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Minggu, 15 Januari 2012

New York City Council Supports Living Wage Bill

**For Immediate Release**
January 13, 2012

Contact: Amyre Loomis (718) 260-9191

Statement by Council Member Letitia James About New York City Council's Support of Living Wage Bill

(Brooklyn, NY) “As we prepare to celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., I applaud Speaker Quinn for supporting The Fair Wages for New Yorkers Act, also known as the Living Wage Bill, which would standardize a living wage for employees in jobs created through tax dollar-subsidized development projects.

The bill requires future development projects that receive $1 million or more in discretionary funding from the City, to pay $10 an hour plus benefits for full-time workers, and $11.50 an hour without benefits for at least 10 years. Millions of dollars a year in taxpayer-financed subsidies are provided to private developers by the City of New York, and these employers should pay decent wages.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. stood with sanitation workers demanding a living wage when he was killed. The City Council now stands with the working poor of New York City in support of The Fair Wages for New Yorkers Act, as well as in honor of the moral mandate and living spirit of Dr. King.

The Living Wage Bill will go a long way to help lift families out of poverty; I thank my colleagues in the Progressive Caucus for pushing to restore progressive politics back to its core.”


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Selasa, 03 Januari 2012

CM James and Gillespie Family Hold Press Conference; 12/29; 250 Broadway

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE** December 28, 2011

Contact: Amyre Loomis at (718) 260-9191, (646) 201-8183

THE FAMILY OF DELORIS GILLESPIE HELD PRESS CONFERENCE TO DISCUSS TRAGIC MURDER OF THEIR MOTHER, WHO WAS SET ON FIRE

(Brooklyn, NY)- “The family of Deloris Gillespie wanted to speak with media about their mother’s death. Most of the family members have traveled from out of town; therefore I have been supporting them as much as possible. Deloris Gillespie’s family would like to share their mother’s story as they prepare for her memorial service, which is taking place in Brooklyn this week,” said Council Member Letitia James.

A Memorial Service for the beloved Deloris Gillespie was held Friday, December 30 at 12PM at First AME Zion Church, located at 54 Macdonough Street, Brooklyn, NY 11216; (718) 638-3343, (718) 443-3001; www.amez.org

DONATIONS STILL BEING ACCEPTED: FUND SET UP FOR DELORIS GILLESPIE, MURDERED BY FIRE ON SATURDAY IN PROSPECT HEIGHTS, BROOKLYN (MORE FUND DETAILS BELOW)

In light of the horrendous murder of Deloris Gillespie, who was set on fire in her apartment building elevator, the community has set up a rehabilitation fund to assist her family in their time of need.

Council Member James said: “This horrific crime has shocked everyone in New York City, and Carver Federal Savings Bank is accepting donations into a Rehabilitation Fund for Disaster Victims to support the family, which was set up by the community with the assistance of my office. We have come together to support the family of a local resident in need. I believe that it is the responsibility of the community to hold up their neighbors during unfortunate times such as these; we will do whatever we can to make sense of this gruesome crime, and more importantly to help put the lives of the family members of Deloris Gillespie back together. Family and friends remember Deloris as a generous, active member of her community; she fed and clothed the hungry, worked closely with the 77th Precinct Community Council, as well as was a dedicated U.S. Postal Service employee.”

Donations for Deloris Gillespie can be sent to Carver Federal Savings Bank, to the Rehabilitation Fund for Disaster Victims (set up by the community). The account number for deposits is: 801281750. Carver Federal Savings Bank is located at 4 Hanson Place, Brooklyn, NY, 11217. For more information please contact (718) 230-2900.

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*Photo credited to Prospect Heights Patch.

