LUNAR NEW YEAR, YEAR OF THE TIGER: Elected officers launched statements in commemoration of Lunar New Year which commenced on Tuesday, February 1:
Meng: Make Lunar New Year A Federal Holiday – U.S. Rep. Grace Meng, First Vice Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, introduced that she has launched new laws to create a federal vacation for Lunar New Year, as Asian Americans had been getting ready to ring within the Year of the Tiger.
Meng’s measure would make Lunar New Year a federally acknowledged vacation within the United States, including it to the record of 11 federal holidays which might be presently acknowledged. The invoice was launched with 44 cosponsors.
In addition to the laws, Meng reintroduced a House decision that might acknowledge the cultural and historic significance of Lunar New Year, in addition to want a cheerful and affluent vacation to all people celebrating, and categorical the deepest respect for Asian Americans and all people all through the world who observe the vacation.
Meng on Tuesday additionally marked the anniversary of Lunar New Year changing into a college vacation in New York City, a public faculty vacation that she performed a task in creating in 2016. The Congresswoman first proposed closing New York City colleges for Lunar New Year when she was a member of the New York State Legislature in 2009.
“For Asian Americans, Lunar New Year is an incredibly important, festive and deeply traditional holiday,” stated Rep. Meng. “It’s the most significant time of year for the Asian American community, and is celebrated in the U.S. and across the globe. It has also been observed for thousands of years. With Asian Americans being the fastest growing population in our country, and with the popularity of the holiday continuing to grow, it makes sense to make Lunar New Year a federal holiday. The time has come to make this happen. My bill, coupled with my resolution, would demonstrate that the holiday celebrated by millions is also valued by their government. I look forward to shepherding these measures through the House, and I am excited to wish everyone celebrating a very happy Lunar New Year!”
Lunar New Year celebrates the tradition, heritage and contributions of Asian Americans, and this 12 months begins the 12 months of the Tiger which symbolizes a aggressive nature, braveness, and ambition.
Meng’s vacation invoice the “Lunar New Year Day Act” could be seen at: www.congress.gov/117/payments/hr6525/BILLS-117hr6525ih.pdf.
And her decision, known as “Recognizing the cultural and historical significance of Lunar New Year in 2022,” which has 71 cosponsors could be seen at: www.congress.gov/117/payments/hres890/BILLS-117hres890ih.pdf.
Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, Jr. joined Flushing neighborhood leaders on Jan. 26 to preview the 2022 Lunar New Year Parade, which is able to happen in Flushing on Saturday, Feb. 5. Following a tough two years that includes pandemics of each public well being and anti-Asian prejudice, this 12 months’s parade will likely be a jubilant and defiant celebration of the Year of the Tiger and Queens’ proud Asian American heritage, the Borough President stated.
NYS Senator John Liu – “The Lunar New Year is a vital vacation in our neighborhood when households, pals and communities come collectively to mirror on the previous, and equipment up for a brand new 12 months of excellent fortune.
“Now 18 % of the town inhabitants, AAPIs are rapidly changing into extra engaged in all elements of our society from public service and authorities to small enterprise and entrepreneurship. In the Year of the Tiger, we have to be united in combating for our justifiable share of sources and illustration, and we should proceed to face up, converse out and struggle again towards hatred and discrimination.
“Every 12 months, increasingly communities throughout the state are studying about and sharing in what it means to have fun the Lunar New Year. This is a time to have fun collectively no matter race, coloration, or creed, after we can put aside our variations and all that divides us and focus as a substitute on what unites us by sharing our widespread hopes and goals for the longer term.
“The Year of the Ox brought both hardships and healing as we faced new variants and vaccines, and now we look to the Year of the Tiger to grant us the strength and resilience we will need to beat the virus and finally end the pandemic. Wishing all New Yorkers a happy, healthy, and prosperous Year of the Tiger!”
Governor Kathy Hochul – “I am proud to join New York’s communities of Asian heritage in the time-honored tradition of celebrating the Lunar New Year. February 1 is Lunar New Year’s Day, and welcomes 2022 as the Year of the Tiger, aptly symbolizing the strength and resilience of New Yorkers after all we have endured over the past year.”
“New York’s Asian communities have long been an integral part of the success of our state and play a defining role in who we are as New Yorkers. As we collectively reflect upon the past year, let us look forward to the next with a sense of hope and optimism. Lunar New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day are a time for family, reunion, and giving thanks, and I encourage all New Yorkers to share in this joyful occasion with our Asian-American friends, neighbors, and loved ones.”
HOUSE UNVEILS AMERICA COMPETES ACT OF 2022: The House posted textual content of the America Creating Opportunities for Manufacturing, Pre-Eminence in Technology and Economic Strength Act of 2022. The America COMPETES Act of 2022 features a historic funding to surge manufacturing of American-made semiconductors, tackles provide chain vulnerabilities to make extra items in America, turbo-fees America’s scientific analysis and technological management, and strengthens America’s financial and nationwide safety at house and overseas.
“The United States has long been a beacon of excellence in science and engineering,” stated Science, Space, and Technology Committee Chairwoman Eddie Bernice Johnson. “If we’re going to continue to lead, the time is now to chart our own course. Our bills were built from the ground up with rigorous input from the scientific community on what they need most to succeed in the 21st century. These transformative investments in science and innovation will help us to revitalize our research infrastructure, create STEM opportunities for all, build clean energy solutions, address the climate crisis, reinforce our national security, enhance our semiconductor manufacturing capabilities, and so much more.”
Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chair Peter DeFazio stated, “I’m pleased the America COMPETES Act includes provisions from my committee that would authorize $4 billion in new grants to help communities that have historically been left behind finally get ahead and stay ahead in the 21st century economy.”
Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Frank Pallone, Jr, stated, ”This laws strengthens our nation’s provide chains so extra crucial items are manufactured right here within the United States as a substitute of China. It additionally bolsters our Strategic National Stockpile and invests within the subsequent technology of slicing-edge expertise.”
“This legislation is more than just talk – it’s a bill with teeth that cracks down on China’s abuses of US trade laws,” stated Ways and Means Committee Chairman Richard E. Neal. “Strengthening our supply chains and combatting China’s trade practices that distort the global market are bipartisan priorities… With key improvements to Trade Adjustment Assistance programs, this bill expands and modernizes the support available to workers and firms under strain due to international competition.”
“Right now, China and other bad actors are threatening our national security and global financial stability,” stated Financial Services Committee Chairwoman Maxine Waters. “This is why The America COMPETES Act is commonsense, long overdue legislation that will finally hold countries like China accountable for the ways that they engage in illicit or aggressive activity to harm our nation’s financial system.”
“To ensure U.S. innovation and global leadership in emerging technology, we must develop and foster programs within the federal government to attract top cyber talent,” stated Oversight and Reform Committee Chairwoman Carolyn B. Maloney. ”At the identical time, we should defend the privateness and civil liberties of Americans as we discover new technological frontiers.”
“The America COMPETES Act will connect our nation’s students and workers with the skills they need to succeed in high-tech industries while keeping our economy competitive in the years ahead. These investments will allow more K-12 schools to offer their students classes in computer sciences and create low-cost pathways for college STEM credits, and it builds on the bipartisan support for apprenticeships by expanding high-quality Registered Apprenticeship opportunities. Importantly, the jobs created by this legislation include protections to ensure workers are paid a decent wage,” stated Education and Labor Committee Chairman Robert C. “Bobby” Scott.
Homeland Security Committee Chairman Bennie G. Thompson stated, ”Homeland safety provisions on this invoice will increase home sourcing of important homeland safety tools and provides, create new alternatives for small companies, and enhance the safety of DHS’ provide chain. The House invoice holds actual promise to spur financial alternative and warrants consideration briefly order.”
