News & Notes from NYC Comptroller John C. Liu

******************************************

NYC COMPTROLLER JOHN C. LIU ON CITYTIME

******************************************

Comptroller John C. Liu issued the following statement today:

“My office’s review of the CityTime project, which defrauded taxpayers of millions of dollars, has not interfered with the ongoing criminal investigation, nor have we been informed that it has. We applaud the U.S. Attorney for charging seven people and recovering $28 million to date. We are committed to working cooperatively with all law enforcement agencies.”

******************************************

COMPTROLLER LIU STATEMENT ON EDC LIVING WAGE STUDY

******************************************

City Comptroller John C. Liu stated the following in response to questions about a recently completed study commissioned by the NYCEDC, “The Economic Impacts on New York City of Proposed Living Wage Mandate.”

“The EDC’s claim that a living wage kills jobs shows just how distorted the agency’s operations have become. The proposed living wage would be a requirement on new projects that are heavily subsidized by taxpayers. It may curtail the number of new minimum wage jobs, with the hope that these new jobs would then pay a decent wage. The claim of job losses is rhetoric at its worst.

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.

Rep Joe Crowley Applauds Delta, US Airways Agreement that Will Create New Jobs in Queens

Airline Slot Exchange Paves Way for Delta’s $117 Million Investment in LaGuardia Airport

Congressman Joe Crowley (D-Queens, the Bronx), a chief deputy whip in the Democratic leadership of the House of Representatives, applauded the revised agreement reached today between Delta Airlines and US Airways to transfer takeoff and landing slots between LaGuardia and Washington Reagan National Airports. This agreement paves the way for Delta to move forward with its $117 million planned investment to build a new terminal at LaGuardia Airport, generating thousands of new jobs in Queens and increasing economic activity in and around the airport.

“This deal is a win-win for New York’s 7^th Congressional District. Not only will this deal improve air service and reduce noise pollution, it will also create thousands of new jobs for Queens,” said Congressman Crowley. “In today’s economic climate, we should do all we can to encourage private sector employers, such as Delta, to create jobs.”

Under the agreement, Delta airlines would operate an additional 110 slots at LaGuardia Airport, and would give up some of its slots at Washington Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C. Subsequently, the airline would begin a multi-million dollar construction program at LaGuardia to connect the existing Delta and US Airways terminals. An estimated 6,000 new jobs would be created as a result of this agreement, including construction, airport operational and tourism-related jobs. Additionally, Delta would phase out use of older, loud turbo-prop planes for quieter jets – resulting in less air noise polluting the communities around the airport.

Since 2009, Crowley has led efforts in support of a deal, including spearheading a bipartisan letter to Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood that encouraged the department to quickly approve the transfer of slots.

What Is a Living Wage? - Center for American Progress

A video from CAP Action's American Worker Project explores what a living wage is and how it helps families, businesses, and the economy

NYS Senator Stewart-Cousins Announces Legislation to Bar Discrimination Against Unemployed | New York State Senate

Read original...

Bill Would Level the Playing Field for Unemployed Job Seekers

Today, Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins (35th District- D/WF/I) announced at a press conference in her district office, the introduction of Senate bill 5316. The bill would make the unemployed a "protected class" in New York and make it illegal for employers to deny out-of-work applicants an interview or position solely because they are jobless. It would also prohibit employers from posting job advertisements that discourage the unemployed from applying to vacant positions.

The bill is co-sponsored in the Assembly by Assemblyman Keith Wright.

Joining Senator Stewart-Cousins at the press conference were several unemployed Westchester residents who said they had all experienced discrimination in some form because they are unemployed. Senator Stewart-Cousins says their experiences are representative of an increasingly common hiring practice throughout New York and the nation.

“It is fundamentally unfair for employers to refuse to hire, or even accept applications from individuals who are out of work. With the unemployment rate in the State still at staggeringly high levels, this prevents people who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own from getting back on their feet. It is discriminatory, it is wrong and it must not continue,” said Senator Stewart-Cousins.

This announcement came on the same day that the New York State Department of Labor is set to release its latest unemployment statistics. Last month, the Department of Labor reported that the unemployment rate in New York State was 8%.

