April 14, 2023 – Urban CNY

Gillibrand Announces Nearly $117 Million to Help NYS Businesses in Underserved Communities Recover from COVID-19

by Urban CNY News
April 14, 2023

Funding will go to 43 Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) Across New York State CDFIs provide credit, capital, and financial services to underserved populations and communities across the country Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced that 43 Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) across New York State will receive $116,822,564 in federal funding to help low- and moderate-income communities recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. The funds will be used to expand lending related to small businesses and microenterprises, for grant making and investing in underserved communities, and to support borrowers that experienced disproportionate economic impacts from the pandemic and have unmet capital and financial services needs. Additionally, the grant funds may be used to support community facilities, affordable housing, commercial real estate and intermediary lending to non-profits and CDFIs. “The pandemic disproportionately harmed small businesses and entrepreneurs in low- and moderate-income communities, and it is essential that the federal government aid their recovery,” said Senator Gillibrand. “I am proud to announce nearly $117 million in federal funding to help businesses in underserved communities recover from the pandemic. Providing small businesses and entrepreneurs with access to capital is critical to growing generational wealth and to creating economic opportunity.” The funding is being delivered through the U.S. Treasury’s CDFI Equitable Recovery Program. New York State recipients include: CDFI Equitable Recovery Program Award Recipients Organization Name City Financial Institution Type CDFI ERP Award Amount 1199 SEIU FCU New York Credit Union $3,718,258 Accompany Capital, Inc. New York Loan Fund $6,118,187 BOC Capital Corp. Brooklyn Loan Fund $6,197,097 Brooklyn Cooperative Federal Credit Union Brooklyn Credit Union $3,470,374 CAMBA Economic Development Corporation Brooklyn Loan Fund $500,000 Carver Federal Savings Bank New York Bank or Thrift $2,478,839 CheckSpring Community Corporation Bronx Bank Holding Company $3,718,258 Community Development Trust, LP, The New York Loan Fund $6,197,097 Community Development Venture Capital Alliance, The New York Venture Capital $500,000 Community Loan Fund of the Capital Region, Inc. Albany Loan Fund $1,239,419 Concord Federal Credit Union Brooklyn Credit Union $500,000 Corporation for Supportive Housing New York Loan Fund $3,718,258 Disability Fund, Inc., The Rockville Centre Loan Fund $4,957,678 Entertainment Industries FCU New York Credit Union $1,680,652 Finest Federal Credit Union, The New York Credit Union $4,957,678 Genesee Co-Op Federal Credit Union Rochester Credit Union $3,718,258 Grameen America, Inc. Jackson Heights Loan Fund $4,957,678 Greater Jamaica Local Development Company, Inc. Jamaica Loan Fund $500,000 Habitat for Humanity NYC Fund, Inc. New York Loan Fund $500,000 Harlem Entrepreneurial Fund, LLC New York Loan Fund $1,074,824 Heritage Financial CU Middletown Credit Union $3,718,258 Home Headquarters, Inc. Syracuse Loan Fund $2,478,839 Inclusiv Inc New York Loan Fund $6,197,097 Launch New York, Inc. Buffalo Venture Capital $500,000 Leviticus 25:23 Alternative Fund Inc Tarrytown Loan Fund $2,478,839 Local Initiatives Support Corporation New York Loan Fund $4,957,678 Lower East Side Peoples Federal Credit Union New York Credit Union $3,718,258 Neighborhood Housing Services of New York City, Inc. New York Loan Fund $500,000 Neighborhood Trust Federal Credit Union New York Credit Union $2,187,988 New Covenant Dominion Federal Credit Union Bronx Credit Union $500,000 Nonprofit Finance Fund New York Loan Fund $2,478,839 NYBDC Local Development Corporation Albany Loan Fund $1,735,187 Oswego County FCU Oswego Credit Union $2,478,839 Ponce Bank Bronx Bank or Thrift $3,718,258 Renaissance Economic Development Corporation New York Loan Fund $3,305,118 Seneca Nation of Indians Economic Development Company Salamanca Loan Fund $500,000 Sustainable Neighborhoods LLC New York Loan Fund $1,735,187 Syracuse Cooperative Federal Credit Union Syracuse Credit Union $3,718,258 The Working World, Inc. dba Seed Commons New York Loan Fund $1,491,269 TruFund Financial Services, Inc. New York Loan Fund $2,354,897 Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone Development Corporation New York Loan Fund $1,353,446 Vital Healthcare Capital New York Loan Fund $3,513,754 Westminster Economic Development Initiative, Inc. Buffalo Loan Fund $500,000 Senator Gillibrand has made delivering federal funding to help underserved populations gain access to capital and build generational wealth a major priority. In April 2023, Gillibrand joined local business leaders and CDFIs in Harlem to call for more than $400 million in federal funding, including $341 million for Treasury’s CDFI Fund, $56 million for the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) microloan program and $10 million for SBA’s Growth Accelerator Fund. Photo by Pixabay