“America COMPETES builds a foundation for America to succeed for decades to come, not just in our competition with the PRC, but in our fight for a more peaceful, prosperous, and just world. At home, it does so by investing in innovation in critical industries and bolstering our institutions. Through the inclusion of my bill, the EAGLE Act, America COMPETES will also ensure that America leads with diplomacy on the world stage to bring our partners and allies with us. It will elevate our leadership in international forums and on global issues to counter China’s efforts to undermine global rules. And it will ensure that the US Government stands up for our values by holding the PRC to account for its gross violation of human rights from Xinjiang, to Tibet, to Hong Kong,” stated Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Gregory W. Meeks.
“I’m proud to sponsor this bill, which strengthens America’s legacy as a world leader in both environmental conservation and labor standards. These bipartisan provisions to protect our oceans and combat wildlife trafficking set us apart from Chinese government practices, help us hold bad actors accountable and secure America’s long term economic security,” stated Natural Resources Committee Chairman Raúl M. Grijalva.
LGA TERMINAL B CONSTRUCTION COMPLETE: Governor Kathy Hochul, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Executive Director Rick Cotton, and LaGuardia Gateway Partners CEO Frank Scremin on Jan. 27 celebrated the completion of recent amenities at LaGuardia Airport’s Terminal B, marking a serious milestone within the terminal’s $4 billion transformation. The completion and the opening of LaGuardia Terminal B’s western skybridge, and the opening in December of Terminal B’s second concourse, implies that each arriving and departing passenger at Terminal B will expertise newly constructed, twenty first century structure and amenities from gate to curb. All of the terminal’s momentary walkways had been taken out of service by Saturday, Jan. 29. With the completion of the second pedestrian bridge, which is able to span an lively plane taxiway, Terminal B additionally turns into the world’s first airport with twin pedestrian skybridges.
“The transformation of LaGuardia airport into a world-class destination that is internationally recognized for its beauty is an integral part of our bold vision for a new era in New York,” Governor Hochul stated. “The completion of this $4 billion challenge will assist present a model new passenger expertise for everybody touring by means of Terminal B, easing connections and creating lasting impressions. Congratulations to all who made right this moment’s milestone potential as we proceed creating a complete new LaGuardia airport worthy of New York. “
Terminal B was awarded UNESCO’s Prix Versailles in December as “Best New Airport in the World” by a blue-ribbon panel of worldwide architects assembled by the United Nations company. The new terminal consists of 1.35 million sq. toes of recent terminal amenities and options 35 gates, a 3,000-automobile parking storage, and new coated, handy pickup amenities for each taxis and experience-sharing automobiles. The terminal presents finest-in-class retail, huge eating experiences, beautiful artwork and facilities that present clients with a world-class twenty first century journey expertise. Related roadway enhancements and supporting infrastructure had been all constructed whereas preserving the terminal totally practical throughout development. With the inside work at Terminal B now accomplished, the remaining small portion of the outdated Central Terminal Building has been faraway from service and will likely be torn down, with demolition anticipated to be accomplished by spring 2022.
Borough President Donovan Richards joined Governor Hochul and others on Jan. 27 to have fun. He stated, “Today we celebrate a major milestone in the redevelopment of LaGuardia Airport, which is a gateway to our region and a linchpin of our borough’s economy. This vital redevelopment project is giving the families of Queens and all of New York City the world-class airport they deserve. Thank you so much to Governor Hochul, the Port Authority, LaGuardia Gateway Partners, and all those who have helped make this happen.”
BILL TO STRENGTHEN FEDERAL CYBERSECURITY: On January 25, Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney, Chairwoman of the Oversight and Reform Committee, and Rep. James Comer, Ranking Member of the Oversight and Reform Committee, launched the Federal Information Security Modernization Act of 2022. This laws goals to enhance the federal authorities’s cyber defenses following a string of excessive-profile cyberattacks, together with SolarWinds and the Microsoft Exchange Server hack, in addition to vulnerabilities found in widespread Apache Log4j software program.
“As we made clear in our hearing, ensuring the federal government’s cyber resilience is a bipartisan a priority. Today, Ranking Member Comer and I are introducing legislation to ensure that federal agencies can keep pace with the challenges of the constantly evolving cyber frontier,” stated Chairwoman Maloney. “Nation-state adversaries like Russia and China, as well as other threat actors, present a constant danger. The Federal Information Security Modernization Act of 2022 elevates our federal cyber defenses to the next level, taking a cutting-edge and strategic approach to ensure federal IT systems can better prepare for and respond to today’s cyber challenges.”
“The federal government maintains extensive public records containing sensitive information on all Americans and businesses. Recent cyberattacks make it clear we need a modern update to the federal government’s cybersecurity practices to better protect against, quickly fix, and deter future damaging digital intrusions that can harm our economy and impact Americans’ daily lives,” stated Ranking Member Comer.
The Federal Information Security Modernization Act of 2022, or FISMA 2022, would advance a threat-based mostly cybersecurity posture, modernize and streamline reporting necessities to reinforce safety by means of automation, and broaden inventories and data-sharing for improved safety.
FISMA 2022 additionally clarifies and streamlines the roles of the National Cyber Director, the Office of Management and Budget, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, the Federal Chief Information Security Officer, and different federal entities to higher coordinate efforts to mitigate and reply to cyber incidents.
OFFICIALS COMMENT ON OFFICERS FATALLY SHOT IN LINE OF DUTY:
State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. launched the next assertion on January 24: “I believe all of New York is mourning the death of 22-year-old Police Officer Jason Rivera, as well as sharing concern for 27-year-old Police Officer Wilbert Mora who was critically injured on Friday, January 21 in Harlem. I send my condolences to the family and friends of P.O. Rivera, as well as the entire NYPD, during this difficult time and my prayers are for P.O. Mora’s full recovery. This type of senseless violence needs to stop, and we must work together on the City and State levels to rationally address the gun violence in our city.”
Sadly, on January 25, Mora succumbed to his accidents.
Addabbo stated, “Our fears were realized on Tuesday (January 25) as Police Officer Wilbert Mora has passed away. Mora, and his partner Officer Jason Rivera — who was killed on Friday night (January 21) in the incident that left Mora in the hospital fighting for his life — are true heroes for sacrificing their lives to protect this city. My condolences go out to both officers and their families. I stand with the officers of the NYPD, and with the Mayor of New York Eric Adams, working towards ending gun violence in our city so incidents like this don’t happen again.”
Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato – “Words don’t start to explain the horror and ache I really feel on the subject of the lack of two of our metropolis’s Finest. Police Officer Jason Rivera and Police Officer Wilbert Mora, two younger males who donned the uniform of those that have and can at all times defend us, had been killed in an unacceptable capturing. Now greater than ever the NYPD must know we, elected officers and members of the neighborhood, stand in help of them.
“I have been a staunch supporter of our women and men in blue and can by no means wane from that help. It is in occasions of disaster and sorrow when our metropolis and officers are beneath assault that we should come collectively and say with one voice, ‘I support the NYPD’.
“May the memories of Police Officer Jason Rivera and Police Officer Wilbert Mora be a blessing and that the families of these heroic men know that this state, city, community and office will not forget them.”
Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. – “Our city is deep in mourning this week, following last Friday’s horrific killings of NYPD Officers Jason Rivera and Wilbert Mora in Harlem. Their murder underscores the inherent dangers our police officers face every time they put on their uniforms and don their badges. Neither Queens nor New York City will ever forget the selflessness and sacrifice of Officers Rivera and Mora, who will be laid to rest in the coming days. Losing a police officer in the line of duty is always painful. But this tragedy strikes a different chord, as these two public servants were bright young men of color who were explicit in their dedication to fostering an environment of inclusive, community-first policing. Officers Rivera and Mora represented the very best of the NYPD and New York City, and the collective thoughts and prayers of our entire borough are with their families and friends during this unimaginably difficult time. In the wake of this unspeakable tragedy, it is abundantly clear that we as a city must do and be better – both for our families and for our officers sworn to serve them. My office is here to serve you and your family.”
