New & Notes from NYS Senator Joe Addabbo - 15th District

ADDABBO CO-SPONSORS BILL TO HELP SMALL BUSINESSES GET VENTURE CAPITAL FUNDING

NYS Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr., (D-Queens) is pleased to announce that he is a co-sponsor of legislation (S.5587) introduced in the Senate by Senator James Alesi (R-Rochester) that would amend the state’s tax law to authorize the state to license six certified capital companies to raise $150 million in private venture capital from insurance companies in order to assist New York businesses that require funds not available from traditional commercial banks through all stages of development: pre-startup, start-up, expansion, or survival. In exchange for investing in qualified businesses, the insurance companies would get premium tax credits, with such issuance to be delayed four years. While the economic benefits of the program begin almost immediately, the delayed tax credits would have no fiscal impact to New York State until 2015.

In order to qualify for the tax credits, each certified capital company mustsatisfy a number of requirements in its investment portfolio, including:

• Two-thirds of its investment of certified capital must go towards qualified businesses located in under-served areas.
• Ten percent of its investment must be directed towards qualified seed funds, certified as such by the Superintendent of Financial Services.
• Fifty percent of its investments must go towards businesses focused on emerging technology products and services.
• No more than $15 million can be invested towards one individual company.

In addition, a certified capital company under CAPCO-6 would be required to return 15 percent of its net profits on qualified investments to the Department of Financial Services. This legislation also adds to the reporting requirements already present in previous CAPCO programs to ensure compliance with the requirements set forth above.

New York State last renewed its CAPCO program in 2005. The NY CAPCO was created by the Assembly over a decade ago to utilize a premium tax credit incentive to increase investment in venture capital funds focused exclusively on New York businesses. New York insurance companies can earn tax credits by making investments in small companies that have difficulty accessing traditional funding sources. Since 1998, five CAPCO programs have been certified. Through these five programs, $400 million of private capital has been raised, and the investment from these funds has created or retained over 2,000 jobs and will generate $412 million in tax revenue by 2016. Says Addabbo, “It’s a win-win for both small business owners and investors. Our current economic climate makes getting risk capital for small businesses extremely challenging. As elected officials, we must make every effort to help our small businesses.”

The bill has been sent for review to the Senate’s Committee on Investigations and Government Operations. After passage and signature by the Governor, the bill would take effect immediately.

ADDABBO SUPPORTS BILL THAT WOULD MAKE HOME INVASION ROBBERY NEW CRIMINAL OFFENSES

NYS Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr., announced that the Senate has passed a bill (S.3205) that would amend the penal law in order to establish the new criminal offenses of home invasion robbery, which takes place when a robbery occurs, and offenders threaten physical force.

The bill elevates the crime of robbery if the robbery occurs in someone's home, and

1) a person is guilty of home invasion robbery in the 2nd degree (a class C felony) and is aided by another perpetrator; and

2) a person is guilty of home invasion robbery in the 1st degree (a class B felony) when he or she, in the course of such a robbery: a) causes physical injury upon an occupant of the home; b) is armed with a deadly weapon; c) uses or threatens to use a dangerous instrument; or d) displays or appears to display an actual firearm capable of producing death or serious injury.

Explains Addabbo, "Incidents of home invasion robbery have been increasing in New York State and could happen in any community. They are not to be mistaken for burglaries, which usually occur when the homeowner is away. Home invasion robberies feature confronting homeowners as key elements of the perpetrator’s attacks, directly with force, false pretense or impersonation, then restrain the victims to steal the home's contents. This kind of crime needs an increased penalty and enforcement to assist in ensuring the safety of our residents."

This bill is currently being reviewed in the Codes Committee.

ADDABBO STATEMENT ON ETHICS REFORM BILL: THE PUBLIC INTEGRITY REFORM ACT OF 2011

NYS Senator Joseph Addabbo, Jr., (D-Queens) released the following statement on the ethics reform bill passed yesterday:

The Public Integrity Reform Act of 2011 is a step in the right direction for ethics reform in Albany and towards restoring faith and public trust in our government. After advocating for ethics and campaign reform ever since I was elected to the Senate, I believe this is a good initial bill, but I know we can do more in the state legislature. Since the ethics issue is one that has traditionally plagued our state government, I will continue to promote the need for improved campaign finance reform and independent redistricting to create a more transparent and equitable government for the people of this state.

