'These Cuts Would Significantly Impact Our Ability to Train and Equip First Responders'

Governor Cuomo Blasts Plans to Slash Federal Homeland Security Funding

Governor Cuomo has urged House Speaker John Boehner and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid to block a proposal to slash federal homeland security funding given to the states by 50 percent. In his letter, Governor Cuomo said the dramatic cut would hamper New York's efforts to prevent terrorist attacks and protect New Yorkers. House Republicans have proposed reducing the grant funding from $2.2 billion this year to $1 billion next year.

"These cuts would significantly impact our ability to train and equip police, firefighters, and other first responders and otherwise maintain the highest level of security New Yorkers need and deserve," Governor Cuomo wrote.

The Governor's letter can be found here:

Dear Speaker Boehner and Leader Reid,

At a time when the federal government is warning that we may see retaliatory attacks for the death of Osama Bin Laden, congressionally proposed cuts to state and local homeland security grants for the FY2012 federal budget would undermine the very initiatives that have been put in place to protect our nation and people from the persistent and evolving threat of terrorism.

Since September 11^th, New York State has been the target of thirteen terrorist plots. Most were thwarted through the collaborative investigative prowess among local, state and federal law enforcement officials, as well as citizens who reported suspicious activity. Some plots, including Faisal Shazad's attempted bombing of Times Square and the crowded Theatre District, failed.

Under all scenarios, federal support to the state and local officials who are literally on the front lines of the war of terrorism being waged against us is essential. The capability to prevent, protect against, respond to and recover from a terrorist attack requires the full participation of all levels of government.

That is exactly what the funding made available through the State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) and Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) grants has as its goal.

Thursday's arrest by the NYPD of two suspects who were targeting multiple synagogues and the Empire State Building demonstrate that the death of Bin Laden does not mean the threat of terrorism has abated.

With the 10th anniversary of September 11th and the opening of World Trade Center Memorial only months away, this plot was simultaneously the latest success story and sober reminder that our city and state remains in the cross-hairs of those who use bombs and bullets to make their points.

Osama Bin Laden himself cited the 1oth anniversary as a date his followers should target for attack. Now is not the time for the federal government to step back from the partnership with state and local governments in defense of our nation.

Your leadership is needed to prevent these harmful cuts and to ensure that our nation does not degrade its abilities to meet the threat of terrorism.

Cuomo: 'I Want to Hear from New Yorkers'

Website Seeks Suggestions from Public to Make Government More Streamlined and Effective

Governor Andrew Cuomo today announced the launch of the Spending and Government Efficiency (SAGE) Commission's website to invite the public's participation in the process of modernizing and right-sizing state government, improving performance, increasing accountability and saving taxpayers' money.

The Web site, www.governor.ny.gov/sage, allows the public to suggest ways to improve the efficiency and quality of government services. The submissions will be an integral component to the reform process. The site will also include listings of the SAGE Commission's public meetings and materials from the Commission's first meeting on April 25.

"As I have said repeatedly, right-sizing government is essential to get the state back on the right track, but we can't do it alone," Governor Cuomo said.

"The future success of New York requires that we consolidate the sprawl of state entities, find efficiencies, and further improve the state's operations. As this is the people's government, the public must have a say in how it operates."

The Commission includes representatives from the private sector, labor and government. The Commission is co-Chaired by Antonio M. Perez, Chairman and C.E.O of Eastman Kodak Company and Paul Francis, the Director of Agency Redesign and Efficiency.

The SAGE Commission is conducting a comprehensive review of state government including its structures, operations and processes with the ultimate goal of saving taxpayers' money, increasing accountability and improving the delivery of government services.

The Commission's final recommendations to the Governor will be delivered by June 1, 2012. Periodic progress reports will be delivered on an ongoing basis.

Building a 21st Century Immigration System

President Obama calls for a bipartisan approach to fixing a broken immigration system and explains why immigration reform is critical to building a 21st century economy in a speech in El Paso, TX.

The Obama Nominations

President Obama Nominates Three for District Court Bench

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, President Obama nominated Richard G. Andrews, Judge Cathy Ann Bencivengo and Jeffrey J. Helmick to serve on the United States District Court bench.

