Take Two: Senator Joseph Addabbo, Jr.

Addabbo's Statement on Disclosure of Teacher and Principal Evaluation Information

Queens, NY – New York State Senator Joseph Addabbo, Jr. (D-Queens), today released the following statement with regard to the Senate and Assembly approval of legislation (S.7792/A.10786) governing the disclosure of teacher and school principal evaluation information to the public and parents:

           

The legislation that we passed strikes the correct balance between protecting the confidentiality rights of school teachers and principals while ensuring that parents will be able to gain access to information about the performance of their own children’s educators. As a member of the Senate Education Committee, I am pleased that a reasonable compromise was reached on this difficult issue.

Earlier calls to fully disclose teacher evaluations to the public, with the names of all teachers attached, simply went too far.  While I support the concept of teacher evaluation, I also recognize that performance judgments may be subjective in some ways and not reflect the day-to-day challenges that teachers face in trying to engage children of diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.  Every child is different, with varying strengths and weaknesses, and every child’s path to academic success will differ as well.

Under this legislation, information about teacher and principal performance, without individual names, will be made widely available to the public to provide a statewide picture of the effectiveness of individual school districts in helping their students to succeed.  Parents will be able to request and receive information about the principals and teachers who are directly involved with their own children and will also be provided assistance in understanding the meaning of the evaluations. 

Now that this measure has received final Senate and Assembly approval, and will soon be signed into law by the Governor, New York will have met all of the requirements under the federal “Race to the Top” program. We can now go forward to use this needed federal funding to help ensure a quality education and brighter future for every child in our state.

Statement on OTB Retirees and Catskill OTB Bill

Senator Addabbo, a member of the Senate's Racing, Gaming & Wagering Committee, has released the following statement on last Thursday's vote -- the last day of the 2012 legislative session in Albany:

Justice was accomplished when the OTB retiree benefits bill (A.7301/S.5054) passed both the Senate and Assembly. While we can enjoy the moment, the real work must continue -- to impress upon the Governor to sign the bill into law. In my opinion, the OTB retirees were the innocent victims when all the OTB sites were closed. I intend to work with all my colleagues in government to advocate for this righteous bill to become law. The same goes for the bill that would allow the Catskill OTB operator to expand into the five boroughs of New York City and open OTB sites. The opportunity would exist to create jobs and offer former OTB employees positions at the new OTB locations.

Top Newsy Headlines: Colorado Wildfires Displace Thousands

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Anchor: Emily Allen
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FBI Pursuing Potential Muslim Extremists in U.S. Military

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By Ferdous Al-Faruque
Anchor: Brice Sander
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Jesse Ventura Uncensored

 

Former Minnesota Governor's Latest Book Calls for a Revamp of the U.S. Political System

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Israeli Settlers Evicted After Landmark Ruling

The Israeli government has started moving settlers from a West Bank neighborhood after a landmark ruling by the High Court. Sixteen Israeli families have been ordered out of their homes because they were built illegally on Palestinian land. Melissa Chan reports from the West Bank.

Video courtesy of Aljazeera English.

US, Europe See Return of Measles

Health authorities in the U.S. and Europe are reporting a sudden rise in the number of people contracting measles. 10 years ago, the infection killed 800,000 people worldwide, but aggressive vaccination campaigns have sharply reduced the global mortality rate, especially in Africa and Asia. Yet in the U.S., where the disease had been declared eradicated, measles is on a comeback. Most cases are traced to unvaccinated travelers, but the highly contagious virus may also be spreading because of parents who refuse to vaccinate their children. Al Jazeera's Tom Ackerman reports.

Video courtesy of Aljazeera English.

China Urged to Help Myanmar Refugees

Human Rights Watch has called on China to provide more humanitarian assistance for ethnic Kachin refugees from Myanmar. About 10,000 people had fled from Kachin, a northern-most state in Myanmar, to neighbouring China after fighting between rebels and government troops ended a 17-year ceasefire last year. The total number of those displaced from the conflict has reached 75,000. The refugees are facing an worsening shortage in basic needs, including food and shelter, in squalid camps in the southwestern Chinese province of Yunnan. Wayne Hay has this exclusive report from Bangkok, Thailand's capital.

Video courtesy of Aljazeera English.

Deadly Landslide Hits Uganda

At least 18 people have died in Uganda as emergency teams have been searching through the wreckage caused by mudslides that buried three villages. Officials say the final toll could be in the hundreds. It happened in Bududa district on Mount Elgon close to the Kenyan border Al Jazeera's Charles Stratford reports.

