High Rates of Parole Supervision and Reincarceration Continue in Wisconsin

Milwaukee - A new report released today by the Justice Lab at Columbia University has found that Wisconsin has unusually high rates of community corrections supervision and reincarceration, adding considerably to the state’s prison populations and costing Wisconsin taxpayers millions annually. 

WISDOM and EXPO will present these findings, offer personal testimonies from those who experience these abuses, and strategize for change at events on January 23 in Madison, Milwaukee and Eau Claire.

The Madison presentation of the report will be live-streamed by WisconsinEye at 10 a.m. on wiseye.org/live.

"Mass Supervision" refers to the huge increase in the number of people who are on probation, parole or “extended supervision.”  These are people who are not in a jail or prison, but who are under the control of the Corrections system.  People on Supervision are deprived of some basic rights, such as the right to vote and the right to due process before being punished.  The report shows that Wisconsin's use of Supervision and of  crimeless revocations is excessive, and presents safe, reasonable alternatives.

Authored by Jarred Williams, Vincent Schiraldi and Kendra Bradner, The Wisconsin Community Corrections Story investigates the historical context of community corrections in Wisconsin, and looks particularly at racial disparities in the state’s community supervision and revocation rates, which are higher than national disparity rates. It concludes with recommendations to shrink the footprint of community corrections in the state, reduce unnecessary incarceration of people under supervision, and reduce inequities.

Click here for the full announcement. 

Click here for the full report. 

Click here for the executive summary.

Source: WISDOM

Chase Iron Eyes: Trump’s Mocking of Native Americans Gives License to Others to Denigrate My People

Tentative Deal Reached by LA School District, Striking Teachers Union

The announcement begins at the 11:45 mark.

Can the Women's March Sustain Momentum and Overcome Internal Tension?

This report was published on YouTube on January 21.

Special Counsel Did Not Take BuzzFeed Report Lightly, According to Journalist Investigating Story

Pompeo Addresses World Economic Forum in Davos as Trump Stays Home

SCOTUS Allows Transgender Military Ban to Go Into Effect

Statement from Governor Andrew Cuomo 

"The Supreme Court has greenlit an abhorrent policy that not only endorses discrimination in our armed forces, but also undermines national security by blocking talented and dedicated people from serving their country. President Trump's disgraceful ban on most transgender troops serving in the military repays service and sacrifice with hate and it takes our military backward by undercutting this nation's commitment to ensuring equal rights for all. 

"In New York, we stand united with the transgender community. We took action in 2015 to affirm that all transgender people are protected under the State's Human Rights Law, and this year we are enshrining those protections in State law once and for all with the Gender Expression Nondiscrimination Act. While this federal government governs by bigotry and division, New York will always fight back to ensure the dignity and respect of every individual." 

Source: The Office of Governor Andrew Cuomo 

Ex-Marine Appears in Court in Moscow

SUNY and CUNY to Assist Students Impacted by Federal Shutdown

 

Governor Andrew Cuomo has directed SUNY and CUNY to assist students with college-related expenses during the prolonged federal shutdown. Payments for tuition and related college expenses will be postponed, and no late fees or penalties will be charged to impacted students. This temporary reprieve will apply to federal employees, dependents of federal employees, and students who are dependent on loans from the federal government that may be delayed.

"As the federal shutdown continues to devastate the hardworking men and women of this country, New York's students are among those hit hardest by Washington's inaction," Governor Cuomo said. "We will not stand idly by as the federal administration undermines students' ability to achieve a higher education, and today's action will help ensure furloughed federal workers and their families get the support they need during this precarious time."

SUNY and CUNY leadership will work with their respective campuses to make financial arrangements for impacted students and their families.

The move follows the Governor's call for the New York State Department of Labor to provide increased support to workers seeking unemployment insurance benefits and the State's Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance to help those working without pay apply for and obtain public assistance benefits.

Click here for the full announcement. 

Source: The Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo 

Department of Civil Service Offers New Professional Career Opportunities Exam

The Department of Civil Service today announced the next holding of the Professional Career Opportunities (PCO) exam, a State exam that provides college graduates and job-seekers with access to a wide array of job opportunities across State government. The PCO exam will be held this year on April 6, 7, and 13 in locations throughout New York State.

The PCO exam is one civil service exam that is used by State agencies to fill more than 100 different entry-level professional job types across a wide range of disciplines - including health and human services, environmental conservation, human resources, administrative analysis, and transportation. Since the last holding of the PCO exam in 2017, approximately 1,000 job seekers have been hired to positions in various State agencies across New York.

