REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH DATA PRIVACY: On July 8, Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney, Chairwoman of the Committee on Oversight and Reform, Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Economic and Consumer Policy, and Rep. Sara Jacobs, sent letters to five data broker companies and five personal health application companies requesting information and documents regarding the collection and sale of personal reproductive health data. Following the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, the Members expressed concerns about the potential misuse of this data to invade the privacy of individuals seeking reproductive health care.
“The collection of sensitive data could pose serious threats to those seeking reproductive care as well as to providers of such care, not only by facilitating intrusive government surveillance, but also by putting people at risk of harassment, intimidation, and even violence,” the Members wrote. “Geographic data collected by mobile phones may be used to locate people seeking care at clinics, and search and chat history referring to clinics or medication create digital bread crumbs revealing interest in an abortion.”
On June 24, 2022, the Supreme Court reversed nearly fifty years of legal precedent with its decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, overturning the right to an abortion guaranteed in Roe v. Wade. As of July 3, six states have banned abortion, three have bans currently being litigated, ten plan to institute bans or severe restrictions soon, and the legal status of abortion is threatened in eleven additional states. Due to this decision, millions of people will lose access or struggle to access abortion services and other forms of reproductive health care.
In an era of unprecedented digital surveillance, the distribution of personal health data further threatens the health, safety, and privacy of people and health care providers across the country. Reproductive health applications, which are known to share information with data brokers and other third parties, have been plagued by data privacy concerns. A recent study found that 87% of the 23 most popular women’s health apps—including reproductive health apps—shared user data with third parties, yet just over 50% requested consent from their users.
Similarly, data brokers have been found to sell sensitive user location data. Recent reporting indicates that data brokers have sold mobile phone location data from individuals who have visited health care clinics that provide abortions, leading to concerns about the misuse of private data to target individuals seeking this care.
As Congress considers legislative reforms to ensure the privacy of personal reproductive and sexual health information, the Members requested information and documents regarding data privacy, collection, distribution, use, and sale, by July 21.
FREE TUITION TO CYBERSECURITY BOOTCAMP: Fullstack Academy, a trailblazer in bootcamp education across the nation, and New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) announced on July 5 their second annual Cyber NYC Fellowship scholarship program for low-income and unemployed New Yorkers. The scholarships are offered through NYCEDC’s Cyber NYC initiative focused on developing the cyber workforce of the future and will cover full tuition to Fullstack’s Cybersecurity Analytics Bootcamp, the official cybersecurity bootcamp of New York City. This year, the organizations will award over $400,000 in scholarships.
“If New York is to be a leader in cybersecurity and continue to protect itself from security breaches, we must invest in initiatives like this to train a diverse workforce with the skills, tools and resources that the industry needs,” said Deputy Mayor for Economic and Workforce Development Maria Torres-Springer. “Programs like the Fullstack Cybersecurity Bootcamp are working to provide greater opportunity to qualified, diverse candidates from different socioeconomic backgrounds. This is critically important as good-paying cyber security positions in New York City continue to grow rapidly.”
“New York City has nearly 25,000 open positions in cybersecurity, and the industry is expected to grow 30 percent over the next decade,” said NYCEDC President and CEO Andrew Kimball. “We are thrilled to partner with Fullstack Academy through our Cyber NYC Initiative to create more equitable opportunities for young people to meet the industry’s growing demand and secure good-paying jobs.”
The average entry-level salary for a cybersecurity analyst in the New York City metro area is $85,300, according to Emsi Burning Glass. Fullstack cyber alumni have regularly secured jobs with companies like The Center for Internet Security, CACI International, and Accenture.
“Our partnership with NYCEDC allows us to provide those from diverse and underrepresented communities the opportunity to learn valuable skills and transition into a successful career path,” said Jerrad Tausz, CEO of New York-based Fullstack Academy. “The live-online curriculum makes the bootcamps widely accessible to those looking for a flexible way to get hands-on training.”
Students will learn how to monitor and secure systems, networks, and applications, as well as how to deploy offensive and defensive tactics to mitigate cyber breaches.
Scholarships are available for the full- and part-time August cyber bootcamps, applications to which are now open. Students must first be accepted into the bootcamp to apply for the scholarship.
To qualify for the scholarship, individuals must be at least 18 years of age and possess a high school diploma or equivalent, earn less than $50,000 annually, and reside in one of New York City’s five boroughs. In addition to free tuition, students will receive a laptop for the course if needed, as well as vouchers for the curriculum’s certifications and fees.
Details on the Fullstack Academy Cybersecurity Bootcamp, scholarships, and key dates are available on the Fullstack Academy website.
MEEKS LEADS CODEL TO GREECE AND TURKEY: On July 5 Representative Gregory W. Meeks (D-NY), Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, departed on a congressional delegation to Greece and Turkey.
The delegation includes Representatives Ted Deutch (D-FL), David Cicilline (D-RI), G. K. Butterfield (D-NC), and Stacey Plaskett (D-VI).
Members will engage with government officials and civil society groups to examine the current political and security landscape in the Eastern Mediterranean region, as it relates to NATO cooperation, energy issues, human rights, and addressing food security in light of Russia’s war in Ukraine.
HELP TO ACCESS LOW-COST WORKERS’ COMPENSATION: Governor Kathy Hochul announced that she has signed legislation restoring the ability of thousands of New York businesses to access low-cost workers’ compensation coverage through the New York State Insurance Fund, New York’s largest workers’ compensation insurer and a centerpiece of the State’s low-cost insurance market.
“At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, thousands of New York businesses struggling to stay afloat lost access to affordable workers’ compensation coverage when they needed it most,” Governor Hochul said. “But today, thanks to bill sponsors Senator Ramos and Assembly Member Fernandez, we’re announcing action to ensure that businesses can continue to protect their workers with affordable coverage while addressing any back premium. This bill will restore much-needed access, saving businesses across the state millions of dollars in premium and helping their bottom line.”
