Viveca Novak, with the Center for Responsive Politics, discusses the
debate on Capitol Hill on gun violence prevention, as well as how
spending by gun control groups compares to that by gun rights groups.
Click here for video.
Source: C-Span
Saturday, October 10, 2015
Washington Journal: Ronald Kessler on Secret Service Conduct
Author Ronald Kessler discusses recent allegations against the
Secretary Service, including one official’s decision to release
unflattering information on Representative Jason Chaffetz (R-UT), who
was leading an investigation into the service.
Click here for video.
Source: C-Span
'Such Horrific Acts of Violence Will Only Strengthen Our Resolve'
National Security Council Spokesperson Ned Price stated the following regarding today's terrorist attack in Ankara, Turkey
The
United States condemns in the strongest terms today’s horrific
terrorist attack in Ankara, Turkey. The fact that this attack occurred
ahead of
a planned rally for peace underscores the depravity of those behind it
and serves as another reminder of the need to confront shared security
challenges in the region. We offer our deepest condolences to the
families and other loved ones of the victims, just
as our thoughts remain with those injured in this senseless violence.
The United States will continue to stand side-by-side with the Turkish
Government and people as together we take on the scourge of terrorism.
Far from deterring these efforts, such horrific
acts of violence will only strengthen our resolve.
Details on the attack are available here.
Source: The White House, Office of the Press Secretary
Cuomo, De Blasio and Prendergast Announce Agreement on Funding for MTA Capital Program
Governor Andrew Cuomo,
Mayor Bill de Blasio and MTA Chairman Tom Prendergast today announced
that an agreement has been reached on the remaining funding for the MTA
Capital Program. New York State has committed to provide $8.3 billion,
and New York City has committed to provide $2.5 billion. The Program,
which totals $26.1
billion, outlines the next five years’ worth of vital investments to
renew, enhance and expand the MTA network. This marks the largest
investment in MTA infrastructure in history.
Governor Cuomo said: “The
MTA is the lifeblood of New York, helping millions of people travel
throughout the city and the surrounding suburbs, and fueling one of the
largest economies on the globe. Our challenge is not only to help the
system continue to fuel the region’s growth, but to keep up with and
respond to that growth as it happens. This MTA Capital Plan is what we
need to make the system smarter and more resilient, facilitating major
upgrades, expansions and building crucial pieces of equipment so that
riders are not forced to accept the failures of outdated infrastructure.
This plan will mean a safer, stronger, more reliable transit system for
people all over New York, and is crucial in supporting our growing
economy. And this program would not have been possible without everyone
stepping up to pay their fair share. Today with this agreement, we are
making an historic investment not only in the MTA, but in the future of
New York.”
Mayor de Blasio said: "Our
transit system is the backbone of New York City's, and our entire
region's, economy. That is why we're making an historic investment – the
City's largest ever general capital contribution – while ensuring that
NYC dollars stay in NYC transit, and giving NYC riders and taxpayers a
stronger voice. I look forward to continuing to partner with the
Governor and the MTA to ensure a transit system that reliably,
effectively, and safely serves all of its riders."
Chairman Prendergast said:
“Almost three years ago, as the floods of Superstorm Sandy receded, the
MTA’s system sprang back to life, and so did New York City and the
entire region. That storm dramatically demonstrated two important
truths: the absolutely essential role that the MTA’s integrated transit
system plays in the regional economy, and the challenges of keeping the
assets of such a trillion-dollar system running safely and reliably.
Today, with agreement on the largest Capital Program ever committed to
the future of the MTA, we take a giant step toward making sure that this
one-of-a-kind jewel of a system will continue doing what it must –
keeping New York and the region moving, and moving ahead. We are
grateful to the State and City for making possible the largest MTA
Capital Program in its history. The MTA’s challenges have never been
greater. We have plenty of work to do and we’re eager to get started.”
At the State’s direction, the MTA recently reduced the Capital Program Review Board component of the Capital Program from $29 billion to $26.8 billion by utilizing alternative delivery methods such as design-build and public-private partnerships, as well as streamlined and negotiated procurement processes. The remaining $700 million (difference between the program scope of $26.8 billion and the agreed to $26.1 billion) will be closed by MTA efforts to seek further efficiencies or necessary program reductions.
