June 2014

ASSEMBLYMAN HEVESI INTRODUCES LEGISLATION TO EXPAND ADMINISTRATION OF CHILDREN SERVICES ACCESS TO COURT DATABASES
Assemblyman Andrew Hevesi recently introduced legislation on behalf of the City of New York as part of a package of bills aimed at strengthening the Administration of Children Services’ (ACS) ability to thoroughly investigate reports of abuse and neglect and fulfill their mission to protect the City’s children. After a thorough review of the agency in January of this year, three recommendations were made for immediate action: introduce legislation to allow the agency access to active outstanding arrests as well as past convictions for any person considered a resource for a child, introduce legislation to strengthen ACS’ ability to supervise parents who are caring for a child who is under ACS supervision, and to introduce legislation requiring mandatory final hearings before a family or child graduates out of ACS’ supervision. Hevesi is carrying the proposal to expand ACS access to court databases, allowing all caseworkers, not just those assigned to an active case, the ability to see active arrest and conviction information for any person connected to a child in ACS custody. The Assemblyman is hopeful that the measure will be considered before the end of the 2014 legislative session.
HELMET GIVE AWAY AND E-RECYCLING EVENTS SPUR TURNOUT
On Sunday, May 18th, Assemblyman Hevesi, along with Councilwoman Koslowtiz’s office, and the 112th Precinct gave away a total of 753 bike helmets in an effort to promote safe riding while enjoying the summer weather. On the same day, and in affiliation with the Lower East Side Ecology Center and the Forest Hills Jewish Center, the offices held an electronic recycling event. The event yielded participation from 119 different households, and nearly 2 tons in recyclable electronic waste were collected. The efforts from our neighborhood demonstrated a growing demand to create a more environmentally friendly borough.
NEW SCRIE ELIGIBILITY LIMITS TAKE EFFECT JULY 1, 2014
As a reminder, after the recent passage of the FY 2014-2015 New York State Budget, the eligibility cap for the Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE), for applicants who are 62 years and older, will be raised from $29,000 to $50,000. The Department of Finance is urging all applicants to wait until the increase has taken effect on July 1, 2014 to apply. For more information contact the Department of Finance’s Correspondence Unit at (212) 669-3155.
NATIONAL NIGHT OUT AGAINST CRIME
The National Night Out Against Crime is an annual summer event where NYPD precincts organize anti-crime rallies throughout NYC. The event seeks to promote security and development between our precincts and the communities they protect, co-sponsored with elected officials offices, local businesses, and civic organizations. This program allows all to learn more about law enforcement, and the value our precincts bring to the quality of life of our neighborhoods. The National Night Out Against Crime is going to be held at McDonald Park, located on Queens Blvd. between Yellowstone Blvd. and 70th Road from 6pm-9pm, on Tuesday, August 5, 2014. For more information please contact the 112th police precinct at (718) 520-9321.
Office Locations:
District Office: 70-50 Austin Street, Suite 110, Forest Hills, NY 11375 • 718-263-5595
Albany Office: Room 742 Legislative Office Building, Albany, NY 12248 • 518-455-4926
Email: hevesia@assembly.state.ny.us