A Report to the Residents of the 41st Assembly District

Making a Difference in Brooklyn and Albany

Dear Neighbor,

This report highlights new laws we enacted in Albany to protect our community from sex offenders, protect victims of domestic violence and help keep children safe.

Despite our state’s tough fiscal situation, I was able to secure special funding in the state budget for needed services for the communities I represent. This report highlights the funds I secured for schools and local youth programs.

Raising Awareness of
Domestic Violence Victim Rights

Assemblywoman Helene Weinstein helped launch the “Shine the Light on Domestic Violence” campaign. Assemblywoman Weinstein has long championed rights for victims of domestic violence. They turned the lights atop the Empire State Building purple to symbolize the courage of domestic violence survivors and raise awareness about the prevalence and harm of domestic violence.

Youth Happen’n

67th Precinct Commanding Officer Deputy Inspector Corey Pegues and Assemblywoman Helene Weinstein pitch in with community activists including Mrs. Emilia Lloyd, Mr. Evelyn Maxwell, President of the East 48th Street Block Association, and Pastor Jeanette Bryant of Bryant Memorial Church as they make final preparations for Youth Happen’n ’09. Assemblywoman Weinstein helps sponsor this yearly event which hosts over 3,000 community children.

Expanded Recreational Facility

Quality of life for children, adult and senior members of the Kings Bay Y have been enhanced through a complete renovation of their locker rooms, funded by Assemblywoman Helene Weinstein. Assemblywoman Helene Weinstein joined Leonard Petlakh, Executive Director of the Kings Bay YM-YWHA, “Y” members and staff at the ribbon cutting celebrating the renovations.

Addressing Community Concerns

In response to numerous reports of loitering and littering at homes in the area surrounding Madison High School, Assemblywoman Helene Weinstein arranged a meeting with community representatives, the local Police Precinct, Department of Sanitation and school officials. The Assemblywoman and the NYPD continue to monitor the situation.

Protecting Neighborhoods, Homeowners and Tenants

By Strengthening Foreclosure Law

The spike in foreclosure filings result in an increase in the abandonment and disrepair of properties. The problem is compounded when multiple homes are foreclosed upon in the same neighborhood decreasing property values in surrounding areas.

Assemblywoman Weinstein’s bill which has been enacted into law strengthens current foreclosure law to protect neighborhoods, homeowners and tenants. It requires lenders to maintain foreclosed properties, helping protect neighborhoods from blight and making sure tenants who live in foreclosed properties have livable conditions.

The bill also allows all distressed homeowners to benefit from consumer protection laws and foreclosure prevention by expanding and strengthening pre-foreclosure settlement conferences to ensure good faith negotiations to modify loans. Call the Assemblywoman's office for a list of foreclosure counseling organizations.

Keeping Public Schools and Parents Connected in Emergencies

It is essential that parents, staff and the community be given notice and instructions in the event of a public school emergency. Notification systems involving phone calling, text messaging and e-mailing have proven critical in emergencies. That’s why Assemblywoman Weinstein supported the passage of the Public Schools Emergency Act.

Recent school closings due to swine flu outbreaks and the 2007 lockdown in a Queens school showed difficulty with getting accurate and timely information to parents. Because of this new law, beginning Jan. 1, 2010, notification of school emergencies will be sent to parents via phone calls, e-mails and text messages. Alerts would notify and advise parents, faculty, staff, and elected officials.

Visits With Local Yeshiva Students

Assemblywoman Weinstein is a strong supporter of all public and private schools in her district; securing funding for mandated services and fighting for additional funding for the many needs these schools experience. Recently, the Assemblywoman spoke to 5th graders at Yeshiva Lev Bais Yaakov discussing civic responsibility, the electoral process and answered questions from the students about the job of an Assemblywoman both in Albany and in Brooklyn.

Basketball Court Ribbon Cutting

Assemblywoman Helene Weinstein joined I.S. 285/Meyer Levin School Principal Frederick Underwood, community leaders and Senator Kevin Parker at the ceremony celebrating the school’s newly renovated gymnasium.

Major School Capital Projects Funded by Assemblywoman Weinstein

State of the Art Science Lab for Public School 208
Air Conditioning for Madison High School
Music Instruments & Equipment for Intermediate School IS 285 Meyer Levin
Computers Lab for Yeshiva Ohel Sarah

Supports School Bake Sale

Assemblywoman Helene Weinstein lends her support during PS 119 Parent Association’s Annual Bake Sale.