Under the agreement reached by the State and City, parties agree to the following:
1. The State guarantees $8.3 billion to the MTA Capital Program to be provided by State sources. The City guarantees $2.5 billion to be provided to the MTA by city sources. City sources include a guarantee of $1.9 billion from direct city sources and a guarantee of $600 million through alternative non tax levy revenue sources. This agreement is dependent upon all of the conditions below.
2. The City and State will fund on the same schedule on a proportionate basis.
3. Projects in the City which are funded by the $2.5 billion committed by the City (including projects funded through non tax levy sources agreed to with the MTA) will be planned by the MTA Board in collaboration with the City representatives on the MTA Board, with priority consideration given for projects and timing based on input from the City.ý Likewise suburban projects which are funded by the suburbs will be planned by the MTA Board in collaboration with suburban representatives on the MTA Board and with priority consideration given for projects and timing based on input from the those suburban communities. ý
4. The State will not divert any funds or fail to provide any funding committed to this Capital Program or due and owing to the MTA for any other expenses unless in accordance with the provisions of Executive Law 182 passed in 2011. Likewise, the City will not divert any funds or fail to provide any funding committed to this Capital Program or due and owing to the MTA for any other expenses.
Source: Press Office, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo
Weekly Address: Writing the Rules for a Global Economy
In this week's address, the President spoke to the merits of the
high-standards trade agreement reached this past week. The
Trans-Pacific Partnership helps level the playing field for American
workers and businesses, so we can export more Made-in-America products
all over the world, supporting higher-paying American jobs here at home.
Learn more at: www.whitehouse.gov/trade
Friday, October 9, 2015
SUNY SA Passes Resolution Calling on SUNY to Divest from Fossil Fuels
New York –
The Executive Committee of the Student Assembly of the State University
of New York (SUNY SA) passed a resolution calling on SUNY to fully
divest from companies and interests that manufacture fossil
fuels. The resolution was put forth to the Assembly’s Executive
Committee and successfully passed during the Committee’s business
meeting on Saturday, September 26.
The
resolution calls upon SUNY and its universities to freeze new
investments in fossil-fuel companies immediately and to divest
completely from any direct ownership in these companies or in funds that
include fossil-fuel equities and corporate bonds, and instead invest in
alternative energies and technologies. The Assembly believes that this
action is paramount in maintaining SUNY’s role at the forefront of
sustainable economic progress.
This
mandate comes in response to a number of factors including the $950
billion that has been divested from fossil-fuels worldwide, the
exponential growth of the solar industry and other alternative
industries that has occurred inside the U.S. over the past five years
and will continue to occur far into the future, and the World Health
Organization’s statistics on the 4.2 million yearly global deaths linked
to climate change.
Multiple
SUNY universities currently have divestment campaigns in place, and in
passing this resolution, the Assembly formally states that it is time
for SUNY to begin the process of divestment.
Zachary
Beaudoin, Chair of SUNY SA’s Sustainability Committee, stated, "As
divestment becomes a recognized and heralded global financial decision, I
am thrilled that the Assembly has called upon SUNY to fully divest from
fossil fuels. This action speaks to the ongoing measures in which SUNY
SA actively participates that continue to shape SUNY's status as a world
leader on such important topics.”
SUNY
Student Assembly President Thomas Mastro believes that the Assembly
made a strong, productive decision in the passing of this resolution.
His remarks were as follows:“Passing this
resolution and calling upon SUNY to divest from fossil fuels were
progressive steps for SUNY SA to take. From Plattsburgh to Geneseo, our
students have asked their home campuses and SUNY itself to divest, and
as student representatives, our organization formally agrees. By
removing fossil fuels and potentially harmful technologies from its list
of investments and instead involving itself with alternative
technologies and clean energy, SUNY will take the lead on this important
initiative and continue to be a beacon of progress for our nation and
our world.”
Source: The Student Assembly of the State University of New York (SUNY SA)
First Lady Michelle Obama Honors the 2015 Class of the National Student Poets Program
The First Lady honored the 2015 class of the National Student Poets
Program (NSPP), the nation’s highest honor for youth poets. This award
celebrates the exceptional creativity, dedication to craft, and promise
of this generation of leaders.
The President Delivers Remarks at the White House Summit on Worker Voice
Speaking to a group of workers, advocates, union leaders, and business
owners, the President delivered remarks on how we empower workers'
voices in our 21st Century economy.
State Department Daily Briefing
Spokesman John Kirby briefs reporters and responds to questions on a
range of issues, including Russian military involvement in Syria and
allegations that Russian strikes are targeting opposition groups instead
of Islamic State (ISIS/ISIL) targets.
