gov_wire's blog

INDEPENDENCE DAY MESSAGE FROM GOVERNOR DAVID A. PATERSON

2008-07-04T06:48:56-07:00

State of New York | Executive Chamber
David A. Paterson | Governor

For Immediate Release: July 4, 2008
Contact: Morgan Hook | morgan.hook@chamber.state.ny.us | 518.474.8418

INDEPENDENCE DAY MESSAGE FROM GOVERNOR DAVID A. PATERSON

“Our Nation's struggle for independence began more than two centuries ago, and on this July 4th, let us be reminded of the spirit of New Yorkers throughout. In July of 1776, during a public reading in New York City of the newly adopted Declaration of Independence, residents and soldiers stormed Bowling Green Park to topple a statue of King George III. This event exemplifies the outcry of patriotism that spurred our Nation's independence, and the deeply held belief in the values and principles of the Declaration of Independence, which stated ‘that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.’ This tremendous showing of spirit and pride is still very much alive in every resident of New York and our great nation.

“And today, as our brave military men and women serve all over the world with a readiness to protect those freedoms, we must remember to express our gratitude for their selfless acts of courage and bravery. They serve as an inspiration for us all. I encourage all citizens to take a moment to reflect on the spirit, patriotism and sacrifice that gave us the right to be a free and independent nation.

“While we are celebrating this weekend on the great strides we have made as a country, please remember to be safe and to take precautions to ensure the safety of those around you.”

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Additional news available at www.ny.gov/governor/press
High resolution images available at www.ny.gov/governor/mediaimages | password: paterson
New York State | Executive Chamber | press.office@chamber.state.ny.us | 212.681.4640 | 518.474.8418

Denver Cartoonist Ed Stein Debuts New Graphic Blog "Long Time Passing" to Cover DNC

2008-07-04T00:22:49-07:00

CONTACT:

Ed Stein

101 W. Colfax Avenue

Denver, Colorado 80218

303-954-5479

stein@rockymountainnews.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Ed Stein, veteran editorial cartoonist for the Rocky Mountain News in Denver, debuts "Long Time Passing," a new graphic blog series to run every Friday from July 4 through the 2008 Democratic National Convention on August 25-28. Told in a unique and engaging first-person narrative, the special series will cover the build-up to the convention and the current political climate in light of Ed's personal experiences at the Chicago convention 1968 and as a seasoned journalist 40 years later.

The first installment, to be pulished tomorrow, July 4, focuses on what democracy, freedom and independence truly means to a cartoonist who has covered national politics and elections since Jimmy Carter was in office.

Ed Stein has served as the editorial cartoonist for the Rocky Mountain News in Denver, Colorado, since 1978. He grauated from the University of Denver with a degree in fine arts in 1969. Stein recently retired his popular local comic strip, "Denver Square," after 11 years to focus on his editorial cartoons. "Long Time Passing" will run every Friday from Friday, July 4 until August 24 and daily during the convention from August 25 to 28.

This week's inatallment is attached to this email and can be re-posted with a link to Stein's blog at the Rocky Mountain News website, http://blogs.rockymountainnews.com/stein/ . Subsequent editions can be read every Friday on his blog or via RSS here: feed://blogs.rockymountainnews.com/stein/index.xml .

For more information, contact Ed Stein directly.

MEDIA ADVISORY

2008-07-03T15:39:00-07:00

MEDIA ADVISORY
FOR
JULY 4, 2008

Friday, July 4

Governor David A. Paterson is in Albany and has no public schedule.