President Obama said, “Throughout their long and impressive legal careers, Richard G. Andrews, Judge Cathy Ann Bencivengo and Jeffrey J. Helmick have distinguished themselves as some of our nation’s best and brightest. I am honored to nominate them for the District Court Bench, and am confident they will approach the job with the utmost integrity and impartiality.”

Richard G. Andrews: Nominee for the United States District Court for the District of Delaware

Richard G. Andrews is the State Prosecutor for Delaware, a position he has held since 2007. As the State Prosecutor, Andrews oversees the Criminal Division of the Delaware Department of Justice. From 1983 to 2006, Andrews worked for the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware as an Assistant United States Attorney. During his 23-year tenure in that office, Andrews served as Chief of the Criminal Division, First Assistant United States Attorney, and acting United States Attorney. From 1981 to 1982, Andrews clerked for the Honorable Collins J. Seitz of the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. Andrews received his J.D. in 1981 from University of California at Berkeley Boalt Hall School of Law and his B.A. in 1977 from Haverford College.

Judge Cathy Ann Bencivengo: Nominee for the United States District Court for the Southern District of California

Judge Cathy Ann Bencivengo is a United States Magistrate Judge for the Southern District of California, based in San Diego, a position in which she has served since 2005. Prior to joining the bench, she spent her entire legal career at the law firm now known as DLA Piper US, LLP, beginning as a litigation associate in 1988 (when the firm was known as Gray Cary Ames & Frye), and becoming a partner in 1996. At the law firm, her practice focused on intellectual property litigation and she served as national co-chair of the firm’s patent litigation practice. Judge Bencivengo received her J.D. magna cum laude in 1988 from University of Michigan Law School and both her M.A. in 1981 and her B.A. in 1980 from Rutgers University.

Jeffrey J. Helmick: Nominee for the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio

Jeffrey J. Helmick is a principal in the law firm of Gamso, Helmick & Hoolahan, in Toledo, Ohio, where he concentrates in federal criminal defense litigation. Prior to co-founding his current firm in 1998, Helmick was a principal in the law firm of Helmick, Jacobs & Solomon from 1996 to 1998 and a principal in the law firm of Kaplan, Richardson, Rost & Helmick from 1989 to 1995. From 1988 to 1989, he worked as an associate at Marshall & Melhorn, LLC. Helmick received his J.D. in 1988 from Ohio State University Moritz College of Law and his B.A. in 1983 from the University of Michigan.

In Memoriam.....Bill Gallo (December 28, 1922 - May 10, 2011)

Bill Gallo accepts career award at Ring 8 benefit in Howard Beach, New York, January 2010

"From The G-Man" Remembers a New York Daily News Legend

Mr. Gallo, thank you for your phenomenal contribution to American art and culture. May your loved ones and fans find comfort during this sad period....and may you forever rest in peace.

"The G-Man"

Photo source: Wikipedia

Author: Unknown

Permission: Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication

White House Briefs

NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen

Statement by the Press Secretary on the Visit of the NATO Secretary General

President Obama will welcome Anders Fogh Rasmussen, Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), to the White House on Friday, May 13. The President and the Secretary General will discuss NATO’s role enforcing UN Security Council Resolutions 1970 and 1973 on Libya, including the protection of Libyan civilians. The leaders will also review NATO’s progress in Afghanistan and look ahead to the next NATO Summit, which the President will host in the United States in 2012.

Photo source:

Originally posted to Flickr as Anders Fogh Rasmussen - World Economic Forum Annual Meeting Davos 2008

Author: World Economic Forum

Permission: Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic

Booker T. Washington H.S. Takes First Place in National Competition

School Wins 2011 Race to the Top High School Commencement Challenge

WASHINGTON – Today, the White House announced Booker T. Washington High School in Memphis, Tennessee as the winner of the 2011 Race to the Top High School Commencement Challenge. Vice President Joseph Biden called Principal Alisha Kiner today to tell her the school had won. President Obama will travel to Memphis, Tennessee, on Monday, May 16, to deliver the school’s commencement address.