Participates In Kings Bay Library Read Aloud

Assemblywoman Weinstein participated in this year’s “National Read Aloud” at Kings Bay library. This year’s event, which promotes literacy, celebrated the 40th Anniversary of “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” the captivating classic by Eric Carle.

Dedicates New Playground

Assemblywoman Helene Weinstein and Councilman-elect Jumaane Williams participated at the recent dedication of a new children’s playground located at PS 208, which is open to all community residents.

Weinstein Hosts “Super Science Day” at the Aquarium for Over 900 Students

Helene Weinstein secured funding for “Super Science Day” at the Aquarium for over 900 third grade students from 35 classes and seven schools. In the weeks before the event, aquarium educators went to each of the schools introducing the students to the world of jellyfish and other marine invertebrates. Finally the big day arrived! For the excited 8 year olds (and the lucky adults who accompanied them) it was a spectacular day of observing and actually handling marine animals, painting sea stars, learning interesting biofacts and attending the Sea Lion demonstration show. In appreciation for their special day, Helene received wonderfully written and beautifully drawn thank you letters and pictures which are on display in the Community Office.

Super Science Day

Helene joins students from PS 119 as they marvel over sea life specimens during Super Science Day.

New Booster Seat Law

Improves Safety for Children

Automobile accidents happen. If a child is not properly secured, serious injury or even death can occur. Previous law required children ages 4-6 to use booster seats. Most 7-year-old children, however, are not big enough to be adequately secured by a vehicle’s lap and shoulder belt. That’s why New York State has extended the law that requires children to sit on a booster seat in a motor vehicle from age 6 to age 7. This new law took effect on November 24.

COJO Annual Legislative Breakfast

The Council of Jewish Organizations of Flatbush’s annual legislative breakfast is an important event. At the breakfast, United States Senator Charles Schumer, Assemblywoman Helene Weinstein and Breakfast Co-chair, Leon Goldenberg discussed community concerns.

Honoring Dr. Marco Mason

Assemblywoman Helene Weinstein recently joined Dr. Marco A. Mason, a founding member of the Caribbean Women’s Health Association (CWHA), at a New York City Council event honoring his contributions to the Caribbean-American community. The Assemblywoman provides state funding annually to support CWHA programs.

Assemblywoman Weinstein Delivers for the Community

Despite our state’s tough fiscal situation, this year, as in past years, Assemblywoman Weinstein secured special funding in the state budget for senior citizens, social services, school and youth programs to provide recreational, educational, cultural and social services in our community. Additional funding was obtained for after-school tutoring, early literacy, arts, school technology, equipment upgrades, sports, anti-violence and multicultural programs. If you want additional information on any of these programs or for a full list of programs funded by Assemblywoman Weinstein, please call the Community Office. Programs funded include:

Enriching Our Schools

School Science & Technology: I.S. 14, P.S. 119, P.S. 206, Madison, Sheepshead Bay, South Shore High Schools, Lev Bais Yaakov and Yeshiva Tiferes Yisroel;

Literacy Programs: P.S. 52, P.S. 194, P.S. 197 and P.S. 244

After-School Programs: I.S. 285, P.S. 208, P.S. 251, P.S. 109 and Tilden H.S.;

Youth Community Empowerment Programs: Redemption – College Mentoring, Friends United Youth Center – After School Tutoring, Heartshare – Foster Care Education Services, Agudath Israel of America – Education Newsletter project, Our Help Of Christians Church – Teen Club and COJECO – Émigré Youth Program;

School Arts Enrichment:

Brooklyn Philharmonic – Music Enrichment at P.S. 194 & P.S. 206
Brooklyn Academy of Music – Dance Africa at P.S. 208, P.S. 251 & Sheepshead Bay High School
Brooklyn Arts Council – Ballroom Dancing Classes at P.S. 119, P.S. 206 & P.S. 251
Roundabout Theater Company – Page to Stage Classroom Residency Program at Madison High School
NY City Center – Dance Series at P.S 52, I.S.14 & I.S. 285

Thanks for Dance Program

Assemblywoman Helene Weinstein received a thank you drawing from students who participated in New York City Center’s “Young People’s Dance Series: First Steps.” This program, which receives funding from the Assemblywoman, provides students at three local schools an opportunity to explore dance through in-school workshops and attend dance performances at City Center.

Arts & Environmental Programs:

Arts: Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn Children’s Museum and Wyckoff House Museum;
Environment: Brooklyn Aquarium and Salt Marsh Alliance.

Youth Sports Programs:

Sports: Kings Bay Youth Organization, Good Shepherd Sports, NY Junior Tennis League, Mr. Bee’s Hornets Basketball, Russian-American Kids Circus and Mill Basin Mariners Football Program.

