Dear Neighbors & Friends,
The Assembly is concluding our legislative session today, and while there were several groundbreaking achievements, there were also some missed opportunities and disappointments. I’m particularly pleased that we passed the Clean Slate bill, a bill to establish a unique assisted living program for people with neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, a commission to explore remedies and reparations from the impact of slavery in New York, a bill to
ban non-compete clauses in employment contracts that restrict where a person can work after employment ends, and my bill to remove overweight trucks from the BQE. Below are key highlights, but feel free to reach out to my office about any particular questions.
You can also meet me at Java with Jo Anne this Friday in Carroll Gardens to discuss policy or community issues (6/23, 9:30am-11am, Emma's Torch, 345 Smith St,
RSVP here). I am eager to be back in the district so I can spend more time meeting with members of the community, attending local events, researching policy issues and building coalitions for some of the initiatives that did not pass this year. I will see you around the district!
Sincerely,
Jo Anne Simon
P.S. Remember that Early Voting has started! It runs through Saturday, June 17 and Election Day is Tuesday, June 27. To find your poll site and times polls are open, please click here or call 1-866-Vote-NYC.
End of Session Highlights:
The New York State legislature passed the Clean Slate Act, sealing criminal records after a sentence is served and a waiting period. Individuals who have paid their debt to society deserve a second chance and this bill will help them to find jobs, housing and education. It will reduce systemic barriers for Black and brown New Yorkers and invest billions in the economy and was also strongly supported by New York’s business community. I want to thank the bill sponsors Assemblymember Catalina Cruz and NYS Senator Zellnor Myrie for leading on this issue.
We also passed a bill that would make it unlawful to discharge any radiological substance into the Hudson River in connection with the decommissioning of the Indian Point Nuclear Power plant. After years of cleaning up the toxic waste in the Hudson, I believe the river should be sparkling on the sun, not glowing in the dark. I’m exaggerating a bit, but I can’t think of anything New Yorkers want less than radioactive waste dumped into the Hudson River. The discharge of nuclear waste into the Hudson poses a substantial risk to the local economy and quite likely the health of the area’s communities. Because the Hudson is tidal up to Kingston and flows both north and south, the downstream impacts of radiological waste down the Hudson to the harbor are something we should all be concerned about.
My bill to establish a deadline for changing the location of an early polling site passed both the Assembly and the Senate unanimously. No early voting site may change location within 48 hours of when early voting is set to begin. Citizens deserve to be informed about their polling locations and shouldn't be burdened with last minute changes.
Removing Overweight Trucks from the BQE - Victory! The first-in-the-nation Weigh in Motion (WIM) program to electronically ticket overweight trucks on the BQE can move forward! These massive illegal trucks have no place in NYC. The BQE triple cantilever is deteriorating, and the WIM program will remove these trucks from our streets and extend the life of the BQE. Not only will this reduce the harmful carbon emissions these trucks produce, but it will provide us more time so that we can reimagine a 21st century transportation corridor. Thanks to my partner Senator Andrew Gounardes, as well as NYC DOT and Council Member Lincoln Restler. I’ve urged Governor Hochul to sign this into law as soon as possible.
The conventional enforcement method of taking a truck off the road and weighing it on a stationary scale is highly impractical and in the BQE corridor, virtually impossible. This state-of-the-art system will record the axle weights and gross weights of vehicles and will electronically issue violations to offending trucks. Regular calibration checks will ensure the WIM program will be implemented using the highest standards in the nation, making sure the system is accurate in its enforcement. As you know, I first passed WIM with Senator Brian Kavanagh a few years ago, but this new bill was needed to ensure that calibration checks for this new system can be properly implemented. Read more about it here and here.
Bills that Passed One House Only. I once again passed the Local Involvement in Community Healthcare (LICH) Act with bipartisan support, but was disappointed that again it was not taken up by the Senate. This bill ensures if a hospital is closing – or a critical unit such as an emergency or maternity department is losing – that the public receives advance notice and an opportunity to be heard at a public forum. The bill also ensures that the health department has a review before a hospital or major department is closed; this will increase patient safety and transparency while giving communities a voice in their healthcare options.