Kamis, 04 Agustus 2011

CM James’ Response To Mayor Bloomberg's Efforts To Bridge Disparities Between Young Black/Latino Men

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
August 4, 2011

Contacts: Amyre Loomis at (718) 260-9191

COUNCIL MEMBER JAMES’ RESPONSE TO MAYOR BLOOMBERG’S EFFORTS TO BRIDGE DISPARITIES BETWEEN YOUNG BLACK AND LATINO MALES AND THEIR PEERS IN NYC

(Brooklyn, NY) Mayor Bloomberg's legacy will be defined by his victories and his failures. One of his major failures can best be illustrated by his lack of investment and focus on issues affecting urban youth. Black and Latino young men represent the most disaffected and disconnected constituency in the City.

Despite repeated warnings by members of the City Council, leaders and organizations… crying out in the wilderness of central Brooklyn and other urban settings urging investment; who for too long have been dependent primarily upon religious and civic volunteers and their individual small donations - the Mayor is finally showing up late to the carnage.

The mountain of disparity has consistently been dangerously trending upward. And unfortunately, the Bloomberg administration’s response has often been short-sighted, and more focused on policing youth. Bloomberg’s stop and-frisk policy has led to the systematic humiliation and harassment of Black and Latino residents who are innocent of any wrongdoing. That response was a band aide approach to deep structural inequities.

I applaud the Mayor; I guess this initiative is better late than never. But, it does appear to look like a major ‘mea culpa’ in the final leg of his term, as he finally turns his attention (and vast wealth) to probably the most marginalized and historically ignored group of individuals, who truly needed it, and could have benefited early on from his philanthropy and administration the most.

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Selasa, 21 Juni 2011

ATTENTION: DHS and Advantage Program Updates


The Advantage Program was a NYC Department of Homeless Services (DHS) program that provided rental subsidies that helped clients transition from temporary, emergency shelter to self-sufficiency as quickly as possible, instilling responsibility through its firm linkage to employment opportunities. However, due to New York State's withdrawal of funding for the program, DHS ceased signing Advantage leases as of April 1, 2011. If you have questions or concerns about the Advantage program as a client or a landlord, please contact DHS at 212-607-6200.

Rabu, 09 Maret 2011

CMs Hold Rally In Opposition to Senior Center Closings; 3/11; 1PM

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
March 8, 2011

Contact Amyre Loomis at (718) 260-9191, (646) 201-8183

NEW YORK CITY COUNCIL HOLDS RALLY IN OPPOSITION TO SENIOR CENTER CLOSING THIS FRIDAY, MARCH 11TH, AT 1PM ON THE STEPS OF CITY HALL

Council Member James urges the community; all seniors and advocates to mobilize against threats to senior services

(Brooklyn, NY) – Governor Cuomo and Mayor Bloomberg have joined forces to decrease funding for New York City’s senior centers, many who rely on these centers for meals, social activities, and companionship. The Bloomberg Administration announced its plan to close over 100 centers throughout the five boroughs, putting as many as ten thousand seniors at risk of hunger and social isolation.

“This potentially devastating loss of state funding would profoundly affect senior centers across New York City. We are working hard to have this action reversed, but unless the state dollars are restored, DFTA will be forced to close up to 105 of its 256 senior centers,” said Christopher Miller Director of Public Affairs, NYC Department for the Aging.

“A loss of $25 million to DFTA's senior center budget, or approximately 1/3 of funding for senior centers is reprehensible. We stand on the shoulders of these seniors; they are the backbone of our community. These parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles have paid their dues, and their lifelines – New York City senior centers will not close without a fight,” said Council Member Letitia James.

What: Rally to Oppose the Closing of Senior Centers in New York City
Where: Steps of City Hall, Lower Manhattan
When: Friday, March 11
Time: 1pm

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Selasa, 15 Februari 2011

NYCC FY12 Budget Applications AVAILABLE

NYC Council Member Letitia James is pleased to announce that the NYC Council Fiscal Year 2012 Organization Qualification Form (OQF), as well as, the Non-City Capital Request form has been released on the NYC Council website and is now accessible for your use . In order to apply for member-item grants you must complete and submit the online forms by the designated due dates.

