Brewer Hosts Job Opportunities Workshop
Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer (D) will be hosting a workshop today about opportunities to work on the 2020 Census.
The workshop will inform attendees how to navigate the census’s online system, how to find out what kind of work they’re eligible for, and how to put together an application for their desired position.
The event is slated for today from 4-6 p.m. at 431 West 25th St. To reserve a spot, call 212-531-1609.
Hoylman Writes Loophole-Closing Bill
A bill sponsored by State Senator Brad Hoylman (D-Chelsea, Midtown), which legalizes jury trials for low-level charges in NYC, just cleared the Codes Committee in the State Senate.
The legislation was written in the wake of last year’s People v. Suazo decision, which ruled that those facing misdemeanor charges in New York City can still be afforded trial by jury if they risk being deported as a result of their charges. Although New York State law mandates that anyone is entitled to a trial by jury regardless of immigration status, this protection does not apply to New York City due to a legal loophole – which this bill is attempting to close.
“I think my colleagues recognize that it is unfair that if you’re charged with a misdemeanor that carries six months or less in New York City you’re not entitled to a jury trial, but if you’re charged with that outside of New York City, you do get one,” Hoylman said.
Velazquez, Sanders Unveil Legislation to Provide Nutrition Assistance to Puerto Rico
Representative Nydia Velazquez (D-Lower East Side, Chinatown) and Senator Bernie Sanders (D-Vermont) introduced a new piece of legislation yesterday that would secure nutritional aid for Puerto Rico and other American territories.
The bill, entitled the Equitable Nutrition Assistance for the Territories Act of 2019, would restore Puerto Rico’s, American Samoa’s and the Northern Mariana Islands’ access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
The territories were removed from the program in the late 80’s, and received a block grant – the Nutrition Assistance Program – to administer assistance. In practice, those assisted under the Nutrition Assistance Program receive less funding and fewer benefits than SNAP recipients.
“Puerto Ricans are American citizens who fight and die in our wars,” said Velazquez. “It is shameful and unconscionable that, when it comes to food security, they receive disparate treatment through a program that fails to help them when they need it most. No child in our nation should ever go hungry, but especially not after a natural disaster.”
Johnson Calls for Immediate Action on Deteriorating 7 Train
City Council Speaker Corey Johnson (D-Chelsea, Hell’s Kitchen) will be accompanied by City Councilmen Francisco Moya (D-Elmhurst, Jackson Heights), Daniel Dromm (D-Elmhurst, Jackson Heights) and Jimmy Van Bramer (D-Sunnyside, Woodside) for a press conference about the dire state of the 7 train.
The conference comes on the heels of an incident yesterday in which falling debris from under the 7 line hit a passing motorist at 62nd Street and Roosevelt Avenue. Johnson and Co. will be demanding a response from the MTA on what they plan to do to prevent further incidents like this from happening.
The conference is slated for today at 1 p.m. on the steps of City Hall.
