**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.
###
Showing posts with label NYS Assembly. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NYS Assembly. Show all posts
Friday, December 21, 2012
Monday, October 31, 2011
CM James And BK Speaks Urge Community To SPEAK UP For RPPs In Downtown, Central BK
**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE** October 31, 2011
Contact Amyre Loomis at (718) 260-9191
COUNCIL MEMBER LETITIA JAMES AND BROOKLYN SPEAKS URGE THE COMMUNITY TO SPEAK UP FOR RESIDENTIAL PERMIT PARKING IN CENTRAL BROOKLYN!
State legislation required to limit consequences of Barclays Center traffic
WHAT: Hearing of the New York City Council Committee on State and Federal Legislation
WHEN: Wednesday, 11/2 at 10:30AM
WHERE: 250 Broadway, 14th Floor
According to the Empire State Development Corporation, when the Barclays Center opens in September 2012, an expected 35% of arena patrons, or as many as 5,600 cars will travel to the site for each of the projected 220 events held each year. If nothing is done before to mitigate this volume of traffic, there will be an increased risk of vehicular, pedestrian and bicycle accidents that already make Atlantic Avenue Brooklyn's most dangerous road. This barrage of traffic is also expected to cause significant delays at more than half of the intersections within a half mile of the arena. And it will result in almost 3,000 arena patrons taking curbside parking spots in Park Slope, Boerum Hill, Fort Greene, and Prospect Heights.
Among all of the impacts to neighborhood character and quality of life that will come from locating Atlantic Yards' arena within residential communities, none are of greater consequence to more residents than the traffic generated from arena events. But, there is a way to reduce the demand for our local streets. It's called "residential permit parking," or RPP, and it's been effective in other cities, like Boston and Chicago, where sports facilities are located in densely-populated areas. By limiting on-street parking during arena events to local residents, RPP will create a disincentive for arena patrons to drive, reducing congestion and making streets safer.
New York City requires authorization from the State legislature before it can implement RPP. On Wednesday, 11/2 at 10:30AM, the City Council will hear testimony on legislation authorizing the City to enact residential permit parking programs in the five boroughs.
The BrooklynSpeaks sponsors and Council Member James implore you to participate in this critical hearing and make your voice heard.
Please email us with your plans to attend and interest in speaking!
###
Contact Amyre Loomis at (718) 260-9191
COUNCIL MEMBER LETITIA JAMES AND BROOKLYN SPEAKS URGE THE COMMUNITY TO SPEAK UP FOR RESIDENTIAL PERMIT PARKING IN CENTRAL BROOKLYN!
State legislation required to limit consequences of Barclays Center traffic
WHAT: Hearing of the New York City Council Committee on State and Federal Legislation
WHEN: Wednesday, 11/2 at 10:30AM
WHERE: 250 Broadway, 14th Floor
According to the Empire State Development Corporation, when the Barclays Center opens in September 2012, an expected 35% of arena patrons, or as many as 5,600 cars will travel to the site for each of the projected 220 events held each year. If nothing is done before to mitigate this volume of traffic, there will be an increased risk of vehicular, pedestrian and bicycle accidents that already make Atlantic Avenue Brooklyn's most dangerous road. This barrage of traffic is also expected to cause significant delays at more than half of the intersections within a half mile of the arena. And it will result in almost 3,000 arena patrons taking curbside parking spots in Park Slope, Boerum Hill, Fort Greene, and Prospect Heights.
Among all of the impacts to neighborhood character and quality of life that will come from locating Atlantic Yards' arena within residential communities, none are of greater consequence to more residents than the traffic generated from arena events. But, there is a way to reduce the demand for our local streets. It's called "residential permit parking," or RPP, and it's been effective in other cities, like Boston and Chicago, where sports facilities are located in densely-populated areas. By limiting on-street parking during arena events to local residents, RPP will create a disincentive for arena patrons to drive, reducing congestion and making streets safer.
New York City requires authorization from the State legislature before it can implement RPP. On Wednesday, 11/2 at 10:30AM, the City Council will hear testimony on legislation authorizing the City to enact residential permit parking programs in the five boroughs.
The BrooklynSpeaks sponsors and Council Member James implore you to participate in this critical hearing and make your voice heard.
