The President explains the comprehensive, long-term deal announced
earlier this week that will prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear
weapon.
Saturday, July 18, 2015
The President Meets with America’s Oldest Veteran
President Obama offers remarks after meeting with Ms. Emma Didlake, America’s oldest veteran at 110 years old.
Friday, July 17, 2015
'Veep Talk': Biden and Poroshenko Discuss MH17 Tragedy and Upcoming Elections
Vice
President Joe Biden spoke today with Ukrainian President Petro
Poroshenko. The Vice President congratulated President Poroshenko on the
Rada’s decision yesterday to support
proposals for constitutional reform and decentralization in accordance
with Ukraine’s obligations under the Minsk agreements as well as the
Rada’s passage of reform laws in keeping with Ukraine’s IMF and World
Bank programs. The two leaders agreed on the importance
and urgency of seeking justice for the tragic downing of Malaysia
Airlines flight MH-17 exactly one year ago, and the Vice President
pledged U.S. support for the joint efforts of the governments of
Ukraine, the Netherlands, Malaysia, Australia, and Belgium
to seek justice in this case. The two leaders also discussed Ukraine’s
plans to conduct local elections in October and noted the obligations of
Russia and Russia-backed separatists to allow elections to be held
throughout Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts in accordance
with Ukrainian law and in keeping with OSCE standards.
From The G-Man received the following at 6:45 p.m.
Vice President Biden spoke with Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al-Said of Oman today to express his and President Obama’s gratitude for the Sultan’s support of the nuclear negotiations with Iran that resulted in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. The Vice President also thanked the Sultan for Oman’s role in helping to advance a political settlement in Yemen. Both leaders pledged continued close cooperation between the United States and the Sultanate of Oman to advance regional peace and stability.
From The G-Man received the following at 6:45 p.m.
Vice President Biden spoke with Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al-Said of Oman today to express his and President Obama’s gratitude for the Sultan’s support of the nuclear negotiations with Iran that resulted in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. The Vice President also thanked the Sultan for Oman’s role in helping to advance a political settlement in Yemen. Both leaders pledged continued close cooperation between the United States and the Sultanate of Oman to advance regional peace and stability.
Source: The White House Press Office
Nelson Mandela: The 25th Anniversary of His New York City Visit
This meeting, held in New York and chaired by Ted Koppel of ABC
Networks, formed part Nelson Mandela's first visit to the USA
immediately following his release after 27 years in prison.
Much of the meeting focused on Nelson Mandela's advocating of sanctions against Apartheid South Africa, his support for the Palestinian Liberation Organisation (PLO) as well as his close friendship with Yasser Arafat (of Palestine) and Fidel Castro (of Cuba).
It is important to note that this meeting took place in 1990, long before the world embraced Nelson Mandela or the ANC, yet, even then, Mandela stood firm and resolute on his and the ANC's policies even though it could have "hurt" his and the ANC's "image", for example his support for the Palestinian and Cuban people.
Much of the meeting focused on Nelson Mandela's advocating of sanctions against Apartheid South Africa, his support for the Palestinian Liberation Organisation (PLO) as well as his close friendship with Yasser Arafat (of Palestine) and Fidel Castro (of Cuba).
It is important to note that this meeting took place in 1990, long before the world embraced Nelson Mandela or the ANC, yet, even then, Mandela stood firm and resolute on his and the ANC's policies even though it could have "hurt" his and the ANC's "image", for example his support for the Palestinian and Cuban people.
President Obama Meets with Saudi Foreign Minister Adel Al-Jubeir
Today,
President Obama met in the Oval Office with Saudi Foreign Minister Adel
Al-Jubeir to discuss a range of regional and bilateral issues. They
welcomed the Joint Comprehensive Plan
of Action (JCPOA) reached between the P5+1, EU and Iran on July 14
which, once fully implemented, will effectively cut off all of Iran’s
pathways to a nuclear weapon and verifiably ensure that Iran’s nuclear
program is exclusively peaceful going forward. Following
on the Camp David meetings with Gulf Cooperation Council leaders, they
discussed efforts underway to further enhance the close and long
standing partnership between our two countries and build Saudi Arabia's
security capabilities, noting that Secretary of
Defense Carter’s visit to Saudi Arabia next week will advance those
discussions.