This ethics reform bill only allows for penalizing the state pensions for future elected officials convicted of crimes related to their government role. This bill should have included current elected officials in this category.

Did the desperate need for ethics reform set the standard so low that any bill, no matter how mediocre, would have been an improvement? Only time will tell with the implementation of the this Public Integrity Reform Act of 2011.

NYC Comptroller John C. Liu's Remarks on City Time Scandal

Below are remarks by New York City Comptroller John C. Liu at a news conference on Wednesday, May 25, 4:30 p.m. regarding the CityTime project:

“Earlier this afternoon, my office was provided with a letter written to the Executive Director of the Financial Information Services Agency (FISA) by Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC), the prime contractor on the CityTime project. We were informed that SAIC had terminated their senior project manager who led the CityTime project.

“The name of that employee is Gerard Denault.

“SAIC has determined that Mr. Denault violated SAIC’s policies and standards with respect to timekeeping practices while working on CityTime. He routinely billed hours to the CityTime project that he did not in fact work.

“By their own admission, this latest development now implicates, for the first time in this scandal, SAIC. The very company entrusted by our City to build a timekeeping system for NYC employees has grossly mismanaged their own time keeping, and in the process over charged the city for sums of money – still to be determined.

“SAIC now says they will now refund $2,470,522 to the city coffers for the time Mr. Denault billed to hard working NYC taxpayers.

“A few moments ago I sent a letter to the Mayor because I believe we need to work together.

“I am asking him to join me in calling on the Department of Investigation along with all other relevant authorities to conduct a comprehensive review of other possible violations by SAIC, and I am proposing that the City withhold any future payments to SAIC pending the outcome of the investigations.

“This is a sad day for the New York City taxpayer.

“With the proposed budget cuts looming, we at least need to tightly manage expensive outside consultants.

“The public’s trust in government must be bolstered, and I am committed to working with the Mayor to do just that.”

Below is the full text of the letter sent to Mayor Bloomberg on May 25, 2011.

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May 25, 2011

Honorable Michael R. Bloomberg

Mayor

City Hall

New York, NY 10007

Re: Science Application International Corporation (SAIC)

Dear Mayor Bloomberg:

Today, we were informed by SAIC that they have terminated their project manager for CityTime. SAIC cited the project manager’s violation of SAIC’s policies and standards, specifically with regard to his time billed to the City of New York. Because SAIC cannot accurately calculate the amount that should have been billed to the City, SAIC will reimburse the City for this individual’s billed services. This repayment amounts to $2,470,522.

To date, the alleged fraud relating to CityTime has only involved subcontractors. This latest development now implicates the prime contractor and compels a comprehensive review of SAIC’s billings to the City, in particular, SAIC employees whose time was billed to the CityTime project.

I am directing my representative on the OPA board to introduce a resolution on the points below, and ask that your representative support the resolution:

• The Department of Investigation, along with all other relevant authorities, conduct a comprehensive review of other possible timekeeping violations; and
• The City withholds any outstanding payments to SAIC pending the outcome of the investigations.

I believe the above actions are necessary and as always, I am available to discuss any of these issues with you. Thank you.

Sincerely,

John C. Liu

View letter from SAIC to FISA: http://www.comptroller.nyc.gov/press/pdfs/SAIC-FISA-5-2011.pdf

Statement by Public Advocate de Blasio on Governor Cuomo's Bill to Bar Convicted Felons from Receiving Public Pensions

“No official who has broken public’s trust should draw another dime from taxpayers. The State Legislature should demonstrate its commitment to reforming Albany’s culture of corruption by passing Governor Cuomo’s bill into law at once. I applaud the Governor for seizing this moment to send a clear message that the State of New York will no longer tolerate the abuse of public office.”

Comptroller Tom DiNapoli Statement on the Sentencing of Alan Hevesi

Today’s sentencing of Alan Hevesi is a welcome and just conclusion to a years-long saga. Mr. Hevesi betrayed the trust of all New Yorkers. His sentence is clear evidence that this type of criminal behavior will not be tolerated.