“This legislation levels the playing field in the job market and makes sure that those who have been hit hardest by the recession are not at a disadvantage in the hiring process,” she continued.

On display at the press conference were several job advertisements by New York employers that expressly stated that applicants would only be considered if they were employed. In one case, a Craigslist ad for a building superintendent position in the Bronx stated “You MUST currently be employed as a Superintendent- This is a REQUIREMENT.” Senator Stewart-Cousins’ legislation would make these discriminatory job ads illegal in New York, similar to a law signed by the Governor of New Jersey in April.

“We have an obligation as legislators, to do what’s right and make sure that the unemployed have a fighting chance at being a part of this economic recovery," the Senator added.

A recent study by SUNY Stonybrook Professor Todd Pittinsky and UCLA M.B.A. students Geoffrey C. Ho, Margaret Shih and Daniel Walters also shows that discrimination against the unemployed is a significant issue. The study found that unemployed job applicants are less likely to receive interviews than employed applicants with the same qualifications.

"Our research suggests that the unemployed may have very legitimate concerns about bias against them,” said SUNY Stonybrook Professor Todd Pittinsky in a statement. “Perhaps most surprising was that these more negative evaluations occurred even when we clarified for research participants that while the worker was unemployed, it was for no cause of his or her own doing.”

The issue has also received nationwide attention. News reports by national sources such as CNN, ABC News and HuffingtonPost have pointed to the growing trend of unemployment discrimination in the job market around the country.

In February, the Equal Employment Opportunity Center held a public meeting on the subject after receiving a letter signed by several members of Congress (including five from New York) urging them to investigate the matter. Several presenters at the meeting confirmed that unemployed job applicants around the country are facing discrimination in the hiring process.

Senator Toby Ann Stavisky co-sponsors the legislation. In a statement, she said: "In this difficult economy it is unconscionable that an unemployed job seeker faces discrimination from potential employers. I am proud to be a co-sponsor of this bill because people seeking work should be on equal footing -- regardless of employment status -- with all other applicants."

Senator Velmanette Montgomery, also a co-sponsor of S. 5316, released this statement: “In these difficult economic times, when wonderfully capable people have been laid off through no fault of their own, and are not able to immediately find other employment, it is imperative that New York State make a clear statement that discrimination in hiring based on current employment status is illegal and will not be tolerated. I thank and applaud my colleague, Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins, for drafting this important and compassionate piece of legislation. I am proud to be a co-sponsor."

Senator Jose Serrano, who co-sponsors the bill, said: "Considering the high rate of unemployment in New York, excluding a job applicant based on their unemployment status is not only discriminatory, but nonsensical. This bill will level the playing field, giving those who were laid off for reasons unrelated to job performance the opportunity to compete for and obtain any position that they’re fully qualified to hold. I commend Senator Stewart-Cousins for advocating on behalf of unemployed New Yorkers seeking to make positive contributions to our great state."

Another co-sponsor, Senator Michael Gianaris, said: “New Yorkers need jobs and we must do what we can to make it easier for the unemploiyed to find work. Denying the unemployed the opportunity to find a job turns the world on its head and will only prolong the difficult economic climate we face today. Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins deserves our thanks for championing this proposal and I look forward to seeing it enacted.”

New York State Senator Joe Addabbo is a co-sponsor of S. 5316 and the ranking member of the Senate’s Labor Committee. In a statement, Senator Addabbo said, “The unemployment rate in Queens, the city and the state, even the nation overall, is between 8.5 - 9 percent. While some pundits have noted that the worst of the long recession has ended, many of my people have been seeking jobs for the past year or even 18 months. Those who want to work and weren't laid off through their own fault, but only due to budget cutbacks, must have a level playing field to compete for jobs. Employers who are allowed to advertise for new hires that make jobs available only to those ‘currently employed’ will just keep our unemployment rate and length of time to find a new job at current all-time high levels. That's why I support Sen. Stewart-Cousins' efforts to change the current New York law that for too long has allowed employers, employment or licensing agencies to continue such an arbitrary, discriminatory practice as targeting the jobless by refusing to hire them."

