CM James Comments On Court Decision Regarding Council’s Prevailing Wage Bill

**For Immediate Release**
August 6, 2013

Contact: Aja Worthy-Davis (212) 788-7081

Council Member James Comments On Court Decision Regarding Council’s Prevailing Wage Bill
Manhattan Supreme Court Struck Down Bill Citing NYS Minimum Wage Conflict

(New York, NY)— On August 5, 2013, Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Geoffrey Wright struck down prevailing wage legislation passed in the New York City Council was, finding it to contradict New York State minimum wage laws.

The prevailing wage legislation, initially approved by the Council in April 2012, would require recipients of major city subsidies to pay building service workers a prevailing wage, which will be set by the New York City Comptroller.

Currently, prevailing wages are set by the Comptroller for work on public projects, though the wages differ by occupation and are meant to reflect current union rates.

“I renew my support for the prevailing wage legislation, and join my colleagues in the fight for higher union-level wages for workers in buildings where the City is the major leaseholder,” said Council Member Letitia James. “In his decision Justice Wright recognized that—contrary to arguments from the administration— this legislation is beneficial to many of the City’s service workers and good for our local economy.”

On May 15, 2012, the City Council voted to override Mayor Bloomberg’s veto of the prevailing wage legislation.

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ATTENTION: NYC Council Overrides Mayoral Veto of Prevailing Wage Legislation

At yesterday's Stated Council hearing, the New York City Council voted to override a mayoral veto on legislation that will require recipients of city subsidies pay building service workers a prevailing wage, which will be set by the New York City Comptroller. The prevailing and living wage legislation has been heavily-supported by the Council's Progressive Caucus. Living wage was initially approved by the Council on April 30, 2012.

ATTENTION: NYC Council Approves Living Wage Legislation

The New York City Council approved the living wage legislation on Monday's (April 30th) Stated hearing. The legislation would mandate minimum pay of $11.50 per hour— or $10 without benefits— for employers receiving public funding with gross revenues over $5 million dollars a year. Mayor Bloomberg has been highly critical of the legislation.

Council Member James has been an active voice— along with much of the Progressive Caucus— on achieving living wage in New York City.

“With a growing number of New Yorkers unemployed or underemployed, I have difficulty interpreting the opposition to living wage as anything more than a divisive scare tactic,” said Council Member Letitia James. “New York City’s unemployment rate is at 9.6%, and we have seen the issue of income inequality become a nationwide discussion. It’s long past time we take this step towards fairer wages for employees.”

ATTENTION: CB2 Seeks Economic Development Cmte Secretary

Community Board 2's Economic Development and Job Creation Committee is seeking a secretary to take notes for its monthly meeting.

Those interested may e-mail cb2econdev@gmail.com.

More at the NYT-Local here.

ATTENTION: CACCI Hosts Small Business Workshop; 1/28; Flatbush

The Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (CACCI) invites business-owners (and potential business owners) to attend a Small Business Workshop entitled "MANAGING YOUR BUSINESS IN TODAYS ECONOMY"

TOPICS:
Access to Small Business Financing & Business Services
• Tax & Budget Preparations for your Business
• Accessing Finances from Traditional and non-Traditional Lenders
• Establishing and Growing your business in todays Business Climate

WHEN: Friday, January 28, 2011

9:00am

WHERE: Flatbush Caton Market
814 Flatbush Avenue

Brooklyn, NY

Seats are limited, so please register today! Please call 718-834-4544 for more information.

Convened by: Dr. Roy A. Hastick, Sr., President/CEO CACCI
Sponsored by: NYC Department of Small Business Services (DSBS)

ATTENTION: NYCHA Hosts Town Hall On Capital Funds/Projects; 12/2; PS 67

Tonight, the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) is hosting a town hall on December 2, 2010 at 6PM with NYCHA Chairman John Rhea to update residents of Atlantic Terminal, Farragut, Ingersol & Whitman on capital funds and stimulus-funded projects.

The town hall will be hosted at-
PS 67 (Charles A. Dorsey)
51 St. Edwards Street
(btwn. Myrtle Avenue and Park Avenue)
Brooklyn, NY 11205

Please call the Office of Council Member Letitia James (718) 260-9191 for more information.

FUREE/MOCADA Screen "Some Place Like Home"; 3/14; 4PM

SOME PLACE LIKE HOME: The Fight Against Gentrification In Downtown Brooklyn
is screening again at Irondale (85 South Oxford Street, Brooklyn, NY 11217) on Sunday, March 14, 2010 at 4:00pm. The screening is free to the public.