Below are the links to the NYC Council pages which allows access to each form:
CM James Deadline - March 18, 2011
NYCC Deadline – March 24, 2011

Non-City Capital Request (Capital): (All non-city entities including charter schools must complete this application)
http://council.nyc.gov/html/budget/fy2012.shtml
CM James Deadline - March 28, 2011
NYCC Deadline – April 8, 2011

Read the guidelines in detail to see eligibility status and also take note to both the City Council’s deadline and Council Member James’. When applying for funding from Council Member James, we ask that you submit the OQF via the website by Friday, March 18, 2011 and the Non-City Capital Request via the Capital Funding Request website by Monday, March 28, 2011. In case your group is missing information and/or need to submit additional requirements, we urge you to adhere to our office deadlines. Any applications submitted after the New York City Council deadline will not be accepted and the website will prevent access. DO NOT MAIL PAPER FORMS.

Please note: If you are applying to another Council Member, please check with their office for their office deadlines.

If you have additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact Simone Hawkins at 212-788-7081 or shawkins@council.nyc.gov.

Jumat, 17 Desember 2010

CMs James, Mark-Viverito, Williams, and Dromm Hold Press Conference To Condemn $80M Embezzlement of NYC Funds; 12/17 TODAY; 3PM; City Hall

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
December 17, 2010

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

Council Members Letitia James, Melissa Mark-Viverito, Jumaane Williams, and Daniel Dromm Hold Press Conference To Condemn $80M Embezzlement of City Funds By Citytime Contractors
Call On Administration To Cease Outsourcing Municipal Jobs Without Proper Oversight of Contractors; Urges MTA To Reconsider $120M SAIC Contract

New York, NY— On Wednesday, December 15, 2010 four Citytime consultants were charged with embezzling $80Million from the City of New York through steering public funds to consulting firms who funneled the money to shell companies controlled by the consultants and their families. Ironically, Citytime is a timekeeping system used by some City agencies to monitor payroll fraud and abuse. Currently, Science Applications International Corp (SAIC) is the main contractor for the Citytime timekeeping system.

Council Member Letitia James has been a long-time critic of the Citytime project, which has been rife with accusations of administration and management errors that have seen consultants such as the accused paid exuberant prices. In opposition to the operational mismanagement— as well as the ballooned cost of the project ($68 million projected at its onset to more than $738 million)— Council Member James joined Local 375-DC 37 the Civil Service Technical Guild at a press conference in September 2010 to call on a freeze to any further rolling-out of the project, and a full assessment to be performed on the project. Following the press conference, New York City Comptroller John Liu announced that an agreement had been reached with the administration to give SAIC a June 2011 deadline to complete original work on the project before receiving minimal funding for maintenance and support services.

Following yesterday’s events, Comptroller John Liu called for an emergency session of the Payroll Administration Board of Directors and further urged the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) to take care in selecting a SAIC as the final contractor for its new radio communications system.

“I applaud the federal prosecutors for this indictment, but it should not have taken this amount of time to expose,” said Council Member Letitia James. “The fact that this complex scam was able to take place under the radar of the administration is proof of just how out-of-control the greed of some consultants has become. It is time to stop using public funds to continue these poorly managed, poorly supervised private enterprises. The City must stop outsourcing jobs without having the resources or inclination to manage the contractors.”

“This scandal highlights the dangers of the Bloomberg administration’s over-reliance on private contracts,” said Council Member Melissa Mark-Viverito. “The extent and duration of this embezzlement calls into question the administration’s commitment to truly scrutinize the private contractors and consultants that are getting rich off of taxpayer dollars. In the wake of this news, it is time that we examine these large contracts even more closely, instead of sitting back and waiting on the federal government to find other instances of corruption.”

"I am outraged that the money that was supposed to be going to consultants working with the CityTime project has been mishandled. It is ironic that a program dedicated to eliminate waste and fraud is the same program costing taxpayers millions of dollars. The Mayor has been fiscally irresponsible with these contracts from the beginning. The answer isn't in cutting city funding or programming, the answer lies in proper management of funds," said Council Member Jumaane Williams.