Resorts World Casino New York Announces Near-50% Increase in Number of Permanent Jobs

Facility will employ 1,150 permanent workers, 350 more than originally anticipated; career listings and vendor proposals for new casino to be updated weekly at www.rwnewyork.com

In an effort to enhance the overall experience at Resorts World Casino New York, the company will hire a staff of 1,150 permanent workers; a near-50% increase from original estimates, officials announced today.

“We want to bring quality jobs to Queens and produce a top-flight facility – two goals that go hand-in-hand,” said Michael Speller, President of Resorts World Casino New York. “We saw the potential to enhance aspects of our facility and the best way to do that is by creating a more robust workforce. With additional staff comes superior customer service and an overall better experience for our guests at Resorts World. Additionally, more positions mean more job opportunities for local residents looking for work. This is a big step in our goal to help revitalize the Queens economy.”

The bulk of the additional 350 employees will work in the facility’s food and beverage, customer service and security departments.

“To be clear, we are hiring locally, first,” said Kevin Bogle, Vice President of Human Resources at Resorts World Casino New York. “We are not only hiring directly from the community, but are also working hand-in-hand with local employment centers to help us identify local candidates who we might not otherwise reach on our own. Our goal is to create a facility where customers will be hosted by a knowledgeable and attentive staff in an environment that is welcoming and safe. We have decided that bringing more people from the local neighborhoods aboard is the best way to accomplish this goal.”

Last week, Resorts World Casino New York officially launched the hiring process for permanent positions at the facility, announcing that candidates from the local community will be hired first. This announcement marked the first phase of staffing Resorts World in such fields as entertainment, hospitality, security and food services.

Through its extensive outreach efforts, Resorts World is committed to enlisting a diverse staff and awarding vendor contracts to local Minority Women-Owned Businesses (MWBEs). Resorts World recently announced that minority and/or female workers compose 54% of the project’s construction workforce. Additionally, the percentage of MWBE-certified subcontractors and suppliers working under construction manager Tutor Perini now stands at 25% of total contracts awarded to date. Tutor Perini has already awarded nearly $50 million in sub-contracts to MWBEs.

Job applications and vendor proposals may be submitted through the ‘careers’ and ‘vendor forums’ sections of Resorts World’s website, www.rwnewyork.com.

By creating an expansive outreach network that fosters community participation, Resorts World Casino New York has developed a strategic approach toward recruiting the most talented workforce in Queens and entire New York City metropolitan area. In partnering with community-based organizations, placing advertisements in local publications and hosting on-site job fairs, Resorts World Casino New York will continue to build a dynamic workforce ready to meet the needs of its customers and the community.

###

Founded in 1965, Genting is a global entertainment and tourism company operating in Asia, Europe, North America and on all four oceans through the Norwegian Cruise Line and Star Cruises brands. The Genting Group has more than 58,000 employees.

Rep Joe Crowley Fights Republican Effort to Cut Unemployment Benefits for Millions of Americans

Today, Congressman Joe Crowley (D-Queens, the Bronx), a Chief Deputy Whip in the U.S. House of Representatives, spoke out during the Ways and Means Committee’s consideration of Republicans’ H.R. 1745. This legislation would end the guarantee of federal unemployment insurance, resulting in over 4 million Americans losing their extended benefits this summer unless states provide coverage for them. Over 270,000 workers in New York are currently receiving these emergency benefits.

Crowley’s remarks as prepared are below:

“For over 100 days of the Republican majority in the House of Representatives, we have heard nothing but tick-tock as we awaited a jobs bill.

“And now, they tell us they have a bill – it’s even named the JOBS Act.

“Well, the tick-tock is being replaced by a cuckoo clock, because I’m not seeing the jobs in here.

“What is their great plan to help the economy? Cutting off emergency unemployment benefits.

“I’m not sure how that is supposed to create jobs or grow the economy, especially since economists have repeatedly shown that unemployment benefits help stimulate the economy.

“But the Republicans would end these benefits.

“Now, they say that States can choose to keep funding unemployment insurance, on their own, if they want to.

