A Report to the Residents of the 41st Assembly District

3520 Nostrand Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11229
Assemblywoman
Helene E. Weinstein

Making a Difference in Brooklyn and Albany

Spring 2008

Dear Neighbor,

Despite this year’s shifting economy, my legislative colleagues and I worked closely with our new Governor, David Paterson, to deliver a budget that continues our commitment to making a stronger and healthier New York.

The final state budget maintains the Assembly Majority’s long-standing commitment to addressing the needs of families, supporting education and higher education, access to health care, and economic development.

Additionally, the budget provides vital funding for Sub-prime Foreclosure Prevention Services to help homeowners. As a member of the Public Protection Budget Sub-Committee, I played a key role in shaping our final budget. In this report, I have included highlights of the 2008 budget as well as a new law to protect children from Internet predators.

Protecting Children from Online Predators Assemblywoman Weinstein attended the bill signing of a newly enacted law she co-sponsored, the "Electronic Security and Targeting of Online Predators Act" (E-STOP), which mandates that sex offenders register Internet accounts and screen names used for social networking purposes with law enforcement. It allows social networking Web sites to access sex offender Internet information in order to prevent offenders from preying on children. It also allows these sites to report violations of law to local authorities, and restricts use of the Internet by certain sex offenders on probation and parole. The two most popular social networking sites, Facebook and MySpace have agreed to make use of the registry and monitor their sites.		Rally For New York City Schools At a City Hall rally, Assemblywoman Helene Weinstein joined with Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, members of the Assembly Majority, Council members, parents of New York City school children, UFT President Randi Weingarten, CSA President, Ernest Logan and education advocates to urge the City to fully fund the City’s school budget.
Friends United Youth Center At the monthly meeting of the Friends United Block Association (FUBA), Helene Weinstein presented President Gardy Brazela with Assembly ceremonial checks for continued state support of the association’s anti-gang and computer lab programs. Both programs serve to provide youth with productive and safe alternatives to the perils of street life. The $50,000 in Computer Lab funding was a combined effort of Assemblywoman Weinstein and Assemblyman Alan Maisel.		Shalom Task Force Visits Albany Assemblywoman Weinstein met with the leaders of Shalom Task Force, an agency dealing with domestic violence and abuse prevention to discuss issues facing families who are victims of domestic violence. The Assemblywoman provides funding for Shalom Task Force’s anonymous abuse support hotline. Joining in the meeting were Assemblywoman Audrey Pheffer, Rabbi Daniel Schonbuch, Executive Director of Shalom Taskforce and organization representatives and volunteers.

2008 LEGISLATIVE BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS
Keeping the Commitment - Making a Stronger and Healthier New York

HEALTH CARE
A health care budget that protects New York Families

Meeting With Health Care Workers

Assemblywoman Weinstein met with local members of SEIU1199 to discuss their concerns with the Governor’s proposed State Budget and its negative impact on patient care, hospitals and health care workers.

This NYS budget honors our moral obligation to provide quality health care for all New Yorkers. An important component is the expansion of health insurance coverage to the uninsured, especially children. That’s why Assemblywoman Weinstein fought for a budget that:

Provides $25 million to fully fund an expansion of the Child Health Plus insurance program, to ensure health coverage for New York’s 400,000 uninsured children.
Restores $453 million in health-care cuts.
Fully restores the $170 million cut to nursing homes, as well as $62 million of home care cuts.
Eliminates red tape associated with Medicare Part D and EPIC enrollees, helping seniors continue to get medications they need.

HOMEOWNERSHIP
Protecting the Dream - Assisting Sub-prime Foreclosure Victims

Kings County South Civic Meeting

Assemblywoman Weinstein addressed the members of Kings County South Civic Association regarding the increasing numbers of Brooklyn residents that are facing potential mortgage foreclosure. She spoke about her efforts in Albany to provide resources and assistance for community residents.

The final state budget provides $25 million for the Assembly-created Sub-prime Foreclosure Prevention Services Program. Non-profit organizations and legal service providers will receive funding to provide counseling, mediation and legal representation to victims of sub-prime lending facing default or foreclosure.

As the sub prime lending crisis damages both New York’s and the nation’s economy, foreclosures on homes are rising. 40% of all foreclosures in New York State are taking place in Brooklyn and Queens.

Assemblywoman Weinstein is co-sponsoring a bill which has passed the Assembly to impose a one-year moratorium on sub-prime foreclosures in New York. The foreclosure moratorium provides immediate relief for New York families faced with possible foreclosure of their homes. It encourages lenders and homeowners to settle cases out of court through modification, refinancing or other means to avoid the devastation of losing a home.