Since taking office, I have changed the way the pension fund does business so history cannot repeat itself. I have banned placement agents and pay-to-play practices, and I have increased transparency in pension fund transactions. But there is more that can be done.

The punishment for breaking the law while performing a public duty must include pension forfeiture and increased fines and sentencing. The pension forfeiture bill I proposed earlier this year would do just that. No public official who violates the public trust should be allowed to receive a taxpayer-funded pension. Passage of my bill would be a much-needed step in rebuilding the public’s confidence in its government.

Woman Attacked In Forest Park Speaks Out - by Mathewt Hampton Forest Hills, NY Patch

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On Friday, March 25, a Forest Hills woman was savagely attacked in Forest Park, by a man in a black mask. Now the victim is speaking out, in the hope that her attacker can be brought to justice, and other women won’t have to suffer the same fate.

The victim, Patricia, was jogging early in the morning when a man wearing a black ski mask grabbed her from behind and attempted to pull off her running tights.

The victim described her attacker as between five-foot-six and five-foot-ten, wearing a black mask, black jacket, dark shoes and dark pants.

“I was shocked and horrified, I couldn't believe it was happening,” the victim said. “I screamed, but he kept trying to cover my mouth.”

Patricia added that the only reason she was able to escape from her attacker is through a series of strong kicks to the groin she delivered while he wrestled with her on the ground.

Once she fought back, she said, the man backed off and disappeared into the large wooded area from which he had emerged.

The park, which is located almost entirely in the 102 Precinct, is a largely wooded area with plenty of places for would-be attackers to hide. Police said that since the attack, NYPD officers have worked with Parks department patrols to step up the presence in the area.

“I never thought I was an easy target,” Patricia said. “I’ve always felt pretty safe on my own, but not anymore.”

No arrest has been made in the incident.

If anyone has any information contact Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS (8477). The public can also submit tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers website at WWW.NYPDCRIMESTOPPERS.COM or by texting tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then entering TIP577.

Senator Joe Addabbo Co-sponsors Bill to Require Hate Crimes Curriculum in All New York State Schools

Responding to last month’s gang-related murder in his district of a young man by five teens now charged with manslaughter, who also are being investigated by the NYPD for hate crimes, NYS Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr.(D-Queens), a member of the Senate’s Education Committee, is co-sponsoring a bill (S.269), which would raise awareness about hate crimes through curriculum in the schools. Addabbo supported this bill in the Education Committee and the bill has been sent to the full Senate for a vote.  

The Hate Crimes Task Force is investigating last month’s murder as to whether the suspects shouted anti-gay slurs at the victim and whether he was chased and bludgeoned to death on a Woodhaven street because he was perceived to be gay.  

The proposed new law requires a course of instruction in the awareness of hate crimes in our schools, so that every child in New York State will become educated on the commission of hate crimes. Hate crimes mean offenses that are committed based upon the race, color, national origin, ancestry, gender, religion, religious practice, age, disability or sexual orientation of the victim. The instruction will include examples of symbols and objects associated with hate crimes and the events and historical significance surrounding such symbols and objects. Such a course will also focus on the moral aspects and legal implications of such offenses and promote attitudes of tolerance and acceptance.

The law requires the board of education, trustees, principal or other person in charge of every public, private and parochial school in New York State to arrange for giving such course of instruction in every school under its/his or her control to every pupil for a period of not less than 45 minutes in each month during which such school is in session. The law will take effect on the first of September following the date on which it becomes a law.  

Explains Addabbo, “This bill offers a valuable course to increase an understanding of the seriousness of hate crimes among all students in New York State.  It is important that our schools teach core values of tolerance, acceptance and knowledge to all children in order to prevent hate crimes.” He believes that students should be taught about the vile nature of hate crimes and that such instruction will directly combat negative language and stereotypes that are prevalent in today’s society. Addabbo is hopeful that this instruction will educate our youth about the implications and dire consequences of hate crimes, and will provide them with a better understanding of the differences in each person. 

Man Who Burned Girlfriend Sentenced to Prison: DA by Anna Gustafson - Queens Chronicle

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An Ozone Park man who pleaded guilty to brutally attacking his girlfriend with a hot iron and slicing her with a razor blade in the same room where their children slept was sentenced to 13 years in prison, according to Queens District Attorney Richard Brown.