Dyslexia Screening for People who are Incarcerated. With unanimous support and a vote of 145-0, the Assembly passed my bill to screen for dyslexia and provide literacy instruction to incarcerated individuals. People who are incarcerated are twice as likely to be dyslexic as the general population. My bill would have helped people reenter society and prepare for their future. All New Yorkers have a right to learn how to read. Unfortunately, the bill did not receive a vote in the Senate.
School Lockdown Drills. This year, I introduced a new bill with Senator Gounardes to ensure that the New York schools are conducting at least one effective, trauma-informed lockdown drill, rather than the current mandate of 4 drills which are highly problematic and not guided by evidence-based procedures. Lockdown drills to prepare schools for active shooters have proven to be ineffective and very stressful for students, and are associated with increased anxiety and depression among schoolchildren. Some children even fear for their lives not understanding their drill was a simulation. In addition to reducing the arbitrary mandate, my bill will ensure parents are notified in advance of these drills, and give them the option to opt-out should they choose. We must not do more harm than good to our students, and this legislation looks to evidence-based solutions to address gun violence in our state. I’m disappointed that this bill did not get a vote in the Assembly, but I’m glad that it passed the Senate. I will keep fighting for all of these bills next year.
Missed Opportunities: I’m profoundly disappointed that the Governor and the legislature were not able to make significant progress in addressing the housing crisis. Increasing supply alone will not get us out of the housing crisis; preserving affordable housing and creating new housing that is truly affordable are also critical elements. Evictions are currently on the rise across the city. In the 52nd AD, many buildings have been bought by private equity interests who upon taking ownership immediately doubled rents and/or issued notices of eviction to paying tenants, many of whom have lived in their apartments for over a decade, if not two or three.
After months of negotiations on the Governor's proposed housing compact failed to lead to a consensus with the legislature during the budget season, the Assembly and the Senate established a Housing Working Group to tackle the issue again. The legislature reached an agreement that would address the above-mentioned issues constructively, including a limited extension of 421a tax credit deadlines for planned projects like Gowanus, elements of good cause eviction protections for renters, and support for conversions of commercial properties into housing. No one got everything they wanted, but we came together on a plan that would pass in both houses. However, It was not sufficiently well-received by the Governor’s office, even with the watering down of protections for renters like good cause eviction for the city only. I trust that all parties will continue to discuss this critical issue and come up with a plan that is less cookie cutter than the Executive’s original proposal, and allows for new housing in addition to better protections for tenants, more affordability and preservation of existing housing.
The proposed NY Home Energy Affordable Transition Act (HEAT) protects ratepayers, our affordable clean energy future, and safeguards our grid. It would end ratepayer subsidization of new fossil fuel infrastructure, aka the “100 foot rule”, which New Yorkers pay for through their utility bills. It would codify New York's climate mandates into the public service law, which would give the Public Service Commission (PSC) the authority and direction to align regulations and planning with the state's clean energy goals. Finally, it would cap utility bills for most New Yorkers, ensuring that ratepayers aren't footing the bill for the expansion of fossil fuel infrastructure. I know this resonates with constituents most of whom are aware that the costs of the Gowanus uplands clean-up – for which National Grid is the Responsible Party under the Superfund designation – is being borne by consumers in rate hike after rate hike. This bill passed the Senate, but did not receive a vote in the Assembly. I am extremely disappointed, but will keep fighting for this.
Another bill that should have moved forward is the Climate Change Superfund Act which puts a price tag on the fossil fuel industry’s contributions to climate change. It requires the most prolific oil and gas producers to pay $3 billion dollars a year for the next 25 years to cover their share of total greenhouse gas emissions.
I am also deeply disappointed that Sammy’s law was not able to pass in the Assembly this year. I have long supported local control of our speed limits and Sammy’s law (so named in memory of Sammy Cohen-Eckstein who was struck by a car in 2013 just shy of his 13th birthday), would allow New York City to do just that. Unfortunately, it does not yet have enough support to pass this session, so we will be back at it in January.