New York law requires businesses to secure workers’ compensation coverage, which most obtain through NYSIF or a private insurer. But unlike private insurers, NYSIF insures any employer that applies for coverage regardless of risk at the lowest possible cost to maintain a solvent fund. NYSIF may only cancel a policy for non-payment of premium and until now was precluded from re-issuing a policy to a business that owed it premium.
The new law will enable NYSIF to issue a policy to a business with an outstanding balance, allowing the company to pay the owed premium under an installment plan. In doing so, the legislation will give more than 3,000 New York businesses renewed access to the largest segment of the low-cost insurance market, generating an aggregate of $8 million in potential premium savings, or an average of approximately $2,000 per policyholder.
Under the new law, policyholders can work with NYSIF to establish a payment plan ,for both the outstanding balance and premium on the new policy. All companies must also meet NYSIF’s general underwriting standards. For more information visit www.NYSIF.com
OPPOSE SALE OF F-16 FIGHTERS TO TURKEY: Hellenic Caucus Co-Chairs Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY) and Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R- FL), along with Caucus Member Rep. Chris Pappas (D-NH), issued the following statements opposing the Biden Administration’s apparent plans to sell sensitive F-16 modernization kits to Turkey:
“I am deeply disappointed with the apparent plan to move forward with modernizing Turkey’s F-16s.” said Congresswoman Maloney “We must not forget that Turkey uses their current air fleet to violate the sovereignty of a reliable NATO member and ally, Greece, and that such a modernized force could be used to support their illegal occupation of Northern Cyprus. Furthermore, Turkey still possesses Russian S-400 anti-air systems, which led to their ejection from the F-35 program and the imposition of CAATSA sanctions We must continue to hold Erdogan accountable for violations of U.S. law, human rights, and the security of our ally Greece – not reward him.”
“Turkey has consistently demonstrated a complete disregard for following international law,” said Congressman Bilirakis. “Erdogan repeatedly acts contrary to American interests, with his dangerous behavior contributing to the instability of the region. For all these reasons, we absolutely must not sell Turkey F-16s or F-16 modernization kits.”
“I’m deeply concerned about Assistant Secretary Wallander’s comments in support of modernizing Turkish F- 16s and strongly oppose the sale of advanced weapons and equipment to upgrade Turkey’s F-16 fleet. Turkey has failed to address the issues that led to its ejection from the F-35 program and the imposition of CAATSA sanctions,” said Congressman Pappas. “Turkey’s increasingly belligerent rhetoric and behavior towards Greece, a reliable democratic NATO ally, also cannot be ignored. Turkish F-16s have flown over Greek islands and violated its airspace hundreds of times in recent weeks, and Turkey has launched a baseless campaign disputing Greece’s sovereignty over its eastern Aegean islands. We cannot allow the Erdogan government to escape accountability for violating U.S. law and the standards of the NATO alliance.”
On November 1, 2021, Maloney, Pappas, and Bilirakis led 38 of their House colleagues in sending a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken to oppose the sale of F-16 fighters and modernization kits to the Republic of Turkey.
In their letter the members stated, “We share your goal of a Turkey that is rooted to the West, but we will not achieve that goal if the Erdogan government escapes accountability for violating U.S. law and the standards of the NATO alliance.”
The prevention of the sale of F-16s to Turkey is supported by the Hellenic American Leadership Council, the Armenian National Committee of America, the American Friends of Kurdistan, the Hindu American Foundation, the Middle East Forum, the American Jewish Committee, PSEKA (International Coordinating Committee – Justice for Cyprus – pseka.org), the American Hellenic Institute, the Coordinated Effort of Hellenes, the Armenian Assembly of America, and the Armenian Council of America.
SAFE TRAVEL WHILE BREASTFEEDING OR WITH FORMULA: U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand recently joined 13 colleagues in calling on the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to address inconsistent implementation of the 3-1-1 Liquids Rule Exemption travel policy for breastmilk and formula at airport security checkpoints, and ensure lactating individuals and their infants can travel safely without fear of harassment. Under TSA’s 3-1-1 Liquids Rule Exemption, travelers are permitted to bring formula and breastmilk in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces in carry-on baggage on board an aircraft, as well as ice packs, freezer packs, frozen gel packs and other accessories required to prevent formula and breastmilk from spoiling. However, the policy has been inconsistently interpreted and enforced, resulting in numerous reports of TSA officials harassing lactating individuals and discarding breastmilk and expensive breastfeeding equipment.
In a letter, the senators asked for clarification on the 3-1-1 exemption policy and requested an outline of TSA’s efforts to increase awareness about the agency’s established screening processes and procedures, investigate reports of mishandled screening processes, and provide training and resources to help ensure that agents will consistently enforce these policies.
“In several reported cases, breastfeeding individuals have been harassed, humiliated, forced to undress, and required to dispose of breast milk, cooling accessories, and expensive breast pumps in order to board their flight. We need to understand why TSA’s own policies are not being implemented properly to protect breastfeeding individuals,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Delayed pumping can lead to dangerous and painful swelling, plugged milk ducts, and infection. I’m calling on TSA to clarify their policies and ensure the rules are clear so breastfeeding individuals can travel safely without fear for their infant, for their own safety, and of harassment.”
HOLDEN ‘BRINGS HOME BUDGET BACON’: Council Member Holden has once again brought back the funding his district’s taxpayers deserve, providing improvements and continuing programs for schools, parks, seniors, veterans, health, public safety, cultural and recreational events, pet care, public safety and more.
Holden commented, “Along with introducing common-sense legislation and the strong emphasis I’ve always placed on constituent services, making sure my constituents get their fair share of the city’s funding is one my top priorities. I’m proud to say that funding will continue where it’s needed most, and we can continue to maintain a high quality of life in our neighborhoods. From parks to pets, and from schools to snow removal, our district is well funded. I thank Speaker Adams and the budget committee for their work. Queens is no longer short-changed.”
Education and youth programs are key to providing for the city’s future, so Holden has designated funding for renovating our schools, CASA programs, literacy initiatives and expanding the Summer Rising program.