The briefing was conducted on October 8, 2015.
Click here for video.
Source: C-Span
Representative Daniel Webster on House Speaker Election
Representative Daniel Wesbter (R-FL) spoke with reporters following a
Republican House Conference meeting held to discuss how to proceed after
Representative Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) withdrew from the House Speaker’s
race.
Click here for video.
Source: C-Span
Representatives Boehner and Ryan on House Speaker Election
Outgoing House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) leaves a Republican House
Conference meeting on choosing his successor.
Representative Paul Ryan (R-WI), who many Republicans are urging to run for Speaker, follows shortly after.
Representative Paul Ryan (R-WI), who many Republicans are urging to run for Speaker, follows shortly after.
Click here for video.
House Budget Committee Markup
The House Budget Committee meets to mark up fiscal year 2016 budget
reconciliation legislation. Representative Tom Price (R-GA) chairs the
committee.
Click here for video.
Source: C-Span
NYS OASAS Expands 'Talk2Prevent' Campaign
New Radio Campaign Targets Parents, Helps Them Talk
to Their Children About Underage Drinking and Drugs
to Their Children About Underage Drinking and Drugs
The New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services today announced a new phase of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s Talk2Prevent addiction campaign. Two new public service announcements (PSAs) are now airing on radio stations across the state in an effort to reach parents and offer them guidance on how to talk to their children about underage alcohol use and substance abuse. The PSAs also will air on popular music streaming services. A corresponding Talk2Prevent digital campaign will help spread the prevention message.
“The school year is underway and teenagers and young people across the state can face peer pressure to drink or use drugs,” NYS OASAS Commissioner Arlene González-Sánchez said. “That’s why it is crucial for parents to keep the conversation going year-round to help prevent underage drinking and drug use. Parents must encourage their children to make safe and responsible decisions. They can use the Talk2Prevent website to learn more about keeping their kids safe.”
In one new PSA, titled Exit Strategy, a mother explains how she and her daughter planned a secret code text that will signal mom to come pick her daughter up if she is in a challenging situation that involves drinking or drugs.
The second PSA, titled Speedway, talks about the importance of talking to your children about the risks of underage drinking and drug use to help keep them safe and guide them toward making responsible choices.
The campaign aims to turn the tide on these stats:
Nearly 52 percent of New York State
students in grades 7 through 12 reported their parents never spoke with
them about the dangers of underage drinking. (NIDA, 2010)
49 percent of high school students in New York have consumed alcohol within the past 30 days.
(NYS YDS, 2008)
For more information, visit the Talk2Prevent website: Talk2Prevent.NY.GOV.
Resources include a toolkit for parents including conversation
starters, texting ideas and a list of warning signs. It also includes
resources for community prevention coalitions across the state. Parents
and community members can also visit the Talk2Prevent Facebook page for ongoing resources and information on how to keep the conversations going about underage drinking and drug use.
New Yorkers struggling with an addiction, or whose loved ones are struggling, can call the State’s toll-free, 24-hour, 7-day-a-week HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369) or text the HOPEline Short Code at 467369. The HOPEline is staffed by trained clinicians who are ready to answer questions and offer treatment referrals. Visit the NYS OASAS website for additional resources, including a list of addiction treatment providers.
Source: New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services
NYS Department of Motor Vehicles Website Wins National Award
Website Had 5.5 Million Transactions Last
Year and Dramatically Cut DMV Wait Times
Year and Dramatically Cut DMV Wait Times
The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles website, dmv.ny.gov, has won the 2015 Pinnacle Award from the National Association of Government Web Professionals, the second national accolade
it has received this year for its design, ease of use, and scope of
services. The Department of Motor Vehicles won in the state and
non-governmental organization category, and also picked up a Members’
Choice distinction.
“New York is proud to continue making our DMV website better and more convenient than ever before, saving drivers both time and trips to the DMV," Governor Cuomo said. "I encourage all New Yorkers to take advantage of the easy-to-use services available to them on this award-winning website."
The Pinnacle Awards are judged by a group of web professionals from inside and outside of government web development. Each site is judged using eight scoring criteria for a total of 100 points: team size, content, organization, design, performance and flexibility, accessibility, standards, and interactivity.
Additionally, DMV’s website, which was redesigned in February 2014, was named one of the nation’s best DMV websites earlier this year by DMV.com, a portal for driver and motor vehicle information. Available services include ordering replacement driver licenses, renewing registrations on mobile devices, signing up to receive license and registration renewal reminders via email and text, and carrying out more than 35 other transactions.