Please email us with your plans to attend and interest in speaking!
###
Sunday, June 26, 2011
CM James Comments on Passage of Marriage Equality Act
**For Immediate Release**
June 25, 2011
Contact: Amyre Loomis at (718) 260-9191
Statement by Council Member Letitia James on Passage of Marriage Equality Act
Today, we are all proud to be New Yorkers. Thank you Governor Cuomo, bill sponsors Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and Assembly Member Daniel O'Donnell, and all New Yorkers for their hard work in achieving marriage equality - persistence has prevailed in the 2011 session.
History was witnessed; a human rights struggle was finally realized yesterday in the dark of night. And so, today we rise, with the moral arc of justice on our side, as we take in the full breath and depth of knowing in the dawn of this new day, that the full weight, faith and credit of New York State now recognizes and upholds marriage equality for all.
I look forward to celebrating this victory, a win for everyone seeking equality and justice in life. Congratulations to the New York Legislature for passing the Marriage Equality Act, which allows same-sex couples to marry their significant other and receive the basic legal protections of marriage; what a tremendous and historic move!
According to polls, a majority of New York residents support the victory, and it is significant because of the rich history of gay rights in this state, including the movement’s foundational moment during June 1969 when a riot against police and for gay rights occurred inside the Stonewall Inn.
The passage of this law is especially important because it repositions New York again as a leader in equality, as well as eliminates discrimination from the law books. The national gay-rights movement has been given new momentum, and New York is now the largest state where gay couples are able to marry.
As we move forward, let's remember the eloquent text of the bill that states: Marriage is a fundamental human right. Same-sex couples should have the same access as others to the protections, responsibilities, rights, obligations, and benefits of civil marriage. Stable family relationships help build a stronger society. For the welfare of the community and in fairness to all New Yorkers, this act formally recognizes otherwise-valid marriages without regard to whether the parties are of the same or different sex.
###
June 25, 2011
Contact: Amyre Loomis at (718) 260-9191
Statement by Council Member Letitia James on Passage of Marriage Equality Act
Today, we are all proud to be New Yorkers. Thank you Governor Cuomo, bill sponsors Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and Assembly Member Daniel O'Donnell, and all New Yorkers for their hard work in achieving marriage equality - persistence has prevailed in the 2011 session.
History was witnessed; a human rights struggle was finally realized yesterday in the dark of night. And so, today we rise, with the moral arc of justice on our side, as we take in the full breath and depth of knowing in the dawn of this new day, that the full weight, faith and credit of New York State now recognizes and upholds marriage equality for all.
I look forward to celebrating this victory, a win for everyone seeking equality and justice in life. Congratulations to the New York Legislature for passing the Marriage Equality Act, which allows same-sex couples to marry their significant other and receive the basic legal protections of marriage; what a tremendous and historic move!
According to polls, a majority of New York residents support the victory, and it is significant because of the rich history of gay rights in this state, including the movement’s foundational moment during June 1969 when a riot against police and for gay rights occurred inside the Stonewall Inn.
The passage of this law is especially important because it repositions New York again as a leader in equality, as well as eliminates discrimination from the law books. The national gay-rights movement has been given new momentum, and New York is now the largest state where gay couples are able to marry.
As we move forward, let's remember the eloquent text of the bill that states: Marriage is a fundamental human right. Same-sex couples should have the same access as others to the protections, responsibilities, rights, obligations, and benefits of civil marriage. Stable family relationships help build a stronger society. For the welfare of the community and in fairness to all New Yorkers, this act formally recognizes otherwise-valid marriages without regard to whether the parties are of the same or different sex.
###
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
CM James, Elected Officials Travel to Albany To Lobby Legislators on Strengthening, Extending Rent Laws
**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
MAY 23, 2011
Contact Amyre Loomis at (718) 260-9191
Council Member James and Colleagues Travel to Albany Tuesday to Lobby Legislators on Strengthening and Extending Rent Laws: Tent Cities Also Setting Up Across New York to Show What NYC Will Be Like Without Stronger Rent Laws
Tenants Calling on Governor Cuomo and State Legislature to Take Action
(Brooklyn, NY) – “I stand with renters, housing advocates and colleagues in a unified front to protect rent stabilization laws; they must be preserved this year and each year…for the future of every resident in New York State,” said Council Member James as she and others prepare to visit Albany, as well as support tent cities planned for this week and next.
