Krueger, Ortiz Introduce Updated Fossil Fuel Divestment Act
Yesterday, State Senator Liz Krueger (D-Upper East Side, Lenox Hill) and Assembly Assistant Speaker Félix W. Ortiz (D-Brooklyn) announced the introduction of a revised version of their Fossil Fuel Divestment Act.
The updated Fossil Fuel Divestment Act would direct the New York State Comptroller to divest the state employee pension fund from all investments in coal, oil or gas-based companies. The changes to the bill are designed to help it more effectively address stranded asset risk, and place the bill on a firmer footing regarding its constitutionality.
“The climate crisis is here – fiduciary and moral responsibility require the process of divestment to begin now,” said Krueger. “The writing on the wall could not be clearer: fossil fuel producers are a bad long-term investment. Divestment will protect workers and retirees from the rapid devaluation these companies will suffer in the coming energy transition. We have heard the concerns of the Comptroller and our legislative colleagues, and taken the advice of numerous financial and investment experts, to make this bill stronger. It’s time for New York State to put our money where our mouth is, and continue our commitment to climate leadership by divesting from fossil fuels.”
Brewer to Host Opioid Education Seminar
Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer (D) will be hosting an opioid overdose education event next week.
The event will train attendees to recognize the signs of opioid overdoses and teach them how to give immediate treatment. Brewer is hosting the event in partnership with NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan.
The event will take place on Friday, Dec. 13 from 12 – 2 p.m. at the Hospitals/Metropolitan 6th floor auditorium, 1901 First Ave. To RSVP, email MetropolitanPublicRelations@nychhc.org.
Rosenthal, Benjamin to Participate in Comptroller Candidate Round Table
Council Member Helen Rosenthal (D-Central Park, Lincoln Square) and State Senator Brian Benjamin (D-Harlem, East Harlem) will be two of the guests at next week’s Comptroller Candidate Roundtable Discussion.
The event, hosted by the NYC Employment & Training Coalition, will be the second installment in their Executive Rountables. The candidates will get the chance to share their ideas and campaign promises with New York’s top workforce providers. Thus far, Rosenthal, Benjamin and Council Member Brad Lander (D-Brooklyn) are confirmed as guests.
The event will take place on Wednesday, Dec. 11 from 3-6 p.m. at The Actors Fund, 729 Seventh Ave.
Rivera Testifies Against Solitary Confinement at BoC Meeting
Council Member Carlina Rivera (D-East Village, Gramercy Park) testified before the New York City Board of Correction on Monday, advocating for the abolishment of solitary confinement.
Earlier, the Board of Corrections proposed imposing a maximum of 15 days of solitary confinement for any prisoner. This, said Rivera, is still 15 days too many.
“The Board of Correction’s proposed rule changes – which still allow solitary confinement for up to 15 days – merely reduce the torturous practice rather than fully eliminate it,” said Rivera. “In consideration of the City Council’s recent vote to close Riker’s Island, it is imperative that New York City embrace evidence-based incarceration policies that are smart and are moving forward.”
