News & Notes from Assembly Member Mike Miller - NY Assembly District 38

Assemblyman Miller Hosts Successful Job Fair in Glendale

Pictured from Left to Right: Chaplan Joseph D'Agostino, Assemblyman Mike Miller, Jordan Durso, and State Senator Joseph Addabbo.

Citing the need for economic recovery in Queens, Assemblyman Mike Miller (D-Queens) hosted a job fair at Christ Tabernacle Church in Glendale this past Tuesday. With over 40 vendors offering jobs for the unemployed, several hundred people crowded into the Freedom Hall seeking employment. Vendors came from local businesses, like Home Depot and Queens Council for Social Welfare, and federal agencies, like the Drug Enforcement Agency and the Federal Aviation Administration.

“During these tough economic times, our first priority has to be job creation. I am so thrilled to see all of these vendors looking to put our community back to work” Assemblyman Miller said. “Thanks to the generosity of Christ Tabernacle Church and the many companies that came to the event, many people may once again be able to put bread on the table for their families. It’s the least we could do for them.”

Assemblyman Miller: Take the Time to Honor Our Fallen Soldiers

Memorial Day is celebrated every year as a national day of remembrance to honor our fallen American soldiers, both past and present. The holiday weekend is often used to mark the beginning of summer, a time when people come together at parades and celebrations to remember those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

Finding its roots right here in New York, on a main street in the village of Waterloo, Memorial Day was first celebrated in the spring of 1866. Now, nearly a century and a half later, we continue in the same fashion to honor our fallen soldiers. Flags are hung at half mast, flowers are placed on the graves of our lost soldiers and ceremonies are held in cities and towns across the country to commemorate those who gave their lives to protect our families, our homes and our nation. It is a day that unites our country and allows us time to reflect and express our utmost gratitude to those fallen in the fight for freedom.

In recent weeks, we have had an important reminder of the bravery of our troops and how hard they fight to protect us. The recent death of Osama bin Laden reminds us that those who have fallen, both at home and abroad, have not done so in vain. And, it should serve as a warning to America’s enemies that our servicemen and women will fight to protect us, even if they have to travel to the farthest reaches of the globe.

It is my hope that this Memorial Day, we will be able to take the time to honor the uniformed men and women we have lost due to conflict throughout the years. We will always remember and honor them as heroes of our great state and nation.

In the Assembly, my colleagues and I are dedicated to honoring and preserving the memory of those who died during times of conflict. I will do everything in my power to ensure the best for our troops and their families, while at home and abroad. The men and women in uniform – the heroes who fight across the world to defend our freedom – are an inspiration to New Yorkers.

Assembly Package Protects the Rights of New Yorkers with Disabilities

In recognition of Legislative Disabilities Awareness Day, Assemblyman Miller (D-Queens) announced the passage of a comprehensive package of bills focused on improving the quality of life for New Yorkers with disabilities.

“People with disabilities have to overcome difficult challenges every day,” Miller said. “To help remove some of the roadblocks, the Assembly has passed bills that level the playing field for those with disabilities.”

In an effort to combat discrimination, the Assembly passed legislation that would:

• Clarify protections against discrimination on the basis of disability in services provided by public entities in New York State by making the State Human Rights Law consistent with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) (A.71); and
• Waive the state’s sovereign immunity regarding the ADA and certain other federal acts as they apply to the protection of state employees (A.3689).

“It is appalling to me that because of someone’s disability, they may not be able to enjoy the same freedoms as every other New Yorker,” Miller said. “I will continue fighting to make sure everyone has equal rights, no matter what their circumstances may be.”

Making everyday tasks more accessible

The legislation would afford people with disabilities easier access to services by:

• Requiring that the services of sign-language interpreters be made available upon request of a hearing-impaired individual at public hearings and meetings (A.1932); and
• Amending the Human Rights Law to define the term “service animal,” which would include, but not be limited to, any guide, hearing or service dog (A.6816).