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Statement by Speaker Quinn, Senator Duane and Councilmember Gerson re: LGBT Bias Attack

2008-07-03T13:32:57-07:00

THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS CITY HALL NEW YORK, NY 10007 (212) 788-7116 **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE** July 3, 2008 Contact: 212-788-7116 For Senator Duane: Colin Casey (646) 265-9409 Release # 061-2008 Statement by Speaker Christine C. Quinn, State Senator Thomas K. Duane, Council Member Alan Gerson Re: LGBT Bias Attack This week, our offices were alerted to an apparently homophobic bias attack that occurred Saturday evening in the subway system. A gay man and his partner were in a crowded Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) New York City Transit (NYCT) subway car on the 1 Line, returning home from volunteering at a church in Greenwich Village, when the man was verbally and physically assaulted by a male and female passenger. The New York Police Departments 6th Precinct was called from the hospital. They responded swiftly and took a report of the incident, which has been referred to the NYPDs Hate Crimes Unit. The Speakers Office was alerted of the incident and connected the victim to New York City Gay and Lesbian Anti-Violence Project (AVP) for support services. Our offices are working with the victim, AVP, MTA, and NYCT to determine if proper protocol was followed by MTA and NYCT employees in responding to the emergency. Homophobia must never be tolerated, but it is especially surprising and hurtful that such an attack could occur in the West Village so near to the birthplace of the LGBT movement, and the day before the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Pride March. June is the month that we celebrate the LGBT community in New York City and advocate for equal rights and the elimination of intolerance and prejudice, and this attack only goes to show that we still have a long way to go. We are calling on all those who witnessed this violent act to come forward with any information that might help by calling 1-800-577-TIPS with any pertinent information. ###

Bush Admin. Sacks 9/11 Health Czar

2008-07-03T12:21:35-07:00

Bush Admin. Sacks 9/11 Health Czar

For Immediate Release: July 3, 2008

Contact: Joe Soldevere, (646) 831-1649

Bush Admin. Sacks 9/11 Health Czar

Rep. Maloney: Dr. Howard Fired Just For Doing His Job

New York, NY – Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY) released the following statement in response to reports that Dr. John Howard will not be reappointed as Director of the National Institutes for Occupational Safety and Health, the agency responsible for overseeing federally-funded health care for 9/11 first responders and others exposed to Ground Zero toxins:

“It appears that the Bush Administration fired Dr. Howard just for doing his job caring for Americans who are suffering as a result of 9/11. It’s outrageous that the administration would treat the heroes of 9/11 so poorly on the day before our nation celebrates its independence.”

Background

In February 2006, Reps. Maloney and Vito Fossella (R-NY) successfully urged the Bush Administration to appoint Dr. Howard to serve as the federal government's coordinator to oversee the response to Ground Zero health impacts (Click here for a copy of HHS' letter to Rep. Maloney announcing Dr. Howard's appointment).

Joe Soldevere

Press Secretary

Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (NY-14)

Office: (212) 860-0606

Mobile: (646) 831-1649

DiNapoli Announces Third Quarter 2008 Bond Sale Schedule

2008-07-03T12:01:11-07:00


CONTACT:	Press Office (518) 474-4015	FOR RELEASE:	Immediately July 3, 2008

DiNAPOLI ANNOUNCES THIRD QUARTER 2008
BOND SALE SCHEDULE

State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli today announced a tentative schedule for the planned public sale of obligations for the State, its major public authorities, the City of New York and the City’s major public authorities during the third quarter of calendar year 2008.

The total proposed new issuances are approximately $5.8 billion, including approximately $1.7 billion scheduled for July, approximately $2.1 billion scheduled for August, and approximately $2 billion scheduled for September. The second quarter of calendar year 2008 was $4.8 billion, and $4.1 billion during the third quarter of calendar year 2007.

The Office of the State Comptroller chairs the Securities Coordinating Committee which was created by Executive Order primarily to coordinate the borrowing activities of the State, the City and public authorities. All borrowings are scheduled at the request of the issuer and done pursuant to their borrowing programs.