Video courtesy of Aljazeera English.

New Lie Detector Provisions Pressure Intel Community

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By Anthony Martinez
Anchor: Anthony Martinez
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New Algorithm Can Detect Parkinson's Disease In Voices

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By Nathan Giannini
Anchor: Carissa Loethen
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Myanmar's Rohingya Forced Back to Sea

Thousands of Muslims have been escaping from Myanmar after dozens were killed in religious violence. They are fleeing attacks in Rakhine state by the Buddhist majority. Many have tried to reach Bangladesh, where their ancestors are from. However, some Rohingya who reached Bangladesh by boat were turned away by the border guards, who gave them a bottle of water and some food, and forced them back to sea, despite appeals from the UN. Al Jazeera's Will Jordan reports.

Video courtesy of Aljazeera English.

South Sudan 'Failed to Stop Ethnic Fighting'

The United Nations has criticised South Sudan's government for its handling of ethnic fighting in Jonglei State. It says the army wasn't able to prevent the deaths of about 900 people during a wave of cattle raids between rival clans. The deadly clashes between the Nuer and the Murle tribe have left more than 60,000 people homeless, stripped of their livelihoods and dependent on aid. Al Jazeera's Peter Greste reports.

Video courtesy of Aljazeera English. 

Oval Office Chat Session: Obama and Monti

Italian Prime Minister Updates President on Economy

President Obama spoke with Italian Prime Minister Monti earlier today, following up on their discussions at last week’s G-20 meeting in Los Cabos.  

Prime Minister Monti provided the President with an update on economic developments in Europe, and they discussed the importance of continued efforts to promote growth and stability in the Eurozone.

No Life Without Parole Sentences for Juvies

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By Megan Rice
Anchor: Jim Flink
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Mixed Reactions to Court Ruling on Immigration

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By Steven Sparkman
Anchor: Jim Flink
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FEMA: 'Gulf Coast Residents and Visitors Should Take Tropical Storm Debby Seriously'

Individuals in Affected States Urged to be Aware of Potential Flooding Conditions and Listen to Local Officials

WASHINGTON - The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and its federal partners continue to monitor and work closely with states potentially affected by Tropical Storm Debby, including Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Alabama and South Carolina.

FEMA and its partners will continue to closely track severe weather conditions and forecasts for Debby through the week, and are urging residents to be vigilant in monitoring local reports due to anticipated heavy flooding.

As of 10 a.m. today, the storm is currently located in the Gulf of Mexico about 75 miles south-southwest of Apalachicola, Florida, and continues on a very slow pace, moving northeastward at 3 m.p.h. 

Tropical storm watches and warnings, as well as flash flood watches and warnings have been issued for several areas along the Gulf Coast, including inland areas. 

"Gulf coast residents and visitors should take Tropical Storm Debby seriously," emphasized FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate.

"Tropical Storm Allison in 2001 illustrates the immense amount of rain a slow-moving tropical system can produce. Flooding with Tropical Storm Debby is a very big concern for the Florida panhandle and portions of the southeast."

According to the National Weather Service, Debby is expected to produce rain accumulations of 5 to 10 inches over eastern portions of the Florida panhandle and northern Florida, with isolated maximum amounts of 25 inches possible. 

Total rain accumulations of 5 to 10 inches are expect over central Florida and southeast Georgia into coastal South Carolina, with isolated maximum amounts of 15 inches possible. 

Along with the heavy rains, land falling tropical systems also increase the potential for tornadoes, and FEMA is urging people in the impacted areas to monitor weather conditions by listening to your local radio and television news outlets, or by listening to NOAA Weather Radio.

FEMA, through its regional offices in Atlanta, Ga., and Denton, Texas, remains in constant contact with state emergency management officials stands ready to support impacted states if requested. 

At the request of the State of Florida, a FEMA liaison officer is onsite at the Florida state emergency operations center to support state response efforts as needed.

More information on tropical storm and flooding preparedness is available at www.ready.gov, www.listo.gov, and for other languages at  www.ready.gov/translations.

Photo credit: NASA/GSFC/Jeff Schmaltz/MODIS Land Rapid Response Team

In Memoriam....Major Paul C. Voelke

Died While Supporting "Operation Enduring Freedom" in Afghanistan

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo has directed that flags on state government buildings be flown at half-staff on Wednesday, June 27 in honor of a New York soldier who died in Afghanistan on June 22.

Major Paul C. Voelke died in Mazar E. Sharif while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, based at Fort Stewart, Georgia.