Ensuring voters with disabilities have equal access to ballots

“It’s crucial that a voter with a disability has the same access to absentee ballots during the voting process as any other New Yorker does” Assemblyman Miller said. To ensure this, the Assembly package includes a bill that would enable blind and visually impaired registered voters to request Braille or large-print absentee ballots for all elections administered under the election law (A.5337-A). In addition, the legislation allows those who are visually impaired to request that such ballots are available at polling sites in lieu of voting machines on Election Day for elections under the education law until Dec. 31, 2012, when optical scanning machines will be available.

Establishing emergency protocol to assist people with disabilities

To protect people with disabilities during an emergency, the Assembly’s legislation would:

• Require high-rise building owners to establish and maintain up-to-date emergency evacuation plans that specifically pertain to disabled occupants and visitors and is readily available to emergency personnel (A.6658); and
• Require counties to maintain a confidential registry of people of all ages with disabilities who may require evacuation assistance and shelter in the event of a disaster (A.7257). The legislation allows people with disabilities the option to not be included on the registry.

Providing better housing options

To meet the needs of people with disabilities, the Assembly passed legislation allowing tenants with physically disabling conditions that affect their mobility a preference in occupying a vacant housing unit on a lower floor in the same project operated by the New 

York City Housing Authority (A.3420-A).

Making transportation easier for people with disabilities

The Assembly’s legislation would improve transportation by:

• Establishing the Metropolitan Transportation Authority Riders’ Council for People with Disabilities to investigate day-to-day operations of the transportation authority and its subsidiaries, monitor its performance, and make recommendations to improve conditions with respect to disabled riders (A.745);
• Providing a tax credit to transportation companies for the purchase of new vehicles that are accessible to people with disabilities (A.966-B); and
• Requiring that both handicapped parking spaces and their access aisles be at least eight-feet wide to ensure that they are spaced far enough for people with disabilities to enter and exit their vehicles (A.3363).

“For people with disabilities, getting to certain destinations can be quite a challenge,” Assemblyman Miller said. “By reducing the hassle when riding public transportation and parking in handicapped spaces, we can provide riders with disabilities a more comfortable and less stressful trip.”

Miller: e-STOP Law Removes Thousands of Registered Sex Offenders from Social Networking Sites

Living in an information age with technology evolving faster than ever, we face new challenges every day in keeping our children safe. While the Internet provides numerous entertainment and educational benefits, it can also lead unsuspecting users into a dangerous trap. That’s why I support the Electronic Security and Targeting of Online Predators Act (e-STOP), which, since its passage three years ago, has helped remove more than 24,000 accounts and online profiles linked to registered sex offenders.

It can be very difficult for a child or teen to realize the threat posed by sex offenders masking their true identity online. Since the passage of e-STOP, strict online regulations, including prohibiting certain sex offenders from accessing social networking websites and communicating with minors, have helped protect thousands of children who access the Web each day.

The popularity of social networking sites has resulted in the creation of millions of online personalized profiles that allow users to connect and interact with their friends. But, unfortunately, without the proper safeguards, these sites also allow online predators to easily shield their true identities to make unwanted sexual advances on our children. With e-STOP in place, more than two dozen social networking companies receive a list of updated sex offender information from law enforcement every week to identify predators and remove them from their websites. These companies also alert law enforcement to potential sex offenders on their sites. Already, e-STOP has shown that with full cooperation of law enforcement and social networking companies, thousands of unsafe accounts can be removed, keeping our children out of harm’s way.

New York was the first state in the nation to pass such stringent regulations prohibiting registered sex offenders from using social networking sites to prey on young teens and children. Under e-STOP, sex offenders are mandated to register and keep up-to-date on all current email accounts, screen names and any other form of Internet profiles with law enforcement. By monitoring sex offenders’ Web use, law enforcement has helped remove offender profiles from social networking sites and eliminate the threat they pose in the online community.

The Internet is a wonderful tool for communication and learning, but without online protection, sex offenders have too many opportunities to reach our children. As a supporter of e-STOP, I understand the importance of strengthening our laws to protect families around the state from dangerous online predators.

Assembly Member Miller Sponsoring Job Fairs in Woodhaven & Glendale

In an effort to help find employment for those who are currently struggling to do so, Assemblyman Mike Miller (D-Queens) has announced that he will be hosting two job fairs in the month of May. 