They also
reviewed efforts to jointly address and seek to resolve regional
crises. They discussed the urgency of stopping the fighting in Yemen
and the importance of ensuring that assistance
is reaching Yemenis in need through international humanitarian channels
without any impediments or delays. They discussed cooperation to reach
a genuine political solution in Syria. They also reaffirmed our mutual
commitment to reinforce efforts to support
Iraq and continue the coalition's work in the counter-ISIL campaign.
The President asked Foreign Minister Al-Jubeir to convey his best wishes
to King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
Source: The White House Press Office
Dr. Jill Biden Travels to Seoul to Highlight Women’s Empowerment
Dr.
Jill Biden is traveling to Seoul, Republic of Korea for her first stop
on a four-country visit to Asia to engage government and civil society
partners on issues related
to economic empowerment and educational opportunities for women and
girls. She will also participate in events in Japan as part of her
Joining Forces
initiative to support service members, veterans, and military families.
Dr. Biden is joined by Catherine Russell, U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for
Global Women's Issues; Scot Marciel, Principal
Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, Bureau of East Asian and Pacific
Affairs; and Christie Vilsack, Senior Advisor for International
Education, USAID.
Upon arrival in Seoul on Saturday,
Dr. Biden will visit the Jinkwansa Temple, where she will meet with
female monks and discuss the role they play in the lives of the
community.
Later,
Dr. Biden will meet with the Republic of Korea's Minister of Gender
Equality and Family, H.E. Kim Hee-Jung, at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza.
Following the meeting,
Dr. Biden will deliver remarks at a reception hosted by the Ministry of
Gender Equality and Family, where she will highlight the power of
education, the value of leadership roles and business opportunities for
women in the workplace, and the importance of
ensuring that women’s voices are heard in the political process.
On Sunday morning, Dr. Biden will depart Seoul, Republic of Korea en route Hanoi, Vietnam.
Source: The White House Press Office
Presidential Visit to El Reno Federal Correctional Institution
President Obama talked about his vision for reforming the criminal
justice system and reducing the sentences of non-violent drug
offenders. He delivered these brief remarks during a visit to El Reno
Federal Correctional Institution, a medium-security prison for male
offenders near Oklahoma City. He was the first sitting president to
visit a federal prison.
Hillary Clinton on Alzheimer's Disease
Hillary Rodham Clinton addresses Alzheimer's disease and caregiving at campaign stop in Dover, New Hampshire.
Video link: Hillary Clinton on Alzheimer's Disease
Clip created by MyC-SPAN user Christopher K Masak
Washington Journal: Paul Butler on Criminal Justice Reform
Georgetown University Professor of Law Paul Butler joins from New
York City to discuss President Obama’s proposed reforms to the criminal
justice system.
Video link: Criminal Justice Reform
Source: C-Span
New Regulations to Strengthen Fight Against Synthetic Marijuana
Dangerous Drug Sent Nearly 2,000 New Yorkers
to Hospitals Between April 1 and June 30
to Hospitals Between April 1 and June 30
Governor Andrew Cuomo today called for
stronger Health Department regulations to combat the sale of synthetic
cannabinoids in New York State. These dangerous, man-made compounds have
resulted in a dramatic increase in hospital visits and poison control
center calls. The sale and possession of dozens of synthetic
cannabinoids and bath salts were banned by the Department of Health at
the urging of Governor Cuomo in August, 2012. These new regulations will
expand the existing list of banned substances to include new chemical
compounds that drug producers have begun to make since 2012.
“This rash of medical emergencies is proof
positive that these synthetic drugs are dangerous and a threat to public
health,” Governor Cuomo said. “These new, stronger regulations will
allow us to crack down on these harmful products and stop those who seek
to skirt the law in order to sell these drugs and the misery that comes
with them.”
Synthetic cannabinoids are marketed as legal
and typically consist of plant material coated by chemicals which are
supposed to mimic THC, the active chemical compound in marijuana. Since
2012, the producers of synthetic cannabinoids have been attempting to
skirt New York’s strict regulations by developing new chemicals not
specifically identified in regulation. The new emergency regulations add
two additional classes of compounds to the banned substances list,
which potentially include hundreds of different hazardous chemicals and
will be in effect upon approval by the New York State Public Health and
Health Planning Council and filing with the Department of State.
New York State Health Commissioner Dr.
