing NYC Government IT Contracts”. Additionally, in the last year Council Member Letitia James’ has introduced legislation that would create a New York City Chief Procurement Officer who would publish and submit to the Mayor, City Council, and City Comptroller an annual report detailing information on City contracts. She has also introduced legislation that would establish a task force on best practices in City procurement and disposal.
The New York City Council will vote on Int. 707A-2011 at the Stated Meeting on Wednesday, March 14, 2012, following a Contracts Committee vote earlier in the day.
###
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
CM James Comments On NYPD’S Move To Designate Policing Of Barclay's Arena To 78th Precinct
**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
March 6, 2012
Contact: Barbara Sherman (718) 260-9191
COUNCIL MEMBER LETITIA JAMES COMMENTS ON NYPD’S MOVE TO DESIGNATE POLICING OF BARCLAY’S ARENA TO 78TH PRECINCT
CITES NEED FOR COMMUNITY INCLUSION, CRITICIZES LACK OF TRANSPARENCY
(Brooklyn, NY)— “Media outlets have recently reported that the NYPD plans to designate policing of the Barclay’s Arena to the 78th Precinct in Brooklyn (which primarily covers Park Slope) when it opens in September 2012. The arena is located in Prospect Heights, which is covered by the 77th Precinct (with the boundaries for the 88th Precinct ending across the street).
Such a move has been justified by citing the 78th Precinct’s close proximity to the upcoming arena. This move would also greatly increase overtime for the precinct’s officers. However, police precinct boundaries are required to be coterminous with local district boundaries, subject to the New York City Charter process outlined in Section 2704(b). The NYPD unilaterally making decisions regarding the alignment of police precinct boundaries might then call into question other local governmental agencies that are similarly subject to coterminality requirements. These decisions have public policy and planning consequences, and should be further discussed with local elected officials and community stakeholders.
It is my position that the NYPD should place new officers in a police annex dedicated to the Barclay’s Arena site. The 77th, 78th, and 88th precincts should be working collaboratively to consult in these matters. Additionally, the cost of these new police officers— and all over time costs— should be underwritten by the developer. There is no reason to cherry-pick from one precinct over another, and no reason to take vital resources from any precinct. The most important factor is ensuring that the officers in these local precincts remain dedicated to community policing.”
--
Earlier this year, Council Member James questioned Jane Marshall— a Forest City Ratner executive— on Barclay’s security issues including overtime costs for arena events, traffic agents, and the overall security plan for the arena. She has also requested a copy of the security plan from NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelly. There has been no response.
###
March 6, 2012
Contact: Barbara Sherman (718) 260-9191
COUNCIL MEMBER LETITIA JAMES COMMENTS ON NYPD’S MOVE TO DESIGNATE POLICING OF BARCLAY’S ARENA TO 78TH PRECINCT
CITES NEED FOR COMMUNITY INCLUSION, CRITICIZES LACK OF TRANSPARENCY
(Brooklyn, NY)— “Media outlets have recently reported that the NYPD plans to designate policing of the Barclay’s Arena to the 78th Precinct in Brooklyn (which primarily covers Park Slope) when it opens in September 2012. The arena is located in Prospect Heights, which is covered by the 77th Precinct (with the boundaries for the 88th Precinct ending across the street).
Such a move has been justified by citing the 78th Precinct’s close proximity to the upcoming arena. This move would also greatly increase overtime for the precinct’s officers. However, police precinct boundaries are required to be coterminous with local district boundaries, subject to the New York City Charter process outlined in Section 2704(b). The NYPD unilaterally making decisions regarding the alignment of police precinct boundaries might then call into question other local governmental agencies that are similarly subject to coterminality requirements. These decisions have public policy and planning consequences, and should be further discussed with local elected officials and community stakeholders.
It is my position that the NYPD should place new officers in a police annex dedicated to the Barclay’s Arena site. The 77th, 78th, and 88th precincts should be working collaboratively to consult in these matters. Additionally, the cost of these new police officers— and all over time costs— should be underwritten by the developer. There is no reason to cherry-pick from one precinct over another, and no reason to take vital resources from any precinct. The most important factor is ensuring that the officers in these local precincts remain dedicated to community policing.”
--
Earlier this year, Council Member James questioned Jane Marshall— a Forest City Ratner executive— on Barclay’s security issues including overtime costs for arena events, traffic agents, and the overall security plan for the arena. She has also requested a copy of the security plan from NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelly. There has been no response.