Because our parks are the jewels of the district, Holden advocated for and received more than $22 million in capital funds to reconstruct Frank Principe Park, “Uncle” Vito Maranzano Park/Glendale Playground, Juniper Park and more. A slew of cultural events in our parks, such as concerts, movie nights and festivals, are also in store for this fiscal year.
Health screenings offered in the district, such as stroke risk assessments, thyroid cancer screenings and mammograms, will once again be funded. As Holden believes strongly in taking care of our seniors, funding of senior centers and meal programs will continue. As requested by our seniors, the Selfhelp rides to medical appointments will also be maintained.
Always committed to a better quality of life, Holden will maintain funding for organizations such as ACE, Greater Ridgewood Restoration, Wildcat and the NYC Department of Sanitation for the removal of graffiti, litter and snow.
Holden has also secured funding for new Council public safety initiatives, including vital support services and financial help for victims of crime.
Council Member Tiffany Cabán released the following statement about education cuts: “I donʼt know about you, but Iʼm tired of being lied to about these school budget cuts. City Hall wonʼt even admit they are happening, preferring to describe them as ‘rightsizing’ the budget. Compare that rhetoric to the experience of one elementary school principal who told Gothamist that sheʼs had to slash nearly half a million dollars from her schoolʼs budget, which will ‘probably mean cutting four teaching positions and collapsing classes.’ In hard numbers, that means a first grade class is in danger of growing from 23 to 32 students!
“There is no need to ‘excess’ beloved teachers and eliminate treasured arts programs. As Comptroller Brad Lander told Errol Louis on NY1, it is precisely to help us avoid inflicting this kind of harm on our kids that the federal government supplied us with ample education money. Itʼs a point echoed by the majority of our Congressional delegation who, led by Rep. Jamaal Bowman, a former public school principal, released a statement urging the Mayor to restore these cuts and protect our vital public education resources. I was one of only six members of the City Council to vote against this year’s budget, in significant part due to the disastrous cuts to our schools.
“We need to come together as a community and talk about the adopted budget and what it mean for the upcoming school year, as well as ways that we can organize together for stronger and safer schools. Thatʼs why weʼre following up on our successful community conversation about playground safety with a second one, this time on education. Save the date: Thursday, July 28 at 6PM, location TBA. We’ll share more details and an RSVP link soon!”
In other news, Caban announced:
COMMITTEE’S AUTHORITY TO SUBPOENA TRUMP’S FINANCIALS UPHELD: On July 8, Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney, Chairwoman of the Committee on Oversight and Reform, issued the following statement after the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit upheld key parts of the Committee’s subpoena for financial information from President Trump and his businesses:
“Former President Donald Trump displayed an unprecedented disregard for federal ethics and financial transparency. Today’s decision affirmed Congress’s broad constitutional authority to conduct investigations, even when those investigations involve wrongdoing by the President. The court ruled that the Oversight Committee has valid legislative purposes to investigate former President Trump’s flagrant conflicts of interest, self-dealing, and constitutional violations.
“While it is disappointing that the court narrowed the subpoena in some respects, I am pleased the court upheld key parts of the Committee’s subpoena, affirmed our authority to obtain documents from Mazars, and rejected former President Trump’s spurious arguments that Congress cannot investigate his financial misconduct. We are considering next steps in this litigation, and my Committee is determined to fulfill our responsibilities under the Constitution to provide robust oversight and prevent corruption and self-dealing at the highest level of our government.”
At the beginning of the 116th Congress, the Oversight Committee launched several investigations of former President Trump’s conflicts of interest, inadequate financial disclosures, and violations of the Emoluments Clauses in order to determine the adequacy of existing laws and perform related agency oversight.
On February 27, 2019, President Trump’s personal attorney, Michael Cohen, testified before the Oversight Committee. He alleged that President Trump’s financial statements falsely represented the President’s assets and liabilities and that President Trump “inflated his total assets when it served his purposes” or, at other times, “deflated his assets to reduce his real estate taxes.”
As corroboration, Mr. Cohen produced portions of financial statements from 2011, 2012, and 2013—some of which were prepared by Mazars—which raised questions about President Trump’s representations on these forms and other financial disclosure documents, particularly relating to the President’s debts. Mr. Cohen also produced checks from President Trump and his business trust, some of which were signed after Mr. Trump became President, and Mr. Cohen testified that these payments were reimbursements of illegal hush-money payments made during the 2016 campaign.
On March 20, 2019, Chairman Elijah Cummings sent a letter to Mazars seeking key financial documents relating to these and other allegations, and on April 15, 2019, the Oversight Committee issued a subpoena to Mazars seeking four targeted categories of documents.
On May 20, 2019, after President Trump and his businesses filed a lawsuit seeking to prevent Mazars from complying with the Committee’s lawful subpoena, the D.C. District Court issued a ruling vindicating the authority of the Oversight Committee to investigate issues concerning the President and his companies. This ruling was upheld by the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals, and the full D.C. Circuit rejected Trump’s petition for en banc review.
On July 9, 2020, Chairwoman Maloney issued a statement after the Supreme Court issued its decision in Trump v. Mazars USA, LLP. The Supreme Court’s opinion reaffirmed the bedrock principle in our democracy that no one—not even the President—is above the law and announced a new standard for evaluating congressional subpoenas for the President’s personal information. The Supreme Court remanded the case to the lower courts to apply the new standard.
On August 11, 2021, Chairwoman Maloney issued a statement after a district court ruling confirmed that the Oversight Committee had “facially valid legislative purposes” in seeking documents in this investigation and upheld in part the Committee’s subpoena for financial information from President Trump and his businesses.
On July 8, the Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit ruled that the Committee is authorized to obtain certain financial records and communications from former President Trump and his business entities covered by the Committee’s subpoena. The Court held that former “President Trump’s financial information would advance the Committee’s consideration of ethics reform legislation across all three of its investigative tracks,” including presidential ethics and conflicts of interest, presidential financial disclosures, and presidential adherence to Constitutional safeguards against foreign interference and undue influence.
