[BwayDems] Assembly Member O'Donnell June 11 Update: Repealing "50-a" and Enacting Police Reform
Paula Diamond Roman
valleygirl109 at rocketmail.com
Sat Jun 13 03:25:20 EDT 2020
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Dear Neighbor,
The last two weeks have been a tumultuous time for our City, State, and Nation. The murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis reignited a long simmering conversation about racism and police violence in our country. New Yorkers spoke out loud and clear in response, calling for justice in the countless cases of unarmed civilians, usually Black, killed by law enforcement officers misusing force and abusing their authority. The voice of the people was a clarion call that now is the time to act, and provided the momentum needed in Albany to pass several pieces of longstanding police reform legislation, including a bill I wrote in 2016 that repealed a statute called “50-a”.
“Section 50-a" is a statute in New York State law that has shielded police from being held accountable when an officer commits wrongdoing. For decades, Section "50-a" has prevented police disciplinary records from being released to courts, the press, and even the families of those killed by police officers, allowing officers with long patterns of excessive force and abuse to remain unchecked, and leading to all too familiar tragedies in our streets.
On Tuesday I discussed and debated my bill repealing “50-a” on the floor of the New York Assembly for over seven hours. I spoke about the mothers who have lost sons to police violence, who have never gotten answers, and have never seen justice or accountability. I spoke about leaders within law enforcement who support the repeal of “50-a”, believing that it has long eroded the trust between police and communities, cast all officers in the worst light, and made both officers and civilians less safe. And I spoke about how, no matter where we come from, we are required to recognize wrong when we see it and stand up for justice.
I am deeply honored that New York State passed my repeal of "50-a” this week, and grateful to the lead sponsor in the State Senate, Jamaal Bailey, for his work. The New York State legislature also passed bills banning chokeholds, creating an independent prosecutor to investigate deaths of unarmed civilians by law enforcement, and requiring data to be published about the demographics of individuals stopped for low level offenses. New York has entered a new chapter, one that can avert tragedy, and one that builds more safety, trust, transparency, and accountability for all. The repeal of 50-a and the police reform package passed by New York State is a monumental step forward. And the march toward justice will continue.
Truly Yours,
Danny
Assembly Member O'Donnell debates the repeal of 50-a on the floor of the NY Assembly.
Below, please find updates on:
- Recent Activities by My Office
- New York City's Re-Opening Regulations
- How To Vote in NYS Primaries on June 13- 23
- Unemployment Updates
- Local Coronavirus Testing Sites
- Additional Coronavirus Resources
My office is open, with all staff continuing to work from home. Please leave a voicemail at 212-866-3970 or email me at odonnelld at nyassembly.gov and we will respond as quickly as possible, prioritizing time sensitive issues.
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| Recent Activities By My Office |
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| Assembly Member O'Donnell speaking at a rally in Harlem about the need for police reform |
| Delivering food, with the Offices of Senator Benjamin, and Borough President Brewer |
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| Supplying nonprofits with materials to give local residents information and protective materials |
| Distributing masks at buildings with seniors and high risk residents |
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| New York City Enters "Phase 1" of Reopening
As of this week, we have begun Phase 1 of reopening in New York City. As a reminder, social distancing and masks are still recommended for public safety and are mandatory when riding public transit. Please continue to be cautious and responsible to prevent a resurgence of cases of coronavirus.
In this phase, the following industries are operational: Construction, Manufacturing, Wholesale Trade, Retail (curbside only), Non-food Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishing. In addition, elective surgeries and ambulatory care have resumed.
There will be ongoing monitoring of New York City's transition into reopening, and metrics to guide reopening before entering Phase 2. The New York Forward Plan advises a minimum of two-week intervals to transition from one phase to another.
If you would like more information regarding Phase 1 guidance for each of the above industries, please refer to the New York Forward Guidance:
https://forward.ny.gov/reopening-new-york-city
If you are a business owner and would like to know when your business can reopen, please utilize the New York Forward Business Reopening Lookup Tool:
https://www.businessexpress.ny.gov/app/nyforward
All construction work that had been deemed nonessential is permitted to restart. Construction sites must comply with the State’s Interim Guidance for Construction Activities. Before construction may begin, employers must create a safety plan. The plan must be conspicuously posted at the construction site. A sample safety plan template is available here. NYC Department of Buildings will periodically conduct inspections of construction sites to ensure they are following all safety guidelines. If you observe any construction sites failing to follow their safety plans, please call 311 or contact my office.
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| How To Vote in NYS Primaries, June 13 - 23
New York State Primaries are around the corner. Here is how to stay safe and make sure your voice is counted. The primary election is Tuesday, June 23rd, and includes congressional, presidential, and state legislative races. Early voting in person will begin Saturday, June 13 and last through Sunday, June 21.
If you would like to find your nearest early voting site, and your election day site, including a view of the sample ballot, go to https://nyc.pollsitelocator.com/search
There are two early voting sites in our district:
- West Side High School, 140 West 102nd Steet, New York, NY, 10025
- Columbia University - Wein Hall, 411 West 116th Street, New York, NY, 10027
Please refer to the link above to find your nearest early voting site, and hours.