With the deadline to strengthen rent laws just three weeks away, tenants and advocates from across New York City are organizing a series of tent cities across New York to show what the City will be like if laws are not renewed and strengthened.
The tent cities are meant to clearly show what will happen if the Governor and Legislature fail to renew and strengthen these laws by repealing of vacancy destabilization. Tenants will be demonstrating how New York City could become “Cuomoville,” if the Governor does not make the strengthening of the rent laws a clear priority. Some 2.5 million tenants in New York City and the surrounding suburbs depend on these laws to prevent unfair rent increases and unlawful evictions. If laws are not renewed and strengthened, many tenants will be put out on the streets.
Tent City Schedule
Tuesday May 24, Brooklyn
Where: The plaza at Brooklyn Borough Hall (2, 3, 4, 5 to Borough Hall A, C, F, N, R to Jay St. – MetroTech)
When: Press conference at noon, vigil from 7 to 9 PM, and Tent City campout all night
For more info: jon_furlong@prattarea.org
Thursday May 26, Queens
Where: St. Mary Help of Christians Church, 70-31 48th Ave. (at 72nd St.), Woodside (E, F, M, R to Jackson)
When: Press conference 11 AM, 6-8 PM cultural events, Tent City vigil 8 PM
For more info: ericka.s@anhd.org
Tuesday May 31, Manhattan
Where: Holy Apostle Church, W. 28th St. & 9th Ave, Chelsea (1 to 28th St at 7th Ave.), (A, C, E to 34th St. at 8th Ave.)
When: Tent City gathering at 10 AM Tuesday, campout all night
For more info: kayla@rcn.com
Wednesday June 1, City Hall
Where: Gather at Broadway and E. 10th St., march to City Hall
When: March starts at 8pm, Tent City gathering to begin at 9 PM
For more info: www.blessednightout.org
Thursday June 2, Washington Heights
Where: Ft. Washington Collegiate Church, 181st St at Ft. Wash. Avenue (A to 181st Street)
When: Tent City gathering begins at 10 AM
For more info: andresmares@mirabalcenter.org
For additional information please call: Mary Tek, Rent Regulation Organizer, Tenants & Neighbors, (212) 608-4320 x 316.
###
MAY 23, 2011
Contact Amyre Loomis at (718) 260-9191
Council Member James and Colleagues Travel to Albany Tuesday to Lobby Legislators on Strengthening and Extending Rent Laws: Tent Cities Also Setting Up Across New York to Show What NYC Will Be Like Without Stronger Rent Laws
Tenants Calling on Governor Cuomo and State Legislature to Take Action
(Brooklyn, NY) – “I stand with renters, housing advocates and colleagues in a unified front to protect rent stabilization laws; they must be preserved this year and each year…for the future of every resident in New York State,” said Council Member James as she and others prepare to visit Albany, as well as support tent cities planned for this week and next.
With the deadline to strengthen rent laws just three weeks away, tenants and advocates from across New York City are organizing a series of tent cities across New York to show what the City will be like if laws are not renewed and strengthened.
The tent cities are meant to clearly show what will happen if the Governor and Legislature fail to renew and strengthen these laws by repealing of vacancy destabilization. Tenants will be demonstrating how New York City could become “Cuomoville,” if the Governor does not make the strengthening of the rent laws a clear priority. Some 2.5 million tenants in New York City and the surrounding suburbs depend on these laws to prevent unfair rent increases and unlawful evictions. If laws are not renewed and strengthened, many tenants will be put out on the streets.
Tent City Schedule
Tuesday May 24, Brooklyn
Where: The plaza at Brooklyn Borough Hall (2, 3, 4, 5 to Borough Hall A, C, F, N, R to Jay St. – MetroTech)
When: Press conference at noon, vigil from 7 to 9 PM, and Tent City campout all night
For more info: jon_furlong@prattarea.org
Thursday May 26, Queens
Where: St. Mary Help of Christians Church, 70-31 48th Ave. (at 72nd St.), Woodside (E, F, M, R to Jackson)
When: Press conference 11 AM, 6-8 PM cultural events, Tent City vigil 8 PM
For more info: ericka.s@anhd.org
Tuesday May 31, Manhattan
Where: Holy Apostle Church, W. 28th St. & 9th Ave, Chelsea (1 to 28th St at 7th Ave.), (A, C, E to 34th St. at 8th Ave.)
