May 2015

Hevesi Legislation to Improve Local Government Efficiency Unanimously Passes New York State Assembly

Last month, the New York State Assembly unanimously passed A.1958, a bill authored by Assemblyman Hevesi which would require all localities in the state to designate the state agencies that they are required to file their audits with as authorized viewers with the federal Clearinghouse in order to satisfy their state filing requirements electronically. The federal Clearinghouse, a digital repository for single audit documents that all Federal agencies access online, allows entities filing an audit to designate other authorized users of their documents. This legislation will greatly improve government efficiency, while saving localities time and money. As the New York State Senate has also passed this legislation, it will now go to the Governor of New York for consideration.

Hevesi Funds Modernize Central Queens Y with an Allocation of $250,000
Assemblyman Andrew Hevesi has successfully allocated $250,000 for the Central Queens Y Young Men and Young Women Hebrew Association (Central Queens Y). The Central Queens Y provides an array of cultural, educational, and support programs that aim to meet individuals’ needs, facilitate personal growth, and build a sense of community. Assemblyman Hevesi, in partnership with New York State’s Regional Economic Development Program, combined a previous allocation by former Assemblyman Michael Cohen with an additional quarter million dollars to conduct environmental and accessibility renovations for the organization. The most expansive projects included repairing the heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, restoring the pool’s plumbing, and modifying ramps to enhance handicap access. This funding will ensure its facilities continue to remain up-to-date and accessible to all individuals who use their services for years to come.
Hevesi’s Free Community Shredding Event Collects Over One Ton of Paper Goods
On April 12th, Assemblyman Hevesi hosted a ‘free community shredding event’ on Queens Boulevard and 69th Street in Forest Hills. Hevesi partnered with SHREDability, a non-profit business that employs individuals with disabilities. SHREDability successfully demonstrates how people of diverse backgrounds and abilities are able to engage in an economy reliant upon safeguarding important information. A total of 2,100 pounds of recyclable items were obtained, with the paper products scheduled to be recycled in an environmentally sound manner.
New York City Housing Preservation and Development (NYCHPD) Home First Down Payment Assistant Program
If you are interested in putting a down payment on your first home and are in need of assistance, the New York City Housing Preservation and Development (NYC HPD) offers a ‘HomeFirst Down Payment Assistant Program’ to all New York City residents. This program provides qualified homebuyers with up to $15,000 toward the down payment or closing costs on a 1-4 family home, condominium, or cooperative in one of the five boroughs. To see if you are eligible for this program, please visit the following website to review the requirements: www.nyc.gov/site/hpd/owners/homeowner-downpayment-assistance.page. The website also provides HPD-approved counseling agency contacts for each borough.


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