The third quarter new money borrowings are expected to include the following:

City of New York – a bond sale of up to $800 million in tax-exempt fixed rate bonds in August, and a bond sale of up to $800 million in tax-exempt fixed rate bonds in September.
Dormitory Authority of the State of New York – bond sales totaling up to $704.2 million in tax-exempt fixed and variable rate bonds in July, and bond sales totaling up to $90.7 million in tax-exempt fixed rate bonds in August.
Metropolitan Transportation Authority – a bond sale of up to $478 million in tax-exempt fixed rate bonds in September.
New York City Municipal Water Finance Authority – a bond sale of up to $100 million in tax-exempt fixed rate bonds in July, and a bond sale of up to $350 million in tax-exempt variable rate bonds in August.
New York City Transitional Finance Authority – a bond sale of up to $700 million in tax-exempt fixed rate bonds in September.
New York State Housing Finance Agency – bond sales totaling up to $376.3 million in tax-exempt and taxable variable rate bonds as well as tax-exempt fixed rate bonds in July, and bond sales totaling up to $94.4 million tax-exempt and taxable variable rate bonds in August.
Port Authority of New York and New Jersey – a bond sale of up to $500 million in tax-exempt fixed rate bonds in July.
State of New York Mortgage Agency – a bond sale of up to $60 million in tax-exempt fixed rate and/or variable rate bonds in August.
Thruway Authority – bond sales totaling up to $705 million in tax-exempt fixed rate bonds in August.

Refundings or conversions are currently being contemplated during the third quarter by the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York, Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the New York City Municipal Water Finance Authority, the New York State Housing Finance Agency, the State of New York Mortgage Agency and the Thruway Authority.

The schedule will be modified and updated in response to changes in program needs and market conditions. It is also contingent upon execution of all project approvals required by law. The schedule is released by the Committee to assist the investment community. A new schedule is released every quarter and updated as necessary. The collection and release of this information by the Office of the State Comptroller is not intended as an endorsement of the proposed issuances it contains, many of which will be subject to approval by the Office of the State Comptroller.

The full forward calendar can be obtained at: www.osc.state.ny.us/pension/scccalendar.pdf.

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The Empowerment Hour Celebrates the Holiday Weekend with 2 Featured Episodes

2008-07-03T08:27:38-07:00

THIS WEEK ON THE EMPOWERMENT HOU

	THIS WEEK ON THE EMPOWERMENT HOUR ONLINE UNIVERSITY www.blogtalkradio.com/eadyassociates
This Saturday, July 5th the Empowerment Hour will not feature a live episode due to the Holiday Weekend. We ask that our listeners enjoy 2 featured Empowerment Hour Online University Episodes. Alton Maddox from June 7th Joseph Robinson & Shelia Rule from June 21th You can also enjoy other past episodes on our Blog Talk Radio Site www.blogtalkradio.com/eadyassociates COMING SOON ALL SHOWS BEGIN AT 6PM EST/ 5PM CST & 3PM PST Stay tuned for our 1 year anniversary episode on July 26th *IT IS A MUST THAT WE GET OUR* **YOUTH TO LISTEN TO THIS PROGRAM Please listen each week at www.blogtalkradio.com/eadyassociates and call (646) 716-7472 to join in the conversation and to listen if you don't have internet access**
Action Alert Call New York State Governor David Paterson Please read the article "Why won't Governor Paterson respect Black self-help" and then PLEASE CALL the office of Governor David Patterson and ask him to "do the right thing" and RESTORE THE BLACK UNITED FUND OF NY *Call: 518-474-8390 or 518-474-7516 ask for Governor Paterson* *Contact via E-Mail*
If you would like to be added to the Empowerment List please send an e-mail to info@kermiteady.com In the subject line note Empowerment List *if you would like to change the e-mail address your weekly e-mails are being sent please click the manage your subscription* link at the bottom of this e-mail**			EA Featured Business Program In keeping with the building of an Economic Infrastructure in Black Communities across this country and around the world, Eady Associates is developing and selecting a group of Featured Businesses that it presents to Black and other communities around the globe. Please visit the Featured Business page or Call: 888-538-9803 or E-Mail us at info@kermiteady.com for more information
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THOMPSON AUDIT IDENTIFIES LACK OF OVERSIGHT OF HOUSING AUTHORITY'S RESIDENT EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM

2008-07-03T07:35:32-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 3, 2008

Contact: Laura Rivera, (212) 669-2701, lrivera@comptroller.nyc.gov

THOMPSON AUDIT IDENTIFIES LACK OF OVERSIGHT OF HOUSING AUTHORITY’S RESIDENT EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM

New York City Comptroller William C. Thompson, Jr. today issued an audit finding a “significant” lack of oversight by the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) of its Resident Employment Program (REP) contracts.

“Overall, the Resident Employment Program did not appear to be a high priority,” Comptroller Thompson said. “As a result, NYCHA allowed contractors to largely ignore provisions in their contracts, and still be fully paid. A serious lack of NYCHA management oversight and commitment to the REP program resulted in its goals not being achieved.”

The audit – which you can view at www.comptroller.nyc.gov – covered Fiscal Year 2007 (July 1, 2006 to June 30, 2007). It focused on whether NYCHA implemented six recommendations made by the Comptroller in an audit issued in 2004.

In addition to housing, NYCHA offers its residents opportunities to take part in a number of community, educational and recreational programs as well as job readiness and training initiatives. Among its charges, NYCHA’s Department of Resident Employment Services (RES) implements REP, which was launched in 2001 and requires that every construction and building maintenance contract in excess of $500,000 expend 15 percent of the total estimated labor cost on hiring and/or training NYCHA residents.

The 2004 audit determined that NYCHA did not have effective controls to ensure that REP was operating as intended. The audit noted that contracts generally did not comply with REP requirements and in a number of instances overstated the amount of money that went to NYCHA residents. The Comptroller made six recommendations to remedy the problems.

Today’s audit found that of the six, NYCHA has since implemented only one, partially implemented one, and did not execute the other four. While NYCHA strengthened some controls over REP contracts, it failed to make changes to achieve the program’s goals.

Among Thompson’s findings:

Since the last audit, NYCHA has established written procedures that define the responsibilities of the parties involved in REP and identify controls that could help ensure that the program works as intended.

Since the last audit, NYCHA failed to coordinate the efforts of RES and the administering department to ensure that contractors comply with REP requirements. Thompson noted there was little evidence of effective management oversight of the REP program to ensure proper coordination.

The Comptroller pointed out that there was a lack of communication between the parties involved in REP, and that contractors’ requests for payment often failed to contain accurate and complete supporting documentation, such as hiring summaries, and yet still generated payments.

“NYCHA should reinforce controls over the processing of REP hiring summaries so that no payments are made without proper approval,” Thompson said.

NYCHA’s lack of commitment to the REP program was reinforced by the fact that it did not take any action against contractors who did not comply with REP requirements.

Auditors determined that RES could not even provide an accurate list of all contracts that participate in REP.

“NYCHA’s inability to produce an accurate list of REP contracts raises further questions about its ability to effectively monitor REP contracts and meet its program goals,” Thompson said.

Auditors noted a lack of oversight to ensure that resident hires are actually on the job and working. By not monitoring the residents hired to work, the agency is allowing contractors to report resident hires who may not actually be working.

Comptroller Thompson’s auditors also detected one case in which a worker was not paid according to the prevailing wage schedule on a contract. Thompson recommended that NYCHA ensure that all resident hires receive no less than the minimum wage and benefit amounts stipulated in contracts’ prevailing wage schedules.

Additionally, to address the issues that still exist, Thompson in part recommended that NYCHA ensure that administering departments consistently provide hiring summaries and related documents to RES and ensure that payments are made to contractors only if all required supporting documents are submitted.

In its response, NYCHA agreed or partially agreed with nine new recommendations and failed to address five.