“I’m so proud of the schools that participated in this year’s commencement challenge and I want to thank all of them for their hard work and dedication,” said President Obama.

“Booker T. Washington High School proves what can be accomplished when students, teachers, parents and administrators come together to support achievement in the classroom and I’m looking forward to delivering the commencement address at this extraordinary school soon.”

Booker T. Washington High School’s graduation rate went from 55% in 2007 to 81.6% in 2010. The school has taken steps such as establishing separate freshmen academies for boys and girls to help students adjust to the school culture and creating an atmosphere where teachers take personal interest in seeing students take pride in their schoolwork. Students can now take AP classes, learn about engineering through robotics competitions, and earn college credits.

More details on the commencement date and media coverage will be released soon.

Background on the Commencement Challenge

The President set a goal of having the highest proportion of college graduates in the world by 2020 and the Commencement Challenge invited the nation’s public high schools to submit applications that demonstrate their commitment to preparing students for college and a career.

Hundreds of applications were received and were judged based on the schools’ performance, essay questions and supplemental data. The six finalists were selected for their creativity in engaging and supporting students, academic results, and progress in preparing students to graduate college and career ready.

Click HERE to view Booker T. Washington’s video and HERE to view a highlight reel of the six finalists’ videos.

Booker T. Washington High School logo courtesy of the following link:

http://www.mcsk12.net/schools/btwashington.hs/site/index.shtml

'This Measure Will Protect Already-Strapped Ratepayers in New York City'

Cuomo, Bloomberg Propose Legislation to Protect New York City Ratepayers from Massive Rate Increase

Governor Andrew Cuomo and Mayor Michael Bloomberg today announced that they proposed a measure to prevent a massive rate hike on New York City energy customers.

The measure proposed by Governor Cuomo and Mayor Bloomberg will allow the city to guarantee property tax abatements to power plants. This would change property tax abatements for power plants from a discretionary program back to an "as-of-right" program and, in doing that, address the primary reason FERC (Federal Energy Regulatory Commission) cited for requiring the rate increase.

"This legislation is targeted to resolve the issues raised by FERC and should give them no choice but to reverse their decision," Governor Cuomo said.

"This measure will protect already-strapped ratepayers in New York City from being charged hundreds of millions of dollars per year. Once our bill is enacted, we will immediately petition FERC and request that it reverse the January decision."

"When the Commission proposed a hike in New Yorkers' energy bills that was based on false assumptions, and which would provide no benefits to consumers, we immediately raised a red flag," said Mayor Bloomberg.

"Now, by amending the existing tax benefits, we are removing any and all justification for this decision. I want to thank Governor Cuomo for working with us to propose this legislation, Senator Schumer for his continued leadership on this issue, and numerous other elected officials, like Senator Gillibrand and Congressman Crowley, for their advocacy on behalf of New York City consumers."

FERC decided in January to allow power plants in the city to be paid energy capacity prices that factored in the cost of property taxes, even though many power plant operators in the city do not pay any property taxes at all.

FERC's order concluded that since new power plants were not guaranteed property tax abatement, as they were in the past, those taxes should be built into the federally approved capacity prices that are passed on to ratepayers. This would have increased electricity bills for residents and businesses in New York City by as much as $1 billion over the next three years and provided a windfall to existing plants that do not pay property taxes.

The bill proposed by Governor Cuomo and Mayor Bloomberg adds peaking power plants, which are used by the FERC to determine capacity prices, to the city's as-of-right property tax abatement program, and will provide 100 percent property tax abatement for 15 years; extends the city's existing Industrial and Commercial Abatement Program (ICAP), which is currently set to expire this year; and does not impact property tax revenue because the city already planned to provide tax abatement for these units in their discretionary program.

The rate hikes are set to take effect in June. The FERC's next meeting is May 19.