Meeting

Assemblywoman Helene Weinstein along with Councilman Lewis Fidler, Assemblyman Alan Maisel and Senator Carl Kruger recently hosted a meeting at her office with community residents and MTA officials regarding the disruption of Subway service due to renovations along the B/Q line. Also discussed, was the impact of the recent elimination of several BM3 bus stops.

Greater Protections for Victims of Domestic Violence

Assemblywoman Weinstein helped draft a major new law which holds individuals more accountable for their abusive actions and improves the court system’s response to victims of domestic violence and their families, thereby providing them greater protection.

The law establishes procedures to ensure domestic violence is appropriately factored into custody decisions and holds offenders accountable for their actions by not sealing their past criminal history.

This new law is just one of a number of victim protection bills enacted this session, others include: a bill to prohibit employment discrimination against victims of domestic violence; a bill to require college campuses to distribute information on domestic violence and sexual assault. Every year in New York State, police officers respond to almost half a million calls about domestic violence.

Attends Marine Park JCC Breakfast

Assemblywoman Helene Weinstein spoke at the inaugural legislative breakfast of the JCC of Marine Park. Pictured with the Assemblywoman are (l-r) Chaskel Bennett, David Greenfield, Director, and Jeff Leb, Chairman of the JCC of Marine Park.

63rd Precinct National Night Out

National Night Out heightens crime and drug prevention awareness and strengthens neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships. Assemblywoman Helene Weinstein, a sponsor of this year’s event, joined Flatlands Civic Association President Aiden Pursoo, former President Sam Palmer and association members at the 63rd Precinct’s National Night Out Against Crime.

Visits With After School Program

Assemblywoman Weinstein recently sat in with the young men and women at COJECO’s Émigré Youth Program. The Program, which the Assemblywoman helps fund, educates high school students in civic responsibility and government process.

Street Dedication for 9-11 FDNY Hero

The corner of Voorhies Avenue and Nostrand Avenue was renamed in honor of Lieutenant Dennis Mojica, a valiant firefighter who was killed rescuing victims of the September 11th terrorist attacks. Assemblywoman Helene Weinstein joined Councilman Michael Nelson, CB 15 Chair, Theresa Scavo, family and friends for the dedication.

Addressing Community Concerns

Assemblywoman Helene Weinstein addressed quality of life issues at a recent Friends United Block Association meeting.

Assemblywoman Weinstein and Fraser Community Remember Fallen Heroes

Annually on the 17th Anniversary of the Gulf War, Assemblywoman Helene Weinstein, Fraser Community leaders and area residents gather at the Major McCarthy Memorial on Kings Highway to pay tribute to those men and women who sacrifice their lives daily for our country.

Help with Heating Bills

Assemblywoman Weinstein has secured over $54,935.19 in grants for area residents with fixed incomes to help them stay warm in the winter. Weinstein’s office is designated as a local Neighborhood Heating Fund application site for the Heartshare Program. This year, grants of up to $200 are available to National Grid customers who can not afford to pay their winter residential heating bills. Contact the Community Office to see if you are eligible.

Flatlands Ambulance Dedication

The dedication of Flatlands Ambulance Volunteer Corps’ newest ambulance was cause for great celebration. Joining in the ceremony were Assemblywoman Helene Weinstein, Assemblyman Alan Maisel, Ambulance Board Chair Eileen Cullen, 1st Lieutenant Peter Bojmal, Boardmember Linda Wilken, Captain Joseph Marcellino and Robin Fidler representing Councilman Lewis Fidler.

New Laws that Affect You

Protecting Neighborhoods

The quality of life in residential neighborhoods is adversely affected by the over saturation of bars and “clubs”. This new law will make it easier to deny a new applicant on the basis of over saturation, by creating consistent standards to determine whether there are already three or more licensed liquor businesses (i.e. restaurant or club) within 500 feet. This law curbs the potentially adverse impact of an over saturation of liquor businesses in residential neighborhoods.

Sex Offender Registration Updates Via E-mail

Cracking down on sex offenders who prey on our children is a top priority. Under a new law Assemblywoman Weinstein helped pass, it will be easier for families to find out if a dangerous sexual predator has moved into their neighborhood. You will be able to receive free automatic e-mail updates about the presence of Level 2 and Level 3 sex offenders in your community beginning next March. This legislation is an important tool for families to help their children stay safe.

Vehicle Warranty Solicitation Reform

This new law prohibits companies from deceptively soliciting a consumer for automobile warranty coverage by implying that the consumer’s current coverage is expiring with that company and creates civil penalties for engaging in this activity.

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