“The Professional Career Opportunities Exam provides job-seekers, including soon-to-be college graduates, with the unique opportunity to gain access to a number of rewarding and meaningful careers with New York State,” said Department of Civil Service Acting Commissioner Lola W. Brabham. “I encourage all interested candidates to apply for this exam and learn more about joining New York’s diverse and dedicated workforce.”

In 2017, the PCO exam was expanded to college juniors and held at local universities and colleges for the first time, to complement the Department’s larger strategic efforts to expand testing venues and reach a diverse pool of candidates. Individuals with a bachelor’s degree and college juniors and seniors expecting to earn a bachelor’s degree by September 1, 2020 are eligible to apply for the PCO exam.

Qualified candidates must complete and submit an exam application by February 20, 2019. To view the exam announcement and apply online, visit: www.cs.ny.gov/pco.  

“New York State has many job opportunities, and the Department of Civil Service is a tremendous resource for our SUNY students interested in working in state government,” said SUNY Chancellor Kristina M. Johnson. “A SUNY degree coupled with the Department’s Professional Career Opportunities exam can be a successful first step in a long-term career.”

“Employment with New York State gives dedicated individuals the chance to pursue a valuable service career and the opportunity to make a real and positive difference in the lives of their fellow New Yorkers,” said Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon. “The PCO exam opens doors to many meaningful, well-paying career paths and expands the talent pool for state agencies.” 

The PCO exam is anticipated to be held in the following locations.

Albany: SUNY Albany, Hackett Middle School, Bryant and Stratton College, Colonie High School, Myers Middle School

Amsterdam: Lynch Middle School

Binghamton: Binghamton High School

Bronx: Bronx Community College

Brooklyn: Midwood High School

Buffalo: Southside Elementary School, Erie Community College

Fredonia: SUNY Fredonia

Hicksville: SUNY Old Westbury, Hicksville Middle School

Kingston: Kingston High School

Manhattan: Lower East Side Preparatory High School

Middletown: Orange County Community College

Nyack: Nyack High School

Port Jefferson: Comsewogue High School

Potsdam: SUNY Potsdam

Poughkeepsie: Poughkeepsie High School

Rochester: East High School

Saranac Lake: Saranac Lake High School

Saratoga: Saratoga Springs High School

Syracuse: Bryant and Stratton College

Troy: Hudson Valley Community College

Utica: Notre Dame High School

Watertown: Watertown High School 

The majority of positions filled through this exam require two-year traineeships during which individuals gain the necessary knowledge and experience to perform the full responsibilities of the position. An introductory video, questionnaire, and more details regarding exam eligibility can also be found at www.cs.ny.gov/pco.  

The New York State Department of Civil Service is the principal human resources provider for the Executive Branch of State Government, serving approximately 150,000 employees. The Department provides examination services and supports civil service administration to 70 State and 94 municipal agencies.

To receive notifications for announcements of upcoming State civil service exams, sign up for email notifications. 

Source: The New York State Department of Civil Service

Employers Must File Soon to Prevent Delays in Employees' Tax Refunds

 
The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance reminded employers to accurately file their withholding taxes ahead of the January 31 deadline. This will help ensure that any refunds owed to their employees won’t be delayed.

Employers must remit the personal income taxes withheld from their employees’ wages, salaries, bonuses, commissions, and other similar income by filing a completed Form NYS-45, Quarterly Combined Withholding, Wage Reporting, and Unemployment Insurance Return, by the end of the month.

“Employees shouldn’t be deprived of receiving the tax refunds they’re due simply because their employer neglects to file an accurate and timely withholding tax return,” said Acting Commissioner Nonie Manion. “To help employers meet this obligation, we’re sharing the most common filing mistakes we see on Form NYS-45.”

Filing deadlines and common errors

For the 4th quarter return, due January 31, businesses must report annual wage and withholding information.

Employers should avoid these common errors to prevent a delay in refunds owed to their employees:
 

Reporting an incorrect federal employer identification number (EIN). Be sure to report the correct employer/payer EIN. If any numbers are transposed or incorrect, the return information may not be posted to the appropriate account. 

 

Failing to report all employees. Include in the annual filing every employee during the year—no matter the duration of their employment or the quarter in which they were employed.
 

Reporting 4th quarter wages only. Report the annual total federal gross wages subject to withholding tax, which include wages, salaries, bonuses, commissions, and other similar income. This amount is for the full calendar year, not just the 4th quarter.
 

Neglecting to report withholding for all jurisdictions. Report the total New York State, New York City, and Yonkers tax withheld (when applicable).
 