“CityTime is a waste of time,” said Council Member Daniel Dromm. From the very start since the Mayor first tried to implement it, CityTime has been a disaster with cost spiraling to almost $1 billion. Now we find out that, in fact, CityTime is rife with fraud. We need to get rid of CityTime and redirect the money towards saving jobs.”

WHEN: Friday, December 17, 2010
3:00PM
WHERE: steps of City Hall



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Kamis, 16 Desember 2010

CM James Comments On Federal Indictment of Citytime Contractors; $80M "Scam"

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
December 15, 2010

Contact: Amyre Loomis (718) 260-9191

FEDERAL PROSECUTORS CHARGE SIX IN $80 MILLION CITYTIME FRAUD
Statement by Council Member Letitia James

“I applaud the federal prosecutors for this indictment, but it should not have taken this amount of time to expose. The $80Million in funds stolen from the City of New York could have been used to fund day care centers, firehouses, municipal workers, senior centers, and the list goes on. Every penny should be accounted for and this travesty lies at the feet of the Administration who failed to uncover this massive fraud, when I first sounded the alarm two years ago. The fact that this complex scam was able to take place under the radar of the administration is proof of just how out-of-control the greed of some consultants has become. It is time to stop using public funds to continue these poorly managed, poorly supervised private enterprises. The City must stop outsourced jobs without having the resources or inclination to manage the contractors. Until that happens, the MTA should cancel its $10 million contract with CityTime today.”

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Rabu, 01 Desember 2010

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.

Selasa, 12 Oktober 2010

FG Park Conservancy Hosts Dance Party; 10/14; 7PM; FG


You are invited to join the Fort Greene Park Conservancy in a dance to support free programs at Fort Greene Park--

WHEN: Thursday, October 14th, 7PM
WHERE: Brooklyn Masonic Temple
317 Clermont Avenue
Brooklyn, NY

For more information, see here.

Rabu, 29 September 2010

CM James Applauds Comptroller Liu On CityTime Action

On Tuesday, September 21, 2010, Council Member Letitia James joined Local 375, DC 37, the Civil Service Technical Guild representing City engineers, architects, scientists, chemists, and other technical specialists in opposing the administration’s Citytime payroll project. From the onset, the Citytime project has been rife with accusations of administration and management errors that have seen “consultants” paid exuberant prices. Furthermore, the initial cost of the project ($68M) has ballooned to an estimated $700M over-budget last fiscal year. The current proposal is a 3-year contract that includes two SAIC contracts, and funding for ongoing operations. It would cost more than $100M.

Council Member James joined the guild in calling on a freeze to any further rolling-out of the project in terms of both additional funding and application to new City agencies. In addition, she called on a full assessment of the project to be performed as soon as possible, following the audit performed by Comptroller John Liu, to determine whether it would be most cost-efficient to return payroll duties to City workers.

Council Member Letitia James has been a long-term opponent of the Citytime project, from her tenure of Chair of the Contracts Committee where she held two hearings on the project, as well as one on the general outsourcing of service jobs to the private sector. She continues to introduce legislation concerning the City's outsourcing of service contracts that may be able to be performed by municipal workers.

Council Member James applauds Comptroller Liu on standing firm on his opposition to the project overall. The Comptroller recently announced his agreement with the administration to give SAIC a deadline of June 30, 2011 to complete all original work on the program. If that is completed, the program will receive up to $32M for maintenance and support services alone. There will be no further rolling-out of the project at this time, and if SAIC fails to meet this deadline, $3M in damages will be assessed against the City’s payment.

You can read more about the new agreement here.

Selasa, 24 Agustus 2010

NYS Wins Race To The Top Funding!

New York State is among the winners in the Obama administration's Race to the Top Phase II program, awarding $696,646,000 in new education grants for the state. In the midst of these harsh economic times, this funding will ensure that New York's children are provided a better opportunity and improved access to quality education.

