**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
DECEMBER 20, 2012
Contact: Aja Worthy-Davis (212) 788-7081
Council Member Letitia James Comments on Gun Control In The Wake of Sandy Hook Elementary School Tragedy
(New York, NY)— “In the wake of the tragic school shooting that took place at Connecticut’s Sandy Hook Elementary School, claiming the lives of 27 innocents, the time has come to engage in a serious dialogue on gun control both on a local and national level.
I applaud Mayor Michael Bloomberg and other leaders who have called on President Obama to take bold action on gun control. Mayor Bloomberg, founder of “Mayors Against Illegal Guns” recently called on the President to re-introduce the assault-weapons ban bill, and order the Department of Justice to aggressively pursue those who lie on weapons background check forms.
I echo Mayor Bloomberg, and further urge the New York State Legislature to tighten restrictions on assault weapons, and pass legislation requiring gun manufacturers to use bullet microstamping technology. This technology inscribes a gun’s make and model numbers on the firing pin, imprinting those numbers on the shell casings. This would allow shell casings picked up at crime scenes to be tracked to the gun that fired it. The utilization of this technology would offer the NYPD a new tool in fighting gun crime.
I recognize the work that the NYPD has done to seize and remove illegal guns from the streets of New York. For instance, in October 2012, the NYPD seized 100 illegal guns from weapons trafficking rings, including AK-47 assault rifles. The rings were believed to be selling illegal weapons brought into New York from pawn shops in South Carolina. However, it is equally important that the NYPD re-evaluate the sale of weapon’s materials (such as shell casings) to other states and municipalities with far more lax gun laws.
In 2012, New York City sold more than 28,000 pounds of the NYPD’s spent gun shell casings to a Georgia ammunition store. As per the laws in the state of Georgia, no identification or registration is required to purchase these materials. This is a practice that needs to be re-evaluated if New York is to continue to be seen as one of the most regulated gun-control states in the nation.
I again offer my deepest condolences to the families of those who were affected by this national tragedy.”
Council Member Letitia James introduced Int. 955-2012 into the Council, which would require the administration to report on the disposal of ammunition shell casings.
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Friday, December 21, 2012
Monday, December 17, 2012
Friday, December 14, 2012
CM JAMES AND ELECTED OFFICIALS JOIN YOUNG ROCK SOCCER ACADEMY TO PROMOTE HEALTH & WELLNESS
**Media Advisory**
It’s Parents vs. Kids at Annual Soccer Challenge!
CM JAMES AND ELECTED OFFICIALS JOIN YOUNG ROCK SOCCER ACADEMY & LOCAL COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS TEAM UP TO PROMOTE HEALTH & WELLNESS
(Brooklyn, NY) December 13, 2012 – Young Rock Soccer Academy and several Brooklyn organizations will announce a boost to their active, healthy living programming on Saturday, December 15th at Long Island University’s Brooklyn Campus in conjunction with the Coca-Cola Foundation’s active, healthy living grant initiative.
Young Rock Soccer parents and youth will challenge each other to a game of soccer on Saturday morning at Schwartz Gym at LIU’s Brooklyn Campus. The event will kick off with brief remarks by Borough President Marty Markowitz and New York City Council Members, Letitia “Tish” James and Diana Reyna.
The grant donation to Young Rock Soccer Academy will provide soccer lessons for kids ages 4 through 16, and continue programming that aims to develop discipline, character and achievement for local area youth.
The following organizations are also grant recipients and will participate in the event: Body Sculpt, Coalition for Hispanic Family Services, El Puente, Seeds in the Middle, and Woodhull Kids Ride Club.
The Coca-Cola Foundation is the philanthropic arm of The Coca-Cola Company. The grant is part of the Company’s initiative to aid local organizations in their quest to promote health and wellness, advance education, and spark environmental stewardship.
WHO: Magnus Mukoro, Co-Director, Young Rock Soccer Academy
Diana Reyna, New York City Council Member (District 34)
Letitia “Tish” James, New York City Council Member (District 35)
Donna Cirolia, VP, Public Affairs, Coca-Cola Refreshments
Representatives from Body Sculpt, Coalition for Hispanic Family Services,
El Puente, Seeds in the Middle, and Woodhull Kids Ride Club.
WHAT: Young Soccer Academy Annual Parent vs. Children Soccer Game
WHEN: Saturday, December 15, 2012, 10 am-12 pm Remarks – 10:15 am, Soccer game to follow WHERE: Long Island University – Schwartz Gymnasium
1 University Plaza (corner of DeKalb and Flatbush Avenues)
# # #
It’s Parents vs. Kids at Annual Soccer Challenge!