Reporting an incorrect total for the annual tax withheld. Verify that the total tax withheld reported on both Forms NYS-1 and NYS-45 for all four quarters reconciles with the grand total for New York State, New York City, and Yonkers tax withheld (when applicable).
Penalties for late filing or failure to file

Employers who fail to file a completed Form NYS-45 by the deadline face financial penalties of up to $10,000. They also risk delaying any tax refunds owed to their employees. That’s because the Tax Department will not issue the refunds until it verifies reported withholding amounts.

Visit the following links for additional information.

Important filing reminders for Form NYS-45 and Form NYS-45-ATT

Withholding tax filing requirements

Source: The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance

Four Charged in Plot to Attack Muslim Community in NY Using IEDs

 

ROCHESTER, N. Y. - Three men and a teenage boy have been arrested and charged in Greece for an apparent conspiracy to use improvised explosive devices in a plot against an Islamic community located just outside Binghamton.

Greece Police arrested Vincent Vetromile, 19, Andrew Crysel, 18, and Brian Colaneri, 20, and charged each of them with three counts of first-degree criminal possession of a weapon and one count of fourth-degree conspiracy. 

Click here for the full article. 

Source: ABC 13 WHAM

New York Passes a Ban on ‘Conversion Therapy’ After Years-Long Efforts

 

By Michael Gold

Between 2012 and 2018, 14 states and Washington, D.C., passed laws prohibiting “conversion therapy” for minors. Deep-blue New York was not among them.

That finally changed this month when the State Legislature voted overwhelmingly to bar mental health professionals from working to change a minor’s sexual orientation or gender identity.

As jurisdictions across the country began solidifying protections for the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender communities, conversion therapy became part of the public discourse. In 2016, L.G.B.T. groups denounced the Republican Party for adopting a platform that seemed to lend support to the technique, which had long been discredited by the medical establishment.

Vice President Mike Pence has been particularly dogged by criticism; the groups say Mr. Pence had previously been in favor of conversion therapy, a stance that he has denied.

Click here for the full article.

Source: The New York Times

'Future Hope' Column: Remembering Dr. King

 

By Ted Glick

I was marching on Broad St. and Market St. in downtown Newark, NJ with 100 other people last week on January 15, the day 90 years ago Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was born. Following the lead of Larry Hamm, chair of the Peoples Organization for Progress, organizers of this demonstration, we chanted: “What do we want? Justice! When do we want it? Now!;” “Stop Police Brutality in the Black Community;” “Martin Luther King, Live Like Him! Fannie Lou Hamer, Live Like Her! Ella Baker, Live Like Her!” and others.

As we approached the end of the march back at the Martin Luther King statue where we had started, I found myself reflecting on my personal connection to Dr. King.

When I was about 15, living in Lancaster, Pa., my father took me to hear him speak at Franklin and Marshall College. Then, a few years later, while a freshman at college in Grinnell, Iowa, I heard him speak again. After he finished, I went up front and shook his hand. About a month later he was dead.

I thought about my father and mother. My dad was active in Lancaster in the desegregation movement, and when Dr. King and SCLC put out a call in 1965 for people to come to Selma, Alabama to take part in the Selma to Montgomery march, he answered the call, going down with others.

The main thing I remember about those days is my mom crying as she was saying a prayer before our family dinner one of the evenings dad was away. I think it was the only time I ever saw her cry.

Then there was April 4, 1968, the day King was assassinated. I was very shaken by the news that evening, so shaken that I did something I’d never done before: take action for social change. I wrote up a short petition to Congress, calling upon them to address the conditions Dr. King was trying to change, put it up on the wall the next morning inside the student mailroom, and then sent it off to Congress with about 500 signatures a couple of days later.

It was my first activist action, the beginning of a road as an activist and organizer for progressive, revolutionary change that I am still on and will be to the day I die, God willing.

I’ve heard lots and lots of his speeches and read some of his books, though I really should read more of them, especially his writings toward the end of his life when his experiences fighting for the rights of Black people had led him to realize that what was needed was a movement which united people for fundamental, transformative change in the whole society. For example, here’s one MLK quote, from May 1965 in a speech to the Negro American Labor Council: “Call it democracy, or call it democratic socialism, but there must be a better distribution of wealth within this country for all God’s children.”

Every year this birthday anniversary comes around, and every year I find myself moved emotionally by the things I remember, the speeches and words of MLK’s that I hear or read again, some for the first time. This morning I heard on Democracy Now! Dr. King saying, among many other things, that a person who is not prepared to die for what they believe is a person who hasn’t learned what life is all about.