Produced by members of Families United for Racial and Economic Equality (FUREE) and narrated by Kevin Powell, this documentary explores the downside of rampant development in downtown Brooklyn and the devastating effect this has had on local residents, small business owners, and the community at large.

The screening will be followed by a Q & A session with members of FUREE.

This screening is presented in collaboration with the Museum of Contemporary African Diasporan Arts (MOCADA).

ATTENTION: Research Conference at CUNY's Center for Puerto Rican Studies; 12/11; 9AM

A RESEARCH CONFERENCE- PATHWAYS TO ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY

Discussing Puerto Ricans in low wage jobs and labor markets.

When: Friday, December 11, 2009
Time: 9:00AM – 3:30PM
Where: Hunter College, School of Social Work
129 East 79th Street (near Lexington)
New York, NY 10075

Registration is required– register online at http://www.centropr.org/. Lunch will be provided.
For the most updated information visit http://www.centropr.org/ or call (212) 772-5714.

ATTENTION: Upcoming Community Events

Council Member Letitia James, in collaboration with Watchful Eye, Community Youth, Inc., and Serum Music, presents...

"A Celebration of Praise & Thanksgiving"

at...the "Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts at the Walt Whitman Theatre"

Location: 2900 Campus Road @ Hillel Place
1 block west of "The Junction" Intersection of Hillel Place and Nostrand & Flatbush Avenues

When: Sunday, November 15, 2009 @ 4:30PM

Please call the office of CM James at (718) 260-9191 for more information.

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The Cumberland Diagnostic & Treatment Center's Division of Chemical Dependency cordially invites you to an Open House-

When: Wednesday, November 18, 2009
12 noon- 3pm
Where: 100 North Portland Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11205

For more information, contact (718) 260-7806. Refreshments will be served.
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Economic Recovery & Business Stimulus Conference

Join the Black Church Means Business on Thursday, November 19, 2009 at the Riverside Church in New York City to meet, network, and begin to do business with hundreds of small business owners, more than 400 clergy and church leaders, corporate executives, government agencies, and not-for-profit organizations.

There is a small fee to register. For more information you may call (718) 638-6397.
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In recognition of the Thanksgiving Holiday and the current economic crisis affecting so many, join the 57th Assembly District Democratic Organization, State Senator Velmanette Montgomery, State Senator Eric Adams and 57th A.D. Democratic Organization & District Committeeperson Olanike Alabi in a canned food drive and reception to benefit the Child Development Support Corporation's (CDSC) food pantry which serves residents in Central Brooklyn. WE ENCOURAGE ALL WHO WILL ATTEND TO BRING 5 CANS OF FOOD.


When: Thursday, November 19, 2009

6pm- 8pm


Where: Teen Challenge Center
444 Clinton Avenue
Brooklyn, N.Y 11238

Governor Paterson Statement On Extension of Fed. Unemployment Insurance

STATEMENT FROM GOVERNOR DAVID A. PATERSON ON EXTENSION OF FEDERAL UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE

President Obama signed a federal extension of Unemployment Insurance, ensuring that nearly 55,000 New Yorkers who had previously exhausted their benefits will be entitled to an additional 20 weeks.

Unemployment Insurance was created as a safety net for workers who found themselves out of work through no fault of their own. In an economic climate where there is only one job for every six unemployed New Yorkers, Unemployment Insurance has taken on a different meaning. It has quickly changed from a safety net to a lifeline.

As I travel the State and speak with unemployed New Yorkers, I am encouraged to hear that they do not want to collect unemployment benefits forever. They want to work, and there is nothing they want more than the financial independence a good job has to offer.

I encourage the unemployed in New York to visit one of our 81 One-Stop Centers across the State as often as possible. Let our experts help you find a job. From the Department of Labor’s On-the-Job Training program to new opportunities targeting the clean energy sector, there are dozens of government programs that unemployed New Yorkers may not be aware of and they should take advantage of them.

In addition, workers should also visit the Green Careers NY website at http://www.greencareersny.com/. The site is a green jobs portal, providing a way to search all New York based green jobs training programs and jobs at one website.

As I work with the Legislature to tackle the budget deficit in the coming days, my focus remains on ensuring the fiscal strength of the State – and that we have the resources to take care of the most vulnerable among us for months and years to come.

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Team Tish: Some Recent Photos

Welcome to our "Recent Photos" adventure, in which we follow Council Member James on her activities within the 35th District and throughout New York City:

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CMs James and deBlasio join Speaker Quinn at Brooklyn's PRIDE Parade on June 13, 2009.