“New York is proud to continue making our DMV website better and more convenient than ever before, saving drivers both time and trips to the DMV," Governor Cuomo said. "I encourage all New Yorkers to take advantage of the easy-to-use services available to them on this award-winning website."
The Pinnacle Awards are judged by a group of web professionals from inside and outside of government web development. Each site is judged using eight scoring criteria for a total of 100 points: team size, content, organization, design, performance and flexibility, accessibility, standards, and interactivity.
Additionally, DMV’s website, which was redesigned in February 2014, was named one of the nation’s best DMV websites earlier this year by DMV.com, a portal for driver and motor vehicle information. Available services include ordering replacement driver licenses, renewing registrations on mobile devices, signing up to receive license and registration renewal reminders via email and text, and carrying out more than 35 other transactions.
Customers completed more than 5.5 million
transactions on the website last year, up from about 5 million in 2013
and 3.4 million in 2010. Use of the website has also helped decrease
average wait times in DMV offices statewide. If customers must make a
trip to state-run DMV offices, they can visit dmv.ny.gov to make a reservation. In fact, New Yorkers have made more than 700,000 reservations to visit DMV offices since the service launched in 2013.
In March 2013, the average wait time at state-run DMV offices was 72 minutes. Governor Cuomo announced that in September 2014 the average wait time was reduced to 30 minutes. Wait times have remained stable at around 30 minutes since then. In addition, self-serve kiosks in DMV offices allow customers to complete transactions and bypass lines, saving them time. DMV averages more than 300,000 transactions at these kiosks per year.
New Yorkers have more opportunities than ever before to save a trip to DMV offices and complete transactions online. In July 2015, the Governor announced that New Yorkers can print a temporary license from the DMV website when they renew or replace their driver licenses, learner permits, or non-driver identification cards online. The ability to download a temporary document is also offered to customers renewing or replacing their registrations.
“DMV understands how convenient it is for New Yorkers to complete all of their important business online. Our team has stepped up its web presence and continuously improved the services we provide so motorists can get things done quickly and easily,” said DMV Executive Deputy Commissioner Terri Egan. “This well-deserved award gives us the opportunity to recognize all staff members who have gone above and beyond to serve the public’s needs. I urge all New Yorkers to use our site and save a trip to the office.”
For more information about DMV, visit its website and see a list of available online services.
In March 2013, the average wait time at state-run DMV offices was 72 minutes. Governor Cuomo announced that in September 2014 the average wait time was reduced to 30 minutes. Wait times have remained stable at around 30 minutes since then. In addition, self-serve kiosks in DMV offices allow customers to complete transactions and bypass lines, saving them time. DMV averages more than 300,000 transactions at these kiosks per year.
New Yorkers have more opportunities than ever before to save a trip to DMV offices and complete transactions online. In July 2015, the Governor announced that New Yorkers can print a temporary license from the DMV website when they renew or replace their driver licenses, learner permits, or non-driver identification cards online. The ability to download a temporary document is also offered to customers renewing or replacing their registrations.
“DMV understands how convenient it is for New Yorkers to complete all of their important business online. Our team has stepped up its web presence and continuously improved the services we provide so motorists can get things done quickly and easily,” said DMV Executive Deputy Commissioner Terri Egan. “This well-deserved award gives us the opportunity to recognize all staff members who have gone above and beyond to serve the public’s needs. I urge all New Yorkers to use our site and save a trip to the office.”
For more information about DMV, visit its website and see a list of available online services.
Source: Press Office, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo
Cuomo, Al Gore Announce Actions to Lead Nation on Climate Change
October 8, 2015, New York City - Governor Cuomo, joined by Vice
President Gore, today announced four major actions to combat climate
change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions across New York State. These
nation-leading environmental and clean energy initiatives will help New
York homes, businesses and universities invest in clean energy, drive
economic growth across the state, and protect the environment.
Dr. Ben Carson Discusses His Comments on Gun Control and the Holocaust
The GOP candidate is under fire for saying gun control is partly to blame for the Holocaust.
House Republicans Gather To Figure Out Speaker Debacle
House Republicans gathered for a party meeting Friday morning to discuss who will fill the role of speaker and Rep. Paul Ryan of Wisconsin appears to be the consensus candidate but he hasn't decided that he wants the job.