Major Voelke was from the Town of Monroe.

"I join with all New Yorkers in mourning the loss of Major Voelke and I send my deepest sympathies to his family, friends, and fellow soldiers," Governor Cuomo said.

"We will be forever grateful for his service and his dedication to our nation."

From The G-Man would like to take this opportunity to honor Major Paul C. Voelke, his love of country, and his service with the following video tribute. May he forever rest in peace. 

Video uploaded to YouTube by moderatepopulist

US Military Suicides on the Rise

The number of US military personnel committing suicide has been rising. Families say the Pentagon is not doing enough to address the problem. Al Jazeera's Rosalind Jordan reports.

Video courtesy of Aljazeera English.

'No American Should Ever Live Under a Cloud of Suspicion Just Because of What They Look Like'

Statement by the President on the Supreme Court’s Ruling on Arizona v. the United States

I am pleased that the Supreme Court has struck down key provisions of Arizona's immigration law.  What this decision makes unmistakably clear is that Congress must act on comprehensive immigration reform.  A patchwork of state laws is not a solution to our broken immigration system – it’s part of the problem.

At the same time, I remain concerned about the practical impact of the remaining provision of the Arizona law that requires local law enforcement officials to check the immigration status of anyone they even suspect to be here illegally.  I agree with the Court that individuals cannot be detained solely to verify their immigration status.  No American should ever live under a cloud of suspicion just because of what they look like.  Going forward, we must ensure that Arizona law enforcement officials do not enforce this law in a manner that undermines the civil rights of Americans, as the Court’s decision recognizes.  Furthermore, we will continue to enforce our immigration laws by focusing on our most important priorities like border security and criminals who endanger our communities, and not, for example, students who earn their education – which is why the Department of Homeland Security announced earlier this month that it will lift the shadow of deportation from young people who were brought to the United States as children through no fault of their own.

I will work with anyone in Congress who’s willing to make progress on comprehensive immigration reform that addresses our economic needs and security needs, and upholds our tradition as a nation of laws and a nation of immigrants.  And in the meantime, we will continue to use every federal resource to protect the safety and civil rights of all Americans, and treat all our people with dignity and respect. We can solve these challenges not in spite of our most cherished values – but because of them.  What makes us American is not a question of what we look like or what our names are.  What makes us American is our shared belief in the enduring promise of this country – and our shared responsibility to leave it more generous and more hopeful than we found it.

Governor Cuomo's "End of Session" Address

NY Works Conference

Watch live streaming video from newyorkstateofficeofthegovernor at livestream.com

Disclosure of Teacher Evaluation Data Now Law

Parents and the General Public Can Now Assess How Schools Across New York are Performing 

Governor Andrew Cuomo today signed legislation that will require the public disclosure of teacher evaluation data.

The new law will ensure that parents and the public have access to information about how the teachers, principals and schools charged with educating New York’s children are performing, while also respecting educators' privacy.

"This law strikes the right balance between a teacher's right to privacy and the parents' and public's right to know," Governor Cuomo said.

"New York's children deserve a top-quality education, and the state's new teacher evaluation system will ensure that teachers and principals are held responsible for student performance. I commend Majority Leader Skelos and Speaker Silver for their work to make sure we could protect our teachers' and principals' privacy, while also ensuring that parents and the public have access to the information they need."

Earlier this year, Governor Cuomo signed a law that strengthened the teacher and principal evaluation system in order to improve teaching and learning in New York's schools and hold educators accountable for improving student achievement.

The new law signed today by the Governor ensures that parents and the general public can assess how schools across New York are performing.

The law requires school districts and BOCES to fully disclose their evaluation results to the public and require requires the State Education Department to post and make widely available important data that will allow the public to analyze and compare how schools are performing.

School districts and BOCES will also be required to notify and fully disclose to parents and legal guardians the final specific ratings and composite evaluation scores of the teachers and principals to which their student is assigned.

Image courtesy of http://www.school-clipart.com/

Key Elements of Arizona Immigration Law Struck Down

Supreme Court Rules Police Can Check Documents

ABC News is reporting that the Supreme Court has ruled Arizona law enforcement representatives can check the immigration status of anyone they detain or arrest, but the court ruled against significant aspects of the controversial legislation that was signed into law by Governor Jan Brewer in 2010. 

