(Long Island, NY) “We wish to extend our apologies to Senator Flanagan for misattributing a quote to him that was not his regarding charter schools in an email and twitter post earlier today,” said Billy Easton, Executive Director, Alliance for Quality Education. “The quote came from an article focused on Senator Flanagan’s position on the charter cap, but it was not a quote from him. This is a mistake for which we are sincerely sorry. We are taking all of the posts down and issuing this correction. Further we will not be undertaking the planned social media campaign.”

However, we still have concerns about the inconsistencies of Senator Flanagan’s position and the policy implication of his efforts to expand the number of charter schools. In November he did speak against raising the charter cap, yet just a few weeks ago he put in a bill to expand the cap by 100 charter schools.

The correct quote from the Senator is:

“That certainly has come up,” Flanagan said, referring to the cap. “There’s been a discussion about it. But I think it somewhat begs the question—if you look right now, the cap is at 460, and I may be off by one or two, but there’s still like 160 slots available. So if you told me, ‘Hey listen, we’re bumping up against the cap. We have 452. We have applications pending. We have to do something.’ That’s a lot different.”

The bill to expand the charter cap is reported here:

www.nystateofpolitics.com/2015/05/flanagan-bill-extends-mayoral-control-for-1-year/

“Despite the inconsistencies of Senator Flanagan’s position, we take full responsibility for our mistake,” Easton said. “We pride ourselves in the accuracy of our public statements and I apologize to Senator Flanagan for misquoting him.”

About AQE
The Alliance for Quality Education is a coalition mobilizing communities across the state to keep New York true to its promise of ensuring a high quality public education to all students regardless of zip code, income or race. Combining its legislative and policy expertise with grassroots organizing, AQE advances proven-to-work strategies that lead to student success and echo a powerful public demand for a high quality education.

(Long Island, NY) Suffolk County Police have arrested a Huntington Station man for menacing two Suffolk County police officers with knives in Huntington Station on Wednesday, June 17.

Second Precinct Police Officers Joseph Reilly and Michael Lavrovsky responded to a call for a domestic incident on East 20th Street at approximately 4:20 p.m. When the officers arrived, they were confronted by Kevin Jaime who was holding a kitchen knife in each hand. Jaime walked toward the officers in a threatening manner and ignored their commands to drop the weapons. The officers deployed their Taser on Jaime who was then transported to Huntington Hospital.

Suffolk County Police have arrested a Huntington Station man for menacing two officers with knives on Wednesday, June 17. Photo Credit: Chris Boyle.

Second Squad detectives charged Jaime, 21, of Huntington Station, with Menacing a Police Officer and Criminal Possession of a Weapon 4th Degree. He will be arraigned on a later date.

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty. Defendants are entitled to a fair trial with the burden on the prosecution to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

(Long Island, NY) Senate appropriators continued their full-scale attack on the nation’s air, water, and climate today, adopting a spending bill riddled with anti-environmental policy riders that also severely underfunds the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and land conservation.

“By defunding pollution control and blocking critical protections for our air, water, and climate, Senate leaders hit our environment coming and going today,” said Heather Leibowitz, Director of Environment New York. “This spending bill is a backdoor and a front-door assault on our treasured waters, our families’ health, and our wild places.”

The spending authorization bill cuts funding for EPA by more than half a billion dollars compared to this year, and continues to shortchange the Land and Water Conservation Fund. It targets air and water pollution prevention and environmental enforcement specifically, slashing as much as $80 million from these programs.

Appropriations bills are supposed to direct government spending only, not also determine policy. But on Tuesday senators added to their spending bill provisions to block a long list of environmental policies, starting with two of the Obama administration’s most popular environmental initiatives: the Clean Power Plan and the Clean Water Rule.

The Clean Power Plan, a central component of the president’s Climate Action Plan, requires a 30 percent cut in carbon pollution from power plants, and has been backed by more than 8 million public comments and broad majorities of voters across party lines.

The Clean Water Rule restores federal safeguards to small streams and vulnerable wetlands, and is supported by 80 percent of the American public and a broad range of constituencies, from local elected officials, to brewers, to farmers.

The spending bill also blocks ozone pollution limits, fracking regulations on public lands, protections for endangered wildlife, requirements that polluters pay to clean up hazardous waste sites, and more.

Along party lines, the Senate Appropriations Committee voted down an attempt by Sen. Tom Udall (D-N.M.) to strip the bill of its 11 anti-environmental policy riders.

“Kudos to Sen. Udall for standing up to the polluters, and speaking out for due process and environmental protection,” said Leibowitz. “And thanks to all the senators who voted with him today.”