30 YEARS TO LIFE IN DEATH OF DET. SIMONSEN: Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced that Jagger Freeman, 28, has been sentenced to 30 years to life in prison following a trial conviction of murder, robbery, assault and other crimes for directing the February 2019 cell phone store robbery that resulted in the death of New York City Police Detective Brian Simonsen. A second officer was also wounded when police responded to the scene and multiple rounds were fired.
District Attorney Katz said, “The defendant orchestrated a string of robberies, the last of which involved an imitation weapon and led to the tragic loss of Detective Brian Simonsen and the wounding of Sergeant Matthew Gorman. The jury found the defendant guilty of murder and he will now serve a lengthy time in prison as punishment for his criminal actions. We continue to express our condolences to Detective Simonsen’s family and fellow service members.”
Freeman, of Merrick Boulevard in Jamaica, was found guilty of murder in the second degree, multiple counts of robbery in the first and second degree, assault in the second degree and grand larceny in the fourth degree on June 13. A jury rendered its verdict after five days of deliberations. Queens Supreme Court Justice Kenneth C. Holder, who presided at trial, sentenced the defendant to 30 years to life in prison to be followed by 5 years post release supervision.
The sentencing includes the conviction for robbery in the second degree and grand larceny in the third degree related to Freeman’s participation in a separate cell phone store robbery on February 8, 2019.
Freeman’s co-defendant, Christopher Ransom, 30, formerly of St. John’s Place in Brooklyn, pleaded guilty in October 2021, to aggravated manslaughter in the second degree and robbery in the first degree before Justice Holder. Ransom is currently serving 33 years in prison, to be followed by five years’ post release supervision.
According to Court records, on February 12, 2019, Ransom and Freeman arrived at the T-Mobile store on 120th Street in Richmond Hill shortly after 6 p.m. Defendant Ransom entered the cell phone business brandishing a black pistol. Ransom ordered two employees inside the establishment to surrender both cash and merchandise from the back room of the store. Ransom was still inside the business when police officers responded to the scene. Ransom pointed his gun – which appeared real – at the police officers, who discharged their weapons in response.
Detective Brian Simonsen, a 19-year-veteran of the NYPD was fatally shot once in the chest. He was 42 years old. Sergeant Matthew Gorman was seriously injured with a bullet wound to his left leg.
19 YRS FOR ATTEMPTED MURDER WITH NAIL-STUDDED BEAM: Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced that James Fitzgerald, 55, has been sentenced to 19 years in prison after pleading guilty to attempted murder for the May 16, 2020, “vicious beating” of his estranged girlfriend. The victim was attacked by the defendant on the sidewalk in front of a fish market in Jamaica. The defendant kicked and punched the victim multiple times in the head before picking up a wooden beam embedded with nails to continue the assault.
District Attorney Katz said, “This defendant brutally attacked his former girlfriend nearly to death. It is a miracle that the victim survived, though she still faces years of physical and mental recovery due to severe sustained injuries. Following the defendant’s guilty plea last month, he has now been sentenced to prison for his heinous actions. I can only hope that the victim finds some solace in knowing that the defendant has been held accountable.”
Fitzgerald, of Walton Avenue in the Bronx, pleaded guilty on June 2 to attempted murder in the second degree before Queens Supreme Court Justice Toni Cimino, who imposed a sentence of 19 years in prison to be followed by five years post release supervision. A full order of protection is also issued on behalf of the victim.
According to Court records, just before 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 16, 2020, the defendant approached his 35-year-old estranged girlfriend and physically abused her in front of a fish market on 150th Street in Jamaica. The victim was knocked to the ground and relentlessly attacked by the defendant with his fists and feet. The defendant ignored nearby eyewitnesses yelling for him to stop. He briefly walked away from the victim, only to return a moment later with a wooden plank studded with metal nails. Defendant Fitzgerald then repeatedly struck the victim in the face with the blunt object.
DA Katz said police arrived on the scene just as the defendant was walking away from the nearly dead woman. When officers ordered Fitzgerald to halt, he ran but was apprehended following a short foot pursuit.
Continuing, DA Katz said police recovered the bloody wooden plank with several nails protruding from it from the scene of the attack as well as the victim’s broken teeth that were scattered on the sidewalk.
The victim, who was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital, suffered permanent loss of vision in her right eye. She has undergone several reconstruction surgeries as her face has been permanently disfigured due to a crushed orbital bone and several additional severe facial fractures.
HEARING FOLLOWING JULY 4TH SHOOTING: Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney, Chairwoman of the Committee on Oversight and Reform, sent letters to the CEOs of gun manufacturers Daniel Defense, LLC, Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc., and Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc., requesting their appearance at a Committee hearing on Wednesday, July 20, on the urgent issue of gun violence. The hearing follows the Committee’s June 8, hearing where witnesses shared their personal experiences with gun violence, including the mass shootings in Uvalde, Texas and Buffalo, New York.
“I am deeply troubled that gun manufacturers continue to profit from the sale of weapons of war, including AR-15-style assault rifles that were used by a white supremacist to murder ten people in Buffalo, New York, and in the massacre of 19 children and two teachers in Uvalde, Texas,” wrote Chairwoman Maloney. “Just this Monday, as Americans celebrated our nation’s Independence Day, a shooter used an AR-15-style rifle to kill at least seven people and wound dozens of others during a Fourth of July parade in Highland Park, Illinois. Products sold by your company have been used for decades to carry out homicides and even mass murders, yet your company has continued to market assault weapons to civilians.”
On May 26, the Committee launched an investigation into gun manufacturers responsible for selling assault weapons to civilians across the United States. The Committee sent letters to Daniel Defense, LLC, Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc., Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc., and other manufacturers seeking information on their sale and marketing of AR-15-style semiautomatic rifles and similar firearms, including revenue and profit information, internal data on deaths or injuries caused by firearms they manufacture, and marketing and promotional materials.
The Committee is continuing to gather financial and marketing information from these companies regarding their sale of weapons of war in the United States—including the assault weapons used in the recent mass murders in Highland Park and Uvalde.