Martin Luther King, Jr., live like him.

Ted Glick has been a progressive activist, organizer and writer since 1968. Past writings and other information can be found at https://tedglick.com, and he can be followed on Twitter at https://twitter.com/jtglick.

Martin Luther King III and Daughter Speak About Preserving MLK's Legacy

This report was published on YouTube on January 20.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Speaking on Federal Subsidies for White Land Owners

This video was published on YouTube on August 11, 2013. 

Roy Tatem: Dr. King preaches the pure unadulterated truth in Mississippi, 1968.

Students Release Balloons with Messages to Honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

This report was published on YouTube on January 18. 

WBIR: Second Graders at Pond Gap Elementary honor the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by releasing balloons with messages they have written. The idea came from a student who wanted to release a message in the sky so that the late Dr. King would receive it.

'The Myth of Time' by Martin Luther King Jr.

This video was published on YouTube on February 17, 2017. 

Source: Matt Orfalea

Miri Ben-Ari - Symphony Of Brotherhood (featuring Martin Luther King Jr)

This video was published on YouTube on February 22, 2007. 

Miri Ben-Ari: A soulful sound delivering of the historic "I Have a Dream" speech. Miri dedicated this song to the message of tolerance. Cameo by pianist George Duke.

Martin Luther King Jr.: The Inner Life and Global Vision

This video was published on YouTube on June 22, 2018. 

Organization of American Historians: An OAH Lecture by Clayborne Carson, Centennial Professor of History and founding director of the King Research and Education Institute, Stanford University.

Martin Luther King Jr. Nobel Peace Prize Acceptance Speech

Nobel Prize: Martin Luther King Jr. held his acceptance speech in the auditorium of the University of Oslo on 10 December 1964. 

Copyright © Norsk Rikskringkasting AS 2012

Governor Andrew Cuomo: MLK's Mission and the Justice Agenda

 

"Today we honor and celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who dedicated his life to an unrelenting commitment to justice, fairness and equality. He was a leader who inspired us and believed that we could shape a better future for our children and our children's children. 

"In New York, we are proud to be continuing his fight for justice. We know there is still much work to do, which is why I put forth our Justice Agenda to advance social, racial and economic justice — the causes that Dr. King lived for and died for. Through this Justice Agenda, we are leading the fight for education equity to ensure all of our students receive the resources and opportunities they need to succeed; we are spearheading historic criminal justice reform, including ending cash bail and passing speedy trial and discovery reform; and we are continuing Dr. King's fight for quality affordable housing for all. 

"In these challenging times, New York must lead the way more than ever before. So on this day named after Dr. King, let us honor him, not just by recognizing his achievements in the fight for justice, but by doing the hard work he asked of us." 

Source: The Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo

Martin Luther King Jr. on Life in the United States and the Fight for Equality (1959)

This video was published on YouTube on January 15.

The Language of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

This video was published on YouTube on February 29, 2016. 

Source: The Language & Life Project

NBA Players Reflect on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr

This video was published on YouTube on January 17, 2016.

His Word Does Not Return Void: A Conversation with Rev. Dr. Bernice A. King

This video was published on YouTube on January 16. 

Source: YouVersion

I Am Martin Luther King, Jr. (Children's Book Read Aloud)

This video was published on YouTube on January 12, 2017. 

Author: Brad Meltzer
Illustrator: Christopher Eliopoulos

Governor Cuomo Holds Storm Briefing

Earlier today, Governor Andrew Cuomo held a briefing in Binghamton with state and local officials to outline the state's preparations for winter storm Harper. Governor Cuomo provided an update on the ongoing winter weather affecting communities statewide. As a large system forecasted to bring up to two feet of snow in some locations moves into the state this afternoon, the Governor has directed the State's Emergency Operation Center to raise their activation to level 3. 

Yesterday, the Governor directed the New York State Department of Transportation and the Thruway Authority to ban tractor-trailers and buses on the entire Thruway system, with the exception of I-95 in Westchester and Bronx counties, and most interstate highways starting at 3 p.m. today and lasting through the storm. 

Earlier this week, the Governor directed state agencies to conduct a number of preparatory measures, including the pre-deployment of critical assets, as well as the activation of both the State Emergency Operations Center and 450 members of the National Guard to assist with state storm response missions. Those measures all remain in effect. More information on the state's proactive preparedness efforts can be found here. 

