Source: The White House
Friday, October 13, 2017
Vice President Pence Remarks in New York City
Vice President Mike Pence delivers keynote remarks at the Seminar
Network Policy and Political Strategy Planning Retreat in New York.
Click here for video.
Source: C-SPAN
The North Korea Threat
A House Homeland Security subcommittee hears from experts and former
Bush administration officials on the threat North Korea poses to the
U.S. homeland.
Source: C-SPAN
Congressional Delegation Speaks to Reporters in Puerto Rico
Speaker Paul Ryan and members of Congress and the governor of Puerto
Rico briefs reporters on the recovery and relief effort still underway
since the island was ravaged by Hurricane Maria two weeks ago.
Source: C-SPAN
Why (Almost) No One is Charged with Gun Trafficking in Illinois
It's how the laws are written, and trafficking is hard to prove.
by Mick Dumke
To understand why it’s so hard to stop the flow of guns across state lines and into cities like Chicago, you have to start with a simple, well-established fact: Firearms are legal products.
To understand why it’s so hard to stop the flow of guns across state lines and into cities like Chicago, you have to start with a simple, well-established fact: Firearms are legal products.
Guns aren’t like cocaine. As the Supreme Court has repeatedly ruled,
most American adults are allowed to have them. That means there are
millions of people who can acquire guns legally — and millions of
potential sources of guns that may later be illegally sold, traded,
loaned or stolen.
Regulations and restrictions vary by city and state, and most are loose. As we reported in a story Tuesday, the majority of the guns seized by Chicago police were originally bought out of state.
But even when authorities know a gun has changed hands unlawfully, they often can’t determine its ownership history.
"What comes between that first sale and the recovery is the
question,” said Philip Cook, a researcher with the University of Chicago
Crime Lab and a professor at Duke University.
Click here for the full article.
Trailblazers in Black History: Langston Hughes
Langston Hughes was the leading voice of the Harlem Renaissance, whose
poetry showcased the dignity and beauty in ordinary black life. The
hours he spent in Harlem clubs affected his work, making him one of the
innovators of Jazz Poetry.
Source: Biography
Civil Rights Activist’s Legacy Raises Breast Cancer Awareness Among Black Women
When civil rights activist Fannie Lou Hamer spoke these historic
words at the Williams Institutional C.M.E. Church in Harlem in 1964, she
was talking about racial inequality among people of color.
Today, the quote is shared frequently online,
and for women with breast cancer, it is not only a call to action, but a
cry for help. Hamer, who would have turned 100 on Oct. 6, 2017, died
from breast cancer at age 59 — a tragedy thousands of women of color
face today.
A new report by the American Cancer Society
shows the number of breast cancer deaths dropped 39 percent between
1989 and 2015, saving 322,600 lives in 26 years. While it's a positive
sign attributed to advanced treatment and early detection, the report
also shows a racial health disparity between black and white women.
Click here for the full article.
Trump's Policies Are Violent to America and the World
By Nancy Pelosi
As told to THINK editor Megan Carpentier; edited for clarity.
What the president is doing, it's violent. His actions are violent. He
does violence to what we want to do in health care. He does violence to
the national debt by what he is adding to it. He does violence to the
world, in terms of nuclear proliferation and the environment and our
standing in the world, with his frivolity. What we want him to do is to
calm down, get used to the job he has, know that his words weigh a ton,
and that he really should know what he's talking about when he says
something.
For instance, I don't think that the president or the people around him know that much about health insurance, so he went down the wrong path. The bigger the pool of people buying insurance, the cheaper the premiums are, and the healthier the pool is economically. What he's doing is dividing the pool so that some people will end up paying much more. He's going to make it very hard for people to be able to afford insurance if they have a pre-existing medical condition. The American Cancer Society put out a statement after his executive order; he's really dangerous to people with cancer.
Click here for the full article.
Source: NBC News
SPLC: Trump Joins Hate Groups in DC This Weekend
The following statement was submitted by the Southern Poverty Law Center.