"In these tough budgetary times and with all of our efforts to improve our struggling economy, the last thing New Yorkers need is a massive increase in their electric utility rates. This legislation will protect consumers from a hypothetical assumption made by FERC when they interpreted the City of New York's tax law. It would have resulted in a windfall for power plant operators and devastated consumers. This bill will prevent the city's electric utility customers from paying twice and without causing any loss of revenue to the city," said Speaker Sheldon Silver.

"Without this bill, New York City consumers would be burdened with even higher utility rates than they're already paying. I'm very pleased that this legislation will make the changes necessary for FERC to have every reason to re-evaluate their earlier ruling and decide on an industrial and commercial tax abatement program that is more realistic and fair," said Assembly Ways and Means Committee Chair Herman D. Farrell.

Senator Andrew Lanza said, "Staten Islanders already pay too much for electricity and now the federal government is threatening to raise the cost even more. This legislation should stave off significant federal rate increases."

U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer said, "I commend the governor and mayor for working to ensure this unfair rate hike never sees the light of day. We will continue to press FERC to ensure that ratepayers aren't forced to pay obscene rate hikes while power generators are collecting massive tax breaks. As summer approaches and electricity bills rise, we need to do everything we can to make sure New York families aren't getting squeezed by power generators."

New York Energy Consumers Council Executive Director David Bomke said, "The New York Energy Consumers Council members represent a broad spectrum of energy buyers, including hospitals, universities, financial institutions, residential and commercial property managers, public benefit corporations, energy service companies, and energy consultants. Collectively, our members spend more on electricity than any other single consumer class in Con Edison's service territory. NYECC strongly endorses the proposed legislation to ensure the right of property tax exemption for peak power generators. This legislation would eliminate the basis for an unprecedented hike in capacity charges as a result of tax exemption uncertainty."

AARP New York State Director Lois Wagh Aronstein noted, "AARP commends Governor Cuomo and Mayor Bloomberg for introducing legislation that would close a loophole that could raise electricity prices for residents of New York City. New Yorkers pay some of the highest energy costs in the nation and older adults who are on limited or fixed incomes are even less able to bear such price increases."

Let’s Move! For Military Kids and Families

First Lady Michelle Obama announces three new Let’s Move! commitments that are specifically designed for military kids and military families during a President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition event on the South Lawn.

Video source: www.whitehouse.gov

Obama Conducts Oval Office Meeting with China Officials

Chinese Vice Premier Wang Qishan, center, holds the autographed basketball given to him by President Barack Obama following their Oval Office meeting in 2009, to discuss the outcomes of the first U.S.-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue. Looking on at left is Chinese State Councilor Dai Bingguo.

Readout of the President's Meeting with the Co-Chairs of the U.S.-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue

The President and the U.S. delegation met today in the Oval Office with China’s Special Representatives to the U.S.-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue, Vice Premier Wang Qishan and State Councilor Dai Bingguo. They exchanged views on a broad range of economic, security and other issues of importance to both countries.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to building a cooperative partnership that is comprehensive in scope, cooperative in nature, and yields positive achievements that benefit our people. They agreed that concrete actions by both sides are needed to build such a partnership.

President Obama encouraged China to implement policies that support sustained and balanced global growth as well as a more balanced bilateral economic relationship. They also discussed ways to advance our common nonproliferation objectives, including working together to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and to persuade North Korea to abandon its nuclear weapons program, to meet its international commitments and to avoid destabilizing behavior.

The President also underscored his preference for a diplomatic solution to both challenges. The President raised U.S. concerns about the current human rights situation in China, and underscored his support for the universal rights of freedom of expression and worship, and of access to information and political participation.

Photo source: The Official White House Photostream

Author: Official White House Photo by Pete Souza

Permission: Public Domain

Obama Speaks with India's Prime Minister

Dr. Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister of India

Readout of the President's Call with the Prime Minister of India

President Obama spoke with Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh this morning to discuss the successful American action against Osama Bin Laden and to review progress in implementing the initiatives launched during the President’s November 2010 visit to India.

The two leaders re-affirmed their commitment to building a global, strategic partnership, including defense cooperation, and looked forward to the upcoming meetings of the Strategic Dialogue, the Homeland Security Dialogue, the Joint Space Working Group, and the High-Technology Cooperation Group. The two leaders also discussed global and regional issues of mutual concern.