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Lancman & Community Leaders Oppose DOT's Plans For 73rd Avenue in Hillcrest & Fresh Meadows

2008-07-03T06:07:25-07:00

New york State ASSEMBLY

Assemblyman Rory Lancman, 25th District, Queens

Press Release: July 3, 2008

Assemblyman Lancman And Community Leaders Oppose DOT’s Plans For 73rd Avenue in Hillcrest & Fresh Meadows

Assemblyman Rory Lancman (D-Queens) was joined by community leaders and neighborhood institutions in opposing the New York City Department of Transportation’s plan to eliminate parking spaces and narrow 73rd Avenue between 164th Street and Utopia Parkway in an attempt to enhance already existing bike lanes. Assemblyman Lancman’s letters and letters from neighborhood civic and religious institutions can be found here.

###

Sean Finnerty

Director of Communications

Office of Assemblyman Rory I. Lancman

77-40 170th Street

Fresh Meadows, NY 11366

(718) 820-0241 (o)

(718) 820-0414 (f)

(518) 207-6631 (c)

sean@nyad25.org

Quinnipiac CT BASEBALL Poll

2008-07-03T03:31:30-07:00

FOR RELEASE: JULY 3, 2008

RED SOX ARE NO. 1, BY 1 POINT, IN HEARTS OF CONNECTICUT FANS,

QUINNIPIAC UNIVERSITY POLL FINDS;

BOSTON INCHES PAST YANKEES FOR FIRST TIME EVER

Sarah McDonnell

Rubenstein Associates, Inc.

1345 Avenue of the Americas, 29th Floor

New York, New York 10105-0109

(P) 212.843.9372

(F) 212.843.9200

smcdonnell@rubenstein.com

Statement from Council Member Vacca on Restoration of $590,000 to Community Boards

2008-07-02T15:48:34-07:00

STATEMENT FROM NEW YORK CITY COUNCIL MEMBER

JAMES VACCA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, July 2, 2008

Statement from Council Member James Vacca on Restoration of Community Board Funding

Council Member James Vacca, who served as District Manager of Bronx Community Board 10 for 26 years before taking office in 2006, released the following statement concerning the New York City Council’s full restoration of $590,000 in proposed budget cuts to the city’s 59 community boards:

“Having served as a District Manager for 26 years, I know firsthand that our 59 community boards represent the closest link to city government for millions of average New Yorkers in all five boroughs. Like mini-town halls, they monitor city services, help address quality-of-life concerns, and offer a critical voice in zoning and land use decisions. And they do it all on a shoestring budget, costing less than $200,000 apiece each year.

“Unlike larger agencies, community boards would not have been able to absorb a 5% cut without substantially sacrificing the level of service needed to keep our communities strong and our citizens engaged in the public process. I am thrilled that my colleagues in the Council saw the wisdom of keeping these local institutions strong, and I promise that in the years ahead, I will fight back against any attempt to diminish their role in city government.”

The proposed community board budget cuts included in the mayor’s Executive Budget amounted to $10,000 per board, or roughly 5% of each board’s total budget.

Contact: Bret Nolan Collazzi, (718) 931-1721 / (646) 261-4471

Bret Nolan Collazzi

Director of Communications

Council Member James Vacca

Phone: (718) 931-1721

Cell: (646) 261-4471

Email: bret.collazzi@council.nyc.gov

MEDIA ADVISORY MEDIA ADVISORY MEDIA ADVISORY

2008-07-02T15:44:08-07:00

MEDIA ADVISORY
FOR
JULY 3, 2008

Thursday, July 3

Governor David A. Paterson is in New York City.