Some of the most prominent leaders of anti-LGBT and anti-Muslim hate groups are gathering in Washington tomorrow for the annual "Values Voter Summit."
Their keynote speaker will be none other than President Trump.
This isn't the first time we've written about the Summit, hosted by
the Family Research Council (FRC) and its president, Tony Perkins.
But it's the first time that far-right extremists like Perkins – a
man who relentlessly demonizes LGBT people – have been so fully embraced
by a U.S. president. Perkins, in fact, says he's never enjoyed so much
access to the White House.
It's not surprising that Trump is attending. His xenophobic rhetoric
has emboldened a wide swath of extremists – including the white
supremacists we saw marching in Charlottesville – and brought them
closer into the mainstream.
In fact, some of Trump's policies – like the Muslim ban and the ban
on transgender people in the military – represent the fondest dreams of
groups like the FRC.
Trump's former chief strategist, Stephen Bannon, is also a major
headliner. He's the head of Breitbart News who has boasted of using the
website as "the platform for the alt-right" – which, as we know, is
simply a rebranded white supremacist movement.
The Muslim-bashing conspiracy theorists Frank Gaffney and Brigitte Gabriel will also be speaking.
Help us fight this hate and bigotry by spreading information about the true "values" represented at the Summit.
Visit our webpage about the event and use the social share buttons to help educate your friends and families.
Bigotry is not an American value.
McMaster Wants to Save the Iran Deal by Hiding It From Trump
The president can’t kill what he can’t see. At least, that’s the logic being floated by his national security adviser.
By Asawin Suebsaeng, Spencer Ackerman and Sam Stein
In a meeting with Senate Democrats last week, President Donald
Trump’s top national security aide had a message for those worried that
the administration may scuttle the Iran nuclear deal: If Trump doesn’t have to see it, he won’t be able to kill it.
The point National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster conveyed, according to a congressional Democratic aide, was that “[Trump] wants this out of sight and out of mind.”
McMaster
was more subtle and careful in his words when he hosted a group of
roughly 12 lawmakers at the White House, conspicuously timed with the
president out of town. But that was the impression he left, three
sources familiar with the briefing tell The Daily Beast.
Under the
terms of legislation passed around the negotiation of the Iran nuclear
deal, the president is required every 90 days to determine whether
Tehran is in compliance. The measure was designed to put President Barack Obama
(and anticipated successor Hillary Clinton) in a bind—forcing
politically-uncomfortable declarations in support of an unpopular
nuclear accord on the regular. But in the age of Trump, the
90-day-deadline has presented an unanticipated problem.
“Trump doesn’t want to have to be embarrassed every 90 days,” a Senate aide told The Daily Beast.
Click here for the full article.
Source: The Daily Beast
Mayor de Blasio Delivers Remarks at Battery Park Police Memorial Wall Ceremony
Source: NYC Mayor's Office
New Help Desk at JFK Airport to Welcome People from Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands
New help desks have been set up at John F. Kennedy International Airport to provide information about state resource and welcome passengers arriving from Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The help desks are located
in the baggage claim areas of the Delta and JetBlue terminals -- the
two airlines serving Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands at JFK.
Bilingual New York State employees are staffing the desks to alert
arriving passengers of their rights in New York State, as well as
supportive services and resources that may be available to them.
"These new
help desks will provide essential information to Puerto Ricans and U.S.
Virgin Islanders arriving in the Empire State after the devastation of
recent hurricanes," Governor Cuomo said. "With
this on-the-ground resource hub, we make it clear to these individuals
and their families that in New York, we embrace our fellow Americans
with open arms and we will do all we can to ensure that they are aware
of the full extent of their rights and resources available to them in
our state."
The help desk will be staffed from 2 p.m. until 10 p.m.,
coinciding with the arrival of the first and last flight from the
islands. The resources that may be available to these individuals,
subject to eligibility requirements, include: access to health insurance; affordable housing; commodity supplemental food program; immunizations; New York State career centers; NYS-TEACHS for McKinney-Vento Act Assistance; nutrition services for women, infants and children; State University of New York and City University of New York; Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program; and Temporary Assistance.