Photo source: Agência Brasil

Author: Ricardo Stuckert/PR

Permission: Creative Commons Attribution 2.5 Brazil

White House Briefs

President Obama Hosts White House Jewish-American Heritage Month Reception

WASHINGTON – On Tuesday, May 17, President Barack Obama will host a White House reception in honor of Jewish American Heritage Month.

The reception will highlight and celebrate the history and unique identity of Jewish Americans and their profound and ennobling contributions to the American story. Invitees include grassroots Jewish community leaders from across the country, rabbis, Members of Congress, and a broad range of leaders engaged in business, the arts, education, and public and community service.

Since taking office, President Obama has continued the tradition started under the previous Administration of proclaiming May Jewish American Heritage Month. Last year, the President and First Lady hosted the first ever White House reception in honor of Jewish American Heritage Month.

In this year’s proclamation, President Obama said, “Seeking a brighter future, a small band of Jewish refugees came to this land more than three centuries ago, to a place called New Amsterdam…From those first days in New Amsterdam, Jewish Americans have dedicated their innovation, creativity, and hearts to the greater good, contributing scientific accomplishments, pioneering works of literature and musical genius, and performing distinguished service in our Nation's military.”

To Mothers All Over the World...HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!

"The G-Man"

'Economy Has Improved Dramatically Over the Past Two Years, But There Will Surely Be Bumps in the Road Ahead'

Statement by CEA Chairman Austan Goolsbee on the Employment Situation in April

Today’s employment report shows that private sector payrolls increased by 268,000 in April, the strongest monthly growth in five years. The economy has added 2.1 million private sector jobs over 14 consecutive months, including more than 800,000 jobs since the beginning of the year. The unemployment rate rose to 9.0 percent, but remains 0.8 percentage point below its November level.

Despite headwinds from high energy prices and disruptions from the disaster in Japan, the last three months of private job gains have been the strongest in five years. While the solid pace of employment growth in recent months is encouraging, faster growth is needed to replace the jobs lost in the downturn. We are seeing signs that the initiatives put in place by this Administration – such as the payroll tax cut and business incentives for investment – are creating the conditions for companies to add new jobs and foster the industries of the future. We will continue to work with Congress to find ways to reduce spending, so that we can live within our means without neglecting the investments in education, infrastructure, and clean energy that will strengthen our economy.

In addition to the increases last month, payroll survey estimates of private sector job growth for February (now +261,000) and March (now +231,000) were revised up. Overall payroll employment rose by 244,000 in April, well above market expectations. Payroll employment grew in almost every sector. Solid employment increases occurred in retail trade (+57,100), professional and business services (+51,000), education and health services (+49,000), leisure and hospitality (+46,000), and manufacturing (+29,000). Manufacturing has added 244,000 jobs in the last 14 months, the best period of manufacturing job growth in 13 years. State and local government experienced a decline of 22,000; this sector has shed 289,000 jobs in the past 14 months, mostly in local government.

The unemployment reading in April showed a partial reversal of the 1.0 percentage point decline over the previous four months. Employment measured in the household survey dipped in April and the labor force participation rate was unchanged. The unemployment rate data derive from a separate household survey. The payroll and household surveys can differ on a monthly basis; the household survey is more volatile, but the two surveys typically show similar long-run trends in employment.

The overall trajectory of the economy has improved dramatically over the past two years, but there will surely be bumps in the road ahead. The monthly employment and unemployment numbers are volatile and employment estimates are subject to substantial revision. Therefore, as the Administration always stresses, it is important not to read too much into any one monthly report.

Austan Goolsbee is Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers.

Statement courtesy of www.whitehouse.gov

Photo source:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/microsites/support-images/Austan_02.jpg

Author: Chuck Kennedy

Permission: Public Domain

West Wing Week: 'A Good Day for America'

This week, the President announced the death of Osama bin Laden, visited New York City to honor the victims of 9/11 and their families, made sure the federal government was doing its part in the states devastated by storms and much more.