The committee also rejected another amendment from ranking member Udall, this one only stripping the rider that blocked the Clean Power Plan. That measure won support from Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), but not from Sen. Mark Kirk (R-Ill.), considered a potential “yes” vote on climate action.

“We applaud Sen. Collins in particular for her vote,” said Leibowitz. “And on today of all days, with the pope declaring it a moral imperative to solve global warming, we’re disappointed Sen. Kirk and the rest of the majority chose to block meaningful action on climate.”

Environment New York urged lawmakers to reject the spending bill if and when it comes to the Senate floor.

“This bill is a dream for the oil and gas industry, the coal companies, and other polluters,” said Leibowitz, “but it’s a nightmare for everyone who wants clean air, clean water, and a healthier planet for our kids.”

Environment New York Research & Policy Center is a statewide advocacy organization bringing people together for a cleaner, greener, healthier future. www.EnvironmentNewYork.org

(Long Island, NY) Leah Gunn Barrett, NYAGV Executive Director, made the following statement following the mass shooting in South Carolina.

“We are saddened by yet another horrible mass shooting last night of nine worshippers at the Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, SC. The tragedy occurred because an unstable young man had easy access to a gun. No one should have to fear gun violence in a house of worship, in our schools or in our communities. This is not the first time nor sadly the last time this kind of atrocity will occur.

We hope that Congress will finally find the courage to enact laws to stop the endless slaughter and to keep guns out of the hands of dangerous people. In the meantime, we will honor the victims and survivors of this latest shooting by pledging to continue our fight to keep our communities safe from gun violence.”

New Yorkers Against Gun Violence is a statewide advocacy group working to reduce gun violence through advocacy and education designed to encourage action, influence public opinion and lead to policy change. With a primary focus on New York State, the organization also advocates at the local and national levels for sensible gun laws, policies and practices that protect New York State residents from gun violence.

Film & Panel Discussion featuring: Christopher Gobler, Professor of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences at SUNY Stony Brook & Marshall Brown, Founder of Save the Great South Bay, Inc.

(Long Island, NY) A River Between Us is a cinematic call to action — restoring the Klamath River, which runs through Oregon then to California and the sea. Using the Klamath as a starting point, directors Jason Atkinson and J. Martin have launched a national conversation that redefines conservation while rehabilitating the West’s most majestic wild river, screening on Sunday, June 28, with 10 am Brunch and 11 am Film at Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave, Huntington, NY. 631-423-7611 www.CinemaArtsCentre.org.

Members $10 / Public $15. Includes brunch. Tickets can be purchased online, www.CinemaArtsCentre.org or at the box office during theater hours.

“A River Between Us” – Amy Cordalis, Yurok tribal member and traditional fisherwoman. Photo Credit: Parker Logan.

Restoring the Klamath River is the largest restoration project in American History. Nearly three hundred miles in length, flowing from southern Oregon to northern California, the vast communities of the Klamath River have been feuding over its water for generations, polluting both their river and their relationships. This award-winning documentary examines the complicated history of this conflict, and serves as a touchstone to think about local water issues in our own communities to create a historic water rights compromise for the good of all. (USA, 2015, 90 min., Unrated, DVD | Dir. Jason Atkinson & J. Martin)

Director Jason Atkinson in Oregon’s Klamath River shooting “A River Between Us.” Photo Credit: It Matters Inc.

South Shore Long Island residents past and present, baymen, fishermen, surfers, sailors and marine biologists from a dozen organizations now studying the bay.

Since 1973, presenting the best U.S., International, Independent & Repertory films on 3 screens 365 days of the year, in a comfortable ambience including the sculpture garden & The Sky Room Café, the Cinema Arts Centre is located at 423 Park Ave (just south of 25a), Huntington, NY 11743 (25 miles east of New York City). Admission for regular programs $12. Discounts for members, seniors, students & children. CAC is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization. For further information call 631-423-7610. To sign up for weekly email schedule: info@CinemaArtsCentre.org Membership and Schedule: www.cinemaartscentre.org.

The mission of the Cinema Arts Centre is to bring the best in cinematic artistry to Long Island, and use the power of film to expand the awareness and consciousness of our community.

(Long Island, NY) “I am saddened by the horrific mass murder which occurred last evening in Charleston, South Carolina.  Out of caution, the Suffolk County Police Department will be increasing its patrol checks at religious institutions and have reached out to religious leaders throughout our communities.  We pray for the victims of this tragedy and we will continue to do all we can to protect public safety for all Suffolk County residents.”

The process begun by Senator LaValle last year is expected to be quickly signed into Law by the Governor

(Long Island, NY) Senator Ken LaValle announced that his landmark legislation designed to combat sexual assault on college and university campuses passed both houses of the legislature yesterday.  The LaValle measure (S5965) passed the Senate unanimously with bipartisan support.