CM JAMES AND ELECTED OFFICIALS JOIN YOUNG ROCK SOCCER ACADEMY & LOCAL COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS TEAM UP TO PROMOTE HEALTH & WELLNESS
(Brooklyn, NY) December 13, 2012 – Young Rock Soccer Academy and several Brooklyn organizations will announce a boost to their active, healthy living programming on Saturday, December 15th at Long Island University’s Brooklyn Campus in conjunction with the Coca-Cola Foundation’s active, healthy living grant initiative.
Young Rock Soccer parents and youth will challenge each other to a game of soccer on Saturday morning at Schwartz Gym at LIU’s Brooklyn Campus. The event will kick off with brief remarks by Borough President Marty Markowitz and New York City Council Members, Letitia “Tish” James and Diana Reyna.
The grant donation to Young Rock Soccer Academy will provide soccer lessons for kids ages 4 through 16, and continue programming that aims to develop discipline, character and achievement for local area youth.
The following organizations are also grant recipients and will participate in the event: Body Sculpt, Coalition for Hispanic Family Services, El Puente, Seeds in the Middle, and Woodhull Kids Ride Club.
The Coca-Cola Foundation is the philanthropic arm of The Coca-Cola Company. The grant is part of the Company’s initiative to aid local organizations in their quest to promote health and wellness, advance education, and spark environmental stewardship.
WHO: Magnus Mukoro, Co-Director, Young Rock Soccer Academy
Diana Reyna, New York City Council Member (District 34)
Letitia “Tish” James, New York City Council Member (District 35)
Donna Cirolia, VP, Public Affairs, Coca-Cola Refreshments
Representatives from Body Sculpt, Coalition for Hispanic Family Services,
El Puente, Seeds in the Middle, and Woodhull Kids Ride Club.
WHAT: Young Soccer Academy Annual Parent vs. Children Soccer Game
WHEN: Saturday, December 15, 2012, 10 am-12 pm Remarks – 10:15 am, Soccer game to follow WHERE: Long Island University – Schwartz Gymnasium
1 University Plaza (corner of DeKalb and Flatbush Avenues)
# # #
CM James Comments On DSK Civil Settlement
**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
DECEMBER 10, 2012
Contact: Aja Worthy-Davis (212) 788-7081
Council Member Letitia James Comments On DSK Civil Settlement
(New York, NY)— On Monday, December 10, 2012, former IMF-head and French Diplomat Dominique Strauss-Kahn signed a settlement agreement regarding his civil suit with Nafissatou Diallo, a Guinean housekeeper who charged him with sexually assaulting her.
“As a strong advocate for victim’s rights, I am relieved that on some level justice has been served,” said Council Member Letitia James. “I hope this sends a strong message to those who would think that power and influence affords them the right to violate the rights of woman.”
The criminal case against Strauss-Kahn provoked harsh media scrutiny into the life and personal history of Ms. Diallo, who at one point was falsely labeled as a prostitute. In August 2011, Council Member James held a press conference with women’s advocacy organizations calling for a fair criminal trial for Ms. Diallo, and an end to personal attacks.
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DECEMBER 10, 2012
Contact: Aja Worthy-Davis (212) 788-7081
Council Member Letitia James Comments On DSK Civil Settlement
(New York, NY)— On Monday, December 10, 2012, former IMF-head and French Diplomat Dominique Strauss-Kahn signed a settlement agreement regarding his civil suit with Nafissatou Diallo, a Guinean housekeeper who charged him with sexually assaulting her.
“As a strong advocate for victim’s rights, I am relieved that on some level justice has been served,” said Council Member Letitia James. “I hope this sends a strong message to those who would think that power and influence affords them the right to violate the rights of woman.”
The criminal case against Strauss-Kahn provoked harsh media scrutiny into the life and personal history of Ms. Diallo, who at one point was falsely labeled as a prostitute. In August 2011, Council Member James held a press conference with women’s advocacy organizations calling for a fair criminal trial for Ms. Diallo, and an end to personal attacks.
###
Friday, December 7, 2012
Friends of Clinton Hill Library Book and Bake Sale!
Friends of Clinton Hill Library Book and Bake Sale!Saturday, December 8th 10 AM—4 PM
• Raise funds for programs and materials at the Clinton Hill branch.