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CM James is joined by Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz and Pratt Area Community Council (PACC) at the "Capital One Bank Clinton Hill Branch Grand Opening Day" on July 23, 2009.

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CMs James and Liu are joined by State Senator Velmanette Montgomery and Assembly Member Karim Camara, as well as community activists [from Real Economics for Building Unity and Innovative Local Development (REBUILD)], at a press conference calling on Mayor Bloomberg to spend stimulus funding on jobs within our communities on July 30th, 2009 at City Hall.


CMs James is joined by members of (REBUILD) and Deputy Mayor Ed Skyler.

*Photos courtesy of William Alatriste.
**Photos courtesy of PACC.

CM James Restates Position on Proposed Atlantic Yards Project

August 4, 2009

Statement by Council Member Letitia James about Status of the Proposed Atlantic Yards Project


As the City Council Member representing the area in which the Atlantic Yards project is proposed, I must once again state my opposition to the plan as presented by developer Forest City Ratner, as well as its currently proposed modifications.

I stand opposed because I know that Brooklyn deserves better. What was six years ago a vibrant and organically improving neighborhood has been decimated by this developer’s threat of eminent domain and the complicity of the unelected ESDC. The proposed development at the Vanderbilt Yard is the largest in Brooklyn history, and if built would be the densest residential development in the United States. Normally, a project like this would undergo the City planning and approval process known as the Uniform Land Use Review Procedure or ULURP. Instead the ULURP process was completely disregarded.

Normally, this process has public hearings at each level of city government, allowing public input and scrutiny. Instead, concerned citizens were left with a state process consisting solely of environmental impact disclosures. In place of public hearings and strict review, citizens were left with zoning overrides and violations of existing zoning regulations. Normally the ULURP process includes approval by the community boards and ends in a vote by the 51 members of the City Council. Instead there was no vote by local officials and the state completely took over the largest proposed development in Brooklyn history.

Brooklyn deserves better. The three affected community boards and the City Council deserve a vote. Brooklyn deserves more democratic and local decision making, but that’s not what we are receiving. The people of Brooklyn should be informed and involved in an open and transparent decision making process. Brooklyn deserves to know how much the developer stands to generate from this project. Brooklyn deserves to know the indirect benefits the developer will receive in tax breaks and exemptions, land values, PILOTS and other incentives. Brooklyn deserves a complete and public cost/benefit analysis.

There has never been a better time, or a greater need, to go back to the drawing board and create a plan for the Vanderbilt Yard that is for the people of Brooklyn. The site should be developed properly and democratically. The project, whatever its current forms, should be scrapped, the rail yards should be put up for bid to multiple developers, and the plans should go through ULURP. Then, and only then, will my constituents’ voices be heard. It is time to put the proposed Atlantic Yards development out of its misery - the end is near. Now is the time to engage in smart and sustainable development, and bring forth a plan that respects the people of Brooklyn.

This city is beset by rising homelessness, the closing of daycare centers, and the closing of senior centers, infrastructure in need of repair, neglected public housing, and a crisis in affordable and supportive housing. Given all the serious issues facing our city, all of these concerns, can someone please tell me why we are still considering the public financing of an arena for a private company? Why are we offering another taxpayer bailout for a private billionaire? I ask Borough President Markowitz, Mayor Bloomberg, and Governor Paterson – WHO DO YOU SERVE? Whose side are you on? Where are your priorities? Where is the transparency? Where is the accountability?

As the years have passed, it has become much more evident that this development project is not, and never was, an example of great city planning. It has also become clearer that this is NOT a plan that does justice to our great Borough of Brooklyn, or our great City. I will continue to stand opposed because I know that Brooklyn deserves better.



Contact: Alfred Chiodo at (718) 260-9191

ATTENTION: Upcoming Community Events

*The Working Families Party (WFP) is extending an invitation for you to attend a breakfast reception honoring Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown with special guest Charles E. Schumer, United States Senator--

Monday, August 3, 2009
8AM- 9AM
100 Wall Street, 23rd Floor
N.Y., N.Y. 10005
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Cumberland Diagnostic & Treatment Center invite you to attend their World Breastfeeding Week Celebration--

Monday, August 3, 2009

10AM- 2PM
Cumberland Diagnostic & Treatment Center- Main Plaza
100 North Portland Avenue
Brooklyn, N.Y. 11205

The event will include games, gifts, raffles, guest speakers and refreshments.
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*photo courtesy of bizjournals Business News.