To be taught extra about how the Borough President’s workplace is working to construct a greater Queens, go to queensbp.org, name 718-286-3000 or e mail at information@queensbp.org.
ADAMS ON BIDEN’S UPCOMING VISIT TO CITY: New York City Mayor Eric Adams launched the next assertion in anticipation of President Joseph Biden’s go to to New York City tomorrow, Feb. 3:
“I look forward to welcoming President Biden to New York City next week and sitting down to discuss how we can work collaboratively to end the scourge of gun violence we are seeing on New York City streets. The sea of violence comes from many rivers, and that’s why my Blueprint to End Gun Violence in New York City seeks to dam every river that feeds this greater crisis. Public safety is my administration’s highest priority, and we welcome the opportunity to display to President Biden how federal and local governments can coordinate and support each other in this fight to keep New Yorkers safe.”
OFFICER SHOOTING SUSPECT RELEASED ON BOND: New York City Mayor Eric Adams launched the next assertion on Jan. 28, after the suspect in final week’s capturing of Police Officer Kaseem Pennan within the Bronx was launched on bond: “New Yorkers should all be outraged that a repeat offender, accused of shooting at a police officer, is today walking free on bond because judges are precluded from even considering danger to the community, like every other state and our federal courts. It is further proof that our current system is failing us. Today of all days, with the city in mourning over the deaths of Detective First-Grade Jason Rivera and Police Officer Wilbert Mora, we all must come together and agree that changes are needed. We cannot allow those who carry guns to walk free – we can pursue safety and justice at the same time, and we must, for the safety of all of us.”
NY LEADERS APPLAUD ADAMS’ GUN VIOLENCE BLUEPRINT: New York City Mayor Eric Adams introduced his “Blueprint to End Gun Violence” in New York City, which lays out quite a few coverage proposals to curb the scourge of gun violence plaguing New York City streets and construct a safer, extra simply metropolis for all New Yorkers. Elected officers and neighborhood leaders from throughout New York applauded the blueprint.
Following are some chosen statements they issued:
“Too many lives have been lost. Too many live in fear. We have a moral obligation to confront the gun violence epidemic, and that means working with leaders at all levels of government to keep New Yorkers safe,” stated New York Governor Kathy Hochul. “Glad to have a public safety partner in [Mayor Adams].”
“We have lost too many of our sons and daughters to the epidemic of gun violence,” stated U.S. Representative Gregory W. Meeks. “Mayor Adams’ plan to combat this public health crisis is a real jolt of leadership at a critical time, and I will be a partner in this pursuit of public safety.”
“I am in full support of Mayor Adams’ ‘Blueprint to End Gun Violence,’ and I am ready to be an ally in getting it implemented,” stated U.S. Representative Tom Suozzi. “Too many lives are being lost on our streets, and inaction is not an option. Mayor Adams understands the balance between intervention and prevention that is needed to save lives, and it will take all of us to make it happen.”
“The Blueprint to End Gun Violence is a transformative plan to deliver the public safety our city needs,” stated New York State Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar. “I will be proud to partner with Mayor Adams and my colleagues in the state Legislature to make this plan a reality. We can and will save lives, uplifting our neighbors at greatest risk, while holding accountable those who threaten our communities with illegal guns.”
HOCHUL CONVENES ILLEGAL GUNS TASK FORCE: Governor Hochul on Jan. 26 led the primary assembly of the Interstate Task Force on Illegal Guns. The multi-state consortium convened to share intelligence, instruments, ways, and techniques to fight gun violence, particularly because it pertains to the trafficking of firearms between states. Among different issues, the State Police mentioned the newest instruments and applied sciences accessible in addition to evaluation of the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and different knowledge sources in furtherance of this endeavor.
“Gun violence is a public health crisis driven by a plague of illegal guns flowing into New York from out of state,” Governor Hochul stated. ”We are taking motion to sort out this disaster head-on, and this collaboration with our native, interstate, and federal companions will assist cease the movement of unlawful weapons and save lives.”
Representatives from the New York State Police, the New York Police Department, and ATF had been joined by legislation enforcement representatives from Rhode Island, Connecticut, Vermont, Ohio, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New Hampshire and met for 3 hours to debate a number of points surrounding firearm-associated investigations, policing methods and finest practices. The group mentioned methods to enhance gun knowledge sharing throughout native, state and federal strains and explored the variations in federal and state legal guidelines that relate to ghost weapons.
The group can have a observe-up assembly within the coming weeks, and NYSP will plan an intra-state consortium to share info with native legislation enforcement companies throughout the state.
Easily obtainable firearms gasoline a lot of New York’s latest surge in gun violence and an increase in ghost weapons, with most of those weapons trafficked into and all through the state from different areas of the nation. To take a holistic method, in her 2022 State of the State Governor Hochul introduced the interstate gun-tracing consortium which is working in partnership with legislation enforcement companies from neighboring states and New York City. It is the newest joint effort to deliver a unified method from State and City leaders, together with Governor Hochul, Lieutenant Governor Benjamin and Mayor Adams, to the essential subject of public security.
“In the last three weeks, we have seen an alarming rise in gun violence, and it has inflicted too much heartbreaking tragedy on our city,” New York City Mayor Eric Adams stated. “We are going to turn our pain into purpose and unite to take action. We know New York City is far from alone in dealing with this crisis, and I am grateful to Governor Hochul and all of our partners.”
Governor Hochul’s FY 2023 Executive Budget consists of vital investments for State Police staffing that can improve their analytical bandwidth, permitting them to help native departments in thorough anti-gun trafficking and crime investigations. Investments are damaged down into:
- $215,000 improve for gun crime tracing group
- $527,000 for social media analysts
- $1.4 million for troop pc crimes
- $6 million for the recruitment of two academy courses of 300 troopers every
- $3.9 million for tools/software program/particular onboarding for pc/cybercrimes unit
A $13 million funding into the Department of Criminal Justice Services’ Crime Analysis Center community will embrace the acquisition of devoted crime gun and ballistic tracing tools for every heart. Equipment may also be utilized by the State Police for investigations into gun violence and gun trafficking, particularly within the Finger Lakes Region and Western NY, the place the company is noticing incoming shipments from Pennsylvania and Ohio.
Governor Hochul additionally introduced the appointment of Calliana S. Thomas because the Director of the New York State Office of Gun Violence Prevention.
In October, Governor Hochul signed laws to additional handle the gun violence epidemic by prohibiting the possession of unfinished frames or receivers by anybody apart from a licensed gunsmith or vendor in firearms; prohibiting the sale of ghost weapons and requiring gunsmiths and sellers in firearms to register firearms of their possession, and; including firearms designed to resemble toys to the definition of a ‘disguised gun.’
ADAMS ANNOUNCES COVID PROGRESS; FREE ANTIVIRALS, DELIVERED: New York City Mayor Eric Adams introduced a number of new milestones within the struggle towards COVID-19, which features a large lower in COVID-19 instances, a landmark milestone met in vaccination charges, and free at-house supply choices of COVID-19 therapies. Mayor Adams was joined by metropolis well being officers at Jacobi Medical Center within the Bronx to clarify that New Yorkers are successful within the struggle towards COVID-19, and inspired them to benefit from accessible choices to scale back transmission charges and assist them rapidly recuperate from COVID-19. One remedy for COVID-19 — oral antiviral capsules — is now accessible free of charge, similar-day, at-house supply by means of the Health Department’s pharmacy accomplice, Alto Pharmacy. Both oral antiviral capsules and monoclonal antibodies have been confirmed to be efficient at decreasing extreme outcomes, like hospitalization and demise, and can be found for individuals who check constructive for COVID-19 and have gentle to average signs.
