Thursday, November 17, 2016
PSC Announces New York’s Approval of Sale of the James A. FitzPatrick Nuclear Power Plant
Albany -
The New York State Public Service Commission (Commission) today
announced approval of the sale of the James A. FitzPatrick nuclear power
plant in Scriba to Exelon Corporation. The transfer will facilitate the
continued operation of the carbon-neutral plant as a bridge to a
renewable energy future without the need for imported fossil fuels such
as fracked gas and oil from out of state or for the restarting of coal
plants to supply energy demand from across the state. Today's action
also better enables the State to reach its 40 percent by 2030 carbon
reduction goals and supports the Clean Energy Standard, the most
comprehensive and ambitious plan in the state’s history to fight climate
change, reduce harmful air pollution, and ensure a diverse and reliable
energy supply at affordable prices for all New Yorkers.
“Our finding today is
that the public will be well-served by the transfer of ownership of
FitzPatrick,” said Commission Chair Audrey Zibelman. “Exelon has an
excellent track record as the owner of nuclear power plants, and we
fully expect it will operate FitzPatrick in a safe and reliable
fashion.”
The Clean Energy
Standard obtains zero-emissions credits from upstate nuclear power
plants to ensure that critical progress on greenhouse gas emissions
reductions is sustained as the state works toward achieving its goal to
generate 50 percent of New York’s electricity from renewable energy
sources like wind and solar by 2030. Maintaining zero-emission nuclear
power is a critical element to achieving New York’s ambitious climate
goals. Were Fitzpatrick to close, carbon emissions in New York will
increase by more than 31 million metric tons during the next two years,
resulting in public health and other societal costs of at least $1.4
billion according to studies conducted by the Brattle Group.
Under the terms of the
agreement, Entergy Corporation will transfer Fitzpatrick's operating
license to Exelon for $110 million. If the other regulatory approvals
are obtained and the transaction closes, Entergy would then transfer the
plant to Exelon.
The 838-megawatt Oswego
County facility, currently owned by Entergy, provides enough carbon-free
electricity to power more than 800,000 average-sized homes. Keeping the
emissions-free plant operational will avoid three million tons of
carbon emissions annually – representing about 10 percent of the state's
carbon savings.
FitzPatrick’s continued
operation is essential to New York’s nation-leading efforts to power the
state with 50 percent renewable energy by 2030. The power plant employs
approximately 600 highly-skilled, well-paid workers, and contributes
about $500 million per year in regional economic activity. FitzPatrick
also accounts for $17.3 million in local property taxes supporting
critical services to local governments and schools.
Final transaction
closure is dependent upon regulatory review and approval by federal
agencies, including the US Department of Justice, the Nuclear Regulatory
Commission, and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. The
transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2017.
Exelon operates two
other nuclear energy facilities in upstate New York: R.E. Ginna and Nine
Mile Point, the latter of which is near FitzPatrick. Together, Exelon’s
two upstate plants provide carbon-free electricity to more than 2.5
million homes and businesses while employing more than 1,500 full-time
staff.
As a result of Governor
Cuomo’s Clean Energy Standard, Exelon will reinvest millions back into
the nuclear units, including upwards of $500 million in operations,
integration and refueling expenditures for the upstate plants in spring
of 2017, all of which will have a positive impact across the state.
Exelon has committed to refueling FitzPatrick in January 2017.
The Clean Energy
Standard builds on the progress made under New York’s Renewable
Portfolio Standard (RPS) and is a central component of Reforming the
Energy Vision, Governor Cuomo’s strategy to fight climate change and
grow New York’s economy by building a cleaner, more resilient and
affordable energy system for all New Yorkers. Under the RPS, 65 large
scale renewable energy projects have been developed around the state,
adding approximately 2,000 megawatts of renewable capacity to the New
York energy market, with additional projects expected soon under the
final phase of the RPS program.
Today’s decision may be obtained by going to the Commission Documents section of the Commission’s Web site at www.dps.ny.gov
and entering Case Number 16-E-0472 in the input box labeled "Search for
Case/Matter Number". Many libraries offer free Internet access.
Commission documents may also be obtained from the Commission’s Files
Office, 14th floor, Three Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12223 (518-474-2500).
Source: Public Service Commission
Governor Cuomo Responds to Recent Incidents of Bias and Discrimination
The following statement was submitted today by the Governor's press office.