Senator LaValle said, “As Chairman of  the Senate Higher Education Committee, last year I began a process to review existing laws, policies and legislation in an effort to fight the persistence of campus sexual assault.  My committee held round tables and published a report to address the myriad of issues.  We also sought and obtained a tremendous amount of valuable input from many individuals and organizations across the state directly involved in the issue.”

Senator LaValle continued, “We have approached this sensitive topic in a comprehensive, thoughtful manner.  This bipartisan legislation provides critically important protections for victims and details the processes necessary to achieve fair and just results for those involved.”

The measure provides a clear path to address campus sexual assault and a course of action for the victims of these devastating incidents.  It requires the education of all college students on the topic; recommends methods of prevention, and provides assurance of fair process in the adjudication of these incidents.  This legislation will better protect our college students across the state.

Senator LaValle’s legislation includes:

• A definition of affirmative consent, defining consent as a knowing, voluntary, and mutual decision among all participants to engage in sexual activity
• An amnesty policy, to ensure that students reporting incidents of sexual assault or other sexual violence are granted immunity for certain campus policy violations, such as drug and alcohol use
• A Students’ Bill of Rights, which campuses will be required to distribute to all students in order to specifically inform sexual violence victims of their legal rights and how they may access appropriate resources. The Bill of Rights clearly states that students are given the right to know they can report sexual assaults to outside law enforcement, including the State Police
• Comprehensive training requirements for administrators, staff, and students, including at new student orientations
• Reporting requirements for campuses to annually submit aggregate data on reported incidents of sexual violence and their adjudication and handling to the State Education Department
• A new unit within the State Police called the “sexual assault victims unit” specializing in advanced training in responding to sexual assaults and related crimes that shall also provide assistance to campus police or local law enforcement, as well as training to college campus communities
• A commitment of $10 million to help combat campus sexual assault through various partners, split in the following manner: $4.5 million to rape crisis centers to provide services and resources to students, $4.5 million to the State Police to create a sexual assault victims unit, and $1 million to colleges and universities
• A requirement for first responders to notify survivors of their right to contact outside law enforcement.

In 2014, Senator LaValle and members of the Senate Higher Education Committee convened a roundtable of advocates, legislators, college and university officials, and security personnel to examine sexual violence on college campuses. In October, the committee released a report, “Sexual Violence on College Campuses: A New York State Perspective” that reviewed research, state and federal laws, and best practices and made recommendations for state legislative action – many of which are included in the bill.

The bill will now be delivered to the Governor for approval.  The major aspects of the legislation will go into effect immediately upon the Governor’s signature, with some portions effective at a future date to afford colleges and universities the time to comply with the new provisions.

(Long Island, NY) Bethpage-headquartered Adults and Children with Learning and Developmental Disabilities, Inc. (ACLD), a leading Long Island based not-for-profit agency devoted to supporting the pursuit of an enviable life for children and adults with autism, learning and other developmental disabilities, has announced the hiring of Aimee Keegan as the organization’s new Director of Development and Community Relations.

In her new position Ms. Keegan is responsible for raising the public profile of ACLD and enhancing the fundraising capacity of the non-profit agency, which supports more than 3,000 individuals and families across Long Island.

Pictured is Aimee Keegan of Levittown who is new Director of Development and Community Relations at ACLD. Photo Credit: ACLD.

Ms. Keegan comes to ACLD with over a decade of experience at AHRC Nassau as public relations manager and assistant director of community resources. Her experience includes planning and managing all facets of public relations and marketing for agencies dedicated to working with individuals with disabilities. In addition to lending support on all fundraising activities and special events, Ms. Keegan specializes in digital/social media marketing and has successfully used a variety of social media platforms as part of an integrated marketing effort to raise agency visibility, on- and off-line, and to help generate revenue through fundraising initiatives.

A graduate of Long Island University – Post, Ms. Keegan lives in Levittown with her husband and their three children.

About ACLD
Adults and Children with Learning and Developmental Disabilities, Inc. (ACLD) was founded in 1957. The 501(c)(3), not-for-profit agency serves the needs of more than 3,000 children, teens and adults with learning disabilities, autism and other developmental disabilities, and provides support for their families. ACLD’s mission is to provide opportunities for individuals with disabilities to pursue enviable lives, increase their independence and improve the quality of their lives within the community. ACLD employs more than 1,100 people and operates 77 different program sites including group homes and apartment programs across Nassau and Suffolk Counties. Service programs include early childhood services, day habilitation, residential alternatives, vocational training and job placement, recreation programs, respite, family support services, Medicaid service coordination, and medical and behavioral health services.