“Not only is New York City winning in the fight against COVID-19, but we are bringing even more help right to New Yorkers’ front doors to continue beating this pandemic,” stated Mayor Adams. “We’ve not only decreased the amount of cases by more than 80 percent since early January, but hit a new milestone with 75 percent of all New Yorkers fully vaccinated — way ahead of the national average. We’re also offering high-risk New Yorkers, free, at-home delivery of COVID-19 antiviral pills to prevent serious illness and keep people out of the hospital. I urge all eligible New Yorkers to take advantage of this service, and for every New Yorker to stay up to date with their vaccines and boosters. This is about saving lives and getting our city moving again.”
Treatment is handiest when began quickly after symptom onset, so the Health Department recommends that New Yorkers get examined immediately in the event that they really feel sick. Due to restricted provide of each monoclonal antibody therapies and antiviral capsules, these therapies are prioritized for individuals who have examined constructive and are at larger threat for extreme sickness from COVID-19. New Yorkers who check constructive ought to contact their physician or name 212-COVID19 to be related to care and to debate remedy choices accessible to them.
Oral antiviral capsules — taken every day for 5 days — assist to cease the virus from reproducing, which reduces the quantity of virus within the physique and prevents signs from getting worse. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved two oral antiviral capsules to deal with COVID-19: Paxlovid and Molnupiravir.
Monoclonal antibody therapies are a one-time injection or intravenous remedy that supply antibody safety whereas the physique works to supply its personal antibodies. Monoclonal antibody therapies, resembling Sotrovimab, are efficient towards the Omicron variant and are for sufferers who’ve gentle to average signs for 10 days or much less however are at excessive-threat for extreme sickness.
New Yorkers who’ve signs and check constructive ought to contact their well being care supplier or name 311 to be related to medical care, no matter immigration standing or potential to pay. New Yorkers may also speak to a NYC Health + Hospitals physician by visiting ExpressCare and clicking on “Talk to a Doctor Now,” or by calling 212-COVID19 (212-268-4319).
A totally vaccinated individual is way much less more likely to get sick or unfold the virus that causes COVID-19, particularly if they’ve their booster shot. To discover a vaccination website, go to nyc.gov/vaccinefinder or name 877-VAX-4NYC (877-829-4692).
Testing stays an vital a part of decreasing the unfold of COVID-19. If you’re feeling ailing, imagine you’ve been uncovered, or have just lately traveled or attended a gathering, go to nyc.gov/covidtest, textual content “COVID TEST” to 855-48, or name 311 to discover a testing website close to you.
All people, no matter vaccination standing or previous COVID-19 an infection, ought to put on a masks always when indoors and in public settings. All masks ought to cowl the nostril and the mouth and relaxation snugly above the nostril — beneath the mouth — and on the edges of the face. Higher high quality masks — resembling KN95s, KF94s, or N95s — supply a further layer of safety.
If you’re feeling sick, it’s best to keep house and go away solely to hunt applicable medical care and testing. If you might be at an elevated threat for extreme COVID-19 an infection — resembling these with underlying well being situations — keep away from crowded settings, notably indoor gatherings. Gathering with others will increase the chance of COVID-19, particularly if not everyone seems to be vaccinated.
JAMES RESPONDS AS JUDGE STAYS NY MASK MANDATE: New York Attorney General Letitia James launched the next assertion after a New York Supreme Court Appellate Judge granted her workplace’s movement to remain a call Monday night time placing down the state’s masks mandate:
“Nearly three years into the COVID-19 pandemic, we know that wearing a mask saves lives. This mandate and today’s decision are critical in helping to stop the spread of this virus and protect individuals young and old. We will continue to do everything in our power to prioritize the health and wellbeing of all New Yorkers.”
Under the order, the masks mandate will keep in impact till the Appellate courtroom takes additional motion.
HOCHUL COMMENDS MASK REGULATION RULING STAY: Governor Kathy Hochul launched the next assertion on the masks regulation ruling keep: “As Governor, my top priority is protecting the people of this state. These measures are critical tools to prevent the spread of COVID-19, make schools and businesses safe, and save lives. I commend the Attorney General for her defense of the health and safety of New Yorkers, and applaud the Appellate Division, Second Department for siding with common sense and granting an interim stay to keep the state’s important masking regulations in place. We will not stop fighting to protect New Yorkers, and we are confident we will continue to prevail.”
‘MEDICARE SHOULD PAY FOR RAPID COVID TESTS’: US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand joined 18 of her Senate colleagues in a letter urging the Biden administration to require Medicare to pay for fast COVID assessments. The letter follows the administration’s latest steering requiring personal insurance coverage firms to cowl the price of as much as 8 fast over-the-counter COVID assessments per 30 days. Extending this requirement to Medicare would be certain that a further 61 million Americans enrolled in Medicare and Medicare Advantage, together with these at highest threat of extreme sickness, have equal entry to testing amidst a surge in COVID instances and hospitalizations throughout the nation.
“Right now, millions of New Yorkers enrolled in Medicare can’t get coverage for rapid COVID tests,” stated Senator Gillibrand. “As cities and towns across the state continue to battle the Omicron variant, we must ensure that everyone has free and easy access to testing – not just those with private insurance. I urge the Biden administration to immediately expand its guidance to require Medicare to cover the cost of over-the-counter COVID tests for all beneficiaries.”
The letter states: “Required coverage of testing ordered by a physician, expansion of free testing sites through pharmacies and community health centers, and free at-home rapid tests available through COVIDTests.gov or 1-800-232-0233 are big steps forward, including for seniors. Recent CMS guidance requiring coverage of eight over-the-counter at-home tests per person per month will significantly expand access to millions of Americans with commercial health insurance. However, those enrolled in original Medicare and private Medicare Advantage plans do not have this same access. Seniors and people with disabilities enrolled in Medicare are at the highest risk of severe illness from COVID-19, and people over 65 account for nearly three-quarters of all deaths from the virus. The current policy leaves them on the hook for potentially significant out-of-pocket costs.”
QUEENS BOROUGH PRESIDENT RICHARDS UPDATES:
Towering over “The World’s Borough”: Despite the bitterly chilly temperatures, Borough President Richards and NYC Parks officers toured the New York State Pavilion’s Observation Towers on Jan. 26 to watch the continued reconstruction of the previous 1964-65 World’s Fair centerpieces. More than $24 million has been allotted to restore and restore the towers and the neighboring Tent of Tomorrow.
Discussing Marijuana Legalization: Following final 12 months’s passage of the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act, Borough President Richards hosted a Cannabis Take Action Webinar with Queens Defenders and the legislation agency Harris Bricken on Jan. 25 to debate the legislation’s affect on Queens, the state’s rising hashish business, and the expungement of marijuana-associated offenses from prison data. Visit QBPO Cannabis Take Action Webinar On Youtube (www.youtube.com/watch?v=fs5eG3XkB-U)
Upcoming Events:
OVERCOMING ADDICTION CRISIS: Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney joined elected officers and advocates to debate the necessity for passage of the Comprehensive Addiction Resources Emergency (CARE) Act to proceed our nation’s struggle towards the habit disaster. Re-introduced in December with Senators Elizabeth Warren and Tammy Baldwin, together with Representatives Ann Kuster and David Trone, and greater than 100 congressional Democrats, the CARE Act is essentially the most bold laws ever launched in Congress to confront America’s habit disaster. Congresswoman Maloney and Senator Warren’s CARE Act, which is endorsed by over 175 organizations, would supply state and native governments and neighborhood-based mostly organizations with $125 billion in federal funding over ten years to broaden entry to remedy, hurt discount, and wraparound companies.
Under the CARE Act, residents of New York City may benefit from roughly $48.4 million {dollars} in annual, components-based mostly funding directed to native governments to broaden entry to remedy, hurt discount, and wraparound companies. In addition, neighborhood-based mostly organizations in New York City may obtain a share of $1.5 billion in annual grants, and native governments in New York City are eligible to use for a share of a further $3 billion in aggressive grants annually.
In 2020, greater than 2,000 folks skilled deadly overdoses in New York City—a rise of greater than 500 deadly overdoses from 2019.
