A special report to the Residents of the 41st Assembly District

A special report to
the Residents of the 41st Assembly District

Fall 2013

Assemblywoman
Helene E. Weinstein

ASSEMBLYWOMAN HELENE WEINSTEIN GETS RESULTS

The 2013 legislative session saw passage of new laws that will no doubt help thousands of hardworking New Yorkers. I’ve highlighted some of the most important achievements in this newsletter.

For many who joined my Assembly district in January, this will be the first year you will be able to take advantage of my popular fall community office programs that constituents have benefited from for years (details on back).

As your Assemblywoman, I strongly believe that my most important responsibility is to listen carefully, answer questions and help solve your problems. Along with my experienced community office staff, I can assist you with a variety of important services and help to resolve community problems. Please contact my office if you think I can be of assistance to you.

Responding to Superstorm Sandy

In the weeks after Superstorm Sandy, Assemblywoman Weinstein, along with other area elected officials, organized several town hall meetings, including one at P.S. 52 where representatives of the NYC Rapid Repairs Program, FEMA, SBA and Legal Services were able to outline their respective programs and answer questions from local residents.

Last fall, Superstorm Sandy hit, destroying homes and disrupting life for hundreds of thousands. Thankfully, with the help of volunteer emergency responders, non-profit/ grassroots organizations and government agencies, those affected received assistance, shelter, and sustenance they desperately needed.

As a local legislator I opened my doors to hundreds of families in need and chaired local insurance roundtables to help resolve critical issues relating to the payment of insurance claims and inadequate settlements. I also passed legislation exempting those receiving SBA Loans from filing fees, giving deserved real estate tax relief to residents whose homes were severely damaged, and called for Congress’s intervention to make co-ops and condos eligible for FEMA monies for their building’s basement, lobby and other common areas.

Immediately following the storm, it became clear failures in disaster response and prevention had devastating effects on our communities.

In Albany, we passed laws to help prepare us for the next time disaster strikes by:

Improving the emergency response plans of utility companies while increasing fines for failure to reasonably restore service.
Requiring new emergency generator equipment for gas stations so affected areas do not suffer a fuel shortage.
Setting aside money in the budget for natural infrastructure projects to limit the impact of violent storms and flooding.

Giving Homeowners
Greater Protection from Lenders

Assemblywoman Weinstein marked passage of the landmark foreclosure prevention law at a press conference at the home of a resident who thanked elected officials for ensuring future homeowners don’t go through the same stressful and costly wrongful foreclosure that she and her husband endured.

Keeping More Families
in Their Homes

Homeowners’ foreclosure cases regularly languish for months, or even years, when lenders exploit loopholes and evade our State’s foreclosure filing laws.

The delays and subsequent backlogs have left tens of thousands of homeowners in legal limbo and have become a major burden on both homeowners and the judicial system. Interest, penalties and other fees increase every month a foreclosure case is in limbo.

Assemblywoman Weinstein’s new “Certificate of Merit” law, provides a remedy - requiring banks to file the necessary paperwork when they file any foreclosure action. A proper filing will allow for a settlement conference, and borrowers can then negotiate alternatives to foreclosure, such as loan modifications or short sales.

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman stated, “…I want to thank …Assembly Member Weinstein, and the advocates for homeowners across the state, including New Yorkers for Responsible Lending, for working so hard to make this bill law…”

Increasing Street Safety

As a State Legislator I put the highest priority on the safety and security of my constituents, young and old. This year I sponsored a number of new laws that will help prevent accidents and deaths by:

Strengthening penalties for texting while driving for all drivers, and harsher consequences for young drivers who text while driving because inattention and inexperience is a deadly combination
Keeping drunk drivers off the road by tightening ignition interlock requirements that prevent cars from starting when the driver is intoxicated
Clamping down on NYC speeders with high tech cameras to enforce school zone speed limits to protect children from the tragic consequences of speeding motorists

Common-Sense Tax Relief for Hardworking Families

The state budget my colleagues and I passed ensures that hardworking families continue to pay the lowest tax rate in 60 years, while reducing tax burdens on businesses to help create jobs. Some of the highlights included:

Providing a $350 tax credit to families with children under 17 whose income falls between $40,000 and $300,000
Providing $690 million in tax relief for middle-class families – locking in the lowest tax rate in 60 years – by requiring those making over $2 million per year to pay their fair share
Phasing out the 18-a utility assessment surcharge which will save utility customers $500 million
Establishing a tax credit for businesses that hire veterans
Reducing the current 3.25 percent tax rate on manufacturing companies to 2.4 percent by 2018 in an effort to create more jobs

Assemblywoman Weinstein says
"Protect Your Identity"
A Free Shredding Truck Will Be Coming to Our Neighborhood
Thursday, October 3rd
3:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Roosevelt Savings Bank parking lot
Nostrand Avenue
(bet. Avenues T and U)

Shred your personal papers for FREE.
You can bring any documents containing your personal information, such as bank account, social security number, credit card applications, and bank statements.

Call Assemblywoman Weinstein's Community Office at (718) 648-4700 for more information and to sign up.

Free Flu Shots at Weinstein’s Office

& PHA Community Room 1655 Flatbush Ave. (near Ave. I)
Call Weinstein’s Office to schedule an appointment at (718) 648-4700
Sponsored by Beth Israel and Coney Island Hospitals

STAR PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION: APPLY NOW OR LOSE OUT

New York State homeowners enrolled in the Basic STAR program must complete a one-time re-registration before December 31st in order to receive future STAR benefits. Requiring re-registration will eliminate the cost of ineligible property exemptions and save taxpayers millions of dollars.

Homeowners and co-op owners currently enrolled will receive registration forms and instructions and a unique “STAR Code #” in the mail around September 19th. You can apply online or by phone with your STAR Code. Assemblywoman Weinstein’s Community Office will be able to assist those with questions, and help those who do not have computer access to apply online. (https://www8.tax.ny.gov/STRP/strpStart)

(If you are a Senior receiving Enhanced STAR, you are not affected by this new requirement, you will need to continue to apply annually.)

Co-op Meeting

At a Shore Terrace Co-op meeting, Assemblywoman Weinstein spoke to shareholders about office programs and tax cuts for co-op and condo owners.

Fraser Square

Following numerous accidents at the roundabout at Fraser Square, (Kings Highway, East 34th Street and Avenue M) Assemblywoman Weinstein invited Joseph Palmieri, DOT’s Brooklyn Borough Commissioner, to the site to devise a strategy to decrease speed at the turn and increase pedestrian and motorist safety.

Annual Pre-Labor Day Concert for Seniors

Assemblywoman Weinstein enjoyed the music with constituents at the Annual Pre-Labor Day Concert for Seniors in Amersfort Park, an event she co-sponsors.

In Albany

During a recent visit to Albany, Sam Sutton, Chairman of the Sephardic Community Federation, spoke with Assemblywoman Weinstein about issues affecting residents of Southern Brooklyn.

Annual Flu Shot Program

Assemblywoman Weinstein’s popular Free Flu Shot program will be returning this Fall, call to make your appointment!

Israel Day Parade

At the Annual Celebrate Israel Day Parade, Assemblywoman Weinstein spoke with Chief Thomas Chan, head of the NYPD’s Community Affairs Bureau, and Congresswoman, and former NYS Assemblymember, Grace Meng.

Yeshiva Visit

Assemblywoman Weinstein invited her colleague, Assembly Education Committee Chair, Catherine Nolan, to observe classes and programs during a day-long tour to various area Yeshivos. At Yeshiva Lev Bais Yaakov, the Assemblywomen fielded questions from elementary school teachers during their weekly staff meeting.

Yeshiva Visit

Assemblywoman Weinstein invited her colleague, Assembly Education Committee Chair Catherine Nolan, to observe classes and programs during a day-long tour to various area Yeshivos. At Yeshiva Ahavas Torah, the Assemblywomen answered questions from inquisitive grade school students.

National Night Out Against Crime

At the 67th Precinct National Night Out Against Crime event, Assemblywoman Weinstein thanked Terrence Joseph, Chair of CB 17’s Safety Committee, and members of Community Board 17’s newly formed Civilian Patrol.

Plumb Beach Civic Association

Assemblywoman Weinstein often visits with local community boards and civic groups to share information and address community concerns. Recently, she discussed Sandy recovery and office programs at a Plumb Beach Civic Association meeting.