“But some states are cutting even the standard 26 weeks of benefits – do we really think states are going to be able to shoulder the federal government’s responsibility?

“That’s too much to burden the states with during these difficult times.

“This is a federal program that Congress has consistently voted to extend in order to help those out of work through no fault of their own.

“Many of my colleagues on this committee voted for the law that extended these benefits through the end of this year.

“And now, you want to cut short that promise.

“You might remember this law as the one that also extended tax cuts for the richest Americans – as long as Republicans are looking to break their promises, maybe we should cut short the extension of the tax cuts, too.

“So I ask my colleagues, what will you say to those unemployed workers in your district who will find their benefits cut off much sooner?

“Are you going to tell them that they’re not trying hard enough to find work, and that’s why you’re adding in redundant job search requirements?

“Are you going to tell them that they have to stop ‘living large’ on the federal government’s dollar, since as I’m sure we’re all aware, the average unemployment benefit reaches a whopping 70% of the poverty line for a family of four?

“I don’t know about you, but I can’t tell that to my constituents, because it’s just not true.

“Every week, I hear from workers in my district who have been looking for work, who rely on these federal benefits and who continue to face the difficulties of an economy that is just beginning to recover.

“The policies put into place by President Obama and Democrats in Congress have created 2 million new private sector jobs over the past 14 months, but there are still fewer jobs than before the recession began in 2007.

“At the same time, Republicans have cut job training programs, assistance to dislocated workers, and job creation programs like the TANF Emergency Fund for states to use.

“How are these cuts helping workers? I suppose just like this bill does – it only helps them know who is on their side and who is not.

“This is not a jobs bill.

“I guess we will continue the tick-tock of waiting for a true jobs bill, but in the meantime, this bill is just cuckoo.”

STATEMENT BY PUBLIC ADVOCATE DE BLASIO ON MAYOR BLOOMBERG PICKING NISSAN TO BE TAXI OF TOMORROW

“The Taxi of Tomorrow should be creating the jobs of today for New York City, New York State and America. Instead, the Administration is giving away a $1 billion contract to a company based overseas without seeking any commitments for investment in our local and national economies. This failure, along with potential conflicts of interest between the TLC’s hired consultant Ricardo Inc. and Nissan, cast serious doubts on the legitimacy of the Administration’s final decision and its focus on bringing New York City out of the recession.”

Resorts World Casino New York Officially Begins Hiring Permanent Employees – Search to Focus On South Queens Neighborhoods

Career listings and vendor proposals for new casino listed at www.rwnewyork.com; more opportunities to be added weekly

Resorts World Casino New York has officially launched the hiring process for permanent positions at the facility, and every effort will be made to hire from within the local community, officials announced today.

Job applications and vendor proposals may be submitted through the ‘careers’ and ‘vendor forums’ sections of Resorts World’s website,www.rwnewyork.com

“We are very excited to officially start staffing Resorts World,” said Michael Speller, President of Resorts World Casino New York. “This project is not just about bringing jobs to Queens; it’s about creating careers and forming relationships with the local community. Our goal is to build a local, diverse and hardworking family of Resorts World employees that will move up within our company. With this announcement, I am very excited to start the process of building that family.”

This announcement marks the official beginning phase of hiring the more than 900 workers expected to permanently staff Resorts World in such fields as entertainment, hospitality, security and food services. Through its extensive outreach efforts, Resorts World is committed to enlisting a diverse staff and awarding vendor contracts to local Minority Women-Owned Businesses (MWBEs).

“With so many Queens neighborhoods plagued by high levels of unemployment, Resorts World’s permanent staffing outreach could not be more timely,” said Harry Wells, Director of York College’s Small Business Development Center. “There are some terrific opportunities at Resorts World out there for Queens residents and local businesses looking for work. Few employers offer so many job and vendor possibilities in such a wide range of fields, and even fewer are as committed to supporting local MWBEs as is Resorts World; in fact, three of the MWBEs that I work with have already been subcontracted for the project. I look forward to continuing to work with Resorts World to identify even more local establishments, MWBEs and careers services centers to meet its needs for commodities, goods and services at the new facility.”