Those
coming from Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands who are looking for
assistance with education, employment, healthcare, and housing and
financial assistance are encouraged to call the New York State Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands Helpline at 1-888-364-4901. The hotline is currently staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week with bilingual operators ready to assist.
Education
Under
the McKinney-Vento Act, children and youth have the right to
immediately enroll in school without records, including school records,
medical records, vaccination records, or proof of residency. Children
who have a current Individualized Education Plan also have the right to
receive special education services, and children and youth have the
right to receive free school meals without filling out an application.
State
University of New York and City University of New York have made
efforts to ensure that displaced students from Puerto Rico and the U.S.
Virgin Islands have access to housing and are eligible to pay the in-state tuition rate.
Employment
New York State's Career Centers offer
a variety of classes, workshops and job fairs for individuals seeking
employment. Career counselors are available to offer advice and
referrals to candidates from Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands to
assist them in their job search.
Healthcare
Individuals and their families planning to move to New York have access to health insurance through the NY State of Health,
New York's Health Insurance Marketplace. Application assistance is
available in various languages, including Spanish. Additionally,
children under 19 years of age are eligible to receive any
routinely-recommended vaccines through the New York State Vaccines for Children Program
if they do not have health insurance, if their health insurance does
not cover vaccines, or if they are enrolled in Medicaid or the New York
State Child Health Plus Insurance Program.
Income-eligible mothers have access to Nutrition Services for Women, Infants and Children,
which offers nutritious foods, breastfeeding support and referrals to
pregnant, breastfeeding or postpartum women, infants and children up to
the age of five. Additionally, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, like Puerto Rico's Nutrition Assistance Program, is available to help low-income households to purchase food. The Commodity Supplemental Food Program offers free and nutritious foods to seniors of 60 years and older in New York City and on Long Island.
Housing & Financial Assistance
Those entering New York State from Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands may be eligible for Temporary Assistance,
which provides income support for needy individuals and their families.
For more information on affordable housing options in New York State,
please click here.
"We are pleased to support Governor Cuomo's help desk program to assist hurricane victims as they arrive in JFK," said Robin Hayes, president and chief executive officer, JetBlue. "We
commend the Governor's efforts to take action after these devastating
hurricanes. As New York's Hometown Airline and the largest airline in
Puerto Rico, we continue with our 100x35JetBlue program to make a
meaningful difference in Puerto Rico's recovery."
Henry Kuykendall, Senior Vice President, Airport Operations-Northeast, Delta Air Lines,
"From transporting supplies and relief personnel to Puerto Rico on our
aircraft to enabling assistance and services for residents of the island
who are arriving in our terminals in New York, Delta is committed to
serving alongside Governor Cuomo in delivering the help needed for
relief and recovery."
SEIU Local 32BJ President Hector Figueroa said,
"I am proud to partner with Governor Cuomo and New York State to
provide real-time assistance to incoming Puerto Ricans and U.S. Virgin
Islanders. This help desk at JFK will offer a one-stop shop for these
passengers entering the country, giving them the information they need
to know their rights and the resources available to them in New York."
Executive Director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Rick Cotton said,
"Port Authority stands ready to assist our fellow Americans as they
come to New York through JFK as they seek refuge from the devastation
Hurricane Maria left behind in the Caribbean. I thank Governor Cuomo for
his leadership and I look forward to seeing New Yorkers do what they do
best - help those in need. This help desk serves as a vital information
source for Puerto Ricans and U.S. Virgin Islanders as they come to New
York."
RuthAnne Visnauskas, Commissioner of New York State Homes and Community Renewal said,
"Under Governor Cuomo's leadership, New York State is committed to
doing everything we can to help families arriving from Puerto Rico and
the U.S. Virgin Islands access the resources they need to start
rebuilding their lives. We will provide the tools and support families
need to find accessible, affordable homes and apartments in communities
across the state."