“Last year, approximately 275 people in the United States were lost each day to fatal overdoses. This crisis has touched every community in the United States—including ours right here in New York City,” stated Rep. Maloney. “That is why Senator Elizabeth Warren and I led more than 100 of our colleagues in reintroducing the CARE Act. Now more than ever, the federal government must step up and provide our communities with the sustained funding to expand treatment access and turn the tide on this epidemic.”
The CARE Act is modeled instantly on the Ryan White Act, supporting native resolution-making and packages to broaden entry to proof-based mostly therapies and restoration help companies. The CARE Act additionally acknowledges the necessity for expanded psychological well being helps, early intervention, and hurt discount ways.
The CARE Act would supply $125 billion over ten years to struggle this disaster, together with:
- $4.6 billion per 12 months to states, territories, and tribal governments, together with $2.3 billion to states with the very best ranges of overdoses and $1.84 billion by means of aggressive grants.
- $3.3 billion per 12 months to the toughest hit counties and cities, together with $1.75 billion to counties and cities with the very best ranges of overdoses and $1.22 billion by means of aggressive grants.
- $2 billion per 12 months for public well being surveillance, biomedical analysis, and improved coaching for well being professionals, together with $1 billion for the National Institutes of Health (NIH), $500 million for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and regional tribal epidemiology facilities, and $500 million to coach and supply technical help to professionals treating substance use problems;
- $1.6 billion per 12 months to help expanded and modern service supply, together with $1 billion for public and nonprofit entities, $500 million for tasks of nationwide significance that present remedy, restoration, and hurt discount companies, $50 million to assist staff with or in danger for substance use problems keep and achieve employment, and $50 million to broaden remedy supplier capability; and
- $1 billion per 12 months to broaden entry to overdose reversal medication (Naloxone) and supply this life-saving medication to states for distribution to first responders, public well being departments, and the general public.
The laws has been endorsed by over 175 nationwide, native, and tribal organizations.
JAMES ANNOUNCES MAJOR PROGRESS ON $26B OPIOID AGREEMENT: New York Attorney General Letitia James marked a key milestone in her efforts to deliver billions of {dollars} in a lot-wanted sources to communities throughout the nation by means of the $26 billion opioid settlement with the nation’s three main pharmaceutical distributors — Cardinal, McKesson, and AmerisourceBergen — and Johnson & Johnson over the businesses’ position in creating and fueling the nationwide opioid disaster. Since the settlement in July, which included 52 states and territories, 1000’s of native governments throughout the nation have joined through the subdivision signal-on interval. New York has secured full subdivision participation, making certain that New York will obtain the utmost quantity of $230 million accessible beneath the settlement settlement.
“Every region across New York has been impacted by the opioid crisis and every community has been devastated in its wake,” stated Attorney General James. “We went after these manufacturers and distributors because they must pay for their roles in this crisis and for the lives they have forever harmed. While no amount of money will ever bring back the New Yorkers we’ve tragically lost to opioids, with full participation from all of New York’s political subdivisions, we are doing all we can to get the most money possible for our state to put into treatment and prevention efforts.”
Alongside Attorney General James, the attorneys basic of North Carolina, Tennessee, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Texas led the negotiations of this multistate settlement and signed the above joint assertion.
This is the newest step in Attorney General James’ efforts to struggle the opioid epidemic. In March 2019, Attorney General James filed the nation’s most intensive lawsuit to carry accountable the varied producers and distributors liable for the opioid epidemic. The producers named within the criticism included Purdue Pharma and its associates, in addition to members of the Sackler Family (homeowners of Purdue) and trusts they management; Janssen Pharmaceuticals and its associates (together with its father or mother firm Johnson & Johnson); Mallinckrodt LLC and its associates; Endo Health Solutions and its associates; Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc. and its associates; and Allergan Finance, LLC and its associates. The distributors named within the criticism had been McKesson Corporation, Cardinal Health Inc., Amerisource Bergen Drug Corporation, and Rochester Drug Cooperative Inc.
HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE DAY RESOLUTION: Assemblywoman Nily Rozic spoke on the New York State Assembly Resolution commemorating Holocaust Remembrance Day which she authored. The decision acknowledges the 6 million Jews murdered within the Holocaust on the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the most important Nazi demise camp. The date was established by the United Nations General Assembly as International Holocaust Remembrance Day in 2005.
“Holocaust Remembrance Day ensures that we remember a painful past and ‘never forget’ the horrors of the Holocaust. Even today, we need to give New Yorkers the necessary tools to combat Holocaust distortion and trivialization, recognizing its connection to the antisemitism affecting Jewish communities,” stated Assemblywoman Nily Rozic. “We have a communal responsibility to speak out on behalf of the oppressed and denounce antisemitism and intolerance in all its manifestations.” “On Holocaust Remembrance Day, we commemorate the liberation of the Auschwitz concentration camp,” stated Assembly Member Simcha Eichenstein. “It’s important to remember the atrocities of the past so we can learn their lessons for the present and future. We must educate our children about the dangers of antisemitism and all forms of hate. We must never forget.”
Rozic has led efforts to safe funding within the New York State Budget to offer social companies and programming for Holocaust survivors throughout New York. Rozic additionally sponsors state laws to make sure the Holocaust is satisfactorily taught in New York colleges’ curriculum, in compliance with the present necessities.
International Holocaust Remembrance Day was commemorated on Jan. 27.
Assemblywoman Nily Rozic (D-Queens), Council Member Eric Dinowitz (D-Bronx) and Council Member Marjorie Velázquez (D-Bronx) introduced {that a} New York City Council Resolution in help of Rozic’s invoice A.472-A will likely be launched within the City Council. The invoice directs the Commissioner of State Education to audit Holocaust training in New York. “It is imperative that we teach our students the dangers of antisemitic attitudes and actions, and that we teach them how to combat Holocaust distortion and trivialization,” stated Assemblywoman Rozic. “I am grateful that Council Members Dinowitz and Velázquez are highlighting this issue at the city level to make it clear that hate has no place in New York – past, present, or future.”
RETIREMENT PLAN OPTIONS FOR PRIVATE SECTOR EMPLOYEES: Governor Kathy Hochul introduced on Jan. 26 the convening of the New York Secure Choice Savings Program Board. This is the primary section in establishing a safe retirement financial savings plan for workers in New York’s personal sector. Governor Hochul signed laws final fall to make sure that the Secure Choice Savings Program, which was initially enacted in 2018, is self-ample and accessible to staff who don’t have entry to employer-sponsored retirement plans.
“The New York Secure Choice Savings Program ensures private sector employees can save for retirement in a convenient, low-cost manner,” Governor Hochul stated. “My administration is committed to the financial stability and success of all New Yorkers, and guaranteeing they have a reliable retirement plan is a large part of that mission.”
Under Governor Hochul’s management, the Board is now in place to start implementing this system, which is able to be certain that personal sector workers have entry to a retirement financial savings plan. The Secure Choice Savings Program is a self-ample retirement financial savings program that options automated enrollment and payroll deduction into an Individual Retirement Account (IRA). The program will likely be obligatory for many employers and workers can decide-out of this system at any time.
During the preliminary assembly, the Secure Choice Savings Program Board directed the Department of Taxation and Finance to undertake the implementation of this system. The Tax Department will quickly subject a public Request for Proposal for a guide to assist design the Secure Choice Savings Program. This is a crucial step to make sure this system is swiftly applied and begins serving to New Yorker retirees.