Resorts World recently announced that minority and/or female workers compose 54% of the project’s construction workforce. Additionally, the percentage of MWBE-certified subcontractors and suppliers working under construction manager Tutor Perini now stands at 33% of total contracts awarded to date. So far, Tutor Perini has awarded nearly $50 million in sub-contracts to MWBEs.

“For four months we have been working with employment services centers to prepare for today,” said Kevin Bogle, Vice President of Human Resources at Resorts World Casino New York. “We are a company that is committed to empowering the local community and hiring from within the local area. That's what we have been doing in the construction phase of this project, and that's what we will continue to do as we take this critical step in preparing Resorts World to open for business.”

By creating an expansive outreach network that fosters community participation, Resorts World Casino New York has developed a strategic approach toward recruiting the most talented workforce in the Queens and New York City areas. In partnering with community-based organizations, placing advertisements in local publications and hosting on-site job fairs, Resorts World Casino New York will continue to build a dynamic workforce ready to meet the needs of its customers and the community.

###

Founded in 1965, Genting is a global entertainment and tourism company operating in Asia, Europe, North America and on all four oceans through the Norwegian Cruise Line and Star Cruises brands. The Genting Group has more than 58,000 employees.

Crowley Speaks Out Against GOP’s Pro-Tax Increase and Anti-Choice Bill

Below are Congressman Joe Crowley’s (D-Queens, the Bronx) remarks as prepared for delivery on the House floor today during debate on the Republicans’ H.R. 3 – legislation that would infringe on Americans’ rights to make decisions about their own health as well as prohibit employers from receiving tax credits for employees’ health care coverage if the plan includes abortion care, ultimately raising costs for employees’ health insurance and burdening America’s small businesses:

“Mr. Speaker, on the Republicans’ 100^th day of majority rule in the House, I stood speechless on the House floor at their failed campaign promise to focus on job creation and economic growth.

“They say actions speak louder than words, and it is true.

“For all the Republicans’ talk about putting Americans back to work, their actions demonstrate this is the least of their priorities. Instead, they have cut jobs, raised taxes and reduced Americans’ access to health care.

“The bill being debated today also has no jobs component whatsoever. In fact, it will raise taxes and hamper small businesses. In their ideological zeal to restrict women’s right to choose, the Republicans have prioritized a measure that the South Carolina Small Business Chamber of Commerce calls a “slap in the face” to small business owners.

“My colleagues, please remember that your actions, not words, are what truly speak for you.

“If you vote for this bill, you are voting to raise taxes and hurt small businesses.

“I urge you to vote to uphold your campaign promises.

“Vote no on this bill and let’s get back to work on America’s priorities.”

Statement by Public Advocate Bill de Blasio on Mayor Bloomberg Picking Nissan to be Taxi of Tomorrow

“The Taxi of Tomorrow should be creating the jobs of today for New York City, New York State and America. Instead, the Administration is giving away a $1 billion contract to a company based overseas without seeking any commitments for investment in our local and national economies. This failure, along with potential conflicts of interest between the TLC’s hired consultant Ricardo Inc. and Nissan, cast serious doubts on the legitimacy of the Administration’s final decision and its focus on bringing New York City out of the recession.”

Anti-Walmart Flash Mob Strikes Again - Walmart Free NYC & Jobs for Justice

A Few Weeks After Focusing on Related Co., the Flash Mob Disrupts Wal-mart CEO Mike Duke Appearance in Bryant Prk

Activists Promise to Continue Disrupting Wal-mart and It's Partners

On April 27, Walmart CEO Mike Duke visited New York City to have breakfast with the Wall Street Journal and a roomful of corporate elites. Everyday New Yorkers weren't invited. But we have a lot of strong opinions about his plans to take over our city and flood it with poverty wage jobs. So we decided to throw him a little surprise party, brass band in tow!

A hundred singing and dancing activists converged on Bryant Park on Wednesday to protest Walmart for its record of mistreating women, African Americans and Latinos and the LGBT community, and to confront Walmart CEO Mike Duke in person.