Settlement Ensures Lyft’s Compliance With State And Municipal Laws, Requires Lyft Drivers To Have NY-Authorized Auto Insurance

(Long Island, NY) Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman today announced that his office and the New York State Department of Financial Services have agreed to the terms of a consent order and judgment with Lyft, a company that provides for-hire livery services where the company, among other things, dispatches cars through a phone app. The consent order, which resolves an action filed against Lyft in July 2014, requires Lyft to pay $300,000 in penalties for alleged violations of New York state and municipal laws—one of the largest penalties enacted against a ‘sharing economy’ company to date. Lyft has agreed that it will comply with the relevant provisions of the New York Insurance Law.

“I have always been committed to fostering an innovative and competitive environment in which both new and existing companies can flourish in our great state,” Attorney General Schneiderman said. “However, it’s critical that the laws put in place to protect consumers and ensure fair competition are not violated in the process. Today’s agreement enables Lyft to grow and prosper within the bounds of state and local regulations, while the penalties imposed send the message that companies that attempt to skirt the law will be held accountable. I want to thank former Superintendent Lawsky and the Department of Financial Services for their continued partnership in making New York’s marketplace one where all entrepreneurs can thrive under the same set of rules.”

As part of the consent order, Lyft drivers will be required to have auto insurance issued by New York-authorized insurers. The insurance must cover drivers while they have the Lyft app turned on to receive requests to pick up passengers through the end of any rides they provide. Additionally, the consent order prohibits Lyft from offering, selling or providing insurance policies that do not comply with the New York Insurance Law.

The consent order also requires Lyft to comply with all other state as well as municipal laws applicable to vehicles-for-hire. Lyft must also inform the Superintendent, the Attorney General, and the counsel of any municipality or other jurisdiction in the state where it intends to launch its service at least three weeks before such a launch.

Last July, Attorney General Schneiderman and then-Superintendent Benjamin M. Lawsky sued Lyft in New York State Supreme Court for running a for-hire livery service in alleged violation of New York state and municipal law. The complaint alleged that Lyft violated the law by failing to require its drivers to hold commercial licenses, carry adequate insurance, or comply with local for-hire licensing rules.

Lyft began operating in Buffalo and Rochester in April 2014 without obtaining the necessary approvals or notifying those cities of their operation. The Attorney General and Superintendent learned that Lyft was about to launch its service in Brooklyn and Queens on July 11, 2014 a few days before the launch. When Lyft refused to delay its launch, the Attorney General and Superintendent filed a lawsuit against the company seeking to enjoin it from launching in New York City and from continuing to operate in Buffalo and Rochester in violation of the law.

After several days of hearings before Judge Kathryn Freed of New York State Supreme Court, the parties agreed to stay the lawsuit in order to enable the parties to attempt to resolve it. Lyft agreed to suspend its operations in Buffalo and Rochester by August 1, 2014, and not to launch in New York City until it had the approval of the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission and operated in accordance with the New York Insurance Law.

This case is being handled for the Attorney General by Assistant Attorney General Melvin L. Goldberg, Special Counsel Carolyn Fast, and Bureau Chief Jane M. Azia, all of the Consumer Frauds and Protection Bureau, Assistant Attorney General Simon Brandler of the Executive Staff, and Executive Deputy Attorney General for Economic Justice Karla G. Sanchez. The case is being handled for the Department of Financial Services by Joy Feigenbaum, Executive Deputy Superintendent, Special Counsel Max Dubin, Supervising Counsel Brian Montgomery and Deputy Director Nancy Ruskin, all of the Financial Frauds and Consumer Protection Division.

“We hope this call for bold action to stem the climate crisis will help rally public opinion in a way that politicians can no longer ignore.” – Heather Leibowitz, Director of Environment New York

(Long Island, NY) Today Pope Francis formally issued his much-anticipated encyclical, which casts action on climate as a moral obligation. The document addressed to “every living person on this planet” calls for steep reductions in global warming pollution. “The emission of carbon dioxide and other highly polluting gases can be drastically reduced,” Pope Francis writes. “Technology based on the use of highly polluting fossil fuels — especially coal, but also oil and, to a lesser degree, gas — needs to be progressively replaced without delay.”

Environment New York’s Director, Heather Leibowitz issued the following statement in response:

“Pope Francis has made full use of his moral authority by taking an incredibly powerful and visible stand on global warming. We hope this call for bold action to stem the climate crisis will help rally public opinion in a way that politicians can no longer ignore. Judging by how madly the fossil fuel industry and their apologists have been scrambling to belittle this pope already, they must fear today’s action will ultimately mean they can no longer pollute our planet without consequence. Environment New York stands with people of faith who are committed to protecting the environment for future generations.”

Environment New York Research & Policy Center is a statewide advocacy organization bringing people together for a cleaner, greener, healthier future. www.EnvironmentNewYork.org.