MENG URGES USPS TO ADDRESS MAIL THEFT: U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens) called on the United States Postal Service (USPS) to immediately address the theft of mail from postal Relay Boxes in Queens, which are the dark green boxes next to many of the blue collection boxes.
Meng called for the Postal Service to take action in a letter she sent to the agency’s district manager who oversees postal operations in Queens and Long Island. The Congresswoman sent the correspondence after recently receiving complaints that thieves are breaking into Relay Boxes in her district and stealing mail that is stored inside by letter carriers. These Relay Boxes can hold thousands of letters for local residents and are vulnerable to break-ins.
“Issues regarding mail security has been an ongoing and persistent problem in Queens over the past few years, and mail theft from Relay Boxes is the latest issue,” said Meng. “Mail is one of the oldest and most trusted forms of communication across our nation, and that trust is eroded when constituents are not getting or are unable to safely send their mail. We must do more to protect our residents from identity theft, having important documents stolen, or having money removed from bank accounts. I know the improvements needed to make these Relay Boxes secure are in the Postal Service’s abilities. Now, all that is left to do is to implement the required security.”
Several years ago, the Postal Service retrofitted blue collection boxes in Queens with mail slots after Meng urged the agency to do so. The Congresswoman made the request in 2018 to combat the problem of “mail fishing” in the borough which is when criminals place string connected to a sticky material into collection the boxes, and “fish” out the envelopes. The narrower slots make it more difficult for thieves to steal the mail that is inside.
SCAMMERS STEAL HOME FORECLOSURE SURPLUS: Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced that Jonathan Marcus, Vincent Longobardi and Edward Doran – as well as East Coast Money Finders, Inc. – pleaded guilty to criminal possession of stolen property and subsequently made restitution of more than $400,000 to the victim. The trio and the company were indicted by a grand jury and arraigned in Supreme Court in April for stealing nearly $400,000 from a foreclosure sale of a house in Cambria Heights, funds that rightly belonged to the original owners.
District Attorney Katz said, “Seeking justice on behalf of victims when scammers try to take advantage of housing instability is a top priority for my Office. Whenever we can, we also seek to make the victim whole by securing restitution and returning stolen funds to the rightful owners. In pleading guilty, the three defendants in this case took responsibility for illegally claiming a nearly $400,000 surplus from a foreclosure sale with forged signatures and fraudulent documents. They are now on notice that this criminal behavior will not be tolerated in Queens County. We hope that the restitution provides peace of mind to the victim.”
Marcus, 53, of Harmon Street in Long Beach, Long Island; Longobardi, 76, of East 31st Street in Brooklyn and Doran, 46, of New Windsor in Orange County, NY, were charged along with the corporation East Coast Money Finders, Inc. in a 12-count indictment.
On June 23, the trio pleaded guilty to criminal possession of stolen property in the fifth degree and the corporation, East Coast Money Finders, Inc., pleaded guilty to criminal possession of stolen property in the second degree before Queens Criminal Court Judge Stephanie Zaro. As part of the agreement, the defendants and the corporation will provide full restitution in the amount of $416,216.95, which also covers legal fees incurred by the victim in trying to rectify the theft in a civil action.
According to the charges, between April 2010 and January 2016, three separate written inquiries were made to the NYC Department of Finance by each defendant regarding unclaimed surplus funds from the 2006 foreclosure auction of a house in Cambria Heights. After defendants Longobardi and Marcus made the inquiries in April 2010 and February 2012, Longobardi filed a third request on behalf of East Coast Money Finders in December 2015. The following January, defendant Doran contacted the NYC Department of Finance to inquire about missing documentation necessary to claim the surplus money, and defendant Marcus submitted the missing documentation a few days later.
In April 2015, DA Katz said, East Coast Money Finders, Inc. filed a motion in Queens County Supreme Court claiming rights to the surplus funds totaling nearly $350,000. Two documents with the owners’ forged signatures were filed with the Court in support of this motion. The documents stipulated that defendant Marcus, the President of East Coast Money Finders, Inc., would split the funds between the company and the couple who had once owned the home. After the defendants provided the NYC Department of Finance with all the necessary paperwork, including a court order based on the forged documents authorizing distribution of the funds, a NYC Department of Finance check for $394,216 was deposited into East Coast Money Finders, Inc.’s bank account. Each of the defendants then received a portion of the funds which was distributed into their personal bank accounts.
According to the investigation, the years-long scheme was revealed in January 2021, when the widow who owned the home with her husband at the time of the 2006 foreclosure sale attempted to claim the surplus funds for herself from the NYC Department of Finance. Neither the 67-year-old woman nor her husband, when he was alive, signed any documents giving anyone else access to the funds. The victim and her late husband never received any of the $350,000 that was disbursed in February 2016.
INDICTED FOR KILLING WOMAN FOUND IN TRUNK: Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced that Kareem Flake, 30, has been indicted by a Queens County grand jury and arraigned in Supreme Court on charges of murder, kidnapping and other crimes following his extradition from Florida. The defendant is accused of killing a 26-year-old mother of two from Troy, NY in November 2020. The victim’s remains were discovered four months later in the trunk of an abandoned vehicle allegedly belonging to the defendant in South Jamaica.
District Attorney Katz said, “On the run for more than year, this defendant is now in custody and charged with the brutal murder of his girlfriend, who was also the mother of his two young children. This is the worst possible outcome for any individual experiencing intimate partner violence, and we express our condolences to the victim’s family. The defendant will be held to account for his alleged criminal actions.”
Flake, also from Troy, was arraigned before Queens Supreme Court Justice Donna Golia on a seven-count indictment. The defendant is charged with two counts of murder in the second degree, kidnapping in the first degree, two counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree and two counts of tampering with physical evidence. Justice Golia set the defendant’s return date for August 11.
Flake faces up to 25 years-to-life in prison, if convicted. According to the charges, the 26-year-old victim, Destini Smothers, was last seen in a car with Flake after leaving an outing with friends at a bowling alley in Queens on November 3, 2020. As alleged, the defendant was with Ms. Smothers during that outing.