New York Jobs with Justice and members of the Walmart-Free NYC Coalition, including RWDSU, the Retail Action Project, New York Communities for Change, and Make the Road NY, held up yellow frowny-face masks and surrounded the windows of the Bryant Park Grill, chanting “Walmart cheats, Walmart hates, Walmart discriminates!” for nearly an hour as Mike Duke spoke inside.



Amid the chanting, a brass band loudly performed a dance number in front of the windows called "Mr. Walmart," modeled on Jean Knight’s “Mr. Big Stuff,” with a drag-clad Lady Liberty telling a performer dressed as Mr. Walmart on stilts, "Who do you think you are?/ Mr. Walmart/ You’re never gonna get my love."



“Walmart can spend as much money as it wants to buy its way into New York,” said Javier Valdes, Deputy Director of Make the Road NY, one of New York City’s largest community organizations. “But that doesn’t change the fact that Walmart doesn’t share New York’s values. They have settled a lawsuit for discriminating against black truck drivers, fired Latino workers who complained about being called racial slurs, and is facing the largest sex discrimination lawsuit in U.S. history.”



Walmart is reportedly looking to open many stores throughout the five boroughs. One possible location is the Gateway II development in East New York, Brooklyn, which is being developed by the Related Companies, who was the focus of the first Anti-Walmart flash mob. The site was subject to a lengthy community planning process, and Related’s recently reported move to introduce a Walmart into those plans without community consent have raised a flurry of opposition from concerned residents, community organizations and local elected officials.



At a recent Housing Preservation and Development hearing, concerns were raised that the City-sponsored appraisal of the land was incomplete.



According to event organizer Austin Guest of NY Jobs with Justice, “If Walmart opens stores in our city, there is no indication that they will stop their track record of killing local jobs, treating workers poorly, and eliminating competition from responsible employers. We will keep following Walmart and its allies to make sure that New Yorkers know what Walmart will bring with them into New York.”



For more information, visit www.walmartfreenyc.com

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

News and Notes from Rep Anthony D. Weiner - NY 9th Congressional District

GOP Budget Would Cut Queens to Its Core

Weiner Study Highlights Impact of More Than $25 Billion

in Funding Cuts To Borough Over 10 Years

Today, Rep. Anthony Weiner (D – Queens and Brooklyn) released a study highlighting how the GOP budget plan to be considered this week would cut funding to Queens by more than $25 billion over 10 years, slashing money for cops, transportation, seniors and education.

Under the Republican budget plan, more than $25 billion in federal aid to Queens would be cut over 10 years. During a time when the City is facing a massive budget deficit, this proposal would force major cuts in programs like Medicare and Medicaid, hurting countless seniors and low-income residents in the borough. Title I education funding would be cut by over $205 million, and federal grants to the NYPD would be cut by $111 million. This could mean that more than 425 cops would be taken off the streets of Queens.

Additionally, if the GOP budget passes, over the next decade the MTA would lose over $667 million that is used to fund vital rail and bus infrastructure and security projects throughout Queens, and the more than 300,000 seniors in the borough would lose their guaranteed Medicare benefits and be forced to pay additional premium costs.

"The GOP budget is not about debt reduction, it’s about increasing the dangerous inequities in our economy and society. It is an assault on the middle class and those struggling to make it.”

Weiner’s study found the following:

CUTS TO QUEENS OVER 10 YEARS: MORE THAN $25 BILLION

Medicare

· The over 300,000 seniors in Queens would lose their guaranteed Medicare benefits and be forced to pay premium costs that the new proposed subsidy doesn’t cover. (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and U.S. Census)

Medicaid

• Medicaid costs would be shifted to Queens residents as state and local taxes revenue would need to cover the over $20 billion in Medicaid cuts over 10 years contained within this budget proposal. (NYC OMB and Center for Budget and Policy Priorities)

SNAP Program

• The SNAP Program will now be tied to a block grant program with benefits contingent upon on work or job training. Over 96,000 Queens residents would lose their SNAP benefits and Queens would see $1.7 billion cut in funding over 10 years. (U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Census)