Howard Zucker said, “Synthetic marijuana poses a threat to the health
and safety of all New Yorkers and we will continue to do all we can to
get these drugs off the street. Too many people have fallen victim to
synthetic marijuana. Updates to our regulations expand the chemical
compounds banned in order to strengthen our fight against this illegal
and dangerous industry.”
New York State Office of Alcoholism and
Substance Abuse Commissioner Arlene González-Sánchez said, “Synthetic
cannabinoids can have dangerous and long-lasting effects on the brain.
Symptoms often present as psychosis and erratic, potentially harmful
behaviors. Those who smoke these man-made chemical concoctions can be in
danger of hurting themselves or others while under their influence.
These expanded regulations will help us identify these drugs and put a
stop to the serious danger they present to New Yorkers.”
Over the past several months, hospitals and
poison control centers have seen a dramatic increase in activity because
of these drugs. From April 1 to June 30, New York State saw more than
1,900 emergency department visits and more than 680 poison control
center calls due to reports of adverse health effects associated with
synthetic cannabinoid use. This represents more than a tenfold increase
over the same time period in 2014. Nationally, there have been 15
synthetic cannabinoid-related deaths reported to poison control centers
during January through May 2015. No deaths have yet occurred in New York
State.
In addition to these updated regulations,
DOH and OASAS have continued to issue health advisories to hospitals,
emergency departments, ICUs, urgent care centers, community health
clinics, medical directors, nursing directors, and primary care
providers in order to keep them updated on this growing public health
threat, as well as provide information and resources that can be used
when dealing with patients.
The dangerous drugs are marketed as incense,
herbal mixtures, or potpourri in order to mask their true purpose.
Street names for substances include Spice, K2, Green Giant, Smacked,
Wicked X, AK-47, Geeked Up, Ninja, Caution, Red Giant, and Keisha Kole.
Users of the synthetic mixtures can never be
certain in which ways the drugs will harm them, but users have
experienced symptoms that include renal failure, death, agitation,
anxiety, nausea, vomiting, high blood pressure, tremor, seizures,
hallucinations, paranoia, arrested heart rate, loss of consciousness and
violent behavior. These effects can be similar to those of
phencyclidine, or PCP.
An owner of an establishment as well as any
other person possessing, distributing, selling or offering for sale
prohibited synthetic drugs in violation of the regulations is subject to
criminal penalties including a fine up to $500 and/or up to 15 days in
jail. Civil penalties include a fine up to $2,000 per violation. DOH
continues to partner with the New York State Police and other law
enforcement agencies to crack down on the use of these synthetic drugs
as they evolve.
If you are aware of locations where these
products are being manufactured, sold, or distributed, please call the
Synthetic Drug Hotline at 1-888-99-SALTS (1-888-997-2587). Additional information on synthetic cannabinoids is available here.
New Yorkers struggling with an addiction, or
whose loved ones are struggling, can call or text the State’s
toll-free, 24-hour, 7-day-a-week HOPEline, 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369).
"Flashback Friday": Dan Rather - George Bush Showdown
From 1988, a live interview showdown between CBS anchor Dan Rather and Vice President George Bush.
Planned Parenthood Video Raises Question: Why Use Tissue From Fetuses?
Activists who released a video they say shows a Planned Parenthood doctor discussing the sale of tissue from aborted fetuses have riled up abortion-rights opponents, with House Speaker John Boehner saying the case makes him want to "vomit" and Republican-controlled committees in Congress promising to investigate.
The political firestorm raises a question: Why would anyone use tissue from an aborted fetus?
It's because some scientists hope they might provide cures for a range of diseases from Parkinson's to crushed spinal cords.
A Source of Stem Cells
Cells from embryos and very early fetuses have properties that fully developed cells do not. What most researchers are after if they use fetal tissue are the stem cells.
The term "stem cell" is confusing because it encompasses many different types of cells. There are the embryonic stem cells, which come from days-old embryos and which have the power to morph into any type of cell in the body - blood, brain, bone or organ. They can be difficult to direct and there's a whole industry devoted to orchestrating the growth and development of these cells into desired tissue types.
Families of Aurora Shooting Victims React to Verdict
Families who lost loved ones in the Aurora shooting react to Thursday's guilty verdict.
Chattanooga Gunman Was Not on Terrorism Radar, Officials Say
The gunman who opened fire on two military centers in Chattanooga Thursday, killing four Marines and critically wounding a Navy sailor, was not in any federal terrorism database and was not under investigation before he carried out the rampage, several officials told NBC News.