On November 8, 2020, the victim was reported missing in her hometown by the family. Continuing, DA Katz said on March 10, 2021, a Toyota Camry which had been abandoned at the intersection of 134th Avenue and 151st Place in South Jamaica was in the process of being towed when the tow truck operator observed a flat tire on the vehicle. The operator proceeded to pull over and opened the trunk to look for a spare. Inside the trunk of the Toyota Camry, he observed the decomposing remains of the victim and immediately notified authorities. During the course of the subsequent investigation, it was determined that the vehicle belonged to the defendant.
Furthermore, DA Katz said an autopsy performed by the City Medical Examiner indicated that the victim died from a gunshot wound to the head. The defendant, who was being sought as a suspect in the death of Ms. Smothers, was apprehended by authorities on April 9, in Osceola County, Florida. He was extradited to New York.
DET. TSAKOS HONORED WITH OVERPASS RENAMING: State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky (D-Flushing) and Assemblywoman Nily Rozic (D,WF-Fresh Meadows) announced that Governor Huchul has signed their legislation renaming of the Long Island Expressway overpass located at Francis Lewis Boulevard and Horace Harding Expressway as “Detective Anastasios Tsakos Memorial Bridge.” The new law, which passed both the State Senate and State Assembly with bipartisan support, will now allow the Department of Transportation to proceed with the design and installation of signage. Earlier in the year, Stavisky and Rozic were joined by Irene Tsakos, various units of the New York City Police Department, the Police Benevolent Association of the City of New York (NYC PBA) President Patrick J. Lynch, and members of the local community memorializing the one-year anniversary of the passing of Detective Tsakos who was killed in the line of duty.
State Senator Stavisky said: “The designation of the ‘Detective Anastasios Tsakos Memorial Bridge’ will help keep the memory of Detective Tsakos alive while serving as a reminder of his tragic death in the line of duty. Detective Tsakos served our city with distinction for more than a decade before his untimely passing. He was a loving son, husband and father who is survived by his wife and two children. I am honored to have sponsored this bill to rename this overpass as a small gesture of gratitude for his sacrifice.”
Assemblywoman Rozic said: “This new law and signage will help memorialize Detective Tsakos and his heroism by renaming the Francis Lewis Boulevard LIE overpass in his honor. I thank Governor Kathy Hochul for signing this legislation expeditiously and getting this done.”
On April 21, 2021 while responding to a collision that occurred on the LIE to assist with directing traffic, Detective Tsakos was struck and killed by an intoxicated driver. The driver fled the scene, but was later apprehended and subsequently charged by a Queens grand jury with a 13-count indictment including aggravated manslaughter and vehicular manslaughter. Detective Tsakos had served 13 years with the NYPD as a highway officer assigned to Highway Unit 3. He was posthumously promoted to the rank of detective. From East Northport, he is survived by his wife, Irene, and their two children. To honor his memory, the lawmakers introduced legislation in their respective houses to rename the LIE overpass located at Francis Lewis Boulevard and Horace Harding Expressway as “Detective Anastasios Tsakos Memorial Bridge.”
Over the past few months, several gatherings have occurred to honor the late Detective Tsakos including a plaque and motorcycle sidecar dedication and renaming of the wellness center and gym at Highway Unit 3.
NYPD Chief of Transportation Kim Royster said: “The heartbreaking loss of Detective Anastasios Tsakos has left a void in our hearts that neither words nor time can ever fill. However, we have an obligation to honor his memory and legacy. We must ensure future generations forever recognize the immense sacrifice Detective Tsakos made for the City he served. The renaming of the Long Island Expressway overpass where Detective Tsakos was killed, is one way we fulfill our promise that we make to all members of the NYPD the moment they step foot inside the halls of the police academy; a promise that we will never forget those officers who made the ultimate sacrifice.”
GIANARIS LAUNCHES SUMMER READING: Senator Michael Gianaris launched his annual summer reading program, aiming to bring more children to libraries and encourage reading between school years. Senator Gianaris hosts this program annually. This year’s theme is “Oceans of Possibilities.”
“Students benefit from continuing to read while school is out during the summer,” said Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris. “My summer reading challenge aims to ignite a love of learning by keeping children engaged in reading during the summer months. I encourage families and children to participate and read together during this time of year.”
To participate, parents, guardians, and educators can go to www.gianaris.nysenate.gov, click on the Summer Reading Program banner, and fill in the relevant information for their child. The deadline for submissions is September 1. All participating students will receive a certificate signed by Senator Gianaris.
UNIFORMED FIREFIGHTERS ENDORSES MALONEY: The Uniformed Firefighters Association (UFA) endorsed Carolyn B. Maloney for re-election to represent New Yorkʼs 12th Congressional District.
“On behalf of the Uniformed Firefighters Association, I am delighted to endorse Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney for reelection to Congress. No member of Congress has done more to support the firefighters and make sure our members and their families receive the health care and compensation they deserve as a result of the sacrifices they made at Ground Zero on and after September 11th. By authoring and passing the 9/11 Health and Compensation Act and related bills, she made sure our members had the medical attention and support they needed after they were exposed to deadly toxins from their work during the rescue and recovery effort at Ground Zero. Congresswoman Maloney was a tireless, unrelenting, compassionate, and effective advocate for the needs of not only firefighters but for all the recovery workers, and New Yorkers that lived or worked in the contaminated area.
“We believe that, with her record of achievement and ambitious vision for the future, she is the best candidate for the 12th Congressional district of New York,” said Andrew Ansbro, President, Uniformed Firefighters Association of Greater New York Local 94 I.A.F.F. AFL-CIO.
“I am deeply honored to have the endorsement of the Uniformed Firefighters Association whose members risk their lives every day to keep us safe. On 9/11, firefighters rushed into the burning buildings of the World Trade Center to try to rescue those who were inside when the terrorists attacked. Hundreds of them lost their lives when the twin towers fell and hundreds more have become ill as a result of their exposure to toxic chemicals at Ground Zero. These first responders were the heroes of the deadliest attack on our nationʼs soil since Pearl Harbor. I believe that the United States has a duty to them and to their families to ensure that they receive full medical care for their illnesses and compensation for their sacrifice.