Education

• Title I funding, which provides funding for primary and secondary schools, would be cut by over $205 million over 10 years.(NYC Independent Budget Office (IBO)
• Pell Grants which provide grants for lower income college students would be cut by $1 billion over 10 years and the maximum Pell Grant award would be cut by $819 per student. (NYC Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and U.S. Census)

Law Enforcement

• Federal grants to the New York Police Department for Queens would be cut by $111 million over 10 years. This could mean that 425 cops are taken off the streets of Queens. (NYC IBO)

Housing

• The Low Income Heating and Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) which helps the lowest-income New Yorkers stay warm would be cut by over $68 million over 10 years. (NYC OMB)
• Section 8 vouchers which provide vouchers for low-income families to locate decent, safe, and affordable housing would be cut by over $83 million to NYC over 10 years. (NYC IBO)
• The Public Housing Operating Fund, which provides subsidies to public housing agencies, would be cut by nearly $310 million over 10 years. (NYC IBO)
• The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, which funds local Queens community development activities such as affordable housing, anti-poverty programs, and infrastructure development, would experience over $53 million in cuts over 10 years. (NYC IBO)
• The HOME investment partnerships program, which works with nonprofit groups to build, buy, and rehabilitate affordable housing would be cut by $4 million over 10 years. (NYC IBO)
• The Public Housing Capital Fund, which provides funding for the development and modernization of public housing, would be cut by $22 million over 10 years. (NYC IBO)

Transportation

• MTA would lose over $667 million over 10 years that is used to fund vital rail and bus infrastructure and security projects throughout Queens. (Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA))

Human Services

• The Child Care and Development Fund which provides subsidies for child care for low-income families so that parents can work would be cut by nearly $20 million over 10 years. (NYC IBO)
• Community Services Block Grants which provides funding to assist with employment, education, nutrition and emergency services for the homeless, migrants and the elderly would be cut nearly $10 million over 10 years. (NYC IBO)

Infrastructure

• The Drinking Water Revolving Fund which works to ensure that local residents receive clean and safe drinking water would be cut by $150 million for Queens. (NYC OMB)
• The Clean Water Revolving Fund which works to ensures that local communities can provide clean and sanitary wastewater treatment services for their residents would be cut by $778 million over 10 years for Queens. (NYC OMB)

Job Training

• Queens job training and workforce investment which provides adult workforce training, job-related activities for young adults, and dislocated workers programs would be cut by over $94 million over 10 years. (NYC IBO)

Weiner on President’s Budget Speech: “Today, We Go on Offense”

With President Obama set to give a major speech today outlining his plan for the budget, Rep. Anthony Weiner (D – Queens and Brooklyn) released the following statement:

"Now it's our turn. For months, we have heard the one-note attacks by the GOP on the middle class and those struggling to make it. Medicare, student loans and women's health have all been under attack.”

“Today, we go on offense.”

Weiner Announces $281 Million in Pell Grants for Local Students

More Than 67,000 Will Receive Vital Education Aid in Queens Alone

Today, Rep. Anthony Weiner (D – Queens and Brooklyn) announced that more than 67,000 Queens students will receive $281 million in Pell Grants this year to help cover the rising costs of a college education.

Federal Pell Grants provide need-based assistance to low-income students to help promote access to college and postsecondary education. This year, students across the nation are eligible to receive up to $5,550 each in Pell Grants, which are not required to be repaid.

In Queens alone, over 67,000 students will receive more than $281 million in aid – with an average grant of $4,136 per student. The announcement, however, comes in the midst of attempts by Congressional Republicans to cut the important grant by $1 billion over the next ten years in Queens.

Republicans in Congress, led by Rep. Paul Ryan, are proposing to reduce the maximum Pell Grant award by $819 per student beginning next year. If successful, the maximum Pell Grant will be slashed to $4,731 – a reduction of more than 14 percent. With the cost of higher education rising every year, the GOP proposal would devastate a vital lifeline for students in the borough.

"During a time when colleges are raising tuition, Pell Grants are an important tool in helping students get the education they deserve and the education they need to succeed in the 21^st century workplace,” Weiner said. “$281 million in Pell Grants for Queens is great news, but it’s also a reminder of what’s at stake next year if the draconian budget being pushed by Republicans actually passes.”