EDUCATION
Keeping the Promise to New York City’s School Children

Assemblywoman Weinstein fought for a final state budget that “kept the promise” to New York City children. The state budget continues a commitment to the 4-year Campaign for Fiscal Equity plan, delivering a $644 million increase for NYC Schools. This continues the Assembly’s dedication to improving NYC schools, especially by rejecting an elimination of building aid for 2008-09 and saying “no” to a proposed 18-month lag for building aid for current projects. This historic aid should help improve our city’s schools. The final budget:

Provides $450 million for implementation of universal pre-k, an increase of $96 million.
Allocates $1.6 million for school Personnel Background checks.
Adds $10 million for after-school programs.
Provides $2 million for bilingual education and secures more bilingual teachers.

Record level of funding provided to reimburse private and religious schools for mandated services

The state budget includes $139.5 million, a $12 million increase over last year.
Assemblywoman Weinstein continues to advocate for 100% reimbursement of mandated services and for adequate levels of funding to accomplish this goal.


Read Aloud Assemblywoman Weinstein participated in this year's “National Read Aloud” at the Paerdegat Library (above) and Kings Bay Library to celebrate the centennial of William Steig, the author of “Shrek.” At the event, which promotes literacy, the Assemblywoman read a book by Steig and engaged the children in a lively question and answer session.
Classroom Visit Assemblywoman Weinstein spoke to 6th graders at Yeshiva Lev Bais Yaakov Girls School, discussing civic responsibility, the electoral process and answered questions from the students about the job of an Assemblywoman.		Visits With Public School Students Assemblywoman Weinstein has always made it her top priority to provide schools with funding for their literacy and extracurricular programs. Recently the Assemblywoman visited with school students to talk about her roll as a legislator and to educate the children in the electoral process.
Private School Support Assemblywoman Weinstein recently met with representatives of Agudath Israel of America to discuss ways the State can increase resources for private schools. They also discussed proposed legislation that the Assemblywoman is sponsoring to allow students to be eligible for the Tuition Assistance Program if they attend a non-profit educational institution receiving Federal Pell grants. Pictured with the Assemblywoman are (l. to r.) Shiya Ostreicher, Gedaliah Weinberger, Chairman of the Board Agudath Israel of America, and Rabbi Shmuel Lefkowitz, Vice President of Community Affairs.

HIGHER EDUCATION
Keeping College Affordable

Despite tough economic times, the budget continues to keep college affordable for New York families, investing in projects to enhance city and state university systems and funding opportunity programs for families and combat veterans. The final budget:

Provides $4.1 billion for SUNY and $1.8 billion for CUNY capital funding as part of a new five-year capital plan for each system.
Restores $15.4 million to the Tuition Assistance Programs.
Includes no tuition hikes at SUNY or CUNY and restores $38.4 million for SUNY and $19.6 for CUNY operating aid.
Provides $85 million for EOP, HEOP, SEEK, Liberty Partnership and College Discovery opportunity programs.
Provides Veterans returning from combat with a tuition grant – up to the value of in-state SUNY undergraduate tuition – which can be used to attend any public or private college in New York

Capital Projects

Additionally, the final budget provides for capital improvement needs at Brooklyn College: $22.7 million - West Quad Building, $161 million - Roosevelt Hall Science Facility, $29 million - Performing Arts Center and $9 million - Fire Alarm and Security.

Fort Greene Action Center Assemblywoman Weinstein often visits Senior Centers to inform members of programs and services offered through her community office. Most recently, the Assemblywoman admired the Arts and Crafts designed by the seniors at the Fort Greene Action Center located on Schenectady Avenue.		Honors Good Shepherd Friendship Club Volunteers Assemblywoman Weinstein congratulated volunteers from the Good Shepherd Friendship Club and their President, Mr. Michael Steckler in celebration of “National Volunteer Week.” The Assemblywoman thanked them and the other senior center volunteers that were honored for their service to the community.
Kings Bay Youth Opening Day Assemblywoman Helene Weinstein was on hand to throw out the first pitch for Kings Bay Youth’s Baseball season. The Assemblywoman also announced she was able to secure $72,000 to assist with renovations to their basketball courts in Sheepshead Bay, and presented Director Louis Spina with a ceremonial check. Pictured with the Assemblywoman are Congressman Anthony Weiner, players and Louis Spina.

ASSEMBLYWOMAN WEINSTEIN HELPS YOU SAVE MONEY

Speaks To Fraser Residents

Assemblywoman Weinstein visited recently with members and attendees at Fraser Civic Association’s monthly meeting. At the meeting the Assemblywoman discussed programs coming up at her district office and the recently signed “Granny’s Law” which protects seniors by increasing the penalty for assault and includes mandatory jail time.

Weinstein at Community Board 18

Assemblywoman Weinstein spoke at Community Board 18’s recent meeting and announced upcoming programs at her community office. She also addressed quality of life concerns raised by community residents in attendance.

HELP WITH ELECTRIC BILLS!!!