Mohammad Youssuf Abdulazeez, 24, was killed after spraying dozens of bullets at a military recruiting center then driving to a Navy-Marine training center seven miles away where he got out of his car and shot the Marines. A police officer was also wounded and was being treated in the hospital, officials said.
One of the slain Marines was identified Friday as Thomas Sullivan, 40, originally from Springfield, Massachusetts.
A motive in the attack is unclear, but the FBI is investigating a disturbing blog that may yield clues. The SITE Intelligence Group said Abdulazeez posted three days before the shooting that "life is short and bitter" and the Muslims should not let "the opportunity to submit to Allah ... pass you by." The blog has not been confirmed by NBC News.
Full article and accompanying videos available here: Chattanooga Gunman
Source: NBC News
Family of Woman Who Died in Texas Jail Question Cause of Death
Authorities say Sarah Bland, 28, who hanged herself in a Texas jail cell three days after a traffic stop led to her arrest.
France Remains on High Alert After Arrests of Would-Be Jihadists
Published July 16, 2015
Source: Euronews
Thursday, July 16, 2015
Obama Meets With Inmates at Federal Prison
President Obama meets with a small number of prisoners Thursday at the El Reno Federal Correctional Institution in Oklahoma.
'Walking Dead's' David Morrissey Helps Save Desperate Refugees
"The Walking Dead" actor David Morrissey spoke to NBC News on Thursday about his work helping save the lives of desperate refugees arriving on the shores of southern Europe.
Morrisey, who played the Governor on the hit AMC
series, gave the interview after a trip to the Greek island of Lesvos
with the United Nations' Refugee Agency, the UNHCR, which involved a day
on the water with the local life guard.
California's Drought is Worst In Over a Century, Analysis Shows
From the half-million acres of parched and idle
farmland to the swaths of receding reservoirs, the signs of California's
historic drought are obvious.
Less obvious is just how historic the ongoing
drought actually is when compared with previous dry spells in the Golden
State's history.
A CNBC analysis of annual Palmer Drought
Severity Index recordings, founded by meteorologist Wayne Palmer as a
way to factor in both precipitation and temperature to track soil
moisture, shows the nearly four-year drought is in fact the worst in
over a century. The PDSI is used by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration as its main drought index.
Click on the graph to increase its size.
A PDSI recording of 0 reflects normal conditions, while -1 is considered
to be the official drought threshold. Any recording of -4 and below
signifies extreme drought.
Full article and accompanying video available here: California Drought
Source: NBC News
President Obama on the Occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr
Michelle
and I would like to extend our warmest wishes to Muslims in the United
States and around the world celebrating Eid-ul-Fitr. As Muslims mark the
end of the month, they
are reminded that Ramadan is a time to reflect spiritually, build
communally, and aid those in need. While Eid marks the end of Ramadan,
it marks a new beginning for each individual – a reason to celebrate and
express gratitude on this holiday.
For
millions of Muslims, the morning of Eid is marked with the call to
prayer echoing through cities and towns across the globe. Millions of
people head to local mosques for
special Eid prayers followed by festive gatherings, gift exchanges, and
feasts among friends, neighbors and families. The diversity of
traditions paint the vibrant images we see from around the world
capturing the spirit and excitement of Eid – colorful dresses
or white garments decorating the masses of people standing in lines for
prayer, lanterns and ornaments lighting up bazaars and neighborhoods,
intricate henna designs painted on hands of young girls and women, and
an abundance of delectable foods and aromatic
cuisines.
As
Muslim Americans celebrate Eid across America, the holiday is a
reminder to every American of the importance of respecting those of all
faiths and beliefs. This past year
New York City Public Schools announced adding Eid to their official
school calendars alongside Christmas, Hanukkah and other holidays – an
acknowledgement of the great diversity and inclusiveness that adds to
the richness of our nation. During this year’s
White House Iftar, I had the opportunity to meet inspiring young Muslim
Americans who are leading efforts for greater understanding and unity
across diverse communities. Following the Iftar, one of the young
attendees helped spearhead an effort that raised
more than $75,000 for the churches burned in the wake of the shooting
at Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina. Americans of all
faiths and beliefs must stand together to protect our democracy and
strengthen our country as a whole.
Michelle
and I hope today brings joy to all of your homes, both here in the U.S.
and around the world. From my family to yours, Eid Mubarak!