When: Tent City gathering at 10 AM Tuesday, campout all night
For more info: kayla@rcn.com
Wednesday June 1, City Hall
Where: Gather at Broadway and E. 10th St., march to City Hall
When: March starts at 8pm, Tent City gathering to begin at 9 PM
For more info: www.blessednightout.org
Thursday June 2, Washington Heights
Where: Ft. Washington Collegiate Church, 181st St at Ft. Wash. Avenue (A to 181st Street)
When: Tent City gathering begins at 10 AM
For more info: andresmares@mirabalcenter.org
For additional information please call: Mary Tek, Rent Regulation Organizer, Tenants & Neighbors, (212) 608-4320 x 316.
###
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
State Officials Take A Stand Against Bed Bugs
Speaking of the creepy crawlies, Governor Paterson recently signed into law the Bedbug Disclosure Act, which will require owners to disclose a one-year history of bedbug infestations to any potential tenants.Additionally, a newly-passed NYS law requires health officials to alert parents if bedbugs are found anywhere on school premises.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
CLSJ Conducts Parent Workshops EVERY THURSDAY!
The Center for Law and Social Justice at Medgar Evers College/CUNY (CLSJ) is conducting a series of workshops for parents in Central Brooklyn. The workshops, which started in January, are designed to teach parents how to advocate for their children’s education. Entitled Parent Advocates Coming Together (or P.A.C.T), the workshops are held weekly - EVERY THURSDAY - at the headquarters for CLSJ (located at 1534 Bedford Avenue, 2nd floor, Brooklyn, NY 11216). The workshops are free and open to all parents. Light refreshments will be served and workshop materials will be provided, also at no cost.For additional information about P.A.C.T, please contact Oseye Mchawi at omchawi@mec.cuny.edu or call 718-804-8893.
Esmeralda Simmons, Esq., Executive Director of CLSJ says that these workshops are designed to get parents to not only think about how to best advocate for their children but will allow them to engage in interactive role playing and mock demonstrations. “The PACT workshops will truly be interactive. For example parents will have the opportunity to role play scenarios based on actual life situations that one may come across in dealing with the Department of Education. This, we hope, will offer a deeper level of understanding about how to powerfully advocate for their children.”
Some of the planned workshop topics, which will be led by some of the most respected educational leaders and advocates in New York City, include:
* Planning Your Child’s Education: Pre-K thru 12th Grade
* Parents’ Rights and Responsibilities
* Achievement Standards
* The Department of Education Disciplinary Code: What Is It and How Does It Relate to My Child?
* Navigating Public Education for Immigrant Students, and much more
P.A.C.T is funded by the New York Council of Black, Latino, and Asian Caucus and New York State Assembly Members Annette Robinson and Inez Barron.
Monday, November 30, 2009
ATTENTION: Upcoming Community (and City) Events
Click on the links below for two job openings at NYCHA's Ingersoll-Whitman Community Center in the 57th Assembly District.
http://www.universitysettlement.org/jobs/view/54
http://www.universitysettlement.org/jobs/view/55
______________________
http://www.universitysettlement.org/jobs/view/54
http://www.universitysettlement.org/jobs/view/55
______________________
Join Governor David Paterson for a community conversation in Brooklyn on Tuesday, December 1, 2009 with central Brooklyn elected officials.
Brooklyn, NY 11216
WHEN: Tuesday, December 1, 2009
6:00pm – 8:00pm
6:00pm – 8:00pm
Event is sponsored by US Representative Ed Towns, NYS Senator Velmanette Montgomery, NYS Assembly Member Annette Robinson, and NYC Council Member Al Vann. For information call Assemblywoman Annette M. Robinson: (718) 399-7630 OR
First A.M.E. Zion Church: (718) 638-3343
First A.M.E. Zion Church: (718) 638-3343
______________________
Join Emmanuel Baptist Church in a clothing drive (coats and shoes) for the homeless of New York City, as well as a clothing drive for the needy in Haiti. ONLY clean and slightly used, or brand new items are requested! The drive will be for one day only, and will be held on Saturday, Dec. 5, 2009, at 10am to 4pm in the church parlor.