Video footage courtesy of www.whitehouse.gov

In Memoriam.....Army Specialist Preston J. Dennis and Army Sergeant Kevin W. White

From the Executive Chamber of New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo

Governor Andrew Cuomo has directed that flags on state government buildings be flown at half-staff on Friday, May 6 in honor of a Fort Drum soldier who was killed in action on April 28, in Afghanistan.

Army Specialist Preston J. Dennis died when enemy forces attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y. Specialist Dennis was from Redding, California.

"On behalf of all New Yorkers, I extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Specialist Preston Dennis," Governor Cuomo said.

"We are saddened at the death of this young soldier, and we join with Specialist Dennis' fellow soldiers at Fort Drum in mourning his passing and honoring his service."

In addition, the governor has ordered flags be flown at half-staff on Monday, May 9, in honor of a Westfield resident who was killed in action on May 2, in Kunar province, Afghanistan.

Army Sergeant Kevin W. White died of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit using an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, based at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.

"In his hometown of Westfield and across the State, all New Yorkers join with the family, friends and fellow soldiers of Sergeant White in mourning his loss," said the governor.

"Sergeant White dedicated himself to serving his country after graduating from Westfield Academy and Central School in 2006."

From The G-Man would like to take this opportunity to honor Army Specialist Preston J. Dennis and Army Sergeant Kevin W. White, their love of country and their service with the following video tribute.

Video uploaded to YouTube by moderatepopulist

White House Briefs

Press Secretary Carney Explains Why the President Will Not Publish bin Laden Death Photo

Video footage courtesy of www.whitehouse.gov

Obama to Meet with Netanyahu

Statement on the Visit of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

On May 20, the President will host Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for a meeting at the White House. The leaders look forward to discussing the full range of issues of mutual interest to the United States and Israel.

Photo source: Benjamin Netanyahu

Author: Benjamin Netanyahu
Permission: Public Domain

Prince Charles Visits the White House

Statement by the Press Secretary on the President's Meeting with the Prince of Wales

The President welcomed His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales to the White House today, affirming the strength and depth of the alliance between the United States and the United Kingdom. The President thanked His Royal Highness for the important contributions that British forces are making in Afghanistan and Libya.

During the meeting, President Obama warmly welcomed the Prince’s work over three decades on environmental issues, halting deforestation and encouraging sustainable food production. The President also congratulated the Prince on the wedding of his son, Prince William, to Catherine Middleton and extended his best wishes to the newlywed couple.

The President looks forward to visiting the United Kingdom at the invitation of Her Majesty the Queen during his State visit later this month.

Photo source: www.la-moncloa.es
Author: www.la-moncloa.es
Permission: Public Domain

President Obama Congratulates Newly-Elected Nigerian President

President Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria

Statement by the President on Nigeria's Elections

This morning, I called President Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria to congratulate him on his election victory and to commend the people of Nigeria for their resolve and patience during last month’s historic presidential, legislative and gubernatorial elections. The success of the elections was a testament to Nigerian voters who waited in long lines, stayed to watch their votes counted and were determined that these elections mark a new chapter in Nigerian history.

Credit also belongs to the Independent National Electoral Commission, the National Youth Service Corps, and Nigeria’s vibrant civil society, all of which must play a role in ensuring that the final results reflect the will of the Nigerian people and that Nigerian authorities investigate and address any allegations of fraud or irregularities.

While the majority of Nigerians cast their ballots free from intimidation and coercion, the post-election violence that followed the presidential election on April 16 was deplorable. Violence has no place in a democratic society, and it is the responsibility of all Nigerians to reject it. Democracy, however, neither begins nor ends with elections.

Now is the time for Nigeria’s leaders and its people to come together and build the future that they deserve—a multi-party democracy that addresses the aspirations of all Nigerians, especially its youth, who did so much to make the recent elections a success and who will define the nation’s future.

As Africa’s most populous country, Nigeria can show what is possible when people of different parties, ethnicities and faith backgrounds come together to seek peace, provide for their families, and give their children a better future.