 Source: NYGovCuomo

In Memoriam: Chief Petty Officer Shannon Kent

 

On January 18, Governor Andrew Cuomo directed that flags on State government buildings be flown at half-staff in honor of Navy Chief Cryptologic Technician (Interpretive) Shannon M. Kent, who was killed in Syria on Jan. 16. Chief Petty Officer Kent lived in Maryland and grew up in Pine Plains, New York. Flags will be lowered from today until interment. 

"The family of New York mourns the loss of Chief Petty Officer Shannon Kent, a courageous sailor who was killed in Syria earlier this week," Governor Cuomo said. "Chief Petty Officer Kent stepped up to serve her country and dedicated herself to a life of service, following in the footsteps of her father Colonel Stephen J. Smith of the State Police. We owe her our eternal gratitude for her selfless dedication and sacrifice. On behalf of all New Yorkers, I extend my deepest sympathies to her family and loved ones." 

Source: The Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo 

The following video has been posted in honor of Chief Petty Officer Kent and her service to the country. May she forever rest in peace.

'Flashback Friday': Top 10 Dumb Things Said by U.S. Politicians

This report was published on YouTube on April 14, 2015.

Nancy Kaufman of the National Council of Jewish Women to Receive JCPA Albert D. Chernin Award

 

The Jewish Council for Public Affairs (JCPA) has announced that Nancy Kaufman, CEO of the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) and lifelong civic leader, has been chosen as the 2019 recipient of the JCPA Albert D. Chernin Award. 

The award will be presented at the JCPA2019 Annual National Conference (February 9 – 12 at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, D.C.) 

The award, named after JCPA’s Executive Vice Chair Emeritus Albert D. Chernin, is given to Jewish leaders whose life work best exemplifies a commitment to freedom and the protection of the U.S. Bill of Rights.

"Nancy has been an unwavering advocate for a free and fair society throughout her distinguished career,” said David Bernstein, JCPA President and CEO. “She’s in a class of her own.”

Past recipients include Senator Ronald Wyden, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Rabbi David Saperstein, Professor Lawrence Tribe, Floyd Abrams, and Alan Dershowitz.
 
"Under Nancy’s leadership, NCJW has played a strong leading role fighting the good fight," said Melanie Roth Gorelick, JCPA Senior Vice President. "She has amplified the voice of Jewish women and ensured we were at the center of crucial coalitions, while encouraging women to run for office and to be advocates on important issues."

Kaufman has had a distinguished career as a public servant, advocate, and non-profit leader. Prior to joining NCJW, she served as the executive director of the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) of Boston for twenty years, where she led the social justice, Israel advocacy, and governmental affairs agendas for Boston’s Jewish Federation and its agencies.
 
This year's conference marks JCPA's 75th Anniversary. Hundreds of community relations leaders and activists are expected to attend, convening to tackle pressing issues at high level plenaries and workshops. Additionally, the JCPA 75th Anniversary Gala, on February 10, will recognize and honor JCPA's founding organizations and past chairs. 

Source: JCPA

Denver Offering to Help Furloughed Government Workers with Mortgage Payments

This video was published on YouTube on January 15. 

Fox31 Denver: In response to the partial government shutdown, the city and county of Denver is offering to help furloughed workers make mortgage payments.

Constitutional View: The Founders on Executive Power

This video was published on YouTube on March 3, 2016. 

Under the Constitution, the president was delegated the authority to execute laws passed by Congress, not create them with the stroke of a pen. 

Source: Tenth Amendment Center 

'The Drum Major Instinct': A Sermon by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Dr. King delivered this sermon at the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta on February 4, 1968.

Source: nicholasflyer

Faces of Philanthropy: African-American Donors

This video was published on YouTube on August 20, 2018. 

Source: Hampton Roads

Heroes of Law Enforcement

This video was published on YouTube on November 24, 2018. 

Source: The Sound Project

Military Homecoming Surprises (Compilation 2019)

This video was published on YouTube on January 5. 

Source: Welcome Home Soldiers

Make A Wish and Dallas Stars Bring 'Heaven' on the Ice for a 10-Year-Old Boy

This report was published on YouTube on January 16. 

Source: WFAA

Self Defense Techniques for Girls and Women

This report was published on YouTube on November 17, 2018. 

Source: Nick Drossos

180 Degrees: A Former Gang Member Turns His Life Around

This video was published on YouTube on July 26, 2018. 

Stenberg College: Gurd Jhattu is enrolled in Stenberg College’s Counseling Therapist diploma program and is an intern at Moving Forward Family Services, which provides accessible and affordable counseling. At Moving Forward, no one is turned away from quality counseling services because of lack of funds or long wait-lists.