Governor Cuomo, MLB and the Carlos Beltran Foundation Announce Supplies Delivered to Puerto Rico
Another major shipments of supplies, including more than 160,000 pounds of water, diapers, baby food and wipes has been delivered to Puerto Rico. The supplies -- donated by New Yorkers at collection sites across the state -- are being distributed to targeted communities across the island over the coming days in partnership with the Carlos Beltran Foundation. The supplies were delivered on a flight chartered by Major League Baseball that departed John F. Kennedy International Airport on Thursday. State Homeland Security Commissioner Roger Parrino remains on the ground overseeing operations and is ensuring all supplies reach communities in need.
Additionally, two flights donated by Delta will transport 50 State Troopers to the island to support ongoing recovery operations. Mission priorities include protecting commodities and fuel and securing the supply chains to ensure that the resources are distributed to people who need them most. These new Troopers will replace the existing team of 53 Troopers who have been on the ground for the past two weeks assisting with security operations.
"It is in times of tragedy the you find out what people are made of and the level generosity that New Yorkers have shown in support of Puerto Rico is nothing short of inspiring," Governor Cuomo said. "I want our brothers and sisters still recovering from Hurricane Maria to know that under no circumstances will New York abandon them. We are in this for the long haul and will continue to not only send supplies, but do whatever else we can to support them as they embark on this long and difficult recovery process."
As part of the Empire State Relief and Recovery Effort, Major League Baseball chartered a MD-11 cargo plane which carried more than 160,000 pounds of supplies to Puerto Rico on Thursday. The shipment included: 113,000 half-liter bottles of water; 121,000 diapers; 25,600 baby wipes; and 1,200 containers of baby food.
Once on Puerto Rico, items are being distributed to those in need through a distribution network organized and supported by the Carlos Beltran Foundation and the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services. The distribution network established by the Beltran Foundation and DHSES ensures that the generous donations of supplies from New Yorkers make it to communities in need quickly, safely and efficiently.
Baseball Commissioner Robert D. Manfred, Jr. said, "Major League Baseball was pleased to coordinate the delivery of these necessary supplies to the people of Puerto Rico. This complements the significant efforts by our Clubs and players towards short-term relief and long-term recovery on the island. We thank Governor Cuomo, the New York Yankees, Bernie Williams, the Hispanic Federation and the Carlos Beltran Foundation for their collaboration in getting supplies to people in need."
Carlos Beltran, founder of the Carlos Beltran Foundation said, "Puerto Rico needs our help now more than ever and we are proud to partner with Governor Cuomo and the State of New York to provide critical supplies and assistance the island as they recover from Hurricane Maria. With this latest shipment, we give these individuals and their families hope and assurance that they are not alone as they embark on this journey to recovery."
Source: Press Office, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo
New York Assemblyman Responds to Trump's Threats to Remove Aid from Puerto Rico
Team Blake, Casa Boricua Senior Center and Forest House residents gathered items to send to Puerto Rico through the New York State coordinated response.
When
crisis strikes, we see our leader’s true colors. The colors we see
today, amidst one of the largest natural disasters in our history, are
simply revolting. President Trump’s remarks today that aid and first
responders will not last “forever” are just a continuation of inaction
and divisive rhetoric that may in fact have a serious impact on American
lives. Puerto Rico and its people need healing, food, water, hygiene
products, power and the aid of their fellow Americans. They do not need
to be dragged into divisive and destructive tweets. America needs its
national government more than ever. It is time for Congress to send
funding and aid where it’s needed most - helping our American brothers
and sisters in Puerto Rico
Over the past few weeks our office has worked tirelessly to send over 2,000 pounds of necessities to Puerto Rico. Items like feminine products, batteries, toothbrushes, toothpaste and the daily necessities that make quality of life possible.
Furthermore, my office and I continue to support our constituents and Puerto Rican's by continuing to send more resources and goods in the coming weeks.
Over the past few weeks our office has worked tirelessly to send over 2,000 pounds of necessities to Puerto Rico. Items like feminine products, batteries, toothbrushes, toothpaste and the daily necessities that make quality of life possible.