7:20 AM Appears on CNN’s “American Morning”
CNN Studios
Time Warner Center
New York
CLOSED PRESS

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GOVERNOR DAVID A. PATERSON APPLAUDS AGREEMENT BETWEEN CON EDISON AND UTILITY WORKERS UNION OF AMERICA LOCAL 1-2

2008-07-02T14:49:28-07:00

State of New York | Executive Chamber
David A. Paterson | Governor

For Immediate Release: July 2, 2008
Contact: Marissa Shorenstein | marissa.shorenstein@chamber.state.ny.us | 212.681.4640

GOVERNOR DAVID A. PATERSON APPLAUDS AGREEMENT BETWEEN CON EDISON AND UTILITY WORKERS UNION OF AMERICA LOCAL 1-2

Governor Played Instrumental Role during Negotiation Process

Early this morning, after intense negotiations, and with the assistance of Governor Paterson’s office, Con Edison and Utility Workers Union of America Local 1-2 announced a fair and equitable agreement for their respective employees and for New Yorkers.

“I am pleased that both sides continued to negotiate in good faith instead of walking away from the table risking a strike that would have impacted more than three million New Yorkers during the summer months,” said Governor Paterson. “A strike, at this time of year, as utility usage is at its highest level would have jeopardized the health of all New Yorkers, particularly children, the elderly and disabled.

“By intervening in the negotiations and serving as a mediator throughout the process, my office, under the guidance of Barbara C. Deinhardt, Chairwoman of the New York State Employee Relations Board, was able to help the parties settle their most significant points of contention and find a suitable resolution. This is good news for Con Edison, for the members of the Utility Workers Union of America Local 1-2 and most of all, for the people of New York.”

Harry Farrell, President of Utility Workers Union of America Local 1-2, said: “These negotiations were very difficult and without the help of the Governor and his staff it is very possible that we would be on strike. We appreciate all that Governor Paterson and Chairwoman Deinhardt did to help move the negotiations along and ensure a successful outcome.”

Claude Trahan, Con Edison’s Vice President of Human Resources, said: “We're pleased to have reached an agreement for the men and women of Con Edison who provide such an important service to our customers. We believe the tentative contract is fair and equitable to our employees, while at the same time holds down costs for our customers.”

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GOVERNOR PATERSON ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENT TO MONROE COMMUNITY COLLEGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

2008-07-02T13:14:08-07:00

State of New York | Executive Chamber
David A. Paterson | Governor

For Immediate Release: July 2, 2008
Contact: Morgan Hook | morgan.hook@chamber.state.ny.us | 518.474.8418

GOVERNOR PATERSON ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENT TO MONROE COMMUNITY COLLEGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Governor David A. Paterson today announced the appointment of Howard Konar as a member of the Monroe Community College (MCC) Board of Trustees. Mr. Konar currently serves as Chair of the Monroe Community College Foundation Executive Committee, and is President of Konar Properties.

“Monroe Community College is a critical component of downtown Rochester, and the members of the Board of Trustees need to have an appreciation for just how important the college is to the community. There is no question that Howard Konar understands this,” said Governor Paterson. “This is a critical time for MCC and its Board of Trustees, as they are faced with the challenge of finding a new president for the college, and maintaining the excellent and deserved reputation that the college has earned.”

Mr. Konar serves on the boards of the Monroe County Workforce Investment Board, the Jewish Community Federation of Rochester, Highland Hospital and the Jewish Home of Rochester. Additionally, he chairs Monroe Community College’s Holocaust Genocide Studies Advisory Committee, and was appointed by President George W. Bush to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council, the governing board of the Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C. Mr. Konar received a B.A. from Cornell University and a J.D. from Fordham University.

Assemblyman Joseph Morelle said: “Howard Konar already has substantial knowledge of Monroe Community College, and this, considered in conjunction with his record of achievement in other arenas, makes him an ideal candidate. He is an individual for whom public service is a true avocation, and one who values institutions and the principles upon which those institutions are founded. I am honored to lend him my support.”

Rochester Mayor Robert J. Duffy said: “Howard Konar will be a welcome addition to the MCC Board of Trustees. He has a long history of giving back to this community. As Chair of the MCC Foundation, he has an intimate knowledge of the college's needs going forward. Most importantly, Mr. Konar is non-political and will only act in the best interests of the students. I wish him well.”