Source: The White House Press Office
The President Launches ConnectHome Initiative
President Obama traveled to Durant, Oklahoma to launch ConnectHome, an
initiative to bring high-speed Internet access to low-income
communities.
Vice President Biden to Travel to Colorado and California
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Tuesday, July 21st through Thursday, July 23rd, the Vice President will travel to Denver, Colorado; Los Angeles, California; and San
Francisco, California to participate in a series of events focusing on the economy.
Source: The White House Press Office
Statewide Task Force to Combat Worker Exploitation and Abuse in New York
10-Agency Joint Task Force to
Investigate and Focus on 14 Industries including Day Laborers, Farm,
Domestic, Restaurant and Car Wash Workers
Governor Andrew Cuomo today
announced a first-of-its-kind statewide Task Force to root out worker
exploitation issues in multiple industries in New York State. Building on the
Governor’s groundbreaking initiative to protect workers in the nail salon industry,
the Task Force will identify and halt illegal practices in more industries
across the state. The Task Force is composed of 10 State agencies including the
Department of State, Department of Labor and Department of Agriculture and
Markets, and will work in partnership with an advisory committee that is
charged with providing legislative, regulatory and administrative
recommendations. The Governor made the announcement while in the Bronx signing
legislation to protect and support nail salon workers in New York.
“If there is a state that is going to take a stand against worker exploitation, it is New York,” said Governor Cuomo. “New York offers a promise that our arms and hearts are open to those who come here to work and build a better future for themselves – and we will not tolerate worker exploitation, period. It’s not a Democratic or a Republican issue – it’s what we believe, and together we’re going to make this a reality.”
The multi-agency Task Force is a critical addition to New York's fight against worker exploitation and builds on the Governor's initiative protecting workers in nail salons. The Governor was joined today by Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie to sign legislation that helps protect nail salon employees from unsafe working conditions and unfair labor practices.
Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie said: “The Assembly Majority has a long history of defending the rights of workers in every industry. In 2010 I was proud to have led the fight to give workers across this state a voice with the enactment of the Wage Theft Prevention Act. I am proud that today, we take that victory a step further and empower nail salon workers with the support, the oversight, and the knowledge they need to go to work each day in a safe environment and be paid fair wages for the labor they provide. Indeed, worker exploitation is pervasive problem across many industries. Governor Cuomo's Task Force will examine workers' rights and conditions across our state and I look forward to the recommendations.”
Senator Michael Venditto said: "This legislation strikes the right balance by protecting the employees of nail salons from exploitation as well as our consumers. It requires the registration of a new class of employees who are going to be called nail specialty trainees. By giving employees the proper training and protecting them from unsafe working conditions we can in turn give our consumers peace of mind.”
Assemblyman Ron Kim said: "I want to thank Governor Cuomo for stepping up to bring immediate improvements in the nail salon industry that provides tens of thousands of jobs to female immigrant workers. As the main sponsor of this three-way agreement in the Assembly, we worked non-stop for weeks to strike a fair balance in protecting workers, encouraging good operators, and rooting out bad owners. Governor Cuomo has been at the center of bringing legislators from all across this state to help working families, immigrant communities, and small business owners. He has shown great leadership in managing and leading the most diverse state in the nation. I look forward to working closely with him and his team on continuing to empower the exploitable workforces in the future.”
New York State AFL-CIO President Mario Cilento said: “With the signing of this important legislation, New York is leading the way to end the mistreatment of workers in the nail salon industry. Just as important, we’re setting a precedent and taking steps forward through the creation of a Task Force to ensure that all workers are protected from exploitation. We thank the Governor for his leadership as well as the Senate and the Assembly for standing up for workers in the nail salon industry, and look forward to ensuring all workers are afforded the same dignity and respect on the job.”
Partnership for NYC President and CEO Kathryn Wylde said: “Governor Cuomo’s commitment to address conditions of worker exploitation is important to New York’s employers, most of who are committed to responsible treatment of workers. This task force offers an opportunity for the business community to help the Governor ensure that the laws, regulations and enforcement mechanisms are in place to prevent abuse of workers.”
32BJ SEIU President Hector Figueroa said: "We must protect workers in all facets of the economy, especially those who may be vulnerable to exploitation. Governor Cuomo is making clear that there is no room for malpractice among employers in the state, and those who violate the law will be subject to severe consequences. With these new laws to protect nail salon workers and a new task force to investigate exploitation across other industries, New York is moving forward in defense of unprotected workers.”