           

“In these tough economic times people need all the assistance they can get.” Assemblyman Miller said. “Working with All Nations Baptist Church and Christ Congregational Church, we decided that putting these job fairs together would be an excellent way to find employment for those who are currently struggling to put bread on the table so they can once again provide for their families.”

Click on image to enlarge

Woodhaven Job Fair

When: Friday May 13th

Time: 10am - 3pm

Location: All Nations Baptist Church

86-76 80th Street, Woodhaven, NY 11421

RSVP: 718-805-0950 - polancp@assembly.state.ny.us

Click on image to enlarge

When: Tuesday May 31st

Time: 10am - 3pm

Location: The Legacy Center

64-34 Myrtle Avenue Glendale, NY 11385

RSVP: 718-805-0950 - danilo.djurectic@gmail.com

Community News & Notes from Assembly Member Mike Miller (District 38)

Assemblyman Miller Honors Richmond Hill Peer Tutors

Pictured are (from left): Arunan Naahanathan, Assemblyman Miller, Mr. Robert Whalen, Natasha Moses, Chante Sherwood, Janagan Naahanathan, Daisy Tenecela, and Ivan Gamba

Assemblyman Mike Miller (D-Queens) met with students from Richmond Hill High School who serve as peer tutors for their fellow students struggling in Mathematics. The Assemblyman presented the students with Certificates of Merit for their service to their community.

Assemblyman Miller Announces Collegiate Scholarship Program

Assemblyman Mike Miller (D-Queens) announced today that the New York Conference of Italian-America Legislators is now accepting applications for four $1,500 scholarships to be awarded in June at their Annual Conference Weekend. Scholarship winners must be present to receive their awards.

“Given the high costs of college, every opportunity must be given to local students and their working families to meet their required expenses.” Assemblyman Miller said. “I highly recommend that students from Assembly District 38 apply to the Conference for these scholarships so that they may hopefully secure as much extra help with their expenses as possible.”

This year the Italian-American State Legislators Conference will be awarding four $1,500 scholarships to four current or future college students from New York State. Eligibility will be based upon the student’s grade point average, athletic involvement, interest in pursuing a higher education, involvement in the local community as well as individual financial need. The applicants must live in the 38^thAssembly District, which includes parts of Glendale, Ridgewood, Woodhaven, Ozone Park, South Ozone Park, and Richmond Hill. 


Applicants must have demonstrated a grade point average of 85 and over, have good conduct and demonstrate the dedication to pursue and complete a higher education degree, have demonstrated community service and involvement in extracurricular activities, and can demonstrate financial aid. All requests must be submitted to Assemblyman Miller no later than April 19^th, 2011.

For more information regarding the scholarship, please contact Assemblyman Mike Miller’s District Office at 718-805-0950.

Miller: Assembly Passes Pay Equity Legislative Package - Measures Would End Unfair Wage Gaps

Assemblyman Mike Miller (D-Queens) announced the Assembly passed a package of bills designed to end wage discrimination throughout the state. The legislation is accompanied by a resolution proclaiming April 12, 2011, as Equal Pay Day in New York State (K.365).

“In this day and age, it’s unacceptable that some New Yorkers still aren’t earning equal pay for equal work,” Miller said. “That’s why the Assembly passed a package of bills – and has done so for over a decade – that aims to rid our state of this shameful problem.”

The legislative package passed by the Assembly would make it easier to enforce equal-pay policies and create a statewide comparable-salary policy. The bills would:

• Make it a discriminatory practice to compensate employees of different sexes differently for work that is of comparable worth (A.3690);
• Enact the New York State Fair Pay Act to address and enforce pay equity, including broadening equivalent job definitions, specifying methods to determine equivalent skill, making it unlawful for an employer to discriminate between employees on the basis of sex, race or national origin and ensuring traditional and minority jobs are not undervalued (A.6130);
• Make it a discriminatory practice for public employers to compensate employees of different sexes differently for work that is of comparable worth (A.6448); and
• Establish a statewide policy of equal pay for both sexes and comparability of value of work and ensure corrective action (A.1780).