“New York and this nation were founded on
the premise that we are all created equal. In the weeks that have
followed the election, that promise has rung hollow for too many New
Yorkers and Americans.
“Hate crimes have spiked across the country and this state has not been spared. Last night, fliers glorifying the KKK were found distributed on cars in Patchogue. This morning, a swastika was discovered on the B train in Manhattan. These are just the latest incidents. My administration has launched a number of investigations into hate crimes targeting minorities and immigrants.
“Hate crimes have spiked across the country and this state has not been spared. Last night, fliers glorifying the KKK were found distributed on cars in Patchogue. This morning, a swastika was discovered on the B train in Manhattan. These are just the latest incidents. My administration has launched a number of investigations into hate crimes targeting minorities and immigrants.
“I call on all public officials, of all
parties, and indeed, all people everywhere, to denounce and repudiate
these expressions, and to pledge to punish to the full extent of the law
anyone engaged in such acts. To remain silent is to engage in a
dangerous new permissiveness that threatens our American way.
“Let me be very clear: These acts of hate
and intolerance go against everything New York stands for. We have
welcomed generations of immigrants with open arms. This state will
continue that proud legacy – we will not turn our backs and we will not
let this heated rhetoric divide us. We will stand strong united in the
face of intolerance and show the world that we are one people, one
family, and one New York.”
Earlier this week, Governor Cuomo
launched a toll-free hotline to report incidents of bias and
discrimination. The hotline marks another step forward in state’s
efforts to protect New Yorkers, and allow those who are victims
prejudice to file a complaint with the Division of Human Rights.
Residents who have experienced
bias-motivated threats, harassment or discrimination are encouraged to
call DHR’s toll-free hotline at (888) 392-3644 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Friday. If you want to report a crime or fear for your safety, call 911 immediately.
Department of Civil Service Announces Correction Officer Trainee Exam
The
New York State Department of Civil Service today announced new exams
for Correction Officer Trainee and Correction Officer Trainee (Spanish
Language), scheduled to be held on February 11, 2017.
Trainee
positions are available in Department of Corrections and Community
Supervision (DOCCS) correctional facilities statewide. Interested
candidates must complete and submit an exam application by December 20, 2016. To view the exam announcement and apply online, visit: https://www.cs.ny.gov/
“The
Department of Civil Service is committed to working with DOCCS and
other agencies throughout the State to ensure that they have the right
people for the right job at the right time,” said Acting Civil Service
Commissioner Lola W. Brabham. “I encourage all interested candidates to
take the Correction Officer exam and explore a rewarding career in
public safety with New York State.”
“The
Civil Service examination for the position of Correction Officer offers
a tremendous opportunity for those New Yorkers who meet the
qualifications to pursue a valuable career and join a growing family of
diverse state residents who safeguard their State,” said Acting DOCCS
Commissioner Anthony J. Annucci.
“The distinction of holding the title
of Correction Officer is a time honored and noble one that comes with a
sense of pride and satisfaction in knowing that the citizens of New York
State have entrusted you to serve and protect their families and the
community.”
Individuals appointed
to a Correction Officer Trainee position will be required to participate
and complete all requirements of a year-long traineeship program.
Correction
Officers are responsible for the custody and security, as well
as the safety and well-being, of criminal offenders in New York State
Correctional Facilities. Duties include supervising the movement and
activities of inmates, maintaining order within the facility, and
advising inmates of the rules and regulations governing the operation of
the facility, among other security related activities.
The hiring
rate for a Correction Officer Trainee is $40,590, with an increase to
$42,695 after six months. Upon successful completion of the training
program and a one-year probationary period, the annual salary will
increase to $48,889.
At the
time of the appointment, candidates must be a United States citizen and a
New York State resident at least 21 years of age. In addition, the
candidate must be a high school graduate or have a high school
equivalency diploma, and have no previous felony convictions.
The New
York State Department of Civil Service is the principal human resources
provider for the Executive Branch of State Government, serving
approximately 150,000 employees. The Department provides examination
services and supports civil service administration to 70 State and 95
municipal agencies. Since 2011, the Department has administered more
than 20,000 exams to 750,000 State and local candidates.
The
Department also administers the New York State Health Insurance Program
(NYSHIP) for State and local government employees, retirees and their
families. This comprehensive health insurance benefits program is one of
the largest public employer health insurance programs in the nation,
covering 1.2 million lives.