###
Monday, March 5, 2012
ATTENTION: DOT and Elected Officials Sponsor NYC Bike Share Planning Workshop; Medgar Evers College; 3/6
Council Member Letitia James join Brooklyn Community Boards 8 and 9, the NYC Department of Transportation, and Council Member Al Vann at a Community Planning Workshop on the NYC Bike Share program--WHEN: March 6, 2012
6:00PM- 7:00PM
WHERE: Medgar Evers College (President's Conference Center, B1008)
1650 Bedford Avenue
Brooklyn, NY
For more information, please visit www.nyc.gov/bikeshare or contact 718.222.7250. March 6th, 6:00PM- 7:00PM.
Friday, March 2, 2012
CM James Talks About NYPD's Stop & Frisk Policy And Impact on Minority Communities
Council Member Letitia James talks about NYPD's stop and frisk policy to the Transport Workers Union on February 29, 2012.
Courtesy of Capital NY here.
Courtesy of Capital NY here.
CM James Discussing NYPD's Stop & Frisk Policy On NY1
Council Member Letitia James and Council Member Peter Vallone, Jr. debate NYPD's stop and frisk policy on NY1's Inside City Hall on March 1, 2012.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
ATTENTION: AABE Scholarship Available!
The American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE) is a professional organization of African Americans in the energy industry. Through its Scholarship Program, AABE seeks to help increase the number of African Americans, Hispanics and Native Americans (underrepresented minorities) in energy related fields. By doing so, they help our nation address a critical need and a challenge to our future economic vitality in the world market.Candidates for an AABE scholarship must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Have at minimum a “B” academic average and a “B” average in mathematics and science courses (3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale);
- Be a graduating high school senior who has applied to one or more accredited colleges/universities;
- Plan to major in business, engineering, technology, mathematics or physical science fields;
- Demonstrate financial need;
- Be a member of one of the underrepresented minority groups (African American, Hispanic or Native American) in the sciences and related areas of technology.
Awards:
The New York Metropolitan Area Chapter of AABE will award-
- Three $2,000 scholarships (to be delivered in $500 increments over the four years that the student attends college. The top winner’s application is forwarded to compete for a Northeast Regional Award of $3,000 (The Northeast Region is one of six AABE Regions). Additionally, a Premier Award of $5,000 is given annually to the candidate who is judged to demonstrate the most outstanding achievement and promise.
The application is available here (http://www.aabe.org/index.php?component=pages&id=4), and the complete application is due NO LATER THAN March 9, 2012.
The completed application must to mailed to:
Mrs. Phyllis White-Thorne
Attention: Scholarship Committee
Con Edison
30 Flatbush Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11217
Thursday, February 23, 2012
ATTENTION: DOT and Elected Officials Sponsor NYC Bike Share Planning Workshop; St. Francis College; TODAY (2/23)
Council Member Letitia James, Brooklyn Community Board 2, NYS Senator Daniel Squadron, NYS Assembly Member Joan Millman, and Council Member Steve Levin join the NYC Department of Transportation in inviting you to a Community Planning Workshop on the NYC Bike Share program--WHEN: Thursday, February 23, 2012
6PM–8PM
WHERE: St. Francis College, Callahan Center
180 Remsen Street (btwn. Court Street and Clinton Street)
Brooklyn, NY
Please contact DOT for more information at (718) 222-7250
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
ATTENTION: Elected Officials Join Finance Dept. and NYC Tax Commission to Host Outreach Session on Property Taxes; 2/27; BK Boro Hall
Council Member Letitia James and Council Member Brad Lander, Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz, Council Members Vincent Gentile, Sara M. González, Steve Levin, Al Vann, and Jumaane D. Williams- along with The NYC Department of Finance (Finance Department) and the NYC Tax Commission- are hosting a Joint Outreach Session on Property Taxes. The Finance Department recently announced the publication of the tentative property assessment roll for FY2013. The annual sets taxable property values for all City properties.
Many homeowners have seen a change in how their property has been valued, and are encouraged to attend the outreach session to learn more.
WHEN: Monday, February 27, 2012
6PM- 8PM
WHERE: Brooklyn Borough Hall (Courtroom)
209 Joralemon Street
Brooklyn, NY
Please call the Office of Council Member Lander at (212) 788-6969 for more information.
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