“It’s inexcusable for New York – a state that historically has set the standards in equality leadership – to not have policies in place that grant equal pay for equal work,” Miller said. “It’s plain and simple: Wages should be based on skill, effort and experience. Ending the antiquated and unreasonable wage gap is a responsibility New York must take seriously.”

News From Assembly Member Mike Miller (38th Assembly District)

Assemblyman Helps Raise Pennies for Patients

Assemblyman Miller (D-Queens) joined PS 239 in Ridgewood for their “Pennies for Patients” initiative. The program encourages students to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. PS 239 has participated in this fund-raiser every year since 2004 and has raised over $1,000 every year.

“I am glad that in PS 239 we have a school dedicated to civic responsibility” Assemblyman Miller said. “It really is impressive what these students are capable of doing and I wanted to ensure they were properly congratulated.”

Pictured Left to Right: Principal Robin Connolly, Kate Gordon representing the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Assemblyman Mike Miller, Robert Monahan, and Parent Coordinator Gloria Morgenstern.

Assemblyman Miller: Sales Tax Exemption a Welcome Relief for Consumers, Businesses

As the state grapples with passing a difficult, on-time budget, one marked by painful cuts to close a $10 billion budget gap, cash-strapped families and clothing retailers will get needed relief. Beginning April 1, clothing, footwear and related items sold for less than $55 each will be exempt from the state’s 4 percent sales tax, as well as the 0.375 percent sales tax for the Metropolitan Commuter Transportation District.

The tax-free status applies to all relevant items purchased on or after the April 1 start date, whether they’re paid for in person, over the Internet, by phone or by mail. The exemption, which was set in motion last year to help taxpayers, will grow to include apparel costing less than $110 on April 1, 2012.

And the relief can’t come soon enough for our working families, who have struggled to keep afloat amid a down economy and a rising cost of living. The sales tax cut – which will save a family of four an estimated $90-$100 per year – will give those hardest hit by the regressive levy a much-needed break, helping them to better afford vital clothing and footwear.

The exemption will re-energize our economy and keep more dollars in taxpayers’ pockets at a time when it’s most critical. While this is sure to be a help for New York, particularly our communities that border New Jersey and Pennsylvania, we have more work to do if we’re to put the state back on the road to prosperity. That’s why I’ll continue exploring ways to ease the burden on hardworking taxpayers and clear a path for businesses to flourish.

For more information on the sales tax exemption, visit the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance’s website at www.tax.ny.gov.

Assemblyman Miller Holds Essay Contest for Women’s History Month

In honor of Women’s History Month, Assemblyman Mike Miller (D-Queens) put a challenge out to local school children, asking them to write an essay about influential women in history. Essay submissions included a wide spectrum of influential women, including Marie Curie, Rosa Parks, and Elizabeth Cady Stanton. 


Winners were presented with official citations from the Assemblyman congratulating them on their work. Schools that submitted essays included PS 108, PS 97, PS 91, PS 113, IS 77, Saint Pancras, Saint Mary Gate of Heaven, and Sacred Heart Academy.

Picture Caption, AM Miller with Saint Mary Gate of Heaven: Assemblyman Miller stands with faculty and students from Saint Mary Gate of Heaven in Ozone Park, who participated in the Women’s History Month Essay Contest.

Picture Caption, AM Miller with Saint Pancras: Assemblyman Miller stands with faculty and students from Saint Pancras in Glendale, who participated in the Women’s History Month Essay Contest.

Advisory: Miller Announces Staff Change

Assemblyman Michael Miller (D-Queens) announced today his appointment of Nicholas Roloson as his new Chief of Staff.

Nicholas previously served as Director of Communications for Assemblyman Miller as well as campaign manager for the Assemblyman’s re-election campaign. Both roles have provided him with a deep understanding and appreciation of Assembly District 38

“Nick is young and extremely capable” Assemblyman Miller said. “He has proven through hard work and dedication that he both cares about our community and has the know-how to serve us well."

In addition to his work in government, Nicholas currently serves as president of the College Democrats of New York, which includes over 30 chapters in every region of New York State.