Mr. Konar’s appointment is effective July 1, 2008. His term runs through June 30, 2015. This is an unpaid position and does not require confirmation by the Senate.

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Lawn Litter Law Enforcement Begins August 2nd

2008-07-02T12:42:06-07:00

Assemblymember Mark S. Weprin 56-21 Marathon Parkway Little Neck, New York 11362 Telephone (718) 428-7900 Facsimile (718) 428-8575 weprinm@assembly.state.ny.us July 2, 2008 Immediate Release Contact: Ari Gershman MARK WEPRIN ANNOUNCES LAWN LITTER LAW ENFORCEMENT TO BEGIN ON AUGUST 2, 2008 Enforcement of the Lawn Litter Law, authored by Assemblymember Mark S. Weprin (D-Little Neck) and Senator Frank Padavan (R-Bellerose), will start on August 2, 2008, now that the New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) has released the procedures by which property owners will be able to inform DSNY of any violation. The Lawn Litter Law says that if homeowners post a sign on their property indicating that they do not want to receive unsolicited advertising materials, distributors may not leave the materials. The sign must be at least five inches by seven inches, and must say, in letters at least one inch high, “Do Not Place Unsolicited Advertising Materials on This Property.” While the law has been in effect for several months, enforcement could not take place prior to the finalization of rules by DSNY. “The Lawn Litter Law is a great example of government responding directly to constituents’ concerns,” said Assemblymember Weprin. “People around the City complained for years about receiving unsolicited advertisements on their property, and this law will put a stop to it.” Assemblymember Weprin noted that lawn litter can be dangerous under several circumstances: Plastic bags become slippery when wet, elderly and disabled residents sometimes have difficulty bending down to pick up paper from the ground, and a pile of uncollected advertisements can be a signal to burglars that homeowners are away. The newly released rules will allow DSNY to enforce the law. Anyone who has a sign up and still receives lawn litter will be able to submit a form, along with the offending material, directly to DSNY. The form will be available via the DSNY website and by calling 311. - 30 -

gov_wire's blog

INDEPENDENCE DAY MESSAGE FROM GOVERNOR DAVID A. PATERSON

Denver Cartoonist Ed Stein Debuts New Graphic Blog "Long Time Passing" to Cover DNC

MEDIA ADVISORY

Statement by Speaker Quinn, Senator Duane and Councilmember Gerson re: LGBT Bias Attack

Bush Admin. Sacks 9/11 Health Czar

DiNapoli Announces Third Quarter 2008 Bond Sale Schedule

The Empowerment Hour Celebrates the Holiday Weekend with 2 Featured Episodes

AKERU! NuAfrakan Radio http://akeruradio.com

The Sankofa Experience with Brian Muhammad http://www.blogtalkradio.com/theSankofaExperience

The Sankofa Experience is designed to share relevant information from a Black world view. Toward Liberation, Resurrection & Restoration. The goal of Empowerment of our personal and collective selves.

THOMPSON AUDIT IDENTIFIES LACK OF OVERSIGHT OF HOUSING AUTHORITY'S RESIDENT EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM

Lancman & Community Leaders Oppose DOT's Plans For 73rd Avenue in Hillcrest & Fresh Meadows

Quinnipiac CT BASEBALL Poll

QUINNIPIAC UNIVERSITY POLL FINDS;

Statement from Council Member Vacca on Restoration of $590,000 to Community Boards

MEDIA ADVISORY MEDIA ADVISORY MEDIA ADVISORY

GOVERNOR DAVID A. PATERSON APPLAUDS AGREEMENT BETWEEN CON EDISON AND UTILITY WORKERS UNION OF AMERICA LOCAL 1-2

GOVERNOR PATERSON ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENT TO MONROE COMMUNITY COLLEGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Lawn Litter Law Enforcement Begins August 2nd

AKERU! NuAfrakan Radio

http://akeruradio.com

The Sankofa Experience
with Brian Muhammad

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/theSankofaExperience