Source: NYS Department of Civil Service
President Obama Joint News Conference with German Chancellor Merkel
President Obama and German Chancellor Angela Merkel hold a joint news
conference following a bilateral meeting in Berlin. This is the
president’s final foreign trip of his term.
Click here for video.
Source: C-SPAN
James Clapper Testifies on Capitol Hill After Submitting Resignation
James Clapper, the Director of National Intelligence, formally announced
his resignation during a House Intelligence Committee hearing, saying
he submitted his letter and the resignation will be effective at noon on
January 20, 2017. Director Clapper testified alongside the Deputy
Defense Secretary and the Defense Under Secretary for Intelligence about
the role the intelligence community plays in supporting the Defense
Department.
Click here for video.
Source: C-SPAN
Christian Science Monitor Breakfast with Senator Bernie Sanders
Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) spoke to reporters at a Christian Science Monitor breakfast about the 2016 election results, Donald Trump’s presidency, and the Democratic Party.
Click here for video.
Source: C-SPAN
House Speaker Weekly Briefing
House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) holds his weekly briefing with reporters on Capitol Hill ahead of the Thanksgiving Day recess.
Click here for video.
Source: C-SPAN
House Minority Leader Weekly Briefing
House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) speaks to reporters about her
own future and her party’s legislative agenda in the lame-duck session.
She also looks ahead to the 115th Congress and the Trump presidency.
Click here for video.
Source: C-SPAN
Politics in Action: S. 3110
STATEMENT OF ADMINISTRATION POLICY
S. 3110 - American Energy and Conservation Act of 2016
(Sen. Cassidy, R-LA, and five cosponsors)
The
Administration strongly opposes S. 3110, the American Energy and
Conservation Act. The bill would, among other things, change existing
revenue sharing laws to increase the amount that certain States and
counties would receive from energy production on Federal lands and
waters, thereby reducing the fair return on the development of these
minerals to taxpayers across the country for their shared resources. S.
3110 would have significant and long-term costs to the Federal
Treasury.
The
Department of the Interior, which oversees the development of about 23
percent of domestic energy supplies collects, on average, over $10
billion annually from the development of Federal minerals, including
fossil and renewable energy resources. Various statutes govern how
these revenues are allocated depending on the resource type and
location. About half of the Federal revenue from onshore energy
development is shared with States or counties, with the remainder
deposited in the Treasury, where it offsets annual appropriations or
otherwise contributes to deficit reduction. The majority of revenue
generated from offshore energy leases on the Federal Outer Continental
Shelf (OCS) goes to the Treasury, while a portion goes to fund important
Federal conservation programs through contributions to the Land and
Water Conservation Fund and the Historic Preservation Fund. Through the
Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006 (GOMESA), the amount of OCS
revenue allocated to revenue sharing payments to nearby States and
counties is already set to increase dramatically in fiscal year 2018.
The
Administration takes seriously its responsibility to the public for the
stewardship of the Nation's energy resources and public assets that
generate royalty revenue from Federal leases. It remains committed to
ensuring that American taxpayers receive a fair return from the sale of
public resources owned by all Americans. That is why the President's
2017 Budget proposes to redirect future GOMESA revenue sharing payments
to the dual objectives of reducing the deficit and enhancing the
resilience of coastal communities nationwide to the impacts of climate
change. In contrast, the provisions of S. 3110 would ultimately reduce
the fair return on the development of these minerals to taxpayers across
the country for their shared resources, would result in reductions of
billions of dollars in deposits to the Treasury, and would add
significantly to the Federal deficit.
If the President were presented with S. 3110, his senior advisors would recommend he veto the bill.
Source: Executive Office of the President, Office of Management and Budget
Hollywood & Race: Birth of A Nation
This video was published on YouTube on April 11, 2015.
In
the climax of the movie, the Klan rides to the rescue of the white
families, and then prevents African-Americans from voting in the next
election, thus preserving white supremacy.
Source: MUHistory
Trailblazers in Black History: Admiral Michelle J. Howard
Michelle Janine Howard is a United States Navy admiral who currently serves as the commander of U.S. Naval Forces Europe while she concurrently serving as the commander of U.S. Naval Forces Africa and commander of Allied Joint Force Command Naples.