Assemblyman Miller Calls for Cooperation in Sex Offender Case

In response to a request from police to help identify any additional potential victims of accused child molester David Hartshorn, Assemblyman Mike Miller (D-Queens) called upon Hartshorn's former employer, ex-Assembly candidate Joe Fox, to begin assisting in the investigation. Hartshorn had served as Fox's campaign manager, and had brought children to campaign events with Fox.

Miller said that Fox should immediately provide police with a list of all children brought to campaign events by Hartshorn, so they can be interviewed by police and counselors to ensure that they were not also victims of abuse, and receive proper counseling if needed.

”Since I was elected to the Assembly, I have made it a priority of mine to protect our children from the dangers of sexual predators. “Miller said. “I am asking that Mr. Fox cooperate with the police in this matter to ensure that all victims receive proper treatment, and that justice is served. We must ensure the protection of our children.”

Statement from Assemblyman Miller Regarding Census Count

The 38th Assembly District is full of immigrants from the Caribbean, European, South Asian and Latin American communities. I find it to be an outrageous claim that the population of our entire borough has only increased by a thousand people when I have seen that level of growth just in my district alone. I stand with the Mayor in his call to revisit these numbers to ensure that immigrant communities receive the adequate level of services they deserve.

Assemblyman Mike Miller's Statement on the Assembly Budget

“Working off of the governor’s plan – and accepting 95.5 percent of his spending reductions – the Assembly addresses the state’s budget problems, while also protecting vital programs hardworking New Yorkers rely on. Our budget restores Title XX funding for our senior centers, funding for EPIC, and Summer Youth Employment Programs. These programs are vital to the economic recovery of our state and we believe they should be spared. The Assembly also extended the Millionaires Tax, because in these difficult economic times millionaires and billionaires should pay their fair share in this recovery. I believe it is a good budget and hope to see it approved by both the Senate and the Governor.”

Senator Addabbo, Assembly Member Miller Push Passage of Sex Offender Employment Act in Senate & Assembly

Bill Looks to Prevent Hiring Registered Sex Offenders Having Direct Contact with Children Under 16

NYS Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. (D-Queens), a member of the Senate’s Labor Committee, and NYS Assembly Member Michael Miller (D-Queens), are pushing for passage of the Sex Offender Employment Act. The Senate bill, sponsored by Addabbo and passed on Monday, March 7, seeks to prohibit registered sex offenders from working with children ages 16 and under, directly and unsupervised. The bill will now travel to the Assembly where Assemblyman Mike Miller (D-Queens) has sponsored the bill. After passage and signature by the governor, this bill will become effective immediately.

The act will amend the Labor Law to prevent employers from hiring sex offenders and child abusers for positions in which they would have substantial contact with children and to prevent those on the New York State Sex Offender Registry and the Statewide Central Registry of Child Abuse and Maltreatment from holding jobs in which they would have substantial contact with children.

The act specifically requires Sex Offender Registry checks for certain employers:

• Any employer that operates a school described in Paragraph F of Subdivision 2 of Section 5001 of the Education
• Law, established for the primary purpose of providing instruction to children under age 16 shall, before hiring a
• prospective employee for a position where such prospective employee is expected to have direct and
• unsupervised contact with children, ascertain whether such prospective employee is listed on the Sex Offender
• Registry, established by Article 6-C of the Correction Law.
• Prior to initiating the Sex Offender Registry inquiry described in Subdivision 1 of this section, an employer shall inform
• the prospective employee that such inquiry will be performed.
• A willful violation of this section shall subject an employer to a civil penalty of not more than $100.

According to Senator Addabbo, “Our first priority must be keeping children safe from dangerous predators. Public school hiring policy already acknowledges how important background checks are for those we trust, especially around our children. Extending the background check requirement to other fields which are, by their nature child-oriented, serves the community as a whole. It would give parents the assurance that their child is safer. It would reduce the risk of creating new victims of sexual abuse by barring known offenders from interacting with children. It would also deter offenders from seeking employment in fields that would give them the means to re-offend.”