• FREE tattoos for kids!
To help staff the sale or to donate baked goods, please call 718-398- 8713 during library hours.
Clinton Hill Branch, 380 Washington Avenue, Brooklyn
M/Tu/Th/Fri 10-6
Wed 1-8
Sat 10-5
CM James Comments on Supreme Court Deliberation of Historic Marriage Equality Cases
**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
DECEMBER 7, 2012
Contact: Aja Worthy-Davis (212) 788-7081
Council Member Letitia James Comments on Supreme Court Deliberation of Historic Marriage Equality Cases
(New York, NY)— On Friday, December 07, 2012, the United States Supreme Court announced that two marriage equality cases would be heard in the nation’s highest court in early 2013— California’s Proposition 8, which banned same-sex marriage in that state; and the Windsor case, which addresses the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). The Ms. Edie Windsor, 83, was required to over $363,000 in United States estate taxes after the death of her spouse Dr. Thea Spyer, because DOMA prohibits their marriage from being recognized under federal law. If Ms. Windsor had a heterosexual marriage, no federal estate tax would have been owed.
"I am deeply pleased with the Supreme Court’s decision to hear these important cases, and hope that we are on the road to overcoming DOMA and the over 1,000 federal benefits it denies same-sex spouses,” said Council Member Letitia James. “Ms. Windsor and Dr. Spyer’s love story was beautifully told in the documentary Edie & Thea: A Very Long Engagement, which captured their 42 years together, culminating in their 2009 wedding in Canada. It is fitting that a woman who challenged stereotypes to become a computer programmer in the 1960’s stand today as a champion for equal legal rights. I stand with many in hope that these historic challenges usher on the federal recognition of the legitimacy of same-sex."
##
DECEMBER 7, 2012
Contact: Aja Worthy-Davis (212) 788-7081
Council Member Letitia James Comments on Supreme Court Deliberation of Historic Marriage Equality Cases
(New York, NY)— On Friday, December 07, 2012, the United States Supreme Court announced that two marriage equality cases would be heard in the nation’s highest court in early 2013— California’s Proposition 8, which banned same-sex marriage in that state; and the Windsor case, which addresses the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). The Ms. Edie Windsor, 83, was required to over $363,000 in United States estate taxes after the death of her spouse Dr. Thea Spyer, because DOMA prohibits their marriage from being recognized under federal law. If Ms. Windsor had a heterosexual marriage, no federal estate tax would have been owed.
"I am deeply pleased with the Supreme Court’s decision to hear these important cases, and hope that we are on the road to overcoming DOMA and the over 1,000 federal benefits it denies same-sex spouses,” said Council Member Letitia James. “Ms. Windsor and Dr. Spyer’s love story was beautifully told in the documentary Edie & Thea: A Very Long Engagement, which captured their 42 years together, culminating in their 2009 wedding in Canada. It is fitting that a woman who challenged stereotypes to become a computer programmer in the 1960’s stand today as a champion for equal legal rights. I stand with many in hope that these historic challenges usher on the federal recognition of the legitimacy of same-sex."
##
CM James Comments on Interfaith Medical Center Hospital Recently Announced Plans to Declare Bankruptcy If Funding Is Not Secured
**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
DECEMBER 3, 2012
Contact: Aja Worthy-Davis (212) 788-7081
Council Member Letitia James Comments on Interfaith Medical Center Hospital Recently Announced Plans to Declare Bankruptcy If Funding Is Not Secured
(New York, NY)— On Sunday, December 2, 2012, officials representing Interfaith Medical Center announced plans for the hospital to declare bankruptcy if necessary funding is not secured. Interfaith Hospital, which provides service to the Bedford-Stuyvesant and Crown Heights communities, has experienced significant financial hardship in the past few years, and has depended heavily on New York State aid.
In January 2012, the Medicaid Re-design plan (Berger Commission report) laid-out a number of existing issues in Brooklyn hospitals, and placed the bulk of the blame on hospital boards and management. The report found hospital boards failed to properly evaluate financial and clinical performance, or set strategic goals. In response to the findings, Wyckoff Hospital, Interfaith Medical Center, and Brooklyn Hospital Center (three of the hospital identified as ‘vulnerable’ in the report) seeked to agree to terms that would initiate a merger. Interfaith Hospital has expressed their interest in reconfiguring organizational operations to address current issues. However, Interfaith was not able to establish a reconfiguration plan that allowed them to maintain control over their functioning and leadership, and officials are deeply concerned that a merger that effectively folds one hospital into another will lead to the closure of Interfaith and the loss of those health resources in the Central Brooklyn community.