The Race to the Top state competition is funded by the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and is designed to reward states that are leading the way in comprehensive, coherent, statewide education reform across four key areas:

- Adopting standards and assessments that prepare students to succeed in college and the workplace;
- Building data systems that measure student growth and success, and inform teachers and principals how to improve instruction;
- Recruiting, developing, rewarding, and retaining effective teachers and principals, especially where they are needed most; and
- Turning around their lowest-performing schools.


This victory can be credited in part to the major education reforms recently enacted by the New York State legislators. Yet, without the commitment of President Barack Obama and Education Secretary Arne Duncan in recognizing that New York State is worthy of these vital dollars, we would be without this essential investment for our children's future. This is truly great news for families across the state!

Selasa, 20 Juli 2010

FRIA SELECTED AS AN OFFICIAL CHARITY FOR THE 2010 ING NYC MARATHON

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Lisa Jackson
Lilclif@verizon.net


FRIA SELECTED AS AN OFFICIAL CHARITY FOR THE 2010 ING NEW YORK CITY MARATHON

District 35 Council Member Letitia James joins FRIA on the steps of City Hall, Wednesday, July 21, 2010 at 12 Noon, for the RUN-Raise fund-raiser to support FRIA’s programs and services for New York Elders and Their Caregivers

ALERT: This press conference was originally scheduled for 11am and moved to 12pm.New York, NY – July 20, 2010 – On Wednesday, July 21, 2010 at 12 Noon, Council Member Letitia James, other elected officials and supporters of FRIA will join FRIA on the steps of City Hall to announce its selection as one of the Official Charities for the 2010 ING New York City Marathon to take place on Sunday, November 7, 2010, as well as inform the public that it will also be accepting donations. This opportunity allows FRIA to provide guaranteed marathon entries to 5 runners who pledge to raise a minimum of $2500 each for FRIA.

The marathon lottery is officially closed for 2010; hence, running for an official ING NYC Marathon Charity is the only way an applicant may run in the marathon. This is not only an opportunity to run in the premier race attracting world-class professional athletes before two million cheering spectators and 315 million worldwide television viewers…. but also a great opportunity to support New York’s leading elder-care advocacy organization dedicated to fostering the dignity and independence of seniors in long term care settings. It is befitting that this opportunity present itself in November, which is National Family Caregivers Month.

For over 30 years, FRIA has provided resources, information and advocacy on long term care issues to New York elders, their caregivers, elder-care attorneys and other health care professionals. As an Official Charity Partner, FRIA is building a team of five designated FRIA runners, other already registered marathoners and supporters from New York and afar who will donate and RUNRaise on behalf of FRIA. All funds raised by Team FRIA will be used to support FRIA's programs and services.

FRIA is pleased to be joined by New York City Council Member, Letitia James of Brooklyn’s 35th District; Olanike Alabi, District Leader of the 57th Assembly District; other elected officials and/or their staff.

“I am proud to be a friend of FRIA because this organization supports those shoulders the community stands on….the elderly and their caregivers. Also, now that FRIA is an official charity for the 2010 ING New York City Marathon, 5 more athletes will have the opportunity to run in the world’s premiere marathon, as well as fundraise for New York ’s leading elder-care advocacy organization,” said Council Member James. “Every November I join my neighbors in supporting runners, and this year my level of enthusiasm will be unmatched when FRIA runners pass by my residence, as they race through the 35th Council District on the way to the finish line.”

FRIA’s Board Members, one of whom is 88 year old Ethel Paley, a founding member of FRIA (and former NY1 News, New Yorker of The Week) who still volunteers with FRIA’s Help Line, will attend; along with caregivers who FRIA has assisted and supporters of FRIA over the years. Quintessential New Yorkers and caregivers, Tony Award winning stage/screen actress, Adriane Lenox (“Doubt”) and her husband, Tony Award Nominated Composer & Music Director, Zane Mark (“Bring In ‘Da Noise, Bring In ‘Da Funk”) will also be present.