Assemblyman Miller Praises Senate Passage of Sex Offender Bill

“Today we move one step closer to protecting our children,” Assemblyman Miller said. “I am thankful to have a friend like Senator Joe Addabbo to help carry this legislation in the Senate. I urge my colleagues in the Assembly to pass my bill as quickly as possible so we can begin implementing these much-needed reforms. Parents should not have to live in fear every time their child goes to a karate class, and these reforms will ensure that their children are much safer.”

Assembly Member Mike Miller - Assembly Helps Thousands of Unemployed New Yorkers

Critical legislation extends unemployment benefits through this year

Assemblyman Mike Miller (D-Queens) announced the Assembly passed legislation he supported to help unemployed New Yorkers receive extended federally funded unemployment insurance benefits through 2011(A.6091). The bill awaits Senate passage.

“Extending unemployment benefits is a fundamental step toward strengthening New York’s economy and aiding those who need it most as they continue searching for job opportunities,” Miller said.

In May 2009, the Assembly enacted legislation that allowed New York State to receive a federal grant of $645 million for unemployment compensation. The law extended jobless benefits for an additional 13 weeks, bringing the total to 72 weeks of benefits. In December 2010, Congress extended the federally funded program for an additional year.

The new bill will amend state law and allow New York to qualify for a third year in the program. It is estimated that 166,000 unemployed New Yorkers will be affected by this legislation.

“This legislation is crucial aid for unemployed New Yorkers, because without it the state will forfeit an estimated $620 million in federally funded unemployment insurance benefits,” Assemblyman Miller said.

Last month marked the country’s lowest level of unemployment in nearly two years, falling to 8.9 percent. It was reported that the unemployment rate has experienced its most rapid improvement in nearly 28 years, falling a full percentage point in the past three months.New York reported state unemployment rates have declined to 8.3 percent.

“In the face of the economic downturn and one of the worst job markets in years, the falling unemployment rate provides a positive note in our climb toward New York’s recovery, but there is still a long way to go,” Miller said. “Extending this program will ensure that struggling families who depend on unemployment benefits get the help they need while they continue to focus their efforts on finding a job.”

Assemblyman Mike Miller: Keep Our Senior Centers Open...

It's budget season - which means that, once again, vital services are in jeopardy to our most vulnerable citizens. Over the past several weeks I have heard concerns from worried senior citizens that their centers are going to be closing. These senior centers give our seniors a place to go, eat, and socialize with other members of the community. When money is cut from these programs, these services are put in serious jeopardy and are at risk. 

We needn’t put our seniors in this position every year, and we certainly shouldn’t. There are two sources of funding that can save these services that are not being currently utilized.

First is Title XX funding. Title XX money is a grant given to New York from the federal government. There is mandatory spending ($66 million) on Adult Protective/Domestic Violence Services, and there is discretionary money ($36 million). About $24 million of this discretionary funding is spent on senior centers. In this year’s budget, Governor Cuomo is attempting to take the discretionary Title XX money and use it to cover other state expenditures unrelated to senior programs. This will cost the seniors of New York City around $24 million in cuts. If we were to mandate that the $24 million must be spent on senior services solely, senior centers across the city could remain open and fully operational.

The second source of funding is through member items. Several years ago, each member of the Assembly was allotted a certain amount of money that they could give to the organizations in their communities. This funding allowed civic organizations to operate, services to be provided to the needy, and senior centers to remain open and fully functional. Last year, this funding was completely cut by the Governor. If this funding was restored, every senior center in the City would have multiple sources of revenue and could keep their doors open.

I hope you will join in me in saying enough is enough. It is time to stop playing games with services to our senior citizens. I ask everyone reading this article to reach out to the Governor and ask him to mandate Title XX money for seniors and restore member item funding so we can finally give our seniors the peace of mind they deserve.

Ozone Park Company Looking to Join City's Bike Share Program by Lisa A. Fraser -Leader-Observer

Read original...

Worksman Cycles in Ozone Park has been making industrial-grade bicycles and tricycles for 112 years. And now, the company, located at 94-15 100th Street, is hoping that the city picks up their bid to be part of the Department of Transportation's new bike share program.

“All of our 112 years has been spent in New York City, our factories, our offices, so it's only the right choice for the city to work with us on this,” said Wayne Sosin, president of Worksman Cycles.