LOCATION: 279 Lafayette Avenue
(at the corner of St. James Place)
Brooklyn, N.Y. 11205
LOCATION: 279 Lafayette Avenue
(at the corner of St. James Place)
Brooklyn, N.Y. 11205
______________________
St. Luke's Church invites you to their Holiday Bazaar. There will be food, clothes, and holiday items on sale.
WHEN: Saturday, December 5, 2009
11am- 5pm
LOCATION: 259 Washington Avenue
(between Dekalb & Willoughby Avenues)
Brooklyn, NY 11205
Brooklyn, NY 11205
For more information, please call (718) 622-5612
______________________
You Can Make a Difference Health & Wellness Symposium
WHEN: Saturday, December 5, 2009
10am- 1:30pm
LOCATION: Medgar Evers College High School (MECHS)
(corner of Nostrand Avenue & Carroll Street)
1186 Carroll Street
______________________
You Can Make a Difference Health & Wellness Symposium
WHEN: Saturday, December 5, 2009
10am- 1:30pm
LOCATION: Medgar Evers College High School (MECHS)
(corner of Nostrand Avenue & Carroll Street)
1186 Carroll Street
Brooklyn, NY 11225
Presenting topics relevant to Wellness and Disease prevention in African-Americans,
particularly, and 2010 Census information including: diabetes, cancer, heart disease, hypertension, obesity and HIV/AIDS.
Contact (646) 824-6810 or (718) 346-9847 for more information.
Presenting topics relevant to Wellness and Disease prevention in African-Americans,
particularly, and 2010 Census information including: diabetes, cancer, heart disease, hypertension, obesity and HIV/AIDS.
Contact (646) 824-6810 or (718) 346-9847 for more information.
_________________________
Albany: Have we reached the Tipping Point?
Join the League of Women Voters on Tuesday, December 8, 2009 at 5:30pm to 8pm in the Grand Ballroom at 4 West 43rd Street in Manhattan. To RSVP call (212) 725-3541 or email office@lwvnyc.org.
Larry Norden, Senior Counsel of the Democracy Project at New York University's Brennan Center for Justice, will discuss possible solutions regarding reform in New York State government including redistricting, campaign finance, ethics and house rules.
Albany: Have we reached the Tipping Point?
Join the League of Women Voters on Tuesday, December 8, 2009 at 5:30pm to 8pm in the Grand Ballroom at 4 West 43rd Street in Manhattan. To RSVP call (212) 725-3541 or email office@lwvnyc.org.
Larry Norden, Senior Counsel of the Democracy Project at New York University's Brennan Center for Justice, will discuss possible solutions regarding reform in New York State government including redistricting, campaign finance, ethics and house rules.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Tish testifies at NYS Assembly hearing
After the press conference and rally held on the steps of City Hall, a public hearing was held in the Assembly Hearing Room in which Council Members James and De Blasio were invited to testify on the relocation of the men's homeless intake center from Manhattan to Brooklyn:
"Maybe there would be merit if Bellevue was being closed for affordable housing... then maybe! Instead, it is going towards ANOTHER luxury hotel... How dare this administration put me and my colleagues in the center of having to choose between a recreational facility and an intake center."
In what Council Member DeBlasio dubbed 'a dangling carrot,' both council members argued passionately on behalf of the residents of Crown Heigts. Both reasoned that this part of Brooklyn is home to more services per square mile that any other area in New York City, and that the intake center would hamper the business improvements, economic development, safety, and rezoning efforts made by the local residents. Furthermore, it is illogical to have homeless men traveling to a Brooklyn intake center given that approximately 60% of the city's homeless are based in Manhattan.
This is the latest in a number of press conferences Letitia has held on this issue. Tish and others that hold her same stance hope to appeal to State officials as well as use Land Use laws (ULURP), and public outcry as a means to halt the proposed intake center.
In her own words, "Brooklyn will no longer serve as a dumping ground for Manhattan and this administration's elitism."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