Less than 24 hours after leading contender Rep. Kevin McCarthy of California abruptly withdrew his name from the election as tea party-aligned members are demanding one of their own, members are scrambling to determine a path forward.
Celebrity Chef Had Sex With Boy, Made Child Porn: Feds
Matthew Tivy
Federal prosecutors are accusing a celebrity chef of producing and sharing child pornography after meeting a boy on a dating app and allegedly enticing him to engage in sex acts.
The 53-year-old Matthew Tivy, who owns Cafe du Soleil in New York City's Upper West Side and has appeared on the Food Network, was arrested after authorities found videos of him having sex with a Bronx teenager, prosecutors said.
Click here for the full article and video.
Source: NBC News
Obama Weighs White House Moves on Gun Control
By
As President Obama heads to Roseburg, Oregon for closed-door visits with families of the victims of last week's shootings at Umpqua Community College, the White House is considering wading once more into the politically-fraught issue of gun control.
The administration is reconsidering a major gun control proposal that would establish new guidelines for who is legally defined as a licensed gun dealer and therefore required to conduct background checks on potential buyers, administration officials tell NBC News. The proposal would define anyone that sells more a certain number of guns each year "in the business" of selling guns and therefore subject to laws for gun dealers.
Click here for the full article and videos.
Source: NBC News
Pentagon Ending Program to Train, Equip Syria Rebels
By , and
LONDON — The Pentagon on Friday will announce the official end of its failed $500 million program to "train and equip" Syrian rebels and replace it with a far less ambitious plan, defense officials said.
The "training" part of the program — which managed to field only "four or five" Syrian rebels into the battle against ISIS at a cost of about $50 million — will be halted, according to senior defense officials.
Instead of combat training for the rebels, they will now be used as "enablers" to identify ISIS targets on the ground for U.S. and coalition airstrikes. They will also be advised on how to interact with U.S. military "at a distance," and there will be no American forces on the ground in Syria.
Click here for the full article.
Afghan Aid Workers, Civilians Will Bear the Brunt After MSF Hospital Bombing – Experts
Reuters, 09/10 16:14 CET
By Nita Bhalla
By Nita Bhalla
NEW DELHI
(Thomson Reuters Foundation) – Afghan aid workers and civilians will
suffer the most after the deadly U.S. bombing of a hospital run by the
charity Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) in the northern city of Kunduz, experts said on Friday.
At least 22 patients and MSF
staff were killed on Saturday when a U.S. aircraft attacked the hospital
during fighting between Afghan government troops and Taliban forces.
MSF, which wants an independent
international probe into the airstrike, says it has withdrawn its staff
from Kunduz and is reviewing all its operations in Afghanistan “to
carefully weigh the safety and security of staff and patients.”
Click here for the full article.
Source: Euronews
Senior Iranian Revolutionary Guards General Killed in Syria – IRGC
General Hossein Hamedani
Reuters, 09/10 14:37 CET
By Parisa Hafezi
ANKARA (Reuters) – An Iranian
Revolutionary Guards general has been killed near Aleppo while advising
the Syrian army on their battle against Islamic State fighters, the
guards said in a statement on Friday.
The Guards said General Hossein Hamedani was killed on
Thursday night and that he had “played an important role … reinforcing
the front of Islamic resistance against the terrorists”.
Iran is the main regional ally of Syrian President Bashar
al-Assad and has provided military and economic support during Syria’s
four-year-old civil war.
Hamedani, a veteran of the 1980-88 Iran-Iraq war, was made deputy chief commander of the elite forces in 2005.
Click here for the full article.
Source: Euronews
Migrant Crisis: EU Ministers Agree to Step Up Deportations and Beef Up Borders
EU governments have agreed to step up deportations of migrants deemed to be illegal.
Creating a border guard force has also been on the agenda at a meeting of interior ministers in Luxembourg.
It comes amid a surge in refugees fleeing Syria’s civil war.
“Guarding the external borders of the European Union
is priority number one. That’s the most important recognition for
today. And of course the activities to support Frontex (EU border
agency) to increase its person (staff), this is most important too.”
Ministers also agreed to exert more “leverage” on African and other
states to make them accept citizens who are refused entry to Europe.
Click here for the full article and video.
Source: Euronews
Thursday, October 8, 2015
House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi Weekly Briefing
House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi holds her weekly briefing with
reporters at the Capitol and answers questions on a range of issues,
including the legislative agenda and the Republican leadership
elections.
Click here for video.
Source: C-Span
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