Andrew Hevesi - Assembly District 28 | New York State Assembly

July 2015

Assemblymembers Hevesi and Lentol urge Governor and Speaker to institute Adolescent Respite Centers in New York State

Assemblyman Hevesi as Chair of the Social Services Committee wrote a letter with Assemblyman Joseph Lentol, Chair of the Assembly Committee on Codes, advocating for the Governor and the Speaker of the Assembly to institute Adolescent Respite Centers in New York State. With a severe need for lodging options for youths, Adolescent Respite Centers would be small, community-based centers where parents or police could drop off youth, or young people could check themselves in, to provide families in crisis with a �cooling off� period. These locations would invaluably serve adolescents and their families with a safe place to stay while both sides reduce their stress, ultimately easing the burden on government agencies by reducing the likelihood of arrest and criminal charges. Both Assemblymen will be advocating for funding this program in the 2016 legislative session.

Hevesi legislation to reduce backlog of fair hearings in City agencies passes both houses

Last month, the New York State legislature passed A.7792, authored by Assemblyman Hevesi. This legislation will amend the current fair hearing charge back process to reduce the backlog of fair hearings encountered by New York City government agencies. By improving agencies ability to resolve and administer fair hearing cases in an effective manner, the state will ultimately be able to save taxpayer dollars. As this bill passed the New York State Senate as well, it will now go to the Governor�s Office for consideration.

Hevesi legislation creating tax incentives for mechanical insulation businesses passes Assembly

Last month, the New York State Assembly passed A.691. This legislation, authored by Assemblyman Hevesi, would provide tax deductions for businesses that install mechanical insulation to save energy and reduce noise pollution. These tax incentives for commercial and industrial sectors will boost energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, and will reduce our state�s dependence on foreign energy sources.

PS 144Q receives new Temporary Classroom Unit (TCU) to accommodate students

After Assemblyman Hevesi and other local officials strongly advocated this past spring for solutions to address extensive wait-lists for local Forest Hills elementary schools, the New York City Department of Education has confirmed that they are placing a newly renovated Temporary Classroom Unit (TCU) at PS144Q for the upcoming school year. In April and May, Hevesi and his colleagues sent letters to NYCDOE Chancellor Carmen Farina conveying the need for short and long term remedies to address the shortage of seats at local schools. After several conversations with NYCDOE staff, including a walk-through of PS144Q with the School Construction Authority and Queens Borough President Melinda Katz, the NYCDOE acknowledged the need for more space to accommodate the needs of the community. The TCU will hold two classrooms, and will ensure that PS144Q will be able to continue its present number of Pre-k classes. The de Blasio administration has begun to implement a feasibility study to determine a permanent solution.

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