Nadler To Hold Hearing On Reauthorizing 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund
Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-Western Manhattan, Western Brooklyn), Chair of the House Judiciary Committee, will hold a hearing on the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) today.
On February 15, 2019, the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund announced that due to a funding shortfall, injured and ill 9/11 responders and survivors will receive cuts to the awards that they were expecting of 50% for pending claims and 70% for future claims.
The hearing will focus on the need to reverse those cuts and to permanently reauthorize the VCF to ensure that 9/11 first responders and survivors who become sick with certified 9/11 illnesses in the future would be covered by the program.
The meeting is slated for 10 a.m., today, June 11, at 2141 Rayburn House Office Building in Washington, D.C.
Rosenthal, Constantinides to Introduce Renewable Rikers Act
City Council Members Helen Rosenthal (D-Central Park, Lincoln Square, Upper West Side, Clinton) and Costa Constantinides (D-Queens), yesterday joined with environmental leaders and criminal justice reform advocates in western Queens to announce a three-bill legislative package to transform Rikers Island into a model for green infrastructure.
The Renewable Rikers Act, which will be introduced at Thursday’s City Council meeting, would begin the process of creating renewable energy on Rikers Island as well as replacing wastewater treatment facilities that currently blight low-income neighborhoods and communities of color.
“As New York City prepares to shut down its facilities on Rikers Island and make the long overdue transition to a more humane criminal justice approach, we have an opportunity to advance environmental justice as well. Council Member Constantinides’ legislation will create significant solar energy capacity, and help pave the way for the closure of local fossil fuel-based power plants and wastewater treatment facilities – a victory for our communities and the battle against climate change. I am proud to co-sponsor these bills with Council Member Constantinides and thank him for his ongoing leadership,” said Rosenthal.
“For generations, Rikers Island has been a place of despair for many New Yorkers caught up in a fractured criminal justice system,” said Constantinides, whose district includes Rikers Island. “These bills are a downpayment for a brighter future for this island — one that actually serves New York communities instead of tearing them apart. As we made the bold decision to close these jails, we must be as courageous in making this type of investment in a Renewable Rikers.”
Brewer Announces Harlem Pride Ball
Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer will host an upcoming Pride Ball to celebrate the legacy and vibrancy of Manhattan’s LGBTQ+ community this week.
Every year, during the month of June, the LGBTQ+ community celebrates the influence and work of LGBTQ+ people around the world. June is of particular importance because it was the month of the Stonewall Riots, that took place in 1969.
The event will also feature vogue performances, a dance-off, music, refreshments, and more.
“Manhattan has long been an epicenter of LGBTQ history, community, and activism—from the Stonewall Rebellion 50 years ago to Harlem’s iconic ball scene. This Pride Month will be extra special because we’ll be welcoming hundreds of thousands of LGBTQ people from around for the globe for World Pride,” said Brewer.
The event is slated for 6 p.m., Friday, June 14, at the Alhambra Ballroom, 2116 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd in Harlem.