Eric Persaud, 36, also made more than 400 phones calls from Rikers Island in an attempt to stop his 27-year-old girlfriend from testifying against him at trial, Brown said.

“His actions were both cruel and sadistic,” Brown said in a prepared statement.

Persaud’s attorney, Judah Maltz, said he had no comment on the sentence handed down by Queens Supreme Court Judge Gregory Lasak on March 16.

According to the charges, Persaud began an argument on April 30, 2009 with his live-in girlfriend, the mother of his two children, over her having called the police a week prior regarding an incident in which he broke her computer and smashed her home phone. During the argument, Persaud held a knife to the woman’s throat and told her if she called the police again he would kill her or their children, according to the charges.

He then led her into the bedroom and told her he would have to scar her for calling the police, Brown said.

Persaud proceeded to tell her to plug in an iron and burn her face with it, the DA said. When his girlfriend refused, Persaud told her he would burn her face and if she screamed and woke the children, who were sleeping in the bedroom, he would scald them too, according to the charges.

After being forced to kneel on the ground, Persaud forced a towel into her mouth and placed the iron on both cheeks three times and used a razor to slash her face twice, Brown said.

The woman was hospitalized for 11 days following the attack, the DA said.

Senator Joe Addabbo & Assemblyman Mike Miller's Speak Out on the Assault in Woodhaven Leading to Death of Teen

Senator Addabbo:”This Kind of Activity Should Not Happen in Woodhaven or Anywhere”

NYS Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. (D-Queens), released the following statement concerning the weekend’s deplorable criminal violence that occurred among youth gathered inside a Woodhaven abandoned house (within his Senate District 15):

My office staff and I are determined to work with law enforcement to address the issues related to this unacceptable violent crime. I also intend to work with the Department of Buildings and other government agencies to address the growing problem surrounding the rise of incidents involving illegal activity being conducted in abandoned houses. This kind of activity should not be able to occur in the good community of Woodhaven or anywhere.

Assemblyman Miller’s Statement on the Assault in Woodhaven

This weekend, the life of an innocent teenager was cut tragically short in a senseless hate crime. Though the victim was not a member of the LGBT community, several members of the party were, and they were targeted solely for that reason. Over the past several years in Queens, we have seen senseless attacks on the LGBT community from Jackson Heights to Woodhaven. It is a shame, it is unacceptable, and it needs to end now. My heart goes out to the victim and his loved ones. It is time we stand up against hate.

BREAKING NEWS: Ozone Park Shooting Sends One to Hospital; Cops by Anna Gustafson - Queens Chronicle -

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One man was sent to the hospital after a man opened fire on a car on Cross Bay Boulevard in Ozone Park, police said.

Three men were involved in a midday shooting Friday on a busy street packed with pedestrians, sending one elderly person to the hospital and leaving residents shaking, police said.

“I was right next to the man when he started shooting,” said a delivery woman who was unloading goods from her Little Debbie truck outside of C-Town at the intersection of Cross Bay Boulevard and Sutter Avenue when the shots rang out around 12 p.m. “I was so close I saw the smoke from the gun. I was just hoping he wouldn’t turn around and shoot me.”

The shooter, who was described as a man in his early 30s, fired five shots at a car by the intersection of Cross Bay and Sutter, according to the witness. The man in the car was reportedly not hurt, but an elderly man across the street was shot in the hand, police said.

The bystander was taken to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, where he was in stable condition Friday afternoon, police said.

The shooter and the two men with him, also described as being in their 30s, fled the scene by foot on Sutter Avenue, the witness said. Police said they have not made any arrests.

“I heard one of the guys ask another guy, ‘Is that him? Is that him?’” said the Little Debbie employee, who did not want to give her name for fear of retaliation. “When he says yeah, the guy pulls out a revolver and starts shooting, right there in broad daylight on Cross Bay.”

Other residents who did not witness the shooting but heard about it said they felt nervous allowing their children to walk around the area.

“You think you’re safe when it’s the middle of the day and you’re in a busy place,” said Roberta, a mother of two who did not want to give her last name. “I just want to get my kids in the house and stay there.”