Interfaith needs New York State to guarantee an estimated $20 million in what is called ‘debtor-in-possession financing’ to underwrite its operating costs during the reorganization. According to media reports, hospital officials have stated that the State Dormitory Authority, which holds $130 million of the hospital's debt, refused to provide the financing unless Interfaith would first sign an agreement to merge with Brooklyn Hospital.
“New York State needs to step up and secure the $20 million needed to guarantee another year of health services for Bed-Stuy and Crown Heights residents,” said Council Member Letitia James. “Under the leadership of Governor Cuomo, I believe a merger that incorporates the vision of Interfaith can be established. It is imperative that we move towards that goal to save this comprehensive hospital, and the 1,600 jobs that would otherwise be eliminated.”
New York State requires vulnerable hospitals seeking to apply for public funding or merge to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) outlining the terms of the agreement.
###
DECEMBER 3, 2012
Contact: Aja Worthy-Davis (212) 788-7081
Council Member Letitia James Comments on Interfaith Medical Center Hospital Recently Announced Plans to Declare Bankruptcy If Funding Is Not Secured
(New York, NY)— On Sunday, December 2, 2012, officials representing Interfaith Medical Center announced plans for the hospital to declare bankruptcy if necessary funding is not secured. Interfaith Hospital, which provides service to the Bedford-Stuyvesant and Crown Heights communities, has experienced significant financial hardship in the past few years, and has depended heavily on New York State aid.
In January 2012, the Medicaid Re-design plan (Berger Commission report) laid-out a number of existing issues in Brooklyn hospitals, and placed the bulk of the blame on hospital boards and management. The report found hospital boards failed to properly evaluate financial and clinical performance, or set strategic goals. In response to the findings, Wyckoff Hospital, Interfaith Medical Center, and Brooklyn Hospital Center (three of the hospital identified as ‘vulnerable’ in the report) seeked to agree to terms that would initiate a merger. Interfaith Hospital has expressed their interest in reconfiguring organizational operations to address current issues. However, Interfaith was not able to establish a reconfiguration plan that allowed them to maintain control over their functioning and leadership, and officials are deeply concerned that a merger that effectively folds one hospital into another will lead to the closure of Interfaith and the loss of those health resources in the Central Brooklyn community.
Interfaith needs New York State to guarantee an estimated $20 million in what is called ‘debtor-in-possession financing’ to underwrite its operating costs during the reorganization. According to media reports, hospital officials have stated that the State Dormitory Authority, which holds $130 million of the hospital's debt, refused to provide the financing unless Interfaith would first sign an agreement to merge with Brooklyn Hospital.
“New York State needs to step up and secure the $20 million needed to guarantee another year of health services for Bed-Stuy and Crown Heights residents,” said Council Member Letitia James. “Under the leadership of Governor Cuomo, I believe a merger that incorporates the vision of Interfaith can be established. It is imperative that we move towards that goal to save this comprehensive hospital, and the 1,600 jobs that would otherwise be eliminated.”
New York State requires vulnerable hospitals seeking to apply for public funding or merge to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) outlining the terms of the agreement.
###
ATTENTION: Putnam Court Affordable Housing Application
Putnam Court is an affordable housing development being built in Clinton Hill by Dunn Development (the developer of the Navy Green projects). There are 24 studio apartments with a rent of $613, for those making an annual income between $22,068 and $29,050. The application is available here: http://www.scribd.com/doc/114787981/Putnam-Court-Application-Final. An additional 34 apartments will house those in need of supportive housing. The application must be postmarked by January 15, 2013.
More information on the project is available here: http://www.dunndev.com/L3/putnam.html
More information on the project is available here: http://www.dunndev.com/L3/putnam.html
ATTENTION: Holiday Party, Toy Drive; 12/12; Clinton Hill
The Brooklyn community is invited to a 2012 Holiday Celebration and Toy Drive for children in need. All attendees are asked to donate a new or unwrapped toy. You may also drop off toys at the Office of Council Member Letitia James between the hours of 9:30 am – 5:30pm, located at 67 Hanson Place, Ground Floor.
WHEN: Wednesday, December 12, 2012
TIME: 6:00pm until 10:00pm
WHERE: Sanders Studio
525 Waverly Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11238
(between Fulton Street and Atlantic Avenue)
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