“I remain deeply committed to supporting the firefighters whose daily heroism makes clear that they represent the very best our city and our nation can offer,” said Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney.
ASSEMBLYMEMBER GIBBS ENDORSES MALONEY: Assemblymember Eddie Gibbs endorsed Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney for re-election. Assemblymember Gibbs represents New Yorkʼs 68th district, which encompasses East Harlem and Randallʼs Island as well as parts of the Upper East Side and Central Harlem.
“Going back to her time as a teacher in East Harlem, Congresswoman Maloney has a proven track record of delivering for our East Harlem community. After becoming East Harlemʼs City Councilmember, Congresswoman Maloney saved the only ATM in the neighborhood when the big banks wanted to get rid of it. Now as our member of Congress, I know she will deliver on her promise to expand the 2nd Avenue Subway to 125th Street. I am proud to endorse her for re-election,” said Assemblymember Eddie Gibbs.
“I am deeply grateful for Assemblymember Gibbsʼs endorsement. This is an especially meaningful partnership as East Harlem has played an integral part in my life as a public servant,” said Rep. Maloney. “I began my career in East Harlem as a teacher, and it is where I first saw how government can be a force of good in peopleʼs lives. I am thrilled to be running for re-election back in East Harlem in the newly redrawn NY-12 with the Assemblymemberʼs support. I look forward to partnering together to complete major projects like finally expanding the 2nd Avenue Subway to 125th Street.”
LEE HOSTS COMMUNITY TOWN HALL: On Thursday, July 6, New York City Council Member Linda Lee (D-Oakland Gardens) hosted a community town hall at the Cross Island YMCA In attendance were Senator John Liu (D-Bayside), Senator Toby Ann Stavisky (D-Flushing), Assembly Member David Weprin (D-Fresh Meadows), and New York City Comptroller Brad Lander. Also present at the town hall were representatives from Queensborough President Donovan Richards’ Office and city agencies to provide the community updates and resources.
“One of the responsibilities that I take most seriously is ensuring that my constituents receive the responsiveness that they deserve from city agencies,,” said Council Member Linda Lee, Chair of the Committee on Mental Health, Disabilities, and Addictions. “By bringing my elected colleagues and the agencies and organizations who serve Eastern Queens face-to-face with constituents, we’re able to directly address the issues that most directly impact our neighborhoods on a day-to-day basis. As a social worker, my motto is ‘meet people where they are,’ and that’s what we did tonight. There’s nothing more important to me than ensuring that my constituents’ concerns are heard and addressed, and I want to thank all my fellow colleagues in government who came out to provide much-needed information and resources to residents of District 23.”
The event included representatives from multiple agencies including:
The New York City Department of Transportation who provided attendees with information regarding the City’s transportation infrastructure and traffic safety as well as other transportation related issues. The Department also took requests for traffic studies, signage in neighborhoods, and street repavings.
The New York City Department of Environmental Protection which protects public health, critical quality of life issues, and the environment by supplying clean drinking water, collecting and treating wastewater, and reducing air, noise, and hazardous materials pollution. Attendees were given resources for bill assistance, addressing issues with bioswales, and other quality of life issues.
ConEdison which provided information for constituents to receive assistance with their utility bills, especially those who are eligible for bill reduction or payment plans.
The New York City Department of Small Business Services (SBS) which helps unlock economic potential and create economic security for all New Yorkers by connecting New Yorkers to good jobs, creating stronger businesses, and building thriving neighborhoods across the five boroughs provided materials to help constituents in need of support and information regarding their small businesses.
The New York City Department of Buildings is the department that enforces the city’s building codes and zoning regulations, issues building permits, licenses, registers and disciplines certain construction trades, responds to structural emergencies and inspects over 1,000,000 new and existing buildings provided attendees information for tenants and small businesses who are currently proceeding with construction projects for their buildings.
The New York City Department of Parks and Recreation which is the department responsible for maintaining the city’s parks system, preserving and maintaining the ecological diversity of the city’s natural areas, and furnishing recreational opportunities for city’s residents and visitors provided information about several park projects happening in Eastern Queens, as well as information about upcoming tree plantings.
The New York City Department of Sanitation which is the department of the government of New York City responsible for garbage collection, recycling collection, street cleaning, and snow removal provided information regarding the upcoming sanitation examination process and heard concerns regarding areas of dumping and litter.
The Human Resources Administration or Department which is the department of the government of New York City in charge of the majority of the city’s social services programs, provided information for homeless services and income assistance.
Representatives from NYPD Patrol Borough Queens South, NYPD Patrol Borough Queens North, the 105th, 107th, and 111th Precincts were also present to provide the dates for Build the Block meetings and information relating to their specific jurisdictions.
DETECTIVES, SUPERIOR OFFICERS ENDORSE ZELDIN: The Nassau County Police Detectives’ Association and Nassau County Police Superior Officers Association endorsed Congressman Lee Zeldin (R-NY1), the Republican Party and Conservative Party candidate for Governor, and Alison Esposito, the Republican Party and Conservative Party candidate for Lieutenant Governor.
PAPER SHREDDING EVENT COMING TO AD23: Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-South Queens) and Senator Joseph P. Addabbo invite everyone to safely and securely shred their unwanted documents on the annual Rockaway Paper Shredding Day. The Assemblywoman has hosted a paper shredding with Senator Addabbo for years and this year on Sunday, July 17 from 10am-2pm at St. Camillus-St. Virgilius Parish parking lot located at 99-15 Rockaway Beach Boulevard, neighbors and residents of the 23rd Assembly District can bring their documents and shred them for free.
“We accumulate so much paper and documents over the years, and it can be so challenging to dispose of them in a safe and secure way,” Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato said. “This is a way to securely get rid of old and unwanted documents. I’m happy to partner with Senator Addabbo, St. Camillus and USA Shred to bring this invaluable resource to our community and make sure that we are protecting our most sensitive information.”
