[BwayDems] June 2011 - Monthly Update from Assembly Member O'Donnell

[Daniel J. O'Donnell]

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O'DONNELL NEWS -- JUNE 2011
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Community Office: 245 West 104th Street  •  (212) 866-3970


A MESSAGE FROM ASSEMBLY MEMBER DANIEL O'DONNELL
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As this year's legislative session draws to a close, there has been a 
flurry of activity at the State Capitol and many important pieces of 
legislation have been passed by the Assembly. One such bill that I am 
particularly proud to have voted for is A7400, which would extend the 
current moratorium in New York for the risky drilling practice known as 
hydraulic fracturing or “hydrofracking” for an additional year.

I have also reintroduced my bill, A7623, which would establish a ban on 
nos. 4 and 6 grade heating fuel oils. These heavy heating oils are 
currently the cause of serious pollution in our community. While the 
City recently implemented a new regulation that would stop usage of 
these heavy heating oils over time, the phase-out would not be complete 
for 19 years. This is far too long to wait for cleaner air – these 
pollutants are seriously affecting the health of our children and 
residents daily, and must be stopped sooner.

Additionally, there are a number of remaining legislative issues. First 
and foremost, the issue of rent regulation continues to loom large, with 
the current laws scheduled to sunset on June 15th. The Assembly has 
passed a strong bill, A2674A, that would renew rent regulation and 
repeal vacancy decontrol, and I am a proud co-sponsor of this crucial 
legislation. I unequivocally believe these essential protections must be 
continued and am hopeful the State Senate will agree before the 
deadline. I held a community forum regarding this important topic on May 
12th.  If you weren't able to attend, you are welcome to contact my 
office for further information.

Second, as of this writing on June 8th, it appears the Legislature will 
be passing new ethics reform legislation in coming days. The bill will, 
among other requirements, compel lawmakers to disclose outside income 
from business interests as well as any clients or customers who are 
doing business with the state. Additionally, it would provide a way to 
strip elected officials of their pensions should they commit a crime 
related to their public office. As Chair of the Assembly Committee on 
Ethics and Guidance, I know firsthand the importance of this legislation 
and will be leading discussion of the bill on the floor of the Assembly. 
I look forward to its passage, and will continue to fight for a more 
ethical, responsible Albany.

Finally, the establishment of Marriage Equality as a reality in our 
state is a top priority for me, both professionally and personally. On 
May 10th, I introduced this session's Marriage Equality bill in the 
Assembly, and have since been asking my colleagues for co-sponsorship. 
I'm proud to report that despite the departure from the Assembly of a 
number of progressive leaders, I have been able to collect more 
sponsorships than ever before. I continue to communicate with my 
colleagues regarding the tremendous importance of this legislation, and 
I am hopeful that Marriage Equality will become law.




ASSEMBLY MEMBER O'DONNELL'S FREE LEGAL CLINIC FOR TENANTS
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An opportunity for constituents with housing issues to consult with a 
volunteer attorney.

Call Joyce at (212) 866-3970 to make an appointment.

**Thursday, June 30th**




FREE SUMMER SOLSTICE MUSICAL PERFORMANCE IN MORNINGSIDE PARK
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As part of the citywide Make Music New York festival, John Luther Adams' 
large-scale percussion work Inuksuit will be presented in Morningside 
Park on this year's summer solstice, **June 21st, starting at 5PM.**

The piece was written specifically to be performed outdoors and 99 
percussionists from across North America will be participating. This is 
Inuksuit's urban outdoor premiere!

The performance is FREE and no tickets are required. Enter Morningside 
Park at 110th Street and Morningside Drive. The full schedule for Make 
Music New York can be found here: http://www.makemusicny.org/schedule/.




ENERGY-SAVING TIPS FOR SUMMER 2011
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The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) 
published a list of useful energy-saving tips specifically designed for 
the coming hot summer months. Find more information about how you can 
save money and help protect the environment at the same time, visit 
their site here: http://www.getenergysmart.org/resources/tips.aspx

Additionally, Con Edison is offering a $30 rebate for customers who 
replace old room air conditioners with an ENERGY STAR model. You can 
find more information about this opportunity, as well as a number of 
other useful cost-saving tips for residential users here: 
http://www.coned.com/energyefficiency/residential.asp




FREE BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT SERVICES
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Looking for help coping with loss? Service Program for Older People 
(SPOP) is offering a number of support services this summer, including 
groups to help with loss of a spouse/partner (Mondays, 2PM – 3:30PM), as 
well as more general groups to help with loss of any type (Thursdays, 
11:30AM – 1PM). SPOP also offers one-to-one support.

Services are free, but registration is required in advance by calling 
(212) 787-7120 ext. 520 or emailing bdanish at spop.org.




JOIN THE NYC PARKS “GREETER CORPS”
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Do you love your local park? The NYC Department of Parks & Recreation is 
currently looking for volunteers to join their “Greeter Corps.” These 
volunteers would welcome visitors to parks and playgrounds, inform 
patrons about the park's amenities and programs, and serve as ears and 
eyes for the park's condition.

For more information or to sign up, visit: nyc.gov/parks/greetercorps. 
Or, if you have questions and cannot access the website, please contact 
Mahanth Joishy at Mahanth.joishy at parks.nyc.gov or (212) 360-8287.




Atención!
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La oficina comunicaría del Asambleísta Daniel O'Donnell ahora tiene 
empleados que hablan español para asistir al publico, tiempo completo de 
lunes a viernes desde 9:00 AM -5:30 PM. La oficina comunicaría esta 
localizada en el 245 West 104th, con la calle Broadway. También pueden 
contactar la oficina en horario de trabajo al 212-866-3970.

Attention!
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Assembly Member O'Donnell's community office has full-time 
Spanish-speaking staff available to assist you, Monday through Friday 
from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM. The office is located at 245 West 104th Street, 
just off Broadway. You can also call 212-866-3970 during business hours.



For more frequent updates on Assembly Member O'Donnell's work, follow 
him on Twitter! http://twitter.com/#!/DanielJODonnell



-- 
Office of Assembly Member Daniel O'Donnell
245 W. 104th Street
New York, NY 10025
p (212) 866-3970
f (212) 864-1095
odonned at assembly.state.ny.us
http://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/?ad=069



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