If you would like more information about early voting:
https://vote.nyc/page/early-voting-information
In addition, all New York voters may request a mail-in ballot due to the coronavirus pandemic. You must postmark your request for an absentee ballot by June 16th. You can request an absentee ballot online, by email, mail, fax, phone, or in person at this link: https://vote.nyc/page/absentee-voting. Upon receiving the physical absentee ballot it must be postmarked by the day of the election. |
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Update: Issues with Unemployment
Over the past three months, my office has helped hundreds of individuals resolve issues with their Unemployment Insurance/Pandemic Unemployment Assistance cases. Most people we have helped have been approved and are receiving payments. We are still working with constituents who continue to have issues with their cases, including missed backpay, receiving an incorrect benefit determination, and delayed payments. If you currently have issues with your Unemployment Insurance/Pandemic Unemployment Assistance application, please reach out to my office at 212.866.3970 or email me at odonnelld at nyassembly.gov.
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| How to Get Tested for COVID-19
Testing sites are open, and all New Yorkers are advised to get tested now, whether or not you have symptoms or are at increased risk. If you would like to find the nearest testing site by you, the New York State Department of Health has provided this tool depicting antibody or diagnostic testing: https://www1.nyc.gov/site/coronavirus/get-tested/covid-19-testing.page
Those who have attended protests or other large gatherings are encouraged to be tested. There are 15 sites throughout New York City that have increased their capacity for protestors and are by appointment only. The nearest location by our district is Harlem ACPNY (AdvantageCare Physicians, Harlem Medical Office) 215 West 125th Street, New York, NY, 10027.
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Ongoing COVID-19 Information
For the latest updates, please continue to consult the following sources:
- New York City Department of Health
- https://www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/health/health-topics/coronavirus.page
- New York State Department of Health
- https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/coronavirus/
- Sign up to receive regular text messages from the City on the coronavirus by texting “COVID” to 692-692.
- 24-Hour Coronavirus hotline: 1-888-364-3065
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| Resources for Responding to COVID-19:
- Domestic or Gender Based Violence:
- https://www1.nyc.gov/nychope/site/page/home or call 1-800-621-4673 (HOPE). In an emergency call 911
- Food Access:
- Daily Meals For All at Schools: https://www.opt-osfns.org/schoolfoodny/meals/default.aspx (Vegetarian, kosher, and halal options available at some sites)
- GetFoodNYC meal delivery, for those with no way to leave the house, including seniors: https://cv19engagementportal.cityofnewyork.us/#/display/5e7555117ad6750216160409
- For a map of food pantries and food banks, see
https://www.foodbanknyc.org/get-help
- Mental Health:
- Visit NYC WELL for a range of services for all ages, including resources from connections to therapy and meditation support: https://nycwell.cityofnewyork.us/en/, call 1-888-NYC-Well (692-9355), or text "Well” to 65173
- Older New Yorkers:
- All Department For The Aging (DFTA) meals are now delivery only.
- Seniors can contact agingconnect at aging.nyc.gov or call Aging Connect at 212-Aging-NYC (212-244-6469) or 311 to get set up for food deliveries
- Mental Health and Bereavement Counseling from Service Program for Older People: https://www.spop.org/
- Overnight MTA Service:
- If you need to travel between 1a, and 5am, see the adjusted bus schedules at https://new.mta.info/coronavirus/overnight
- If you are an essential worker, you are eligible for a free trip in a for-hire vehicle each night if your bus trip would take more than 1 hour and 20 minutes, would require more than two transfers, or the bus stop is more than a ten minute walk. To register for this service, follow the instructions at the link above or contact my office for support.
- LGBTQ New Yorkers:
- https://www.sageusa.org/coronavirus/
- Small Business Loans and Grants:
- SBS is offering daily webinars to help you learn about a range of assistance available for small businesses in NYC impacted by COVID-19.
- https://www.eventbrite.com/o/nyc-department-of-small-business-services-5423713077
- Search for “Assistance Overview for NYC Small Businesses Impacted by COVID-19.
- Federal Support via the CARES Act: https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/coronavirus-relief-options
- For Non Profits: https://www.nycommunitytrust.org/covid19/#nonprofits
- Essential Construction Projects
- Check if construction projects have been deemed essential, and thus are legally able to proceed during the shutdown: https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/buildings/html/essential-active-construction.html
- Volunteer Opportunties:
- West Side Federation for Senior & Supportive Housing, Inc (WSFSSH): https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeD-LmLSmymaWvzuZiVWPH33A1m5Q1y8V5F3ykEa2ZLupFDGw/viewform
- West Side Campaign Against Hunger: http://www.wscah.volunteerhub.com/
- NYC Service: https://www.nycservice.org/pages/index.php?bitpage_id=214
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| Copyright © 2020 Assembly Member Daniel O’Donnell, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because of your interest in New York State Assembly Member Daniel O'Donnell.
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