The present New York State Secure Choice Savings Program Board members are:
Chris Curtis, Department of Taxation and Finance Commissioner Designee
Tom Nitido, New York State Comptroller Designee
Shirin Emami, Department of Financial Services Superintendent Designee
Beth Finkel, State Director of AARP New York
Lisa Sorin, Bronx Chamber of Commerce President
Acting Secretary of State Robert J. Rodriguez stated, “By establishing the New York Secure Choice Savings Program Board, Governor Hochul is moving forward with the plan to lift millions of New Yorkers to a safe financial ground that will allow them to live independently in retirement. As an elected official in East Harlem, and lead sponsor of the bill, I understood the need for all New Yorkers to be able to retire with dignity, while also providing small business with an easy low-cost option to make this life changing benefit available to all New Yorkers, and with this program NYS took the steps to bring financial empowerment and equity to thousands of seniors in New York. At Department of State, our mission is to support our corporations and individual licensees and this program is another tool for ensuring NYS is supporting workers and small business in our state while being truly “open for business.”
Senator Diane Savino stated, “People always think they have time to save for retirement but many never do. Preventing New Yorkers from aging in poverty was the goal when then Assemblyman, now acting Secretary of State Robert Rodriguez, and I introduced a bill several years ago to create the NYS Secure Choice Retirement Plan. I applaud Governor Hochul seeing the value in this program, signing the improvements to this law, and quickly assembling the board. I hope the members of the board will act swiftly and wisely in bringing this plan to completion.”
For extra info go to the New York Secure Choice Savings Program Board web site.
CALL FOR $15B INVESTMENT IN CLIMATE: Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas joined leaders of the NY Renews coalition on a digital press convention advocating for a $15 billion funding in local weather and environmental justice in response to Governor Kathy Hochul’s Executive Budget. Speakers included Senator Samra Brouk; Assemblymembers Kenny Burgos, Jessica González-Rojas, and Jo Anne Simon; ALIGN NY, PUSH Buffalo, and UPROSE.
Governor Hochul just lately launched the FY 2023 Executive Budget, which fell “significantly short of what state agencies have determined is necessary to secure the benefits from implementing the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act,” based on a launch on the assembly from González-Rojas. “The legislation made New York a local weather chief, but it surely requires ample funding to ship a simply, equitable, and sustainable state as promised. The solely vital improve of funding for local weather within the Governor’s finances is tied to the $1 billion improve to the Environmental Bond Act, which is topic to voter approval this fall and could be spent over a number of years. The Governor has additionally proposed to proceed the Cuomo-era coverage of raiding $23 million in clear power funds which deprives deprived communities of funding that would scale back their power prices and enhance public well being.
“NY Renews’ $15 billion proposal is proportional to the dimensions of funding wanted to avert local weather disaster and spend money on local weather justice and remains to be solely 6.9% of the $219 billion Executive Budget. The plan consists of funding options to lots of Gov. Hochul’s proposed inexperienced infrastructure tasks, resembling transitioning to a clear power financial system, creating clear jobs, increasing offshore wind, electrifying metropolis, and faculty buses, and upgrading public housing power.
“Last year I witnessed what happens when we don’t take climate change seriously,” stated Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas. “The aftermath of Tropical Storm Ida displaced some of my constituents, flooded and destroyed homes, and exposed how unprepared New York is as it relates to climate change. Communities of color and low-income communities suffer the most from our inaction. That is why I’m joining the call for New York State to allocate $15 billion in our state budget to deliver on our environmental justice goals. This is an investment in resiliency, emission reduction, and job creation, and we have to get it right because the cost of not doing so is too great to bear.”
JAMES LEADS COALITION FOR FEDERAL HEAT STANDARDS FOR WORKERS: New York Attorney General Letitia James, main a coalition of six states urged the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to take swift motion to implement nationwide requirements to guard outside and indoor staff from occupational publicity to excessive warmth. Despite rising temperatures and intensifying warmth waves associated to local weather change, OSHA presently has no occupational warmth requirements in place. In feedback submitted to a proposed rulemaking on employee warmth requirements, the coalition known as on OSHA to fill this substantial void in employee protections by requiring employers to implement robust preventative measures aimed toward curbing warmth-associated dangers.
“Workers throughout the country are on the frontlines of the biggest crises happening today, and must face increasingly unsafe and often deadly working conditions as a result,” stated Attorney General James. “As extreme heat events only get more severe and more frequent, it is long past time for OSHA to set strict, enforceable national standards that respond to the grave consequences of escalating heat in the workplace. Every worker deserves a safe work environment, and my office will continue the fight to prioritize the health and wellbeing of working New Yorkers.”
Exposure to excessive warmth could cause a spread of warmth-associated diseases, together with warmth stroke, warmth exhaustion, and, with repeated publicity, power kidney illness. Extreme warmth additionally aggravates preexisting medical situations, resembling respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses, and might even worsen psychiatric situations. As local weather change yields more and more larger temperatures and humidity, warmth-associated damage, sickness, and demise are anticipated to develop. Low-income communities, communities of coloration, and Tribal and indigenous communities are already disproportionately impacted by excessive warmth, elevating environmental justice, and environmental racism considerations within the office.
OSHA acknowledges that its present efforts in addressing occupational warmth publicity have confirmed insufficient for safeguarding staff. Just a few states have taken steps to guard staff from warmth publicity, demonstrating that such measures are possible and efficient. However, with out nationwide requirements, hundreds of thousands of staff throughout the nation stay weak to hazardous warmth within the office. In their feedback, the coalition argues that as local weather change progresses and warmth-associated damage, sickness, and demise have gotten more and more widespread within the office, it’s incumbent upon OSHA to determine nationwide requirements and necessities to guard all staff.
Specifically, the coalition urges OSHA to implement a rulemaking to determine nationwide occupational warmth requirements that incorporate parts resembling:
- Heat publicity time-limits for outside and indoor staff that issue in additional frequent and intense excessive warmth occasions related to local weather change;
- Requirements for employers to implement measures to forestall staff’ warmth exposures from exceeding these time-limits, resembling acclimatization plans, obligatory hydration and relaxation breaks in shaded or cool areas, private protecting tools, warmth alert plans, employee coaching, and monitoring;
- Requirements for employers to maintain detailed data of warmth-associated diseases and report all incidents of warmth sickness to OSHA, supplemented by extra common OSHA office inspections; and
- Requirements for employers to develop enhanced monitoring and publicity protocols for staff who could also be notably inclined to warmth-associated accidents, and institute whistleblower safety packages for workers to securely report considerations about working in excessive warmth.
The coalition’s evaluation of information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics reveals that the entire variety of U.S. staff employed in occupations weak to excessive warmth in 2021 was roughly 50.3 million. Roughly 22.6 million — or 45 % — of those staff had been folks of coloration, and are predominately within the agriculture, development, warehousing and transportation, supply and postal companies, and meals companies industries. The Bureau of Labor Statistics experiences that from 1992 by means of 2016, publicity to extreme warmth killed 783 U.S. staff and critically injured 69,374. However, OSHA acknowledges that the official variety of accidents, diseases, and deaths from occupational warmth publicity is probably going considerably undercounted, particularly for staff within the so-known as “gig” financial system (resembling momentary staff) and for undocumented, migrant, or low-wage staff, who are sometimes on the biggest threat of warmth-associated diseases.
Joining Attorney General James in submitting the feedback are the attorneys basic of California, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.
RIDERS ALLIANCE’S TRANSIT WISH-LIST: The Riders Alliance launched the next assertion summarizing how they imagine the just lately gained federal support needs to be finest spent.
“The international COVID-19 pandemic introduced New York’s public transit system and the hundreds of thousands of riders who depend on it to the brink of disaster, costing the MTA billions of {dollars} in fares, tolls, and taxes. New York riders demanded and gained tens of billions of {dollars} in federal emergency support and infrastructure funding to save lots of the town’s buses, subways, commuter trains, and paratransit and create a path to a robust restoration.
“Governor Hochul is now transferring ahead with lengthy held objectives like a brand new Penn Station and Second Avenue Subway extension and initiating new tasks just like the Interboro Express, a daring imaginative and prescient for equitable infrastructure that can finally serve hundreds of thousands of riders. State leaders should additionally seize the second to construct additional on that basis.