New York City Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO President Vincent Alvarez said: "Today's announcement is a move to protect the rights and improve livelihoods of a segment of our workforce that is too often exploited. The creation of this task force sends a clear message that we will not tolerate worker mistreatment on any level. This is an example of the historic change that can be created through productive partnerships between the labor movement and government."
Retail Council President and CEO Ted Potrikus said: “One exploited worker is one too many, and today, we are taking important strides to ensure that no one in New York State is abused by their employer. From protecting nail salon workers with new laws, to launching a task force to investigate issues of exploitation in other industries, Governor Cuomo has been the strong, steadfast advocate for workers that we need. These actions will lead us to a safer and better state for employees across the spectrum.”
Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York President Gary Labarbera said: “For generations, the plight of abused workers went unnoticed – but no longer. Alongside Governor Cuomo and his new task force, we are giving a voice to those exploited workers and taking important steps to regulate industries that have for too long flown under the radar. The creation of this task force gives countless works hope for a brighter future, without unfair and inhumane business practices.”
NYCOSH Executive Director Charlene Obernauer said: “This legislation to protect nail salon workers is a great first step toward rooting out employers who abuse or disregard New York State’s labor laws, and the Governor’s new cross industry task force will keep that progress going for other workers as well. These actions by Governor Cuomo are moving closer to ensuring workers across the state –regardless of their industry –are paid in accordance with state law and treated with the dignity they deserve.”
Adhikaar Executive Director Luna Ranjit said: “Today is a great day for the cause of rights, dignity and safe working conditions for workers in New York State. From new laws to protect nail salon workers to the Governor’s new exploited worker task force, we are seeing important signs of progress from the Governor and his team. Now, nail salon employees can go to work knowing that they have rights to fair wages and humane conditions, and hopefully in the near future, every New Yorker can say the same.”
PowHer New York Founder Beverly Cooper Neufeld said: “When it became clear that exploitation and unsafe conditions were the norm for women who work in the nail salon industry, Governor Cuomo acted swiftly and decisively to put an end to that abuse. Now, with the announcement of this new task force, he’s acting preemptively to protect workers in other industries and rooting out problems before more damage can be done. The Governor’s leadership has once again placed New York at the forefront as an example for the rest of the nation to follow and we commend the Governor, the state legislature, and all the tireless advocates for taking this step to protect women and workers in New York.”
Minkwon Executive Director Grace Shim said: “With the successful passage of this bill, Governor Cuomo has shown that he is committed to protecting New York’s workers and working with many immigrant small business owners - so many of whom have come here to build a better life for themselves and their loved ones. We commend Governor Cuomo for his efforts to improve the industry throughout this state. We look forward to working closely with the Governor's new task force to build a better New York State for all.”
Make the Road Co-Executive Director Javier Valdes said: “Every worker should be treated with respect and dignity – which is why Governor Cuomo’s new task force is so important. By investigating cases of worker abuse and exploitation, the state can better crack down on businesses that take advantage of their employees. This will lead to a safer and better work environment, just as the new laws that the Governor signed today will do for nail salon workers, and we are proud to stand with the Governor in defending New York’s workers.”
Task Force to Combat Worker Exploitation
The Task Force will begin by addressing issues that were discovered based on worker complaints directly to the State and referrals from advocacy organizations. Workers are often victimized through wage theft, human trafficking, retaliation, unsafe or unsanitary working conditions, unstable or unscheduled hours and illegal deductions for supplies, training or uniforms.
Anyone with information of suspected worker abuse should contact the Task Force Hotline at 1-888-469-7365. Callers can remain anonymous.
