Volume 3 Issue 5                                                                                                                                                                              January 2, 2016
Letter from Laurie
Dear Friend,

Happy New Year! I wish you all the best in 2016 - may it be filled with joy, happiness, peace, and much prosperity.

Over the past two years, it has been my privilege to represent the 35th Council District and serve as a Member of the New York City Council. From Fort Greene to Crown Heights, several projects and initiatives have been launched to create a brighter future for the residents of this community while sustaining our diversity, vibrancy, and steady growth.

Last year, I secured funding to support and/or enhance programs that will end gun violence; rebuild our green spaces; expand arts education; upgrade school facilities and technology; preserve affordable housing; protect tenants' rights; and restore early childhood day care centers. 

As I embark on my third year in office, I look forward to continuing this incredible work and building upon what the New York City Council has done to increase public safety and healthcare; expand access to opportunities for women and veterans; prevent employment discrimination; while investing critical resources to improve the quality of life for all New Yorkers.

Your input and continued engagement is essential to our progress as a district, city, and state. I hope that you will work collaboratively with my office, exchanging ideas and solutions that will propel us forward and upward.

Yours in Partnership,
Laurie A. Cumbo
Member of the New York City Council
Legislative Updates
The following b ills were introduced or co-sponsored by Council Member Cumbo:

Int 1017: A Local Law to amend the New York city charter and the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to establishing protections for freelance workers.
Res 0920: Resolution urging the United States Congress and the State of New York to support a woman's right to abortion and to oppose sex-selective abortion bans that perpetuate racial stereotypes and undermine access to care.
Res 0931 : Resolution calling on the Governor to sign A.6430A/S.983A, in relation to the shackling of pregnant inmates. ( signed into law by Governor Cuomo in December 2015) *\
Int 1028: A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to creating a sexual education task force.*
Int 1040: A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to establishing a commission to study and make recommendations regarding the root causes of violence in the city.
*Council Member Cumbo is the prime sponsor.
Announcements
  1. NYC Parks is looking for qualified individuals with strong swimming skills to continue the tradition of keeping New York City's highly visited beaches and pools safe. ( read more )
  2. The kindergarten application period is now open. Parents and guardians can apply until January 15, 2016. ( read more )
  3. The Pre-kindergarten application will be open from January 25 to March 4. ( read more )
  4. The Department of Sanitation will begin its annual Christmas tree curbside collection program from Monday, January 4 through Friday, January 15, 2016. (read more)
  5. On January 9 and 10, from 10 AM to 2 PM, the Department of Parks and Recreation will accept and chip Christmas trees at their annual MulchFest held at selected park locations throughout the City. (read more)
  6. 2016 Alternate Side Parking Suspension Calendar (download)
  7. The CUNY Fatherhood Academy at LaGuardia Community College is now recruiting.
Upcoming Deadlines: Grants, Housing, Internships, Programs, Scholarships
Connect with Cumbo
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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.
Cumbo in the News
Call for Additional MWBE Opportunities
Minority and women-owned business enterprises (MWBEs) are vital to the economic growth and development of our city and the communities they serve. As the primary employer of our city's private sector workforce, their success is instrumental to job creation and our economic stability.
Despite the growing number of MWBEs in New York City, only a small fraction or 5.3 percent were awarded government contracts in fiscal year 2015. In order to expand MWBE participation in the pro curement process, we must gain greater insight of the Economic Development Corporation as well as city agencies to close the gap and spur job creation. Through increased accountability and transparency, we can ensure that all contractors are in compliance with our city's MWBE requirements and that we periodically assess existing challenges to increase procurement opportunities.
January Community Board Meetings
Meetings are subject to change.
Please call to confirm.

Brooklyn Community Board No. 2
Wednesday, January 13
6PM
Location: Brooklyn Friends School,
Upper School Cafeteria, 116 Lawrence Street
Phone: (718) 596-5410

Brooklyn Community Board No. 3
Monday, January 4
7PM
Location: Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation
1368 Fulton Street, Basement Level
Phone: (718) 622-6601

Brooklyn Community Board No. 6
Wednesday, January 13
6:30PM - 9PM
Location: John Jay Educational Campus
237 7th Avenue
Phone: (718) 643-3027 

Brooklyn Community Board No. 8
Thursday, January 14
7PM
Location: Center Light Health Care Center
727 Classon Avenue 
Phone: (718) 467-5574

Brooklyn Community Board No. 9
Tuesday, January 26
7PM
Location: Middle School 61 
400 Empire Boulevard
Phone: (718) 778-9279
Email: [email protected]
Bereavement Notices
I would like to extend my deepest condolences to the affected family and friends. 
 
Yvette Molina
Victoria Nicodemus
Glenford A. Forsythe
Jacqueline Berrien
Jocelyn Cooper

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Well Wishes
On behalf of the 35th Council District, I would like to applaud these individuals and institutions on their continued success.
 
Susanna Zeng