The cycle manufacturer has a history of providing bikes to various bike-share programs around the country, including Princeton's bike share program, University of Colorado's bike share program, and the University of Central Oklahoma's bike share program.

“We're the perfect resource, given our history, employment and logistics,” Sosin said.

The company has also provided bikes to the Queens Zoo, which uses their tricycles, and the Queens Botanical Garden is set to start rolling with a new batch of bikes provided by the company come spring.

The company hires locally and Sossin noted that all of his 50 employees of the factory are all New York City residents. “We're all local, they all work within a bike ride,” he said.

This local employment is another reason why Worksman Cycles hopes to be picked up by the city and it's a reason local elected officials Senator Joe Addabbo, Assemblyman Mike Miller and Councilman Eric Ulrich are promoting the company.

“I don't see why the city shouldn't choose them, it's a positive,” said Addabbo. “They're credible, they're long-withstanding, and they are a business that could do the job given their history.”

Addabbo and Sosin both stressed that it would be a benefit to the city to not only have a great program, but to say they are also using a local manufacturer. “It's an opportunity of unity, it's a good program and a good manufacturer,” Addabbo said.

If the city picks Worksman Cycles to provide the bikes for the program, it will mean a new employment opportunity for the area, something Addabbo said the neighborhood needs.

The program, which will begin in 2012, is set to require between 10,000 and 50,000 bikes and Worksman would be looking at hiring anywhere between 35 and 50 people.

Worksman Cycles is one of the oldest bike manufacturers in the country. First started in Manhattan, the company moved around Brooklyn before calling Ozone Park their new home in 1979.

Local Officials Press Black On New School At Metro Campus by Matt Hampton - Forest Hills, NY Patch

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Maspeth High School's incubation needs better planning, politicians say.

Upset about the incubation of a new Maspeth High School at the Metropolitan Educational Campus? 

You're not alone, City Councilwoman Karen Koslowitz, D-Forest Hills, and Elizabeth Crowlet and Assemblyman Mike Miller and Andrew Hevesi are outraged, as well.

Koslowitz sent a letter to Schools Chancellor Cathie Black earlier this month, co-signed by Crowley, Miller and Hevesi, and recently released the text of that letter to the public.

The Department of Education announced earlier this year that a new school being built for Maspeth students would required a Queens building to house students during the 2011-12 school year. That building, they concluded, would be the Metropolitan Educational Campus, based on the fact that it is currently underutilized, and not scheduled to have a full student complement until the 2013 school year. While the site of the incubation is not set it stone — it is to be voted on March 1 by the Panel For Education Policy — the location is not likely to change.

The idea had many parents upset, and local officials sent the letter on Feb. 1 as a reaction.

In it, the elected officials say they are thrilled that the campus opened this year — a process that took nearly two decades — but, they caution, their excitement is tempered by the fact that students at the building will now be forced to share with students from a Maspeth School that’s still under construction.

Ultimately, Koslowitz and the other electeds are seeking a written statement from the Department of Education that the arrangement will only be for one school year. It’s a request that has so far not gotten a response from the Department of Education.

“We are requesting in writing a commitment from the DOE that these students will be moved to their new building after the 2011/2012 school year,” the letter read. “Assuring that the schools coexist smoothly is of primary concern to us, the parents and the community.”

Among other issues that Koslowitz, Hevesi, Miller and Crowley cite are the problematic scheduling of shared spaces, like the school’s auditorium, gymnasium and lunchrooms, and the current educational culture. The schools that are currently on site have wildly different educational curriculuae.

“We are concerned that the placement of the Maspeth School in the building does not disturb the culture of the existing students,” the letter read. “To date, we have received no plan regarding the usage of space between the three schools, the need for improvements to MTA bus access to the area, arrival and dismissal times among many other issues.”