Furthermore, my office and I continue to support our constituents and Puerto Rican's by continuing to send more resources and goods in the coming weeks.
Statement from Assembly Member Michael Blake: Trump's Executive Order on Health Care
Healthcare is a right, not a privilege. The unconscionable executive order announced by President Trump to rescind protections on people with pre-existing conditions while also raising premiums for those who depend entirely on affordable healthcare, is yet another reminder that the Republican Party cares more about politics than helping people. Americans continue to lose hope and unfortunately lives because of inhumane decisions such as this one.
Despite repeated desperate calls from the American people that want affordable healthcare upheld, the Trump-Pence administration has shown absolutely no desire to truly provide help, care and leadership for all of us. This administration's agenda is clearly designed to help those in the top one percent. It is yet another reminder to Bronxites and all Americans that elections matter. Our lives literately depend on them.
En Espanol
El acceso a la salud y el bienestar humano es un derecho, no un privilegio. La desmesurada orden ejecutiva anunciada por el presidente Trump para rescindir las protecciones a las personas con condiciones preexistentes y al mismo tiempo elevando las primas para quienes dependen por completo de la asistencia asequible, es otro recordatorio de que el Partido Republicano se preocupa más por la polÃtica que por ayudar a las personas. Los estadounidenses continúan perdiendo la esperanza y algunos desgraciadamente la vida, debido a decisiones inhumanas como esta.
A pesar de las repetidas llamadas desesperadas de los estadounidenses que quieren mantener el acceso a la salud, la administración de Trump-Pence no ha mostrado absolutamente ningún deseo de proporcionar ninguna ayuda, cuidado y liderazgo para todos nosotros. La agenda de esta administración está claramente diseñada para ayudar a aquellos que se encuentran el uno por ciento. Es otro recordatorio para Bronxites y para todos los estadounidenses de que las elecciones importan. Nuestras vidas literalmente dependen de ello.
Despite repeated desperate calls from the American people that want affordable healthcare upheld, the Trump-Pence administration has shown absolutely no desire to truly provide help, care and leadership for all of us. This administration's agenda is clearly designed to help those in the top one percent. It is yet another reminder to Bronxites and all Americans that elections matter. Our lives literately depend on them.
En Espanol
El acceso a la salud y el bienestar humano es un derecho, no un privilegio. La desmesurada orden ejecutiva anunciada por el presidente Trump para rescindir las protecciones a las personas con condiciones preexistentes y al mismo tiempo elevando las primas para quienes dependen por completo de la asistencia asequible, es otro recordatorio de que el Partido Republicano se preocupa más por la polÃtica que por ayudar a las personas. Los estadounidenses continúan perdiendo la esperanza y algunos desgraciadamente la vida, debido a decisiones inhumanas como esta.
A pesar de las repetidas llamadas desesperadas de los estadounidenses que quieren mantener el acceso a la salud, la administración de Trump-Pence no ha mostrado absolutamente ningún deseo de proporcionar ninguna ayuda, cuidado y liderazgo para todos nosotros. La agenda de esta administración está claramente diseñada para ayudar a aquellos que se encuentran el uno por ciento. Es otro recordatorio para Bronxites y para todos los estadounidenses de que las elecciones importan. Nuestras vidas literalmente dependen de ello.
Source: The Office of Assemblyman Michael Blake
Free Screening in Harlem: 'The Kalief Browder Story (Part 1)'
A free screening of The Kalief Browder Story (Part 1) will be held on October 16, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., at Harlem Hospital’s Herbert Cave Auditorium, located at 506 Malcolm X Blvd.
The screening is being presented by New York City Councilman Bill Perkins in association with ImageNation, Bullpen Therapy, Harlem Arts Alliance and Harlem Hospital.
Councilman Perkins will moderate a panel discussion following the film. Panelists will include: Akeem Browder (Kalief’s brother); James Gray (National Action Network land Community Activist); Dr. Joe Brewster, Psychiatrist/filmmaker - American Promise, the Keeper; and Mawuli K. Hormeku, Executive Director of Nehemiah Economic Development, Inc and candidate for New York City's 42nd Council District.