She previously served as the 38th Vice Chief of Naval Operations. She assumed her current assignment on June 7, 2016.
Howard has achieved many historical firsts throughout her naval
career. She was the first African-American woman to command a U.S. Navy
ship, the USS Rushmore, and the first to achieve three star rank.
In 2006, she was selected for the rank of rear admiral (lower half), making her the first admiral selected from the U.S. Naval Academy
class of 1982 and the first female graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy
selected for flag rank.
On July 1, 2014, Howard became the first woman
to become a four-star admiral. As Vice Chief of Naval Operations, which she began that same day, she is the first African-American and the first woman to hold that post.
Additional information is available here.
Source: Wikipedia
Philando Castile Family Pleased With Charges Against Officer
Valerie Castile spoke briefly about the charges filed against officer
Jeronimo Yanez in the shooting death of her son. Castile says she now
wants the public to stay calm and let the judicial process play out.
Cosby Fails Again in Bid to Get Sex Assault Case Tossed
A Pennsylvania judge has once again refused to
dismiss sexual assault charges against Bill Cosby — and also ruled that
accusers who want to take the stand do not have to undergo competency
hearings.
Montgomery County Judge Steven O'Neil said he
has not yet made a decision on another key matter: whether prosecutors
can use a deposition Cosby gave in a civil case, in which he talked
about giving women Qualuudes for sex, during the criminal trial.
Cosby is charged with drugging and molesting Andrea Constand at his
Pennsylvania home in 2004 — the only criminal case stemming from dozens
of claims of sexual misconduct that have surfaced in the last year and a
half. He has denied any wrongdoing.
Click here for the full article.
Source: NBC News
Click here for the full article.
Source: NBC News
Students Walk Out in Day of Protest Against Trump Immigration Plans
Students at New York and New Jersey universities walked out of class
Wednesday in protest over president-elect Donald Trump's stated
immigration plans, and other demonstrations were held in Florida and
California in a day of action organizers titled with the hashtag
"sanctuary campus."
A Facebook page for the movement calls on
students to "commit to putting our bodies between Trump and our
undocumented students."
Some of the protests were organized by
Movimiento Cosecha, which calls for "permanent protection, dignity and
respect for the immigrant community."
Trump campaigned heavily on immigration
"reforms," and has pledged to deport undocumented immigrants — although
he has appeared to have softened his tone somewhat since winning the election.
"It's just nice to see solidarity, and I think
people are wondering what they can do and what's the next step and how
we can become a nation that's proud of its diversity and not divided
because of it," New York University law student Sarika Arya told NBC New York.
Click here for the full article.
Trump Immigration Adviser Kris Kobach Wrote the Book on Muslim Registry
The man who helped write the book on creating a federal Muslim
registry in the name of national security, now has Donald Trump's ear as
a top member of his transition team.
Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach, a policy
wonk with a reputation for handcrafting the legal means to political
ends, says he has a plan to help Trump pull off some of his most
contentious campaign promises.
Trump has explored a variety of methods to vet
potential terror threats, targeting specifically Muslims by proposing
outright travel bans or creating a federal database of all people in the
United States who practice Islam.
Click here for the full article.
$3 Million in Environmental Justice Commmunity Impact Grants Available
A total of $3 million in Environmental Justice
Community Impact Grants is now available to mitigate environmental and public health
threats in low-income and minority communities. This funding was
included in the expanded Environmental Protection Fund, part of Governor
Cuomo's aggressive Environmental Justice initiative, in this year’s
State Budget. More than $3 million will be distributed to communities
around the state, the most ever offered in a single grant round in the
decade-long existence of the initiative.
"These grants empower residents to address
the environmental concerns that directly affect where they live, and
during the last 10 years, remarkable progress has been made one
neighborhood at a time," Governor Cuomo said.
"With this major increase in funding, we will expand the reach of the
program to combat this inequality and address environmental justice
concerns in even more communities across New York."
The Community Impact Grants are administered
through the Department of Environmental Conservation’s Office of
Environmental Justice. Since the program's launch in 2006, the
Department of Environmental Conservation has distributed more than $4
million for 121 Environmental Justice projects statewide.
Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul announced
today’s record Environmental Justice funding at the New York City
Sustainable Development & Collaborative Governance Conference.
Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul said,
"Governor Cuomo has prioritized lifting up all communities across the
state through strategic investments in every region,” who announced
today’s record Environmental Justice funding. By focusing on
environmental and public health projects, these grants will directly
impact vulnerable New Yorkers and improve their quality of life."
Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos said,
"Supporting community based efforts to improve environmental quality
and protect public health is essential, and I’m proud of the
accomplishments we’ve achieved over the past decade of this program. The
increased EPF funding provided this year will further enhance, and
jumpstart new, projects in many EJ communities across the state, and I
look forward to continuing to grow this important program in the years
ahead."
Not-for-profit community-based organizations
are eligible to apply for Community Impact Grants to work on projects
that address environmental and public health concerns of the residents
in the impacted neighborhood. Organizations are required to have their
primary office located in the affected community, serve residents in one
city, town or borough and have a total annual revenue less than
$3,000,000.
Organizations can request up to $50,000.
Projects must address a community’s exposure to multiple harms and risks
and include a research component that will be used to expand the
knowledge of the affected community. Previous projects awarded by the
Department of Environmental Conservation have included citizen science,
water/air quality monitoring, urban farming, alternative energy
projects, curriculum development, green infrastructure installation and
more. A complete list of previous projects and winners is available here.
All applicants are required to register and
prequalify in the Grants Gateway before applying for a Community Impact
Grant. This is a web-based grants management tool used to improve the
way grants are administered by the state. Once registered and
prequalified, organizations can then apply for the grant in the Grants
Gateway. Instructions and application are available here.
The Department of Environmental Conservation's Office of Environmental Justice will host a webinar on November 30 at 1:30 p.m. to educate organizations on the grants process and answer any questions they may have. Register for the webinar here.
The deadline to submit an application for the Environmental Justice Community Impact Grant is January 31 at 3 p.m.
For a complete list of guidelines more information, contact the
Department of Environmental Conservation's Office of Environmental
Justice at 866.229.0497, justice@dec.ny.gov or http://www.dec.ny.gov/public/
Source: Press Office, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo
Bildt: It's the End of the West as We Know It
"Russia
will try to explore what they can achieve with President Trump," says
the former Swedish Foreign Minister. "The danger," he says, is Moscow
overplays its hand.
Source: CNN
This Teen Uses Clay to Fight ISIS
17-year-old Nenous Thabit stands up to ISIS by making copies of sculptures destroyed by the militant group.
Source: CNN
Citizens Too Scared to Leave Aleppo
Thousands of citizens are trapped in rebel held areas of east Aleppo. CNN's Jomana Karadsheh reports.
Source: CNN
Trump Set to Meet with Japan's Prime Minister
President-elect Donald Trump is scheduled to meet with Japan's Prime Minister Shinzō Abe. CNN's Andrew Stevens reports.
Source: CNN
Refugees Find Solace with the 'Fugees'
Top
10 CNN Hero Luma Mufleh started a soccer team for refugees that grew
into a school for refugee children to receive a formal education.
Wednesday, November 16, 2016
Veep Talk: President Petro Poroshenko of Ukraine
Vice
President Biden spoke by phone today with Ukrainian President Petro
Poroshenko. The two leaders underscored the importance of full
implementation of the Minsk agreements,
and President Poroshenko previewed Ukrainian preparations for the
upcoming EU-Ukraine Summit in Brussels on November 24. The leaders expressed hope that the summit would provide a positive
signal of support for the Ukrainian people. The leaders also discussed
Ukraine's reform trajectory and emphasized the need for continued swift
progress, including on steps needed to secure Ukraine's next tranche of
IMF funding.
Source: The White House, Office of the Vice President
President Obama Names Recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom
WASHINGTON,
DC – Today, President Barack Obama named 21 recipients of the
Presidential Medal of Freedom. The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the
Nation’s highest civilian honor, presented to individuals who have made
especially meritorious contributions to the security or national
interests of the United States, to world peace, or to cultural or other
significant public or private endeavors. The awards will be presented at
the White House on November 22.
President Obama
said, "The Presidential Medal of Freedom is not just our nation's
highest civilian honor - it's a tribute to the idea that all of us, no
matter where we come from, have the opportunity to change this country
for the better. From scientists, philanthropists, and public servants
to activists, athletes, and artists, these 21 individuals have helped
push America forward, inspiring millions of people around the world
along the way."
This event will be streamed live at: www.whitehouse.gov/live.