Finally, the legislature passed revisions to its program for public financing of political campaigns. The original bill was tough to get into the budget and passed in 2020 for various reasons, including that many legislators didn’t support the notion of public financing of campaigns – it’s deeply unpopular with their constituents who don't believe their hard-earned money should be paying for campaigns, but on school lunches or child care or other services. I would like to fund all of those things, but I also strongly support public financing of campaigns. The New York City public campaign finance system is considered the gold standard, and several changes to the 2020 law were made through this bill to better align it with the City’s approach. Among those are (1) matching the first $250 of a contributor’s donation up to the maximum allowable contribution, instead of penalizing a candidate by not matching the donation at all if someone donates a bit more than the matchable contribution. In the Assembly, the maximum contribution is $3,000 (it was $4,700 before the 2020 legislation took effect). Further, (2) candidates are able to get public matching funds earlier in the election cycle – again conforming to the NYC Campaign Finance Board’s rules. This helps because many campaign expenses are incurred up front and this allows candidates (including challengers) to make the best use of the funds when it counts and levels the playing field significantly.
In addition, the minimum number of donors and the minimum amount of contributions raised to be eligible for the matching funds program were increased. While some have criticized this change, I believe that candidates will be able to meet these criteria and qualify for public funds because the criteria are achievable.
Java with Jo Anne in Carroll Gardens on Friday, June 23. 9:30am. Is there a community issue or current event you’re passionate about? Come and talk with me about it! Join me and your neighbors for a cup of coffee at my next "Java with Jo Anne.” We will meet at Emma's Torch at 345 Smith St from 9:30-11am. Please RSVP here. We are excited to host this event at Emma's Torch during their new hours; we are big fans of their mission to empower refugees.
New Report Shows NYS Teacher Prep Programs are Woefully Inadequate in Teaching Children to Read. The National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ) just released a report that shows New York State’s teacher preparation is woefully inadequate and performs worse than the national average on several fronts. Nationally, only 25% of programs adequately train future teachers how to utilize the scientific methods, which includes the 5 core components of reading identified by the National Reading Panel in 2000. Not a single New York literacy program prepares our teachers of tomorrow for all 5 pillars of reading instruction. Perhaps even worse: 45% of teaching programs in New York State fail to utilize any of the 5 pillars of evidenced-based literacy instruction that has proven effective for decades. This only perpetuates the dismal reading proficiency levels in our state.
Therefore, I am introducing a new bill to require the NY State Education Department to survey New York’s teacher education programs to identify the programs that are using evidenced-based practices consistent with how the brain reads, and the programs that continue to use debunked methods that will ultimately fail to teach our children to read. This will allow us to identify obstacles and solutions to our literacy crisis. Literacy rates among children are at a crisis level in New York State: over two-thirds of fourth-graders are unable to read proficiently, which is even worse than the national average.
Protecting Abortion Care. There has been an alarming rise of anti-abortion extremist groups terrorizing patients who are seeking healthcare through intimidation tactics, threats of violence, and physically blockading abortion clinics here in New York. Attorney General Tish James is suing the most egregious offender, Red Rose Rescue. This lawsuit sends a clear message to anti-abortion extremist groups who violate Federal and State laws: you are not welcome in New York. Our state has done everything in our power to protect abortion access and make New York the most inviting state for reproductive healthcare in the nation.
NYC DOT’s Plans for BQE Central: Atlantic Avenue Interchange & Cobble Hill. NYC DOT revealed potential plans for BQE Central’s Zone 5, which includes much of Cobble Hill including the Atlantic Avenue interchange and Van Voorheis park. The community has long called for better air quality and street safety, especially along Atlantic Avenue and the BQE on and off ramps, which are among the most dangerous in the nation. Instead, the DOT revealed a plan that prioritizes trucks and cars and looks like it came straight out of a Robert Moses playbook. I’m deeply concerned that the plan will encourage more traffic and more pollution since vehicles would be closer to homes and the trucks climbing steep ramps will emit increased emissions. I can’t imagine that the plans comply with the state’s climate mandates, or the climate goals set by the city and nation. It was clear at the public forum that the community had serious concerns and I’ve urged DOT to weigh them carefully. You can read about the plans in the Eagle’s article here.
It is very clear that the public needs MORE engagement in BQE Central redesign for Zone 5. This section of BQE Central has not received the same amount of attention or public meetings as the other zones, and DOT had assured the community months ago when plans for the other zones were released that the area was being studied. Council Member Shahana Hanif, Senator Andrew Gounardes and I wrote a letter to NYC DOT expressing the need for more engagement in this area.
Public Meeting on the BQE Triple Cantilever Summer Repairs, 6/29. City DOT is hosting a virtual meeting next Thursday, June 29th at 6pm to discuss their plans for significant repairs to the BQE triple cantilever. They will begin overnight work in July, which is expected to last for about two months and will end in two weekend closures in September. This work is critical to preserving the safety of the BQE, but will be disruptive to the Brooklyn Heights community, particularly where the BQE intersects with Clark Street and Grace Court. Basic information on the repairs is here. RSVP for the meeting here.