The screening is being presented by New York City Councilman Bill Perkins in association with ImageNation, Bullpen Therapy, Harlem Arts Alliance and Harlem Hospital.
Councilman Perkins will moderate a panel discussion following the film. Panelists will include: Akeem Browder (Kalief’s brother); James Gray (National Action Network land Community Activist); Dr. Joe Brewster, Psychiatrist/filmmaker - American Promise, the Keeper; and Mawuli K. Hormeku, Executive Director of Nehemiah Economic Development, Inc and candidate for New York City's 42nd Council District.
Source: ImageNation
Thursday, October 12, 2017
NY Health Care Personnel Deployed to Aid in Puerto Rico Relief Effort
Medical personnel from across New York's health care community, 78 in total, have been deployed to provide Puerto Rico with critically-needed health care assistance across the island. As part of Governor Cuomo's Empire State Relief and Recovery Effort for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, the volunteer initiative was made possible by the generous efforts of Greater New York Hospital Association, the Healthcare Association of New York State, Community Health Care Association of New York State, New York State Nurses Association and 1199SEIU. Transportation to Puerto Rico was donated by JetBlue Airlines and all 78 volunteers departed John F. Kennedy International Airport this afternoon en route to San Juan.
"New York continues to provide critical relief to our brothers and sisters on Puerto Rico," Governor Cuomo said. "Many still do not have access to essential medical care and by deploying medical professionals and supplies, we are ensuring that our fellow Americans have access to health care as they continue down the long road to recovery."
At the request of Governor Ricardo Rosselló, Governor Cuomo worked closely with GNYHA, HANYS, CHCANYS, NYSNA and 1199SEIU to identify volunteers to deploy to Puerto Rico. The first round of 78 volunteers will act as health response teams, coming from: Albany Medical Center; Montefiore Medical Center; Mt. Sinai Hospital; Northwell Health; New York Presbyterian; and Callen-Lorde Community Health Center.
Health response teams will include physicians, physician assistants, nurses and nurse practitioners and will provide general medical assistance at medical shelters and hospitals. All volunteers have been processed through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, a mutual aid agreement between states and territories to share resources during natural and man-made disasters, and New York State will extend workers compensation benefits for those who volunteer.
The team of volunteers will be deployed for 14 days and will serve at either the Federal Medical Center in Manati or will provide support on the critical relief missions that are being carried out by Disaster Medical Assistance Teams across Puerto Rico. At the conclusion of their mission, a similarly sized medical team will deploy on October 26th to serve in similar roles.
In addition to the team of personnel, emergency medical supplies continue to be delivered to Puerto Rico via a partnership with GNYHA, the Afya Foundation, and UJA-Federation of New York. Working together to coordinate all aspects of the missions, including securing private jets and purchasing more than $1 million in supplies, the partnership has delivered more than 30,000 lbs. of pharmaceuticals and medical supplies to 16 hospitals and health care organizations and 12 community organizations to help ensure that Puerto Rican residents have access to critical medical care. Shipments have included vital medical supplies including 3,000 vials of insulin, transplant surgery drugs, pediatric oncology drugs, antibiotics and vaccines.
The partnership has also completed the first of several shipments of non-medical supplies such as water, bags, and satellite phones for the 26,000 SEIU members who live and work in Puerto Rico. These shipments will be used to establish six SEIU "help centers" across the island.
"The heartbreaking and devastating situation in Puerto Rico compels us to take action," said Robin Hayes, president and chief executive officer, JetBlue. "Using our strengths as an airline, our partnerships, and our mission of inspiring humanity, we aim to make a positive impact on this island we call home."
Health Department Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker said "When Governor Cuomo put out the call for volunteers to assist in the relief efforts in Puerto Rico, I knew that the selfless and dedicated health care professionals from across the state would respond in droves, without hesitation. I am truly touched by the outpouring of support that has come from the health care community and look forward to working with them as we continue to aid in the rebuilding of Puerto Rico."