Selasa, 06 Juli 2010

ATTENTION: NYC and NYS Announce Public Housing Restorations

Recently, New York City and State announced a major plan to restore Section 8 vouchers for more than 6,000 families across the five boroughs.

Last December, the NYC Housing Authority (NYCHA) was forced to withdraw its offer of Section 8 vouchers for roughly 2,500 approved families as a result of a major shortfall in its Section 8 budget. Vouchers for an additional 4,000 families were also at risk of being terminated. Upon learning of this problem, the NYC Council held two hearings, entered into discussions with NYCHA and the NYC Department of Housing Preservation & Development (HPD), and has now committed to providing $7 million so that these low-income New Yorkers won't end up on the street.

The full plan includes: using $23 million in HPD Section 8 reserves; transferring 750 vouchers from the NYS Division of Housing & Community Renewal (DHCR) to HPD; using federal HOME program funding to fund additional vouchers; and allocating Council capital funding to replace the shifted HOME funds. This plan will restore or save all 6,500 vouchers. Because of the steps that we're collectively taking today, thousands of New Yorkers will soon receive the vouchers they need to remain safe and sheltered.

And in another major victory for NYC tenants, last week the NYS Supreme Court's Appellate Division upheld Justice Emily Jane Goodman's decision earlier this year striking down the Rent Guidelines Board's (RGB) 2008 supplemental increase. In June 2008, the RGB approved rent increases of 4.5 and 8.5 percent for 1-and 2-year renewal increases respectively. The board also approved a $45 to $85 supplemental increase on tenants who've lived in their apartment for 6 years or more and pay less than $1,000 in rent. As a result, these tenants were forced to pay a higher increase than what's legally allowed under current RGB guidelines. The NYC Council has long denounced this supplemental increase as a "poor tax" on working and middle-class New Yorkers, and were proud to work with the Legal Aid Society and Legal Services of New York to help take this unjust burden off of tenants.

The Council joins tenants and advocates across the five boroughs in applauding the Appellate Division for recognizing that the RGB had exceeded its authority under city and state housing laws when it attempted to unfairly penalize tenants for living in their homes too long.

You can read more here and here.

Selasa, 22 Juni 2010

Things We May Have Neglected To Mention: The Missions

Prostate Cancer Screening

According to a recent article the NY Daily News, "African-American men are twice as likely to die from prostate cancer as white men. And Caribbean-born men in Brooklyn are three times as likely to die from the disease as U.S.-born men." What could be a better gift to a man in your life than the constant nagging to get a prostate screenning? More info here.

Save The Double D Pool

On June 20th, Council Members James and Levin joined Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz (who apparently donned his swimming trunks) and State Senator Velmanette Montgomery at a demonstration protesting the City's decision to close of one Brooklyn's most popular outdoor swimming pools- The Double D Pool. It is located at the Thomas Greene Park in Brooklyn, and provides free services (lunches, training, etc.) for residents of Boerum Hill, Cobble Hill, and Carroll Gardens. There's a petition here.

Applebees Dining to Donate

On Thursday June 24, 2010, you can make a difference in the life of graduating high school senior by dining at the Applebee's Restaurant, located at Fulton Street & Marcy Avenue in Bedford-Stuyvesant's Restoration Plaza. Ten percent of your bill will be donated to the scholarship fund for the Restoration Dance Theatre Company. Present this flyer to your server, and become an individual donor of Restoration's youth scholarship program.

The Art, Soul, Future of Brooklyn

I See Promotions, LLC, in association with the Ajile L. Turner Scholarship Fund, present a Fort Greene Festival featuring Common and other performing artists and vendors. For more information you may call (718) 902-9641 or visit http://www.fortgreenefest.com/.

Saturday, June 26, 2010
Fort Greene Park
12noon- 10pm