3520 Nostrand Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11229 Assemblywoman Helene E. Weinstein ![]()
Making a Difference in Brooklyn and Albany
Spring 2008
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A Report to the Residents of the 41st Assembly District |
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.
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![]() 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.
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![]() 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.
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![]() 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.
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![]() 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.
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HEALTH CARE
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:
HOMEOWNERSHIP
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 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:
Record level of funding provided to reimburse private and religious schools for mandated services
HIGHER EDUCATION 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:
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.
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![]() 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.
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![]() 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.
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![]() 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.
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![]() 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.
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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.
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![]() 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.
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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: 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.
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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.
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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.
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![]() 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.
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![]() 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. |
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