Ken Raske, President of Greater New York Hospital Association, said, "Being at JFK today to personally thank each and every health care worker as they boarded their flight to Puerto Rico was one of the most rewarding moments of my entire career. These extraordinary individuals, and the world-class institutions they represent, are the true spirit of New York's health care community and a reminder of the nobility of the health care profession. They answered the Governor's call to serve without hesitation, and we thank them."
Bea Grause, President of the Healthcare Association of New York, said, "We are so proud of the physicians, nurses and other health care professionals who are selflessly traveling today to Puerto Rico to help those in need. Through their service, they demonstrate the values the entire New York healthcare community shares of compassionate care to all who need it."
Source: Press Office, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo
"New York continues to provide critical relief to our brothers and sisters on Puerto Rico," Governor Cuomo said. "Many still do not have access to essential medical care and by deploying medical professionals and supplies, we are ensuring that our fellow Americans have access to health care as they continue down the long road to recovery."
At the request of Governor Ricardo Rosselló, Governor Cuomo worked closely with GNYHA, HANYS, CHCANYS, NYSNA and 1199SEIU to identify volunteers to deploy to Puerto Rico. The first round of 78 volunteers will act as health response teams, coming from: Albany Medical Center; Montefiore Medical Center; Mt. Sinai Hospital; Northwell Health; New York Presbyterian; and Callen-Lorde Community Health Center.
Health response teams will include physicians, physician assistants, nurses and nurse practitioners and will provide general medical assistance at medical shelters and hospitals. All volunteers have been processed through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, a mutual aid agreement between states and territories to share resources during natural and man-made disasters, and New York State will extend workers compensation benefits for those who volunteer.
The team of volunteers will be deployed for 14 days and will serve at either the Federal Medical Center in Manati or will provide support on the critical relief missions that are being carried out by Disaster Medical Assistance Teams across Puerto Rico. At the conclusion of their mission, a similarly sized medical team will deploy on October 26th to serve in similar roles.
In addition to the team of personnel, emergency medical supplies continue to be delivered to Puerto Rico via a partnership with GNYHA, the Afya Foundation, and UJA-Federation of New York. Working together to coordinate all aspects of the missions, including securing private jets and purchasing more than $1 million in supplies, the partnership has delivered more than 30,000 lbs. of pharmaceuticals and medical supplies to 16 hospitals and health care organizations and 12 community organizations to help ensure that Puerto Rican residents have access to critical medical care. Shipments have included vital medical supplies including 3,000 vials of insulin, transplant surgery drugs, pediatric oncology drugs, antibiotics and vaccines.
The partnership has also completed the first of several shipments of non-medical supplies such as water, bags, and satellite phones for the 26,000 SEIU members who live and work in Puerto Rico. These shipments will be used to establish six SEIU "help centers" across the island.
"The heartbreaking and devastating situation in Puerto Rico compels us to take action," said Robin Hayes, president and chief executive officer, JetBlue. "Using our strengths as an airline, our partnerships, and our mission of inspiring humanity, we aim to make a positive impact on this island we call home."
Health Department Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker said "When Governor Cuomo put out the call for volunteers to assist in the relief efforts in Puerto Rico, I knew that the selfless and dedicated health care professionals from across the state would respond in droves, without hesitation. I am truly touched by the outpouring of support that has come from the health care community and look forward to working with them as we continue to aid in the rebuilding of Puerto Rico."
Ken Raske, President of Greater New York Hospital Association, said, "Being at JFK today to personally thank each and every health care worker as they boarded their flight to Puerto Rico was one of the most rewarding moments of my entire career. These extraordinary individuals, and the world-class institutions they represent, are the true spirit of New York's health care community and a reminder of the nobility of the health care profession. They answered the Governor's call to serve without hesitation, and we thank them."
Bea Grause, President of the Healthcare Association of New York, said, "We are so proud of the physicians, nurses and other health care professionals who are selflessly traveling today to Puerto Rico to help those in need. Through their service, they demonstrate the values the entire New York healthcare community shares of compassionate care to all who need it."