Details are available here: ABC News Report

Image courtesy of http://www.freeclipartnow.com

Aljazeera's Top News Stories

Indians in Kochi Adopt New Burial Practices

Land in India is at a premium and it is becoming harder to bury the dead. A Christian congregation in Kochi has been forced to find a new way to bury the dead, because the cemetery is running out of room and expanding a graveyard in India is often blocked by objections, bureaucracy and paperwork. Father Jose Chiramel has come up with a new option, which was to share graves. That new practice has an effect on the city of Cochin's largest coffin producer. With land at a premium and increasing in value, these new alternatives may come to be seen by other faiths as a way of solving their own burial problems. Al Jazeera's Sohail Rahman reports from Kochi in the southern state of Kerala.

Video courtesy of Aljazeera English. 

Hong Kong Journalists Fear Increasing Restrictions

Hong Kong has a long tradition of allowing the press to speak freely. Journalists now, however, are worried that freedom is under threat as Beijing tightens its grip . Bob McBride reports from Hong Kong.

Video courtesy of Aljazeera English.

Peruvians Protest Mining Project

A controversial multi-billion dollar mining project in Peru has been given the go-ahead despite protests by indigenous people. Despite President Ollanta Humala promised that it would meet the demands of residents in the Cajamarca area, many have been on strike for 3 weeks -- calling for the government to realise that building a mine in their indigenous land will destroy four lakes and could damage their water supply. The proposed mine is clearly not popular locally, but with the industry providing more than 60 per cent of Peru's export income, a decision to stop the Conga development could cost the country dearly Al Jazeera's Dominic Kane reports.

Video courtesy of Aljazeera English.

South Africa Debates Industry Nationalization

South Africa's ruling party -- the African National Congress, or ANC -- is meeting this week to decide how it wants to shape the country's future. There's been fierce debate in the build-up to the conference over whether the country's mines, banks and land should be nationalised. The governing African National Congress accepts that policy has failed. But with eighty percent of land still in the hands of whites, the rate of change - however unsuccessful - is just too slow for some who want land, mines and the reserve bank nationalised. It's this type of talk that's led to hundreds of white commercial farmers moving to neighbouring countries. South Africa is mineral rich. The mining sector accounts for more than half of all exports. But investors are nervous, and now companies are hoarding near record amounts of cash as they wait to see what the ANC decides. Even if wholesale nationalisation is off the table business leaders say the ANC's proposal to increase taxes will hurt. The ANC's Secretary-General says the situation can't continue the way it is now. Tania Page, Al Jazeera, Johannesburg.

Video courtesy of Aljazeera English.

Who is Mohamed Morsi?

Many Egyptians felt they had been left with little choice in this election. They could either vote for a leading member of the old regime or take a chance on Mohamed Morsi, a candidate from the Muslim Brotherhood. The Brotherhood promoted him as the one who could deliver on the revolution's aims and bring the economy back from the brink, though he was never prominent within the organisation. Al Jazeera's Dominic Kane reports.

Video courtesy of Aljazeera English.

White House Congratulates President-Elect Morsi

Statement from Press Secretary Jay Carney

The United States congratulates Dr. Mohamed Morsi on his victory in Egypt’s Presidential election, and we congratulate the Egyptian people for this milestone in their transition to democracy.

We look forward to working together with President-elect Morsi and the government he forms, on the basis of mutual respect, to advance the many shared interests between Egypt and the United States.  We believe that it is important for President-elect Morsi to take steps at this historic time to advance national unity by reaching out to all parties and constituencies in consultations about the formation of a new government. We believe in the importance of the new Egyptian government upholding universal values, and respecting the rights of all Egyptian citizens – including women and religious minorities such as Coptic Christians.  Millions of Egyptians voted in the election, and President-elect Morsi and the new Egyptian government have both the legitimacy and responsibility of representing a diverse and courageous citizenry.

The United States intends to work with all parties within Egypt to sustain our long-standing partnership as it consolidates its democracy. We commend the Presidential Election Commission and the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF) for their role in supporting a free and fair election, and look forward to the completion of a transition to a democratically-elected government. We believe it is essential for the Egyptian government to continue to fulfill Egypt’s role as a pillar of regional peace, security and stability. And we will stand with the Egyptian people as they pursue their aspirations for democracy, dignity, and opportunity, and fulfill the promise of their revolution.

'Debby' Being Closely Monitored

FEMA Urges Residents Along Gulf Coast to be Prepared and Monitor Tropical Storm

WASHINGTON - FEMA, through our regional offices in Atlanta, Ga., and Denton, Texas, has been closely monitoring Tropical Storm Debby which is currently located in the Gulf of Mexico about 200 miles south-southeast of the mouth of the Mississippi River, and remains in close coordination with federal as well as state and local partners as the storm develops.