Today, Nigerians have an historic opportunity to move forward together and make their nation into a model for Africa. As I told President Jonathan, I look forward to strengthening our partnership with Nigeria so that this and future generations of Nigerians can live in peace, democracy and prosperity.

Photo Author: Ricardo Stuckert/PR

Permission: This photograph was produced by Agência Brasil, a public Brazilian news agency. (The content of this website is published under the Creative Commons License Attribution 2.5 Brazil)

Unclaimed Money Could Be Yours!

Senator Addabbo Schedules Free Unclaimed Funds Event for Woodhaven with NYS Comptroller's Office

New York State Senator Joseph Addabbo, Jr. is co-sponsoring with the NYS Comptroller’s Office an Unclaimed Funds Event for Thursday, May 19, from 11 am – 12 pm, at the Woodhaven Richmond Hill Senior Center, located in the Ambulance Corps building at 78-15 Jamaica Avenue in Woodhaven.

“Stop in and find out in a one-to-one sitting if you’re entitled to collect any funds from various accounts administered by NYS Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli due to abandoned/forgotten bank accounts, unpaid insurance claims, NYS court funds, and other unclaimed accounts from corporations and brokers/dealers," Addabbo said.

"Interest is paid at current rate of 2% during the first five years on interest-bearing accounts such as savings and CD accounts. There is no fee to reclaim funds, but requirements vary to claim the money based on type of account. A signature, Social Security number, and proof of connection with both the account and address of record are generally required."

More than 25 million account records are still unclaimed; $653 million in cash was received by the Comptroller’s office between April 2009 and March 2010. During that same period, some $227 million was paid and more than 360,000 accounts were processed. Private companies are allowed to charge claimants up to a 15% finder’s fee. Companies making claims do not have faster access to funds than individuals who contact the Comptroller’s office directly. An average of 40% of claims are $50 or less, and an average of 60% are $100 or less.

Cuomo Unveils 'People First Tour'

Governor and Team to Visit Communities Across the State to Build Support for Reform Agenda

Governor Andrew Cuomo held a cabinet meeting to outline plans for his "People First Tour" in which he will deliver his message of reform directly to New Yorkers. During the "People First Tour" the governor and his team will deliver detailed presentations outlining the administration's top priorities for the current legislative session and how the public can support them.

Beginning next week and continuing throughout the legislative session, the "People First Tour" will feature the governor and Lt. Governor visiting communities across New York to build support for his legislative priorities, specifically, a property tax cap, ethics reform, and marriage equality.

In addition, the Governor will deploy certain members of his cabinet in order to bring his message and ideas to as many New Yorkers as possible. The Governor and his cabinet will meet with local media and community groups, as well as the general public.

Cuomo has repeatedly indicated that for real reform to occur in New York, he must make his case directly to the people of the state. Explaining the issues and maintaining an open dialogue allows New Yorkers to form an opinion, organize, and make the politicians in Albany act. "From the early days of my campaign, I have said we need to bring the people back into government," the governor said.

"That is what we did during the budget process and we achieved historic reform. Now, we must do it again in order to keep moving forward. The people want their property taxes capped, they want Albany cleaned up through real ethics reform, and they want marriage equality. We are going to engage the people of this state to build a broad coalition behind this agenda so that these reforms are not just talked about but actually passed this session."

Obama Administration Opposes H.R. 3

Chris Smith, Member of the U.S. House of Representatives, represents New Jersey's 4th District. Smith, who sponsored H.R. 3., is considered one of the fiercest opponents of abortion.

STATEMENT OF ADMINISTRATION POLICY

H. R. 3 – No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act

(Rep. Smith, R-NJ, and 227 cosponsors)

The Administration strongly opposes H.R. 3 because it: intrudes on women's reproductive freedom and access to health care; increases the tax burden on many Americans; unnecessarily restricts the private insurance choices that consumers have today; and restricts the District of Columbia’s use of local funds, which undermines home rule. Longstanding Federal policy prohibits Federal funds from being used for abortions, except in cases of rape or incest, or when the life of the woman would be endangered. This prohibition is maintained in the Affordable Care Act and reinforced through the President’s Executive Order 13535. H.R. 3 goes well beyond these safeguards by interfering with consumers’ private health care choices. The Administration also strongly supports existing provider conscience laws that have protected the rights of health care providers and entities for over 30 years, and it recognizes and supports the rights of patients. The Administration will strongly oppose legislation that unnecessarily restricts women’s reproductive freedoms and consumers’ private insurance options.