And don't forget about tonight's Public Advocate/ Comptroller Candidates' Forum at St. Francis College!

Directions for Our Youth Celebrates INTERNATIONAL YOUTH DAY!

***Save The Date***
AUGUST 12TH 2009

Directions for Our Youth in Partnership with the New York City Parks Department will be celebrating International Youth Day on August 12th at Robert Moses Park!

The theme of this year’s event is sustainability. The UN defines sustainability as “Sustainability does not only refer to maintaining environmental balance and renewal. Sustainability encapsulates three facets of life: the environment, society and the economy.”

Young people from each of DFOY’s programs will be exhibiting projects related to economic, cultural and environmental sustainability. And of course, there will be the Play Mobile, Puppet Shows, and Fitness Van, Food and Amazing Performances.

For more information contact Samuel Conway at sconway@dfoy.org or (914) 362-4020.

Econ. Development Forum: PA, Comptroller; 8/3; St. Francis College; 6PM

On Monday, August 3, the candidates for New York City Comptroller and Public Advocate will participate in the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce's 2009 Candidates' Forum hosted by the Government Affairs Committee. The event will be held at St. Francis College- Founders Hall located at 180 Remsen Street, Downtown Brooklyn from 6:00 - 8:30 p.m. and moderated by one of the City's leading political reporters, NY1's Michael Scotto. Candidates joining us are:

Comptroller Candidates

Melinda Katz, Councilmember (D-Queens)
John C. Liu, Councilmember (D-Queens)
David Weprin, Councilmember (D-Queens)
David Yassky, Councilmember (D-Brooklyn)

Public Advocate Candidates

Bill de Blasio, Councilmember (D-Brooklyn)
Eric Gioia, Councilmember (D-Queens)
Norman Siegel, Esq.

The candidates will discuss the economic development issues of Brooklyn and the City-you may submit your questions in advance to brooklynsprogress@brooklynchamber.com with Candidates' Forum in the subject line.

This event is free. Space is limited. You may register here.

Elected Officials, Activists Discuss Job Creation At City Hall, 7/30, 1PM

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 29, 2009

Activists and elected officials gather at City Hall to discuss creating jobs in the community, this Thursday, July 30th at 1pm

Please join REBUILD (Real Economics for Building Unity and Innovative Local Development) and its President Darnell Canada, along with Council Members Letitia
James, Charles Barron, Larry Seabrook, and Inez Dickens; Assemblymembers Hakeem Jeffries and Karim Camara; as well as other activist on the steps of City Hall.

We are concerned about insuring that STIMULUS MONEY from the Obama Administration is used for the creation of jobs in the community. Unemployment is over 50% for Black and Latino men in the United States, particularly in public housing where the rate is more than 70%. Another concern is guaranteeing that small minority businesses benefit from STIMULUS MONEY too.

This press conference will discuss the plan that REBUILD and others are proposing to secure STIMULUS MONEY for our communities. Come and join us for the
press event and make a STAND to secure our future, on the Steps of City Hall – Thursday, July 30 at 1:00 pm!!

If you have any questions please call REBUILD at (347) 435-0503.

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United Way Offers Working Seminar To Provide Non-Profits With Fiscal/Management Advice

Hands-On Tools for Managing through Tough Times
Two free high-impact, interactive learning events for staff and volunteer leaders of community based human service organizations in New York City.

The United Way of New York City is pleased to present two free learning events designed to provide non-profit leaders with hands-on practical fiscal and management tools they can quickly implement in navigating the economic storm. Each day will provide participants with an opportunity to learn from experts in the fields of non profit financial management and organizational planning. Participants will also benefit from facilitated small group discussions where they can share and generate ideas that can be taken back to their organizations and implemented immediately.

Who else will attend?
Professionals working with community based human services providers in New York City in the capacity of:
*Executive Directors
*Chief Financial Officers
*Board Members

Why attend?
*These are working meetings- not passive workshops. You will actively engage with other nonprofit leaders who have faced similar challenges.
*The tools you will acquire are proven effective.
*Content and discussions will be structured so they are relevant to organizations of all sizes.
*You will learn about additional resources available to you and your organization
*You will return to your organization with concrete strategies you can use immediately
*There is no charge to attend

* Leadership & Decision Making
May 21, 2009
8.30am-4.30pm

* Fiscal Management
May 28, 2009
9.00am-4.00pm

Where:
The William and Anita Newman Vertical Campus Conference Center
Baruch College
55 Lexington Avenue (at 24th Street)
14th Floor
New York, NY 10010
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About each day:

