Volume 2 Issue 5 January 24, 2015

Letter from Laurie

Dear Friend,

As we approach the end of our first month in the New Year, we have marked very significant and monumental events that have changed the course of our nation's history. From civil rights to women's rights, we have made great strides to increase and protect equality for all. Despite our many advancements, recent events remind us that we have more work to do.

This week, we commemorated the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the 42nd anniversary of Roe v. Wade in the midst of a time where distrust between the community, law enforcement, and government strikes at the core of the many challenging issues that we have yet to overcome.

Though the obstacles are many, we must remember the inspirational words uttered by President Obama during the State of the Union:

"The America we want for our kids - a rising America where honest work is plentiful and communities are strong; where prosperity is widely shared and opportunity for all lets us go as far as our dreams and toil will take us - none of it is easy. But if we work together; if we summon what is best in us, with our feet planted firmly in today but our eyes cast towards tomorrow - I know it's within our reach. Believe it."

On that note, I look forward to the many opportunities that will enable us to strengthen our communities, our city; but most importantly the men, women, and children who call this place home.

Yours in Partnership,

Laurie A. Cumbo

Member of the New York City Council

Council Member Laurie A. Cumbo, Chair of the Committee on Women's Issues, was joined by her colleagues and women's rights advocates on the steps of City Hall to mark the 42nd anniversary of Roe v. Wade on Thursday.

Legislative Updates

The following resolutions and introductions were introduced by Council Member Cumbo:

Res 0542-2015: Resolution calling upon the United States Senate to ratify the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).

Res 0543-2015: Resolution urging the United States Department of Education and Arne Duncan, Secretary of Education, to reconsider the "Gainful Employment" rule that as proposed could derail the educational careers of millions of Americans and have a disproportionately negative effect on low-income and minority students who want to attend college.

Res 0544-2015: Resolution calling upon the United States Congress to pass legislation to protect a woman's health, her right to determine whether and when to bear a child, and her ability to exercise that right by limiting government interference with the provision of abortion services and ensuring legal, safe abortion care is available to any woman who needs it.- Adopted on January 22, 2015

Int 0640-2015: A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to requiring social workers in child care centers.

Announcements

On January 21, the Prospect Heights community was devastated by a fire that took the life of a Bassam Awad, a 46-year-old husband and father of two children. I ask that you keep his family, particularly the matriarch who is hospitalized and in critical condition, in your thoughts and prayers as they go through this difficult period of grief and recovery. If you would like to support this family, click here.
This Monday, January 26^th, join thousands of New Yorkers who will reach out to homeless New Yorkers living on the street and make sure they're counted. Since 2004 the city has reduced street homelessness by 24 percent. You can volunteer right in your community. Sign up for the annual HOPE Count and make a difference!
IDNYC, a government-issued photo identification card is now readily available to all New York City residents age 14 and older. For more information and to schedule an appointment, click here.
The Cultural Development Fund is now accepting applications from arts or cultural organization for Fiscal Year 2016. The deadline is Monday, February 9.
If your child was born in 2010 and you live in New York City, it's time to apply to kindergarten. The application period is open now through February 13. Parents and guardians can enroll their child (ren) online in ten languages, on the phone at (718) 935-2400, or in person at a Family Welcome Center.
Get involved in your Community Board. Applications are due February 15.
The New York City Council Discretionary Expense Application for fiscal year 2016 is now available. All applications must be submitted by February 20.

Save the Date

State of the (35th) District

Sunday, March 1, 2015

3PM - 6PM

Brooklyn Museum

200 Eastern Parkway

Brooklyn, NY 11238

Get Connected to District 35

Are you searching for employment or grants? Wondering about the film or TV production crew on your block? Feel free to visit our blog for more information.

Ongoing Constituent Services in the 35th District Office

FREE Immigration Services through CUNY Citizenship Now: Tuesdays 10AM - 5PM. Please call (718) 260-9191 ext. 3 to schedule an appointment and get FREE HELP with your immigration questions related to Naturalization and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. All services are confidential and open to any member of the community.

Connect with Cumbo

In this Issue

Ongoing Constituent Services

I joined Speaker Melissa Mark- Viverito; Immigration Committee Chair, Council Member Menchaca; and members of the New York City Council's Brooklyn delegation at the Central Library to mark the launch of the largest municipal ID card in the nation.

Cumbo in the Press

Man Leaps to Death Escaping Fire Started in Downstairs Brooklyn Hardware Store

Man Killed and 8 Injured in Massive Flatbush Avenue Fire, Officials Say

Could NYPD-City Hall Discord Hurt Brooklyn's Bid for Democratic National Convention?

Dr. King Reminds Us: We Have Work To Do

I would like to personally thank each and every one who donated to our first Coat Drive held in partnership with New York Cares. We received more than 50 coats, which will help keep New Yorkers warm this winter. Thank you for your generosity this season!

Bereavement Notices

Hervin Davis of Clinton Hill

Robert Hayes of Crown Heights

Shawn Niles of Fort Greene

Bassam Awad of Prospect Heights

Isiah Thomas, student, High School for Global Citizenship

Well Wishes

On behalf of the 35th Council District, I would like to applaud these individuals on their continued success.

FDNY Firefighter Regina Wilson is the first woman elected as president of the Vulcan Society.of black firefighters. She is one of only 10 African-American women on a force slightly exceeding 10,000 members. #womenlead

Prospect Park is a recipient of a 2015 Institute Honor Award by The American Institute of Architecture!

Sue Donoghue is the new President of the Prospect Park Alliance.

U.S. Representative Yvette D. Clarke was appointed onto the Energy and Commerce Committee.

NYS Assembly Member Karim Camara will transition from our state legislature to work with the Cuomo Administration.

Anthony Sosa and Darryl Burgess are the new President and Vice President respectively of the Raymond V. Ingersoll Houses Resident Association.

Meetings & Upcoming Events

Community Calendar

Meetings are subject to change. Please call to confirm.

Community Boards

Precinct Councils

Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that more than 17,300 units of affordable housing were financed in 2014. The initial projection for the first year of the Housing New York plan, which calls for the creation and preservation of 200,000 affordable units, was exceeded by more than 1,300 units.