In Public Service – November 25, 2019

Lentol reminder: Bump stock ban in effect

Assemblymember Joseph Lentol has a reminder for New Yorkers. On Nov. 26, a new law banning bump stocks on gunswent into effect.

“Gun violence is a horrifying epidemic. Too many lives are taken too soon by bullets. Washington, D.C. may drag its feet to protect Americans from gun violence, but here in New York, we’re saying enough is enough and taking real action to save lives,” said Lentol, a Democrat representing North Brooklyn.

The new law prohibits the possession, manufacture, transport, shipment and sale of rapid-fire modifications like bump stocks and trigger cranks.

“These devices turn firearms into military-style assault weapons and make it possible for shooters to slay numerous people in the blink of an eye. They have no place in New York. New Yorkers shouldn’t have to worry about losing their lives to gun violence while doing everyday things,” Lentol said.

Clarke travels to U.S.-Mexico border

U.S. Rep. Yvette Clarke traveled to the U.S.-Mexico border by way of the San Ysidro, California, port of entry to get a first-hand look at the crisis of millions of black immigrants facing deportation and racial profiling.

“To see the conditions at our southern border with my own eyes as I just did in San Ysidro and Tijuana was soul-crushing. The testimonies I heard from migrants, human rights activists, government officials and former asylum officers were not normal. The conditions in which migrants who are stuck at the border ‘live’ is not living. I am disturbed that the stories of black migrants remain untold and unheard. Their stories matter. Their voices have been heard,” Clarke said.

Clarke, a Democrat representing Central Brooklyn, is chairperson of the Congressional Black Caucus’s Immigration Task Force.

Pols sponsor free flu shots

Three Brooklyn lawmakers are working in partnership with Maimonides Medical Center to offer free flu shots for residents.

Assemblymember Simcha Eichenstein, State Sen. Simcha Felder and Councilmember Kalman Yeger are jointly sponsoring the flu shot event, which will take place on Thursday, Dec. 5, at Eichenstein’s district office at 1310 48th St. from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

No appointments are necessary.

The flu shot event is being held in response to two flu cases which left the patients in critical condition, according to Eichenstein’s office. For more information on the flu shot event, call 718-853-9616.

Schumer blasts airlines over family seating

U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer charged that airlines have not put in place policies to assure that children under the age of 13 can sit with their parents on flights, despite a 2016 law mandating that they do so.

Schumer noted numerous complaints parents made to the U.S. Department of Transportation that were obtained by Consumer Reports. 

“While complaints by parents seated rows away from their own kids on flights continue to climb, what’s flying under the radar is the fact that the feds were supposed to fix this problem in 2016 via a law now on the books, but they haven’t, and they should,” Schumer said.

The FAA Extension, Safety and Security Act of 2016 contained a directive to the Secretary of Transportation to get a handle on this issue. Schumer has written to U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao demanding action.

“The friendly skies deserve a family-friendly cabin, and it is clear as day that for many parents aboard flights, the real turbulence is the family seating policy which has become a game of musical chairs that is neither fun nor fair. It’s either costing parents more or delivering a giant headache that includes pleading with strangers to swap seats,” Schumer said.