Although the National Hurricane Center has issued tropical storm watches and warnings for several areas along the Gulf Coast, FEMA continues to urge all residents in the area to closely monitor this storm due to the uncertainty in the track and strength of the storm, and to follow the direction of local and state officials.

Debby is the earliest fourth named storm on record, with the previous record being held by Hurricane Dennis, which became the fourth storm of 2005 on July 5.

"As always, we urge all individuals in the region to follow the directions provided by local officials, listen to NOAA Weather Radio and their local news to monitor for updates," said Administrator Craig Fugate.

"History has taught us that storm tracks can change quickly and unexpectedly and people are urged to stay informed and monitor storm conditions."

Typically, with tropical systems these storms will produce high winds and heavy rains. The National Weather Service is predicting the storm may produce rain accumulations of 5 to 10 inches along the immediate Gulf Coast from Southeast Louisiana to the central West of Florida, with isolated maximum amount of 15 inches possible.

Individuals in coastal areas of the Southeast United States, especially in the Gulf Coast where tropical storm watches and warnings are in effect, should take steps to prepare. Residents can find information to prepare their family, home or business to reduce the impact of severe weather by going to Ready.gov.

                                                                                                  
FEMA, working with our federal partners including the National Hurricane Center, will continue to monitor the strength and path of Debby and will remain in close contact with state and local partners as they prepare for potential severe weather.

Electricity Issue on Pakistani PM Agenda

Peaceful protests have taken place in Pakistan to pressure the government into solving the country's crippling energy crisis. There is little hope Pakistan's newly appointed prime minister will improve things. On Saturday, as his first act as prime minister, Raja Pervaiz Ashraf chaired a meeting with top officials to find a solution to the energy crisis. Yet because he is so closely associated with the rolling power blackouts, many do not believe he can solve it. And while it was hoped Saturday's protests would remain calm, small groups took to the streets to show their anger. Al Jazeera's Imtiaz Tyab reports from Rawalpindi, Pakistan.

Video courtesy of Aljazeera  English.

Australians Protest Over Refugee Boat Accident

Australia has ended a three-day search for survivors from a refugee boat accident off remote Christmas Island, with little hope for around 90 people still missing. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) said on Saturday searches of the sea north of the island had failed to find any more survivors, with the last living person found on Thursday night. Protesters have marched in Sydney asking whether the tragedy could have been prevented. Andrew Thomas reports from Sydney.

Video courtesy of Aljazeera English. 

Drone Designers Seek Non-Violent Uses

The use of unmanned aerial drones has dominated the way the US fights Al Qaeda around the world. But many of the people who developed and refined the aircraft say they never intended for their work to be used in conflicts. As part of our series on Civilian uses of Drones, Rob Reynolds visited designers who still hope their inventions can find a use off the battlefield.

Video courtesy of Aljazeera English.

Ivory Coast Families Waiting to Go Home

The UN says people who have been displaced by cross-border fighting in western Ivory Coast are too afraid to go home.Thousands of families are still in camps, one year after deadly election related violence. The situation in Western Ivory Coast remains tense. UN peacekeepers are still protecting those who were displaced during last year's civil war, after former President Laurent Gbagbo refused to concede defeat. More UN and Ivorian soldiers have been deployed. But people here worry there will be more attacks. Al Jazeera's Haru Mutasa reports from Jo-kway, Ivory Coast.

Video courtesy of Aljazeera English.

Nigeria Imposes Curfew Over Growing Unrest

Violence has been increasing between Nigeria's Muslim and Christian communities. A curfew's been imposed in Kaduna, just to the north of Abuja. Three churches there were targeted by suicide car bombs last Sunday. Yvonne Ndege visited the area and sent us this report.

Video courtesy of Aljazeera English.

Sudan Anti-Austerity Measures Spark Protests

Sudan's police Chief has told his troops to "firmly" disperse anti-government rallies in Khartoum. The tough stance has been adopted after seven days of anti-austerity protests. Imran Khan reports.

Video courtesy of Aljazeera English.

Muslim Brotherhood's Mohamed Morsi Wins

Egypt's Election Commission Says Candidate Won by Slim Margin

Details on this breaking news story available here: World News MSNBC

Photo source:  Flickr
Author: Jonathan Rashad

Permission:  Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported

Weekly Address: Congress Must Act on Transportation Bill and Student Loans

President Obama at the NALEO Annual Conference