The following individuals will be awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom:
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Kareem
Abdul-Jabbar is the National Basketball Association’s all-time leading
scorer who helped lead the Los Angeles Lakers to five championships and
the Milwaukee Bucks to another. During his career, Abdul-Jabbar was a six-time NBA Most Valuable Player and a 19-time NBA All-Star. Before
joining the NBA, he was a star player at UCLA, leading the Bruins to
three consecutive championships. In addition to his legendary basketball
career, Abdul-Jabbar has been an outspoken advocate for social justice.
Elouise Cobell (posthumous)
Elouise
Cobell was a Blackfeet Tribal community leader and an advocate for
Native American self-determination and financial independence. She used
her expertise in accounting to champion a lawsuit that resulted in a
historic settlement, restoring tribal homelands to her beloved Blackfeet
Nation and many other tribes, and in so doing, inspired a new
generation of Native Americans to fight for the rights of others.
Cobell helped found the Native American Bank, served as director of the
Native American Community Development Corporation, and inspired Native
American women to seek leadership roles in their communities.
Ellen DeGeneres
Ellen
DeGeneres is an award-winning comedian who has hosted her popular
daytime talk show, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, since 2003 with her
trademarked humor, humility, and optimism. In 2003 Ellen lent her voice
to a forgetful but unforgettable little fish named Dory in Finding Nemo. She reprised her role again in 2016 with the hugely successful Finding Dory.
Ellen also hosted the Academy Awards twice, in 2007 and 2014. In 1997,
after coming out herself, DeGeneres made TV history when her character
on Ellen revealed she was a lesbian. In her work and in her life, she
has been a passionate advocate for equality and fairness.
Robert De Niro
Robert
De Niro has brought to life some of the most memorable roles in
American film during a career that spans five decades. His first major
film roles were in the sports drama Bang the Drum Slowly and Martin Scorsese's crime film Mean Streets. He is a seven-time Academy Award nominee and two-time Oscar winner, and is also a Kennedy Center honoree.
Richard Garwin
Richard
Garwin is a polymath physicist who earned a Ph.D. under Enrico Fermi at
age 21 and subsequently made pioneering contributions to U.S. defense
and intelligence technologies, low-temperature and nuclear physics,
detection of gravitational radiation, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI),
computer systems, laser printing, and nuclear arms control and
nonproliferation. He directed Applied Research at IBM’s Thomas J. Watson
Research Center and taught at the University of Chicago, Columbia
University, and Harvard University. The author of 500 technical papers
and a winner of the National Medal of Science, Garwin holds 47 U.S.
patents, and has advised numerous administrations.
Bill and Melinda Gates
Bill
and Melinda Gates established the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
in 2000 to help all people lead healthy, productive lives. In developing
countries, the foundation focuses on improving people's health and
giving them the chance to lift themselves out of hunger and extreme
poverty. In the United States, the mission is to ensure that all
people—especially those with the fewest resources—have access to the
opportunities they need to succeed in school and life. The Gates
Foundation has provided more than $36 billion in grants since its
inception.
Frank Gehry
Frank
Gehry is one of the world’s leading architects, whose works have helped
define contemporary architecture. His best-known buildings include the
Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, the Dancing House in Prague,
and the Guggenheim Museum building in Bilbao, Spain.
Margaret H. Hamilton
Margaret
H. Hamilton led the team that created the on-board flight software for
NASA's Apollo command modules and lunar modules. A mathematician and
computer scientist who started her own software company, Hamilton
co-created the concepts of asynchronous software, priority scheduling,
and human-in-the-loop decision capability, which set the foundation for
modern, ultra-reliable software design and engineering.
Tom Hanks
Tom
Hanks is one of the Nation’s finest actors and filmmakers. He has been
nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role five
times, and received the award for his work in Philadelphia and Forrest Gump. Those roles and countless others, including in Apollo 13, Saving Private Ryan, and Cast Away,
have left an indelible mark on American film. Off screen, as an
advocate, Hanks has advocated for social and environmental justice, and
for our veterans and their families.