If the President is presented with H.R. 3, his senior advisors would recommend that he veto the bill.

Photo source: http://www.gpoaccess.gov/pictorial/109th/nj.html
Author: United States Congress
Permission: Public Domain

White House Briefs

Statement by the Press Secretary on the African Nuclear Weapon Free Zone Treaty and the South Pacific Nuclear Weapon Free Zone Treaty

Today the President submitted the Protocols to the African Nuclear Weapon Free Zone Treaty and the South Pacific Nuclear Weapon Free Zone Treaty to the U.S. Senate for its advice and consent to ratification. This step advances the President’s commitment to nuclear non-proliferation and to the peace and security of a world without nuclear weapons.

Regional nuclear weapon free zone agreements reinforce both the commitment of nations not to pursue nuclear weapons and the nearly 65-year record of their non-use. The protocols to the treaties, once ratified, will extend the policy of the United States not to use or threaten use of nuclear weapons against regional zone parties that are members of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and in good standing with their non-proliferation obligations.

As a next step, the United States will engage parties to the two other regional agreements in force, in Southeast Asia and Central Asia, so that we can sign the protocols to those treaties as soon as possible.

'We Must Heed the Urgency to Listen to and Care for the Last Living Survivors'

Kiev Jew Killings in Ivangorod, 1942 (Click on photo to enlarge)

Statement by the President on Holocaust Remembrance Day

"I join people here at home, in Israel, and around the world in commemorating Holocaust Remembrance Day and in honoring the memory of all those who suffered, died and lost loved ones in one of the most barbaric acts in human history.

More than six decades after the Holocaust, and at a time when Holocaust denial and genocidal ideologies persist, our grief and our outrage over the Nazis’ murder of six million Jews and so many others have not diminished.

This year marks both the 65th anniversary of the verdicts at the first Nuremberg trial, a defining moment in international justice, and the 50th anniversary of Adolf Eichmann’s trial, where the world heard firsthand testimonies from those who had suffered the horrors of the Holocaust.

From this tragedy we see the cost of allowing hatred go unanswered in the world, but from this justice we also see the power of holding the perpetrators of genocide accountable. Remembering these events only reinforces our solemn commitment to confront those who tell lies about our history and to stop the spread of hate in our own time.

We must heed the urgency to listen to and care for the last living survivors, camp liberators and the witnesses to the Shoah. And we must meet our sacred responsibility to honor all those who perished by recalling their courage and dignity in the face of unspeakable atrocities, by insisting that the world never forget them, and by always standing up against intolerance and injustice."

Photo source: Genocide: The Jews in Europe 1939-45, Ballantine

Author: Unknown
Permission: Public Domain

'The Threat to Our State and Our Nation Unfortunately Does Not Die With Osama bin Laden'

Flag of al-Qaeda in Iraq

Statement from Governor Cuomo on Death of Osama bin Laden

"The death of Osama bin Laden is a historic moment that represents a major step in our country's efforts to defeat terrorism around the world and should bring a sense of justice to the victims of 9/11 and his other attacks.

"We will never forget those who were lost, their families and those who risked their lives to save others.

"New Yorkers endured bin Laden's most devastating and destructive attack, and his death brings back the horrific images and emotions of that terrible day. However, his death also reminds us of our strength, courage, and unity as a people in our response to his actions.

"The Administration's vigilance and dedication to hunt down Osama bin Laden has never wavered and I applaud their commitment to this cause. I also applaud our men and women in uniform who have fought tirelessly against terrorism and to defend freedom.

"The threat to our state and our nation unfortunately does not die with Osama bin Laden. We must remain vigilant in preventing terror acts and continue to do everything to keep our state and nation safe and secure."

Photo source: Wikipedia
Permission: Public Domain