Happy Pride! Pride Month is a time to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community, which has always been an integral part of Brooklyn’s history, as well as its present and future. I’m wishing you all a safe and joyous pride!
It’s not just an exuberant celebration, though: Pride began as a protest and continues to underscore the need to defend the rights of all human beings. I will always do my best to be a solid ally and stand up for the LGBTQ+ community and stand with transgender youth and their families, who have particularly been the target of vicious attacks. According to the Human Rights Campaign, more than 525 anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been introduced in 41 states this year alone, and more than 75 have become law.
I’m also so glad that we passed the New York Safe Haven for Transgender Youth and Families Act this year to ensure that gender-affirming care remains protected and available for all New Yorkers. We also passed a LGBTQ+ bill of rights for nursing home and assisted living residents, sponsored by my colleague Assemblymember Harry Bronson.
Brooklyn Pride Parade
Downtown Brooklyn Shelter Clothing Drive. Our office is collecting new or very gently used men’s clothing for a shelter in our district, along with Council Member Restler. Needed items include work boots, shorts, t-shirts, tank tops, socks, and sneakers. Donations can be dropped off at my district office at 341 Smith St Monday-Friday between 9am-5pm through early July.
Free Summer Meals for Students. Starting June 29, 2023, all children 18 and younger will be eligible to receive free breakfast and lunch meals at sites across the City, including schools, parks and pools, in all five boroughs. No identification or application is required and meals will be available Monday through Friday. Breakfast will be served from 8am to 9:15am and lunch will be served from 11am to 1:15pm at designated sites. Find a site near you.
MTA Public Hearings on Proposed Rate Increases. The MTA Board will be considering changes to the MTA's fares and tolls over the next few months. Members of the public may comment on these specific changes and/or provide feedback by submitting a comment here. You may also comment at the MTA’s public hearings, which will be in a hybrid format allowing for remote access via Zoom and in-person access at MTA headquarters at 2 Broadway.
Cooling Assistance Benefit. The application period for the 2023 Cooling Assistance benefit will end close of business on August 31, 2023, or until funds are no longer available (whichever comes first). Applications for the Cooling Assistance benefit can be submitted in-person, by phone, or through ACCESS HRA. Eligible households receive a cooling benefit of up to $800 for the purchase and installation of an air conditioner. If one cannot be installed safely, a fan will be provided. Please visit this link for further information.
DEC Gowanus Brownfield Public Comment Periods: 251 Douglass Street & President Street Properties at President and Bond. NYSDEC and NYSDOH are inviting the public to comment on proposed remedies being reviewed to address contamination related to two brownfield sites: 251 Douglass Street & President Street Properties at President and Bond. According to their Fact Sheets, these sites pose “significant” threats to the environment. Primary contaminants of concern at both sites are petroleum-related volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in soil, groundwater, and soil vapor, semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) and metals in historic fill material, and chlorinated VOCs in groundwater and soil vapor; at 251 Douglass, both coal tar in the form of DNAPL and PCE have been detected.
Please review the Draft Remedial Action Work Plan materials & submit your comments! 251 Douglass. President Street Properties.
Community Events/Information
- Community Discussion with DSS on Thurs, June 22, 6:30-8pm. The Department of Social Services (DSS) wants to hear from you! Join DSS for a virtual meeting. Share your thoughts on how they can improve access to benefits like SNAP, Cash Assistance, and more. Advanced registration is required as space is limited. Sign up now to share any language or accessibility needs.
- Community Board 2 Health Fair on Sat. June 24, 11am-4pm. Join CB 2 and Friends of Commodore Barry Park for their “Better Living, Better Health” Fair. This event will have onsite medical professionals providing free Covid testing and blood pressure testing as well as yoga, children’s story time, and an expert panel on “Mental Health and Maternal Health.” This event will take place at Commodore Barry Park.
- Need Brown Bags for Leaves or Compost? If you have leftover leaves and want to do some spring cleaning, stop by our office to pick up DSNY’s brown paper lawn & leaf bags (leaves, flowers, twigs, and grass clippings can be put out for DSNY to pick up as compost).