Grace Hopper (posthumous)
Rear
Admiral Grace Hopper, known as “Amazing Grace” and “the first lady of
software,” was at the forefront of computers and programming development
from the 1940s through the 1980s. Hopper’s
work helped make coding languages more practical and accessible, and
she created the first compiler, which translates source code from one
language into another. She taught mathematics
as an associate professor at Vassar College before joining the United
States Naval Reserve as a lieutenant (junior grade) during World War II,
where she became one of the first programmers of the Harvard Mark I computer and began her lifelong leadership role in the field of computer science.
Michael Jordan
Michael Jordan is one of the greatest athletes of all time. Jordan
played 15 seasons in the NBA for the Chicago Bulls and Washington
Wizards; he is currently a principal owner and chairman of the Charlotte
Hornets. During his career, he won six championships, five Most
Valuable Player awards, and appeared in 14 All-Star games.
Maya Lin
Maya
Lin is an artist and designer who is known for her work in sculpture
and landscape art. She designed the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in
Washington D.C. and since then has pursued a celebrated career in both
art and architecture. A committed environmentalist, Lin is currently
working on a multi-sited artwork/memorial, What is Missing? bringing
awareness to the planet's loss of habitat and biodiversity.
Lorne Michaels
Lorne Michaels is a producer and screenwriter, best known for creating and producing Saturday Night Live, which has run continuously for more than 40 years. In addition, Michaels has also produced The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Late Night with Seth Meyers, and 30 Rock, among other popular, award-winning shows. He has won 13 Emmy Awards over the course of his lengthy career.
Newt Minow
Newt
Minow is an attorney with a long and distinguished career in public
life. After serving in the U.S. Army during World War II, Minow served
as a Supreme Court clerk and counsel to the Governor of Illinois. In
1961, President Kennedy selected Minow, then 34, to serve as Chairman of
the Federal Communications Committee (FCC), where he helped shape the
future of American television and was a vigorous advocate for
broadcasting that promoted the public interest. In the five decades
since leaving the FCC, Minow has maintained a prominent private law
practice while devoting himself to numerous public and charitable
causes.
Eduardo Padrón
Eduardo
Padrón is the President of Miami Dade College (MDC), one of the largest
institutions of higher education in the United States. During his more
than four decade career, President Padrón has been a national voice for
access and inclusion. He has worked to ensure all students have access
to high quality, affordable education. He has championed innovative
teaching and learning strategies making MDC a national model of
excellence.
Robert Redford
Robert
Redford is an actor, director, producer, businessman, and
environmentalist. In 1981, he founded the Sundance Institute to advance
the work of independent filmmakers and storytellers throughout the
world, including through its annual Sundance Film Festival. He has
received an Academy Award for Best Director and for Lifetime
Achievement. Redford has directed or starred in numerous motion
pictures, including The Candidate, All the President's Men, Quiz Show, and A River Runs Through It.
Diana Ross
Diana
Ross has had an iconic career spanning more than 50 years within the
entertainment industry in music, film, television, theater, and fashion.
Diana Ross is an Academy Award nominee, inductee into the Rock &
Roll Hall of Fame, and recipient of the Grammy Awards highest honor, the
Lifetime Achievement Award. Ross was a recipient of the 2007 Kennedy
Center Honors. Diana Ross’s greatest legacy is her five wonderful
children.
Vin Scully
Vin
Scully is a broadcaster who, for 67 seasons, was the voice of the
Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers. In Southern California, where
generations of fans have grown up listening to Dodger baseball, Scully's
voice is known as the "soundtrack to summer." In 1988, he was inducted
into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Scully's signature voice
brought to life key moments in baseball history, including perfect games
by Sandy Koufax and Don Larsen, Kirk Gibson's home run in the 1988
World Series, and Hank Aaron's record-breaking 715th home run.
Bruce Springsteen
Bruce
Springsteen is a singer, songwriter, and bandleader. More than five
decades ago, he bought a guitar and learned how to make it talk. Since
then, the stories he has told, in lyrics and epic live concert
performances, have helped shape American music and have challenged us to
realize the American dream. Springsteen is a Kennedy Center honoree
and he and the E Street Band he leads have each been inducted into the
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Cicely Tyson
Cicely
Tyson has performed on the stage, on television, and on the silver
screen. She has won two Emmy Awards and a Tony Award, and is known for
her performances in Sounder, The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman, and The Help. In 2013, she returned to the stage with The Trip to the Bountiful, and was awarded the Tony Award for best leading actress. Tyson received the Kennedy Center Honors in 2015.
Source: The White House, Office of the Press Secretary