Last year, Assemblywoman Weinstein secured over $4,400 in grants for 80 area residents struggling to pay electricity bills on fixed incomes. Weinstein’s office is designated as a local Neighbor Fund Application site. This year, grants of up to $50 are available to Con Edison customers. Contact Assemblywoman Weinstein’s Community Office to see if you are eligible.

Honored By New Life Tabernacle Church

Assemblywoman Weinstein was honored to be recognized by Bishop Micheal A. Mitchell of New Life Tabernacle church for “Distinguished Public Service in the City of New York” at their annual leadership retreat dinner.

Visits with Bedford Bay Senior Center

Assemblywoman Weinstein often visits senior centers to deliver information about upcoming programs and services available through her community office. On a recent visit to the Bedford Bay Senior Center, the Assemblywoman talked about the Federal Economic Stimulus Rebate program.

SENIOR HALF-FARE METROCARD PROGRAM

Helene Weinstein Brings the Senior Half-Fare MetroCard Bus to the Community Office at 3520 Nostrand Avenue on the Third Thursday of every month.

Upcoming dates:
August 21st, 2008

10:30 am to 12:00 noon

Apply for the Senior Half-Fare MetroCard and receive one on the spot.

Proper age I.D. (65 years & older) and photo I.D. are required.

• Save the cost of photos and notary fees

• Add money to your Senior Half-Fare MetroCard

• Only MetroCard holders transfer for FREE between buses & trains

Funding For Health Tests For Chernobyl Survivors Assemblywoman Helene Weinstein and Assemblyman Alec Brook-Krasny led an effort with their Assembly colleagues to secure $1 million dollars in state funding for lifesaving health screenings for Russian American New Yorkers who may have been exposed to fallout from the Chernobyl disaster. Since April 26, 1986, the date of the worst peace-time nuclear accident, more than 200,000 émigrés from the affected regions have settled in the New York area. Studies by Dr. Daniel Igor Branovan, an expert on the effects of Chernobyl, have found increased rates of thyroid cancer amongst these individuals. If thyroid cancer is diagnosed early, it is totally curable. For more information contact Project Chernobyl at 800-426-1986. Above (l to r) Assemblyman Alec Brook-Krasny, Dr. Daniel Igor Branovan, Director of Project Chernobyl; Assemblywoman Weinstein; Dr. Gene Ukrainsky, President of Russian-American Medical Professionals Association; and Gene Borsch, Director of the HIAS/LOREO.
		School District 22’s Book Club Assemblywoman Weinstein has long been a strong supporter of all the schools in her district; providing funding for numerous after school programs and extracurricular activities. Recently, the Assemblywoman joined community and educational leaders for Community Education Council 22’s “Reading for Success” Book Club. Pictured with the Assemblywoman are teachers, parents and special guest author of “No Mama’s Boy” NY1’s, Inside Cityhall show host Dominic Carter.

STIMULUS CHECK REMINDER

ASSEMBLYWOMAN WEINSTEIN REMINDS YOU TO APPLY FOR YOUR STIMULUS CHECK

You must file a 2007 federal income tax return before October 15th, 2008 to qualify for the economic stimulus payment. This includes certain Social Security recipients, who don’t usually have to file a tax return.

Individuals with at least $3000 in qualifying income who file may be eligible for a $300 payment ($600 on a joint return).

Call or visit Assemblywoman Weinstein’s office for a 1040A tax return form and information on filing.

Remember, if your only income is from Social Security, you are eligible for a $300 payment, but you must file a tax return by October 15th to receive your check.

Seniors Visit Albany Assemblywoman Weinstein met with seniors from the Fort Greene Action Center and Midwood Senior center to discuss legislation affecting the rights and safety of New York’s seniors.		Honors Kings Bay Y Volunteers Assemblywoman Helene Weinstein spoke to a packed house at the Kings Bay YM-YWHA’s “Evening of Recognition” where she presented volunteers with Merit Citations for their efforts. The Assemblywoman is a long time supporter of the Kings Bay YM-YWHA and has secured funding for major capital renovations and numerous programs that serve our community.
Passover Pickups and Supplemental Dumpsters a Success! Assemblywoman Weinstein held her annual meeting with Sanitation officials as well as Rabbi Moshe Scheinerman - Congregation Kollel Bnai Yeshivos, Rabbi Meir Benabu - Congregation Shuva Yisroel, Raphael Treitel - NYPD Clergy Liaison, 63rd Precinct, Chazkel Bennett - representing Rabbi Shimshon Sherer, and Ezra Max, a community representative, to discuss special concerns and needs relating to the Passover holiday.

Helene Weinstein’s Community Office

3520 Nostrand Avenue • Brooklyn, NY 11229 • (718) 648-4700
Monday–Thursday: 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Friday: 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Call or stop in if you have a problem or a question!
We speak English, Creole, Russian and Yiddish

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