Enforcement efforts will focus on industries with the highest rates of employer non-compliance and where workers are least likely to come forward, for fear of retaliation. Specifically, industries were selected based on geographic or community isolation of the workforce within the industry, danger of the occupation based on reported death rates, state-wide investigator experiences, evaluation of high violation rates for complaints with a low number of complaints, prevalence of off the books employment by industry and statistics and percentage of the immigrant workforce in each industry. Initial target areas include industries such as:
· Nail Salons
· Farming
· Childcare
· Cleaning
· Home Health Care
· Laundry
· Restaurants
· Retail
· Construction
· Landscaping
· Car Washes
· Supermarkets
· Janitorial Services
· Truck and Waste Disposal Drivers
· Farming
· Childcare
· Cleaning
· Home Health Care
· Laundry
· Restaurants
· Retail
· Construction
· Landscaping
· Car Washes
· Supermarkets
· Janitorial Services
· Truck and Waste Disposal Drivers
The Task Force will include
representatives from state agencies including the Department of Labor,
Department of State, Department of Health, Workers’ Compensation Board,
Department of Tax and Finance, Department of Agriculture and Markets, Office of
Children and Family Services, Office of Faith Based Services, Division of
Criminal Justice Services and State Police. The agencies will have more than
700 investigators, including multilingual investigators who speak: Bengali, Mandarin,
Russian, Spanish, Hindi, Haitian Creole, and Korean. Language access services
will be available in all languages at all agencies.
The Task Force will work in
partnership with an advisory committee that will meet monthly and is charged
with providing legislative, regulatory and administrative recommendations to
the administration. The committee will be charged with providing its first set
of recommendations by December of this year to be considered for next year’s
legislative session. Committee members include:
· Stuart Appelbaum, RWDSU
· Esta Bigler, Cornell University ILR School
· Steve Choi, New York Immigration Coalition
· Anne Erickson, Empire Justice Center
· Hector Figueroa, 32BJ
· George Gresham, 1199
· Gary La Barbera, Trades
· Donna Lieberman, New York Civil Liberties Union
· Dean Norton, Farm Bureau
· Lewis O. Papenfuse, Worker Justice Center
· Ted Potrikus, Retail Council of New York
· Javier Valdes and Deborah Axe, Make the Road New York
· Peter Ward, HTC
· Danny Wegman, Wegmans
· Kathy Wylde, NYC Partnership
· Esta Bigler, Cornell University ILR School
· Steve Choi, New York Immigration Coalition
· Anne Erickson, Empire Justice Center
· Hector Figueroa, 32BJ
· George Gresham, 1199
· Gary La Barbera, Trades
· Donna Lieberman, New York Civil Liberties Union
· Dean Norton, Farm Bureau
· Lewis O. Papenfuse, Worker Justice Center
· Ted Potrikus, Retail Council of New York
· Javier Valdes and Deborah Axe, Make the Road New York
· Peter Ward, HTC
· Danny Wegman, Wegmans
· Kathy Wylde, NYC Partnership
Legislation to Protect Nail Salon Workers
Today, the Governor
additionally signed legislation vital to protecting and supporting nail salon
workers in New York. The bill was one of the Governor’s top priorities this
legislative session and builds on the Governor's previous efforts to implement
sweeping emergency regulations to protect the rights of workers in the
industry.
The legislation signed today
gives the Department of State the authority to shut down a business that is not
following the law. The agency can cease unlicensed or uninsured activities and
impose financial penalties at higher levels than was previously permitted in
response to violations. In addition, unlicensed nail practitioners now have the
ability to register with the state as trainees. This allows them to continue
working while they study for their licensing exam, instead of solely relying on
often prohibitively high-cost education program.
The legislation also
implements new regulations for nail salons to address new bond and insurance
requirements, improved personal protective equipment and required postings of
any cease and desist notices that may be issued to a business found to be
operating without a license and of a new Bill of Rights, available in 12
languages. Additionally, regulations are to be proposed with enhanced
ventilation requirements and a review is under way of chemicals used in nails
salons.
Included in the Governor's
previous efforts include administrative changes to expand: availability of
licensing exams through translations into in additional languages; access to
free English classes; and availability of free training materials through the
Department of State’s website.
Anyone with questions about
nail salons or who is concerned about proper wages and safe working conditions
should visit www.ny.gov/nailsalonsafety
or contact the Task Force Hotline at (888) 469-7365.
House Speaker Weekly Briefing
House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) briefed reporters and responded to questions on his party’s legislative agenda.
Video link: HS Weekly Briefing
Source: C-Span
House Minority Leader Weekly Briefing
House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) briefed reporters and responded to questions on her party’s legislative agenda.
Video link: HML Weekly Meeting
Source: C-Span
Hearing on the Role and Readiness of Federal Air Marshal Service
The Homeland Security Subcommittee on Transportation Security held a
hearing on the Federal Air Marshal Service’s (FAMS) readiness for
evolving threats. The witnesses were Roderick Allison, the director of
FAMS, and Tim Canoll, the president of the Air Line Pilots Association.
