Cuomo signs Summer Youth Employment bill
Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed into law a bill sponsored by Brooklyn Assemblymember Simcha Eichenstein and State Sen. Roxanne Persaud to exempt the income of the Summer Youth Employment Program from a family’s household income. The new law will help young adults from low-income households who were previously unable to participate in the program out of fear that their household will lose public assistance.
“I am thrilled that more young people will now be able to take advantage of these hugely beneficial summer employment experiences,” said Eichenstein, a Democrat representing Borough Park and Midwood.
More than 12,500 youths in Eichenstein’s district were enrolled in the program last year, through two providers: National Society for Hebrew Day Schools and the Council of Jewish Organizations of Flatbush.
The new law means that families will now be able to continue receiving public assistance, regardless of their children’s participation in the Summer Youth Employment program.
“It doesn’t make sense that income earned by Summer Youth Employment Program participants could ultimately disqualify their household from needed benefits,” said Persaud, a Democrat representing Canarsie, Brownsville, Marine Park and Flatlands.
Salazar to celebrate district office opening
State Sen. Julia Salazar will host the grand opening of her district office from 2 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 1. The office is located at 212 Evergreen Ave. The phone number is 718-573-1726.
Salazar, a Democrat, represents parts of several neighborhoods, including Bushwick, Cypress Hills, Greenpoint and Williamsburg. She is also the chairperson of the Senate Committee on Women’s Health.
Velázquez announces federal funds for Sunset Park Council
U.S. Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez announced that Sunset Park Health Council, Inc. will receive nearly $6.5 million in federal funding to boost its public health programs.
“I am proud to announce that Sunset Park Health Council, Inc. will receive federal funding to continue offering community-based health programs sensitive to cultural, ethnic and linguistic identities,” Velázquez said.
Sunset Park Health Council, Inc. has served Sunset Park for over 40 years with primary and dental care for children and families.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has awarded Sunset Park Health Council, Inc. $6,467,323 for its Health Center Cluster program.
The funds “allow us to serve more than 110,000 people each year,” said Larry McReynolds, executive director of Family Health Centers at NYU Langone Health. “These funds provide increased access to medical, dental and behavioral health for New Yorkers to improve the health of our communities.”
Colton holds ceremony honoring veterans
Assemblymember William Colton joined together with United Progressive Democratic Club President Nino Magali and 47th Assembly District Leaders Nancy Tong and Charles Ragusa to host a ceremony to salute military veterans.
More than 30 veterans were honored at the event, which took place at United Progressive Democratic Club at 29 Bay 25th St.
“The event was a great success. Everyone had a great time. I urge everyone to thank our veterans every day, not just on the holidays,” said Colton, a Democrat representing Gravesend and parts of Bensonhurst and Dyker Heights.
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