Source: Press Office, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo
House Democrats Push for Tougher Oversight of Regulators’ Conflicts of Interest
A bill was introduced following reports by ProPublica and The New York Times that disclosed the industry ties of Trump officials tasked with loosening rules covering the workplace, consumer protection and the environment.
A group of House Democrats introduced a bill on Wednesday that would
require federal officials to disclose any potential conflicts of
interest before they implement significant changes in U.S. regulations.
The lawmakers said the legislation is intended to alert the public if
those involved in the decisions, including the president and his top
advisers, would personally profit from revising or replacing the rules.
“President Trump ran and campaigned on this idea of draining the
swamp,” said the bill’s author, Rep. David Cicilline, D-R.I. “We see, in
fact, he has filled the swamp with people who have deep business
interests and may be using their positions in the government to advance
their financial interests.”
Among those who would have to project how much they would personally
benefit from any particular regulatory changes are members of the new
deregulation teams Trump has installed at federal agencies. The groups
are tasked with weakening or eliminating government rules found to be
overly burdensome for businesses.
Click here for the full article.
Source: ProPublica
How Chicago Gets Its Guns
by Mick Dumke
This story was co-published with WBEZ Chicago’s “Every Other Hour” series and the Chicago Sun-Times.
John Thomas set up the deal the way he had arranged nearly two
dozen others. A friend said he wanted to buy as many guns as he could,
so Thomas got in touch with someone he knew who had guns to sell.
The three of them met in the parking lot of an LA Fitness in south
suburban Lansing at noon on Aug. 6, 2014. Larry McIntosh, whom Thomas
had met in his South Shore neighborhood, took two semi-automatic rifles
and a shotgun from his car and put them in the buyer’s car. He handed
over a plastic shopping bag with four handguns.
None of the weapons had been acquired legally — two, in fact, had
been reported stolen — and none of the men was a licensed firearms
dealer.
Thomas’ friend, Yousef, paid McIntosh $7,200 for the seven guns. He always paid well.
Thomas did little but watch the exchange, but he got his usual
broker’s fee of $100 per gun, $700 total. It was “the most money I’ve
seen or made,” he recalled — his biggest deal yet.
Click here for the full article.
Source: ProPublica
Trailblazers in Black History: Gloria Gaynor
This video was published on YouTube on December 6, 2013.
Gloria Gaynor, disco legend and author, visits Audible headquarters and talks about her career and audiobook, "We Will Survive," which is narrated by Gloria herself.
Source: Audible
Saving Our Youth: The Hard Truth About Greaser Gangs!
This video was published on YouTube on March 11, 2017.
Warning: Kryptic Art uses strong language during his address to kids and teens.
Source: Kryptic Art
Another Wicked Act Hidden In American History: The Groveland Four
This video was published on YouTube on August 3, 2017.
Trump’s Gay Backers No Longer See Him as the Great Straight Hope
The president pledged to be a champion of the gay community. Few believed him. Now, even those who did express disappointment.
By Sam Stein and Asawin Suebsaeng
During his run for office, Donald Trump positioned himself as a champion of gay rights,
someone who would bring the Republican Party into modernity on an
increasingly settled civil rights cause. But well into his first year in
the White House, those who hoped for the best have been disappointed
and those who assumed the worst say their fears are realized.
The Trump administration’s record on LGBT issues has been defined by retrenchment, both sides concede. Many of the advances made under the Obama administration have disappeared,
replaced by policies and directives that could have been written by an
anachronistic social conservative instead of the cosmopolitan New York
businessman occupying the Oval Office.
“I think, personally, the
president has met my expectations,” said Chris Barron, a longtime
conservative gay-rights activist. “My concern has always been what
happens at the department and agency levels. And I definitely have
concerns with what is going on at Department of Justice. The attorney
general [Jeff Sessions] has a very different position on LGBT issues
than the president does. But his job is to carry forward the president’s agenda and not push his own… I’m certainly concerned he is [pushing his own].”
Click here for the full article.
Source: The Daily Beast
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