“In this year’s budget, the governor and legislature must take full advantage of our extensive public transit system to meet the needs of today’s riders and confront inequity and the climate emergency with a compelling package of affordable, frequent, and accessible service.”
NO FARE HIKES FOR AT LEAST FIVE YEARS
- Public transit companies have to be as inexpensive as potential to retain present riders and make the system extra extensively accessible to riders at each earnings stage and in all neighborhoods.
- Fare hikes earlier than ridership rebounds to pre-pandemic ranges could be extremely inequitable—falling hardest on important and low-earnings staff—and discourage potential riders from coming again.
- While the MTA as soon as relied on common fare hikes, the brand new regular calls for a extra aggressive method to affordability, together with a flat fee for subway, bus, commuter rail, and paratransit journeys throughout the metropolis and selling and increasing Fair Fares for low-earnings New Yorkers.
- The governor and legislators ought to begin by funding the MTA’s request for $250 million yearly instead of this 12 months’s fare hike.
CUT LONG WAITS FOR BUSES AND TRAINS
- Public transit must be extra helpful than earlier than to maximise its worth as an engine of alternative for individuals who want it most and to draw as many new riders as potential.
- Even as public transit affords alternatives to so many, present transit service is inequitable, putting white New Yorkers inside attain of roughly twice as many roles as Black New Yorkers, who usually stay removed from the subway and depend on rare buses.
- More frequent bus and practice service — each six minutes, seven days every week on most strains – and bus community redesigns imply quicker journeys for riders, enhancing entry to alternative and stiffening competitors with much less inexpensive and environment friendly personal automobiles.
- The governor and legislature ought to make accessible $250 million yearly for quicker transit journeys to construct an equitable, sustainable future each for the transit system and the town that depends on it.
FULFILL THE PROMISE OF AN ACCESSIBLE SUBWAY
- A technology because the Americans With Disabilities Act, our subway remains to be shamefully inaccessible, excluding half 1,000,000 New Yorkers, when all of us can have bother climbing stairs in some unspecified time in the future—elevators are for everyone.
- The MTA’s Fast Forward plan promised dependable subway indicators and full station accessibility by 2034, requiring 20 newly accessible stations annually—practically double the file of 11 station accessibility tasks accomplished in 2020
- Legislators took a daring step to authorize congestion pricing within the Manhattan Central Business District to lift $15 billion for upgrades which might be important to a humane and inclusive subway system
- Now the governor should end the job by expediting this primary-in-the-nation effort to chop visitors whereas delivering the accessible subway system New Yorkers want and deserve
LEVERAGE PUBLIC TRANSIT TO COMBAT CLIMATE CHANGE
- New York’s public transit system will be the state’s single most vital asset within the struggle towards local weather change. Shifting extra journeys to transit may actually save coastal areas of our metropolis and state from the specter of rising tides and stronger storms, each by slicing our personal carbon emissions and setting a strong instance for others to observe across the globe.
- The governor should totally and pretty implement congestion pricing as rapidly as potential with no new particular curiosity carve outs for privileged teams of drivers.
- State leaders ought to work with City officers to mitigate subway flooding by turning streets into sponges, including permeable inexperienced infrastructure to enrich sewers.
- Future state local weather legal guidelines ought to spend money on public transit, acknowledging its distinctive position in creating good jobs, advancing environmental justice, and effectively transitioning New York as a complete to 100% clear and renewable power.
For extra information, go to www.ridersalliance.org
NEW RESOURCES TO AID WORKERS WITH LONG COVID: Governor Kathy Hochul introduced that New York State is providing new, on-line instructional alternatives to assist staff who imagine they contracted COVID-19 attributable to an publicity at work, particularly these affected by ongoing lengthy-haul signs. A brand new sequence of webinars – supplied by means of the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board – will present info on staff’ rights with regards to submitting a staff’ compensation declare and the money and/or medical advantages they might be eligible to obtain.
“It has been nearly two years after the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in our state, and many hardworking New Yorkers are still experiencing long-haul COVID-19 symptoms that are adversely impacting their health, wellbeing, and ability to support themselves and their families,” Governor Hochul stated. ”Those nonetheless affected by the lasting results of this horrible virus deserve to know their rights and to have entry to help with submitting staff’ compensation claims. By launching these new on-line sources, we are able to be certain that those that needed to work regardless of the chance can safe each the ample medical remedy and misplaced wage advantages that they deserve.”
Those with a piece-associated damage or sickness have two years from the date of changing into injured or ailing to file a staff’ compensation declare, so the deadline is approaching for staff who contracted COVID-19 attributable to their employment within the early days of the pandemic. Filing a declare is vital as a result of staff’ compensation advantages in a longtime declare embrace lifetime medical take care of the remedy of the work-associated damage or sickness. Even staff who’ve had an excellent end result after COVID-19 can file a declare to guard their future rights to those medical advantages, ought to they ever want them. Workers ought to know that whereas not all claims will likely be accepted, there isn’t any threat or hurt in submitting a declare, even when it finally ends up getting denied.
- February 23, 2022: Noon – 1 p.m.
- March 9, 2022: Noon – 1 p.m.
- April 13, 2022: Noon – 1 p.m.
These webinars are free and open to the general public. Participants don’t must register upfront, and might be part of the periods through the hyperlinks above, which may also be accessible by means of the Board’s devoted COVID-19 webpage at wcb.ny.gov/covid-19.
While the net periods are focused towards staff who’ve misplaced time from work, have ongoing medical issues and/or fall into the class of “long haulers,” the data is related to anybody who believes they might have contracted COVID-19 attributable to an publicity at work.
Information on the webinars, together with new truth sheets and different COVID-19 sources for staff, employers, and insurance coverage carriers is out there on the Board’s devoted COVID-19 webpage. In addition, info and help with submitting a declare for COVID-19 is out there by calling the NYS Workers’ Compensation Board at (877) 632-4996.
Injured or ailing staff are inspired to let the Board know in the event that they face resistance or obstacles to getting details about the claims course of or are discouraged from submitting a declare. Such staff can ship an e mail to: AdvInjWkr@wcb.ny.gov for help.
BIDEN ADMIN MEMO ON RATIFYING ERA; MALONEY RESPONDS: On January 27, Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney, Chairwoman of the Committee on Oversight and Reform, issued the next assertion on the discharge of an opinion from the Biden Administration’s Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) concerning the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA):
“The Equal Rights Amendment has been ratified by 38 states, completed the required waiting period, and met all constitutional requirements for ratification. The ERA should be added to the Constitution immediately. Following my request, the Biden Administration’s Justice Department has now revisited a flawed Trump-era legal memo that tried to block recognition of the ERA’s ratification. The Justice Department’s new analysis acknowledges serious weaknesses in the Trump-era memo and clarifies that Congress—not the executive branch—is in control of amending the Constitution. In light of this, the Administration must not stand in the way of recognizing the ERA’s ratification, and should immediately instruct the Archivist of the United States to perform his duty under the law to publish the ERA as the 28th Amendment to the Constitution.”
In January 2020, the Trump Administration’s OLC issued a authorized opinion weeks earlier than Virginia ratified the ERA, trying to dam completion of the ratification course of by directing the Archivist of the United States to not fulfil his statutory responsibility to certify and publish the modification as soon as it met the constitutional necessities. On January 8, 2020, the National Archives and Records Administration said that it will “abide by the OLC opinion.”
On October 21, 2021, Chairwoman Maloney despatched a letter to President Biden and Vice President Harris sharing a authorized evaluation from constitutional students affiliated with Columbia Law School’s ERA Project, concluding that the Trump Administration’s OLC opinion is legally unsound and needs to be withdrawn. The evaluation discovered that the OLC opinion “sought to advance a policy preference against the ERA,” and is “lacking a thoroughly reasoned understanding of precedent and Congressional power under the Constitution.” Since October, a few of the most outstanding authorized and constitutional students within the nation have added their help and signatures to the evaluation.