Senator Addabbo: "Don't Let the Bedbugs Bite!"; Sponsors Free Seminar with Assemblyman Mike Miller on Preventing, Eliminating Pests

Senator and Assemblyman Mike Miller Sponsor Free Seminar

with Experts on How to Prevent or Eliminate the Growing Menace

On Thursday, February 17 at 7 p.m., NYS Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. and Assemblyman Michael Miller are sponsoring a free seminar providing important information from the experts on how to prevent, identify, or get rid of, the spreading problem of bedbug infestations. If you or someone you know is concerned with the issue of bedbugs, come to the event at Emanuel United Church of Christ, 93-12 91^st Avenue (off Woodhaven Blvd., near Atlantic Avenue) featuring speakers from the NYC Department of Health, NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development, and local pest control business owner William Puricelli of Advanced Pest Management Services.

Addabbo notes, “I want to thank these experts for providing timely information to my constituents -- homeowners, tenants or landlords -- who are afraid that the city’s bedbug plague will hit their buildings.” The Senator points out that it has been reported that the city had logged 12,768 bedbug complaints for 2009, with bedbug violations issued by HPD inspectors exploding from 82 in 2004 to 4,808 in that same year. In 2010, exterminators were extremely busy, as the nasty critters temporarily shut down businesses, forced residents to move, and left beleaguered New Yorkers suffering from red welts and bites. Some local movie theaters, offices and hotels also reported being visited by the bugs.

Adds Miller, “The citywide fight against bedbugs will be won one home at a time. Winning the battle can save you thousands of dollars, and information is your best weapon.”

According to local certified entomologists and exterminators, bedbug removal is one of the most difficult and costly tasks in the pest control industry. Landlords have been known to spend up to $80,000 to get large buildings bedbug free. Adding to landlords’ woes of dealing with these pests is the “Bedbug Disclosure Act,” a new citywide law that took effect August 30, 2010, which requires landlords to notify prospective tenants about any infestations in the building within the previous year. The law’s stated goal is to suppress the bedbug epidemic by giving “landlords an incentive to comply with their legal obligations to eradicate” infestations. However, the disclosure act fails to include any legal or financial penalties for landlords who do not comply.

For more information about this free local event, please call Senator Addabbo’s Howard Beach district office at 718-738-1111, his Middle Village satellite office at 718-497-1630, or Assemblyman Miller’s Woodhaven district office at 718-805-0950.

Small Business Seminar - Saturday February 12th (11am - 1pm) at the Woodhaven Richmond Hill Volunteer Ambulance Corps - Sponsored by Assembly Member Mike Miller

Click on image to enlarge...

Free Seminar for Small Business Owners and Employees

When: February 12th

Time: 11am - 1pm

Where: Woodhaven-Richmond Hill Volunteer Ambulance Corps

78-15 Jamaica Avenue - Woodhaven, NY

Sponsored by Assembly Member Mike Miller

Assembly Member Mike Miller Says No to Casino In Sullivan County

Not all casinos are created equal. As a member of the New York State Assembly Racing and Wagering Committee, it has come to my attention that the Stockbridge-Munsee Native American tribe has submitted a proposal to build a casino in Sullivan County. If this casino is built it will cost the state over $400 million. I will fight this tooth and nail for the good of New York City and New York State.

The race track casino industry raises $1 billion for the State of New York every year. Due to federal entitlements, Native American tribes can open casinos that are exempt from many taxes. These casinos do not pay taxes on table games. They only contribute 25% on slot machines as opposed to the 60-70% collected from Video Lottery Terminals (VLTs). Native American casinos are given advantages that other wagering businesses, including the Aqueduct Racino, do not receive. As it stands, 62 cents of every dollar received from our racinos goes back to the State. 42 cents goes to funding education, 10 cents goes to lottery administration, 9 cents goes to horse racing purses, and 1 cent goes to horse breeding. While our current race track casinos pay 62 cents on the dollar, the Native American casinos pay just 20 cents on the dollar.

If the Stockbridge-Munsee casino is built, the State is projected to lose $407 million dollars. This amounts to a $188 million loss in State education funding, a $127 million loss in horse racing industry support, and the loss of over 900 jobs. This casino would kick the New York State economy while it is already $10 billion down. Our existing race track casinos could not overcome the huge advantage given to the Stockbridge-Munsee Native American Tribe. The construction of this casino would cost jobs, funding to education, and the economic well-being of the State. This plan is bad for New York City, it is bad for New York State and this is why my vote is “no.”