Leadership & Decision Making - May 21
Facilitated by Community Resource Exchange

* Learn, share and generate effective strategies, ideas and resources for limiting the impact of the recession on your organization and the people it serves
* Learn about contingency planning, partnerships and collaborations, strategies for preserving talent and how to work with your board
* Return to your organization with at least one actionable strategy for meeting recession related challenges

Fiscal Management - May 28
Facilitated by Fiscal Management Associated and Nonprofit Finance Funds

* Get familiar with nonprofit financial management concepts essential for successful scenario planning
* Learn specific tools that can help your organization navigate severe economic turbulence
* Return to your organization with an initial plan of key areas to success, as well as the key stakeholders to include in the process

You may visit one or both events.
Both days are free but you must register in advance.

Visit unitedwaynyc.org/toughtimes for more information.

ATTENTION: BK Bar Assn. Hosts Discussion On Dealing With Unemployment

Unemployment: A Guide to Benefits and Moving Forward
May 18, 2009- 6PM-8PM
The Brooklyn Bar Association's Meeting Hall
123 Remsen Street
Brooklyn, New York 11201

By subway: 2, 3, 4, 5 to Borough Hall
A, C, F to Jay Street
M, R to Court Street

Members of the public who are unemployed or facing unemployment are invited to attend.

Reservations are encouraged but not required.

To reserve a seat or for more information, please contact Avery Eli Okin, Esp., CAE
E-mail: aokin@brooklynbar.org
Phone: (718) 624-0675

Speakers will include:
Jessica Spiegel, Pro bono coordinator, BBA Volunteer Lawyers Project- Moderator
Anne Marie O'Donovan, Esp., Staff Attorney, MFY Legal Services Workplace Justice Project- Unemployment Insurance Benefits: The Basics
Goethy Guareno, Pro bono liason, NYS Unemployment Appeals Board- What you need to know about unemployment benefit appeals and hearings
George Berry, Community Outreach Specialist, Brooklyn Workforce One Career Center- Approaching the job search and moving forward.

NYT Neediest Cases Program Helps You Face Sub-Prime Mortgage

Are you losing your home as a result of a sub-prime mortgage?

If yes, then you may be eligible for up to $10,000 in financial support from the New York Times Sub-prime Neediest Cases Program.

The Fund is designed to help homeowners and renters secure stable and affordable housing if they are at risk of becoming homeless due to foreclosure proceedings. For more information, please contact any of the agencies listed below:

* The Children's Aid Society
Office of Public Policy and Client Advocacy,
105 E. 22nd Street, St. 902,
New York, NY 10010
Tel (212) 381-1194 Fax (212) 839-8935

* Brooklyn Bureau of Community Service
285 Schermerhorn Street
Brooklyn, NY 11217
(718) 310-5649

* Catholic Charities, New York
1011 First Avenue
New York, NY 10022
(212) 371 1000

* Catholic Charities, Brooklyn
191 Joralemon Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201
(718) 522-1034

* Community Service Society
105 E. 22nd Street
New York, NY 10010
(212)614-5571

* Federation of Protestant Welfare Agencies
281 Park Avenue South
New York, NY 10010
(212) 777-4800

* UJA Jewish Federation
130 E. 59th St
New York, NY 10022
(800) 852-3337

We've posted information concerning options for individuals in danger of foreclosure proceedings. Please contact us if you have any further questions or concerns.

teamtish

FUREE Screens "Some Place Like Home"; 5/16; 12PM; FUREE Building

If you haven't gotten the chance to see it yet, we very much suggest you check out Families United for Racial and Economic Equality's (FUREE's) film, Some Place Like Home. It is narrated by writer and activist Kevin Powell, and focuses on the exclusion of low-income families and small businesses from the development of Fort Greene and Downtown Brooklyn.

Screening is-
Saturday, May 16, 2009
12PM- 5PM
FUREE Conference Room
81 Willoughby Street, #701
Brooklyn, NY 11201

*For more information, contact FUREE's Valery Dean at valery@furee.org or call (718) 852-2960, ext. 301. RSVP required. A light lunch and beverages will be served.*

UPDATE: SCREENING FOLLOWED BY A TOUR OF COMMUNITY HOMES, BUSINESSES, AND HISTORIC ICONS AFFECTED BY THE REZONING AND REDEVELOPMENT OF FORT GREENE & DOWNTOWN BROOKLYN.