On January 26, 2022, Chairwoman Maloney joined Senators Richard Blumenthal, Amy Klobuchar and Catherine Cortez Masto and Representative Jackie Speier in sending a letter to the OLC calling on them to withdraw the Trump Administration’s OLC opinion.
Two years in the past, the ERA was ratified by the state of Virginia, the thirty eighth and ultimate state wanted to satisfy the necessities of Article V of the U.S. Constitution for ratification of a constitutional modification. Today, two years after ratification, the ERA goes into impact because the twenty eighth Amendment to the Constitution.
HOCHUL DIRECTS SUNY TO STOP WITHHOLDING TRANSCRIPTS: Governor Kathy Hochul introduced that the State University of New York Board of Trustees has ended the apply of withholding transcripts from college students with excellent balances, efficient instantly. This follows Governor Hochul’s plan to eradicate the apply throughout the State as a part of the 2022 State of the State – together with directing public schools and universities to instantly cease withholding transcripts and proposing laws for all larger training establishments within the State.
“Education is key to unlocking opportunity and to help New Yorkers succeed, we need to eliminate punitive barriers to opportunity like transcript withholding,” Governor Hochul stated. ”This is a matter of widespread sense. New Yorkers won’t be able to climb the ladder of success and get out of debt if their monetary challenges forestall them from accessing these alternatives. While I am proud that SUNY college students will not have their transcripts held hostage, all college students deserve the identical protections. We should go laws to finish this unjust apply for all New York college students as soon as and for all.”
Each 12 months, about 50 % of SUNY college students graduate from school debt-free. However, different college students graduate with an impressive stability of about $3,500, on common, and as of 2020 about 19,000 college students nonetheless owed their SUNY campus. With right this moment’s Board motion, now these college students might obtain their transcript, thereby enabling them to re-enroll in a campus, switch credit, full their diploma, and acquire jobs that might assist pay down their unpaid stability. CUNY introduced a short lived maintain on the apply final August.
As a part of the decision, the Board of Trustees additionally approved the SUNY Chancellor, or a designee, to overview all debt assortment practices and make any applicable coverage modifications, rulemaking, and different modifications consistent with right this moment’s motion. SUNY follows State Finance Law, in addition to State Division of the Budget steering, SUNY Regulations and Policy, and a Memorandum of Understanding between SUNY and the New York Attorney General.
SUNY Interim Chancellor Deborah F. Stanley stated, “Students come to SUNY for an excellent and affordable college education, often making personal sacrifices along the way in order to reach the career of their dreams. To come so far only to be held back by unpaid fees and fines is simply unfair to our students. My thanks for Governor Hochul for shining light on this oversight that has been commonplace throughout higher education, and for bringing further equity to our economically disadvantaged students, who have worked hard to earn their degree.”
‘ADDITIONAL RENT RELIEF NEEDED’: Following the top of New York’s eviction moratorium, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand joined 7 of her colleagues in urging the Biden administration to reallocate funding from the Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) Program to help low-earnings renters. The letter requests that unspent ERA funds be distributed as rapidly as potential to communities going through the best want, together with these the place a big portion of renters pay over 50% of their earnings in hire or have misplaced their jobs because the starting of the pandemic.
“New York’s housing costs are some of the highest in the nation. After the end of the state’s eviction moratorium, too many New Yorkers are at risk of falling behind on their rent and losing their homes,” stated Senator Gillibrand. “Particularly as we continue to battle the Omicron variant, housing insecurity poses a serious threat to the health and well-being of our communities. I urge the Biden administration to immediately redirect unspent rental assistance funds to where they are needed most.”
The letter was additionally signed by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and Cory Booker (D-NJ).
OVER $9M TO REDUCE BURNOUT AMONG HEALTH PROFESSIONALS: U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand introduced $9,655,841 in federal funding to deal with a staffing disaster in our nation’s hospitals by decreasing burnout and selling wellness amongst well being care staff. The funding was allotted by means of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and will likely be used to develop and implement programming to deal with psychological well being challenges confronted by well being professionals, notably these offering care in underserved and rural communities.
“The pandemic has taken a huge toll on our health care workers, and they are in need of more help to overcome new challenges and struggles related to their mental health,” stated U.S. Senator Charles Schumer. “New York’s increased mental health struggles are an overall silent—but devastating—effect of this pandemic with more people reporting the onset of symptoms like depression, anxiety and more. Untreated, these conditions can lead to dangerous spirals that upend lives and families. That is why I am proud to have secured these vital funds for programs, practices and training to promote the mental health and wellness of our heroic frontline workers.”
“The past two years have been a time of nearly unprecedented stress for health care workers,” stated Senator Gillibrand. “And as a result, too many nurses and other medical professionals have left the field – just when we need them most. This federal funding will provide long overdue support to our frontline workers, including physicians, nurses, and health care students as well as firefighters, law enforcement officers, and ambulance crew members. I’ll keep fighting tooth and nail to support those who have worked so hard to keep us safe throughout the pandemic.”
Funding recipients in NYC could be discovered beneath:
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, $2,138,544 for the Health and Public Safety Workforce Resiliency Training Program, Manhattan.
La Casa De Salud, $2,955,998, Promoting Resilience and Mental Health Among Health Professional Workforce Program, the Bronx.
PHEFFER AMATO DISTRIBUTES 700 COVID-19 SELF-TESTS: Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-South Queens) personally distributed nicely over 700 Covid-19 self-testing kits to residents of the twenty third Assembly District on January 22 and January 23, 2022. Part of the distribution occasions was in partnership with City Councilwoman Joann Ariola and Senator Joseph Addabbo, who supplied his personal further Covid-19 self-testing kits.
Pheffer Amato joined the Cityline Ozone Park Civilian Patrol, a nonprofit that gives companies and extra neighborhood-based mostly safety, throughout their weekly meals distribution and continued to distribute Covid-19 self-testing kits, offering over 300 kits. Pheffer Amato jumped into the meeting line that was distributing contemporary meals and items to members of the South Queens neighborhood and personally handed out testing kits. She additionally supplied further testing kits to heroic volunteers who had been braving the chilly climate whereas serving to their neighbors.
The Assemblywoman stated, “Your work is so vital for our community and with so many people depending on you, I want to make sure you are safe, healthy and able to continue this good work next week and for the weeks to come. As we go forward, what you, our neighborhood, our city and state need, I will find a way to get it for you.”
Pheffer Amato introduced containers of Covid-19 self-testing kits to 2 areas, Food Emporium and CTown Supermarket, each positioned within the twenty third Assembly District. She, along with her fellow colleagues in authorities, fortunately supplied assessments to people and households. Additionally, the Assemblywoman went on to offer the employees of each grocery shops with self-testing kits and commented how “these are the front-facing workers who throughout the pandemic made sure our stores were fully stocked and braved an uncertain future. We will always be grateful to them and this is just one way I can ensure that they continue to be safe.” An estimated 400 testing kits had been distributed by the Assemblywoman at these two grocery retailer areas, with 700 general being given away over the weekend.
GILLIBRAND ON JUSTICE BREYER’S RETIREMENT: US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) launched the next assertion on experiences of Supreme Court Justice Breyer’s plans to retire.
“When Justice Breyer was nominated to the Supreme Court in 1994, President Clinton said that he would bring to the bench ‘an abiding sense of decency and an unswerving dedication to ensuring liberty and justice for all’ – for the past 28 years, he has done just that. I am deeply grateful for Justice Breyer’s service to our country, his brilliant legal mind, and his legacy of upholding justice and fairness,” stated Senator Gillibrand. “As we take into account who ought to take his place on the nation’s highest courtroom, we should verify a justice who respects the position that the Supreme Court has to play in our democracy, who ensures that the courtroom displays the folks and the values of our nation, and who will defend our reproductive rights, voting rights, and civil rights.
—With contributions by Annette Hanze Alberts
This column was originated by John A. Toscano