November 2014

Hevesi Co-Chairs Roundtables Examining
New York State’s Child Protective Services

Assemblyman Andrew Hevesi, Chair of the Oversight, Analysis, and Investigation Committee, joined with Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo, Chair of the Children and Families Committee, to hold the first in a series of roundtables regarding best practices within the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS). The first roundtable focused specifically on the Statewide Central Register (SCR) for Child Abuse and Maltreatment, which handles every call of child abuse and neglect throughout the state via four separate 24 hour hotlines. The trained child protective personnel at SCR are responsible for coordinating the response for each child with law enforcement and any and all social services that may be needed. The next roundtable, to be held on November 19th, will address enhancing Child Protective Services (CPS) investigations.

Hevesi introduces
state technology innovation center legislation
Assemblyman Andrew Hevesi recently introduced legislation (Assembly bill A.10187) which would allow for the New York State Director of the Office of Information Technology services to create and operate a State Information Technology Innovation Center. New York State’s leaders in information technology have historically faced significant challenges when integrating technologies into agencies, including investments in technologies that may not have functioned as anticipated. If passed, this legislation would provide New York State Agencies with the ability to test pilot products through a public-private partnership to see if the technology can be implemented and utilized across the state before it is purchased. This bill has since been referred to the Assembly Government Operations Committee.
Hevesi Co-hosts 3rd Annual E-Cycling Event
On October 19th, Assemblyman Andrew Hevesi and Councilwoman Karen Koslowitz joined together to co-host an e-cycling event at the Forest Hills Jewish Center. Over 9,000 pounds of electronics were obtained, with the outdated technology scheduled to be recycled in an environmentally sound manner. Reusing and recycling consumer electronics conserves our natural resources and avoids air and water pollution, as well as greenhouse gas emissions that are caused by manufacturing new materials. Electronic devices such as computers, laptops, cell phones, chargers, printers, etc., were acquired for safe disposal.
Citizens Committee for NYC Grant Program
The Citizens Committee for New York City will be accepting applications for their Neighborhood Grant program. The organization strives to improve the quality of life across the city in different communities. These grants will be awarded in the amount of $3,000 to neighborhood groups, public school-based groups, and NYCHA tenants. If you have an idea on ways to improve the community, and wish to apply for a grant, please feel free to visit www.citizensnyc.org/grants. The deadline for the grant application is January 26, 2015.


Office Locations:
District Office: 70-50 Austin Street, Suite 110, Forest Hills, NY 11375 • 718-263-5595
Albany Office: Room 742 Legislative Office Building, Albany, NY 12248 • 518-455-4926
Email: hevesia@assembly.state.ny.us