“Not everybody has a personal shredder in their home and do not want to risk throwing their sensitive documents in with the trash,” State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. said. “These paper shredding events allow our constituents the ability to safely and securely dispose of their documents and papers at a convenient location in their own neighborhood. My thanks to Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato and USA Shred for partnering on this wonderful community event.”
There is a limit of three boxes per person during the event to ensure that everyone who arrives has the ability to shred their paper. Cardboard, magazines, file folders, and pre-shredded paper will not be accepted during this event. For more information on this event, you can reach out to Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato at 718-945-9550.
‘PAUSE EFFORT TO PRIVATIZE BUSH PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY’: Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney, Chairwoman of the Committee on Oversight and Reform, and Rep. Gerald E. Connolly, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Government Operations, sent a letter to the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) requesting a pause on its proposal to revert ownership and control of the Bush Presidential Museum and educational spaces within the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum to the privately-run Bush Foundation. The Committee requested the pause to continue congressional review of the proposed agreement, a potentially precedent-setting policy change for NARA.
“[T]he Committee requests that NARA pause any official action to implement the proposed changes to the agreements between NARA and the Bush Foundation,” wrote the Chairs. “This pause will allow the Committee the opportunity to fully review the proposed changes and obtain input from stakeholders and the broader historical community to help the Committee more fully determine the impact of this potentially precedent-setting change. This pause would also be an opportunity to evaluate the sustainability, missions, and funding arrangements of NARA and presidential libraries.”
On April 28, 2022, then-Archivist of the United States David Ferriero notified Congress of a new memorandum of understanding between NARA and the Bush Foundation. According to the terms of the new agreement, NARA would cede ownership of the Bush Museum and educational spaces within the library and revert more than $4,500,000 of endowment funds to the privately-run Bush Foundation. The new agreement specifies that the Bush Foundation would assume control over curation and programming for the Museum and education spaces, but it does not specify how curatorial disputes with NARA would be addressed.
On June 16, 2022, NARA’s Chief Operating Officer and Director of Congressional Affairs briefed bipartisan Committee staff on the decision to initiate the revised agreement with the Bush Foundation.
Several members of the historical community, including former presidential library directors, university professors, and non-profit leaders have expressed concern to the Committee regarding the proposal. Tim Naftali, former Director of the Nixon Library, has publicly criticized the plan for enabling the Bush Foundation to present or omit information, artifacts, and documents in a light disproportionately favorable to the former president. Professors from the University of Maryland at College Park’s College Information Studies articulated their concerns with the proposal in a letter to Chairwoman Maloney and Senator Gary Peters, Chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.
U.S. OPEN IS HIRING: Councilmember Sandra Ung announced she’s bringing employment recruiters from the USTA to Flushing “to give residents in my district a chance to fill some of the thousands of seasonal jobs created every year during the U.S. Open. This is a major event that attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors to Flushing’s backyard every year, and local residents should benefit from the opportunities it provides. The event will take place on July 20 from 2 to 5 p.m. in Bowne Playground at Union Street and Sanford Avenue. You can apply in advance at careersusopen.icims.com. Make a note that you live in the district and would prefer an interview on July 20 in Bowne Playground. If you don’t get a chance to apply in advance, walk-ups are also welcome. For more information, email usopenstaff@usta.com. Available job opportunities include player and guest services, courts and grounds, administration, and parking lot and access control, to name a few. All positions offer competitive pay and meal allowances. I encourage anyone who is looking for a good-paying temporary job, regardless of your experience level, to apply. This is also a great opportunity for someone looking to get started in a new career or a young person looking to build their resume.”
More announcements from Councilmember Ung:
RAIN BARREL GIVEAWAY: Councilmember Ung also announced a date for her office’s Rain Barrel Giveaway. She said, “Judging from the number of calls my staff has received about this, I know many of you will be excited to learn that it will be on July 23 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Queens Botanical Garden. It will take place in the parking lot off Crommelin Street. We are not accepting reservations, and the barrels will be given away on a first-come, first-served basis. Supply is limited to 100 barrels. We do ask that you bring some sort of proof of address, as we are limiting the giveaway to people who live in District 20.
SUMMER MEALS PROGRAM: The Department of Education is once again hosting the Summer Meals Program. Anyone 18 years or younger is eligible for free breakfast and lunch. No registration, documentation or ID is needed. Find a participating site near you.
For the first time ever, there will be a citywide Participatory Budgeting process! Residents across the five boroughs will get to decide how to spend $5 million. The first step is for groups, entities and organizations to apply for funding to hold “Idea Generation Sessions” to discuss their needs and priorities, share ideas and learn more about the process. Fill out this form to apply for the money.
MTA BUS REDESIGN: Next Friday, the MTA’s MetroCard Mobile Van will be parked at the intersection of Main Street and Roosevelt Avenue from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Not only will they be selling and helping people apply for reduced-fare MetroCards, reps from the agency will also be there answering your questions and listening to your concerns about the Queens Bus Network Redesign Draft Plan. If you are unsure how the bus redesign will affect you or your commute or want to raise a specific issue, this is your chance to speak directly with the MTA.
LEGAL ADVICE ON TAXES/GOVERNMENT BENEFITS: On Friday, July 15, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., an attorney from Queens Legal Services will be providing free legal consultations on issues related to taxes and government benefits. If you need the advice of an attorney on either of these issues, please make an appointment through my office at (718) 888-8747. The attorney also speaks Mandarin and Fuzhounese.
ANOTHER H-MART: Flushing’s newest H-Mart is opening its doors next week. The loss of the supermarket at the corner of Roosevelt Avenue and Bowne Street left residents in the area, especially the elderly, without a convenient place to buy groceries and other necessary items. So I was pleased when I learned that the owners of H-Mart would take over the space. The first day of business will be Thursday, July 14.
—With contributions by Annette Hanze Alberts
This column was originated by John A. Toscano
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