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Letter from Laurie
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Dear Friend,
Dr. Daniel Hale Williams was the first African-American heart surgeon who was instrumental in advancing black surgery by successfully completing open-heart surgery and later founding Chicago's non-segegrated Provident Hospital and Training School in 1891.
February is known as Black History Month and American Heart Month! One month will never be enough to recognize the contributions of African-Americans throughout our nation's history, but it is the right period of time to adopt a healthier lifestyle with proper diet and exercise.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women, and disproportionately affects African-Americans.
Through ongoing, intergenerational conversations within our communities, we can celebrate our trailblazers and take better care of ourselves. I encourage you to look for the unsung heroes and heroines whose inventions and techniques helped improve our quality of life.
As we reflect on our past and live in the present, we must plan for the future. The City of New York has a preliminary budget totaling $88.67 billion for fiscal year 2019. If you are part of a not-for-profit organization or cultural institution, it is important to note that all applicants must submit their requests for New York City Council funding through
CapGrants and the Council website is Tuesday, February 20th, TOMORROW. I was proud to host a free budget workshop where over 60 individuals from not-for-profit and cultural organizations were in attendance. In case you missed our workshop, you can watch our Facebook Live video and download the presentation, The Process Simplified on our
blog
. All of the pertinent information regarding the budget application process for the New York City Council and our Women's Caucus can be found here.
Yours in Partnership,
Majority Leader
Council Member, 35th District
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Preliminary Budget Meeting with Mayor Bill de Blasio and Council Speaker Corey Johnson
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During my first Preliminary Budget Meeting as the Majority Leader of the New York City Council, I asked Mayor de Blasio about capital improvements to our NYCHA developments to make sure that the $200 million in capital funding to upgrade heating systems at 20 NYCHA developments is fast tracked so that my residents at Farragut Houses and all throughout our NYCHA developments never have to live without heat and hot water during record level cold winters.
I also stressed the importance of fast tracking city funding to our not-for-profit organizations so that they can get the resources to do the work that our communities need. As a new Mom, I'm so happy that universal pre-K for 3-year-olds will be expanded from two districts to four districts but it cannot come fast enough for the City of New York, because childcare is TOO DAMN HIGH! More preliminary details to come!
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World Hijab Day
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As the leader of the free world, #45 is supposed to exemplify #American ideals and way of life. Instead, he has utilized his global platform to perpetuate #xenophobia and hate that has fostered divisiveness in communities across the nation. On #WorldHijabDay, which is observed annually on February 1st in 140 countries, we stood in solidarity with #Muslim #women of all ages to celebrate their #faith, identity, #community, modest lifestyle, #beauty, and invaluable contributions to the #culture of our city. Thank you Nazma Khan and World Hijab Day Organization, Inc. for your unwavering commitment to "fighting #discrimination against women through awareness and #education."
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Legislative Updates
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The following bills were introduced or co-sponsored by Council Member Cumbo:
- Int 0441: A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to the creation of a fair hiring practices task force. (info)
- Intro 0442: A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to requiring landlords to provide tenants with documentation of damages when deducting money from a tenant's security deposit. (info)
- Intro 0443: A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to requiring landlords to conduct rental inspections on residential properties every three years and to annually certify that they are in compliance with the city Housing Maintenance Code. (info)
- Intro 0444: A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to requiring all NYPD officers to receive sensitivity training to assist them in responding to victims of gender-based street harassment and sexual assault. (info)
- Intro 0445: A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to the suspension of alternate side of the street parking rules on blocks adjacent to filming. (info)
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Upcoming Deadlines: Artist Residences, Employment, M/WBE Opportunities
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Announcements
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- Parents can now apply for free, full-day, high-quality pre-K for all NYC children born in 2014. (info)
- Pre-K Enrollment for All Information Sessions in Prospect and Crown Heights (info)
- Free art classes for NYC high school students (info)
- Free Tax Preparation and Filing at Brooklyn Borough Hall (info)
- Upcoming Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Training (info)
- First Lady Chirlane McCray Announces NYCHOPE, New Web Portal for Survivors of Domestic Violence (info)
- DCLA, NYCEDC Seek Partners For Affordable Artist Workspace Initiative (info)
- Mayor de Blasio Invests $200 Million to Replace Boilers and Upgrade Heating Systems at 20 NYCHA Developments (info)
- First Lady Chirlane McCray Announces $6 Million Investment to Break Cycle of Incarceration for Women in NYC (info)
- De Blasio Administration Announces Citywide Guidance and NYPD Protocol to Codify Restrictions on Assistance with Federal Immigration Enforcement (info)
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Get Connected to District 35
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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.
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Bereavement Notice
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Council Member Cumbo would like to extend her deepest condolences to the affected family and friends.
Dr. Samuel J. Pinn, Jr.
Katherine Mary Billups
Frank Perkins
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
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Well Wishes
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On behalf of the 35th Council District, Council Member Cumbo would like to applaud these individuals and institutions on their continued success.
TYree Stanback, the Resident Association Leader of Lafayette Gardens, was selected to participate in the newly-established Resident Leadership Academy program at the Murphy Institute/CUNY School of Professional Studies!
Congratulations to the following NYCHA developments on the installation of their board members:
- Isabella Lee & the Walt Whitman Tenant Association
- Darold Burgess & Ingersoll Resident Associaton
- Mary Andrews & the Farragut Tenant Association
We extend a warm welcome to BAM's new Artist Director, David Binder.
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| Valentine's Day Brunch |
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There are not enough days in a year set aside to express our love and affection for the wisest amongst us. I am proud to represent and serve the same village that was instrumental in who I am today as a woman, mother, and public servant. I am forever indebted to our seniors for the tremendous sacrifices that they made to create the opportunities for future generations. Our gratitude is incomparable to the contributions that they have made in their lifetime.
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| Black History Month |
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Our cultural identity and heritage is the very essence of who we are as individuals and members of a global community. Black History Month, though the shortest of the calendar year, has increasingly become more meaningful and significant in the face of present-day prejudice, bigotry, and racism. As a nation, we are in the midst of a challenging time where true leadership is needed to unite people of all backgrounds. Instead, we are reliving our nation's painful past that has left many of us with scars that have yet to heal. It is paramount that we stand firm in our resolve to march towards progress, honoring the memories of the pioneers, abolitionists, and civil rights activists who made tremendous sacrifices for today's opportunities.
As the first African-American woman to serve as Majority Leader of the New York City Council, I launched a social media campaign to recognize the trailblazers who also served as the "FIRST" in various capacities. I invite you to visit my blog for a recap of our ongoing series in honor of Black History Month.
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| Hate Has No Place in Our Nation |
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The disparaging comments that were allegedly made about Haitians and Africans during a closed door meeting is indicative of an anti-immigrant presidential administration whose policies have separated families and decimated communities.
We cannot allow President Trump's racist remarks to overshadow the resiliency of Haitians and their determination to rebuild after enduring consecutive natural disasters, most notably the devastating earthquake of 2010 that resulted in the loss of an estimated 200,000-300,000 lives.
The denigration of Haitians and Africans as individuals who come from "shithole countries" is deplorable and inexcusable. His remarks are particularly insensitive after the revocation of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for millions of immigrants whose lives remain in limbo. Immigrants are still welcome here and we must renew our resolve to create and preserve the protections that have afforded people of all backgrounds an equal opportunity to overcome obstacles and begin anew.
Photo: Speaker Corey Johnson
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