Video link: FAMS Hearing
Source: C-Span
Hearing on Fraud Detection on HealthCare.gov
Seto Bagdoyan, director of Forensic Audits at GAO, testified at a hearing on Healthcare.gov security
concerns. The Website is the federally maintained portal through which
taxpayers purchase health insurance plans via government exchanges
created as part of the Affordable Care Act. Government Accountability
Office reports had exposed potential weak points in the site, in
particular relating to preventing fraud.
Video link: Hearing on Fraud Detection
Source: C-Span
George H.W. Bush Hospitalized After Falling
The former president broke a bone in his neck after the incident at his home in Maine.
Trailblazers in Black History: Jesse Owens, Olympic Champion
Jesse Owens: Enduring Spirit chronicles the life and times of a Big Ten
icon. This 30-minute documentary takes a look back at the trials and
triumphs of one of Ohio State University's greatest athletes. Interviews
featuring Bill Cosby, Archie Griffin, and Stephanie Hightower.
This
program debuted on the Big Ten Network on January 3, 2012.
Lyme Disease Is Spreading, Government Research Finds
Lyme disease is gradually spreading from the Northeast and becoming more common farther south and west, government researchers reported Wednesday.
A county-by-county look at the infections shows it's found in four times as many counties now as it was in 1993, a team from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found.
It's not clear why - experts say climate change, forest regrowth and the spread of deer might all be factors. What is clear is that many more people than before need to watch out for the ticks that carry the infection, CDC says.
"Over time, the number of counties identified as having high incidence of Lyme disease in the northeastern states increased more than 320 percent: from 43 (1993-1997) to 90 (1998-2002) to 130 (2003-2007) to 182 (2008-2012)," Kiersten Kugeler of the CDC's center in Forth Collins, Colorado, and colleagues write in their report.
Full article available here: Lyme Disease Is Spreading
Source: NBC News
Retired Archbishop Desmond Tutu Hospitalized With 'Stubborn Infection'
South Africa's retired archbishop Desmond Tutu has been hospitalized for a persistent infection, according to relatives and his charity.
The Desmond & Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation said the 83-year-old anti-apartheid campaigner is "receiving an intensive course of antibiotics to quell a stubborn infection."
"The Tutu family has been overwhelmed by the deluge of love and prayers … that have poured in following Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu's hospitalization on Tuesday," it said.
Tutu previously has been treated for prostate cancer.
His daughter Mpho told reporters Thursday that her father is expected to remain in the hospital for several more days — but that the infection was not related to his cancer.
Full article available here: Retired Archbishop Desmond TuTu....
Source: NBC News
Caitlyn Jenner Receives ESPY Arthur Ashe Award for Courage
Caitlyn Jenner stood on a stage before some of the country's biggest sports stars and celebrities Wednesday and issued a challenge to accept transgender people for who they are.
"Trans people deserve something vital. They deserve your respect," Jenner said at the ESPY Awards in Los Angeles Wednesday as she accepted the Arthur Ashe Courage Award.
One of the most celebrated Olympians of all time, the former Bruce Jenner told the athletes in the crowd that how they behave on transgender issues matters for thousands of young people who are transgender and struggling. She urged the athletes to promote acceptance.
"If you want to call me names, make jokes, doubt my intentions, go ahead, because the reality is, I can take it," she said. "But for the thousands of kids out there, coming to terms with being true to who they are, they shouldn't have to take it."
Full article available here: Caitlyn Jenner Receives ESPY
Source: NBC News
#JusticeForSandy: Sandy Bland Death in Texas Jail Sparks Questions
Family and friends of a civil rights advocate
found dead in a Texas jail have launched a campaign questioning the
authorities' ruling of a suicide.
Sandra Bland was arrested after allegedly
becoming combative during a routine traffic stop on Friday. She was
found dead in her cell on Monday morning.
The Waller County Sheriff's Office said the 28-year-old died "from
what appears to be self-inflicted asphyxiation," calling it a "tragic
incident."
However, those who knew Bland don't believe she
would have taken her own life. She had recently moved to the area, about
50 miles nortwest of Houston, and was due to start a new job Wednesday
as a college outreach officer at her alma mater, Prairie View A&M
University.
Full article available here: Sandy Bland Death
Source: NBC News