Carmine Carro Community Center Ribbon Cutting

Assemblywoman Weinstein joined with community leaders, elected officials and Parks Dept. officials at a ribbon cutting to celebrate the grand opening of the Carmine Carro Community Center in Marine Park. Rosemarie Carro, Carmine’s widow and Jim Ivaliotis, President of the Marine Park Civic Association were on hand along with Councilman Lew Fidler, Parks Commissioner Veronica White and Brooklyn Borough Commissioner Kevin Jeffrey.

Protesting Glenwood Road Homeless Shelter

As a strong supporter of preserving of our residential neighborhoods, Assemblywoman Weinstein joined residents of the Flatlands community to protest the proposed construction of a 180-bed homeless shelter on Glenwood Road, which would be grossly out of character from the surrounding single-family homes.

New Supermarket Ribbon Cutting

After the closure of Pathmark’s Nostrand Avenue store in 2011, Assemblywoman Weinstein worked tirelessly with other elected officials to bring a replacement supermarket to the community. Joining the Assemblywoman in a ribbon cutting of the new supermarket were Borough President Marty Markowitz, Councilman Lewis Fidler, and Steve Barrison, President of the Bay Improvement Group.

Laptops for Local Libraries

Brooklyn Public Library officials and library patrons celebrated the launch of the laptop loaner program made possible through a $50,000 grant secured by Assemblywoman Weinstein for the Kingsbay and Kings Highway branches. The laptops are available for two hours of use anywhere in the building, and also allow for computer, internet and social networking classes.

Kings Bay Y

Assemblywoman Weinstein presented a care package to a grateful constituent at one of the many holiday food distributions hosted at the Kings Bay Y.

Caribbean Heritage Month

Assemblywoman Weinstein joined Dr. Roy Hastick -- President of the Caribbean American Chamber Of Commerce and Industry, local elected officials and civic leaders, as they kicked off Caribbean Heritage Month with an event at Brooklyn Borough Hall.

Holocaust Survivors Needs

Assemblywoman Weinstein met with Roman Shmulenson, Executive Director of the Council of Jewish Émigré Organizations; Pavel Vishnevetskiy, President of the Association of Holocaust survivors, and Association member Michail Sirota to discuss the organization’s needs and programs.

National Night Out Against Crime

Assemblywoman Helene Weinstein spoke to the packed crowd in Marine Park at the 63rd Precinct’s National Night Out Against Crime, which strengthens awareness of local anti-crime programs.

Never Forget

Assemblywoman Weinstein joined elected officials and community leaders in the Holocaust Memorial Park on Emmons Avenue as the Association of Eastern European Jewry held the 10th Annual “No One Is Forgotten” event, commemorating the millions of Jews who perished during the Holocaust.

Phillip Howard Senior Center

Assemblywoman Weinstein helped distribute food and drink to seniors celebrating the launch of a weekly lunch at the Phillip Howard Senior Center. The lunch program funded by the City Department of Aging was arranged by the Assemblywoman.

Brooklyn Public Library

JCC of Marine Park Machal/Mazon Program

The JCC of Marine Park Machal/Mazon program feeds hundreds of families a year who cannot afford the rising cost of weekly grocery bills. At a recent fundraising food tasting event, the Assemblywoman spoke with Shea Rubenstein, Executive Vice President of the JCCMP, and attendees

Nieuw Amersfort Community Association

Assemblywoman Weinstein joined Steve Yamin, President of the Nieuw Amersfort Community Association, as he and other officers recognized several longtime members at their annual awards ceremony.

Summer Reading Challenge

Many children at Public School 52 participated in the “Summer Reading Challenge,” reading over 40 hours over the summer break. Assemblywoman Weinstein distributed certificates to all the children who participated in the challenge.

Summer Reading Challenge

Assemblywoman Weinstein distributed certificates to students at Public School 197 who participated in the “Summer Reading Challenge” by reading over 40 hours over their summer break.

Summer Reading Challenge

Assemblywoman Weinstein distributed certificates to students at Public School 119 who participated in the “Summer Reading Challenge” by reading over 40 hours over their summer break.