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Senator John W. Mannion Announces Legislation Elevating School ‘Swatting’ To Class D Felony

by Urban CNY News
April 14, 2023

New bill elevates reporting a false school shooting or violent incident on school grounds to a Class D felony and increases penalties for anyone convicted of ‘swatting’ a school Syracuse, NY – Senator John W. Mannion today announced new legislation to combat false reports of active shooters in schools that are known as ‘swatting’ due to the significant law enforcement response to these incidents. Senator Mannion’s bill (S6296) elevates reporting a false school shooting or violent incident on school grounds to a Class D felony and increases the penalties for anyone convicted of ‘swatting’ a school to up to seven years. Senator Mannion made the announcement at Westhill High school, joined by Onondaga County Sheriff Toby Shelley, Geddes Police Chief John Fall, and Westhill Superintendent Steve Dunham. Westhill High School is one of many schools in New York that recently experienced a false report of an active school shooter and the associated police response. Senator John W. Mannion said, “This legislation is about deterrence and sending a message – do not report a false shooting and terrorize and disrupt our communities. My bill strengthens state law and makes clear that anyone convicted of ‘swatting’ a school faces serious prison time.” Onondaga County Sheriff Toby Shelley said, “Thank you, Senator Mannion for inviting me to attend today. I support your new legislation, swatting is not a victimless crime. Perpetrators will be pursued and prosecuted pursuant to the law.” Westhill School District Superintendent Steve Dunham said, “The recent ‘swatting’ of Westhill High School was scary and infuriating. I am grateful that Senator Mannion – a longtime educator who intricately understands classroom safety and the impacts of ‘swatting’ on a school community – is stepping forward with legislation to deter this from happening again. Students should never be scared to come to school and turning our schools into fortresses is not the answer. In addition to Senator Mannion’s legislation, I support enforcing stricter gun laws, and making mental health as much a priority as physical health.”

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Governor Hochul Encourages New Yorkers to Sign Up for the 12th Annual ‘I Love My Park’ Day

by Urban CNY News
April 14, 2023

Volunteer Events Taking Place at over 120 State Parks, Historic Sites and Public Lands Across New York Participants Will Celebrate New York’s Public Lands by Volunteering in Cleanup Events Throughout the State Online Registration Now Open and Can Be Completed Here Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that registration is now open for the 12th annual I Love My Park Day, which will be held on Saturday, May 6, 2023 at State parks, historic sites and public lands all across New York State. The event, a partnership between Parks & Trails New York, the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, and the Department of Environmental Conservation, is the largest statewide volunteer event to enhance parks, historic sites and public lands and raise awareness and visibility to the state outdoor recreation assets and their needs. “I Love My Park Day is a great opportunity for New Yorkers to give back to our incredible parks and public lands,” Governor Hochul said. “I encourage New Yorkers to sign up and volunteer at a participating park, historic site or trail in their area to ensure future generations can continue to enjoy these amazing natural resources.” Volunteers will have the opportunity to participate in cleanup events at over 120 state parks, historic sites and public lands from Long Island to Western New York and covering all regions in between, including sites operated by the Department of Environmental Conservation and municipal parks. Registration for I Love My Park Day can be completed here. Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commissioner Erik Kulleseid said, “Thank you to our partners at Parks & Trails New York for organizing this event and expanding the opportunities to give back and promote responsible stewardship. Our volunteers are crucial in making our state park system the very best in the nation and we look forward to welcoming the thousands of volunteers for I Love My Park Day again this year.” According to Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Basil Seggos, “Public lands belong to all of us, our families, and our neighbors, and working together we can all take part in the stewardship of these special places for future generations to cherish and enjoy. I Love My Park Day is an excellent opportunity for New Yorkers to join DEC and our State Parks partners to get outside and inspire the next generation of environmental stewards by helping to maintain and preserve the natural beauty of our State lands.” And Parks & Trails New York Executive Director Paul Steely White stated, “New Yorkers are head over hiking boots for their parks. Indeed, our beloved park system embraced and nurtured us during the pandemic, accommodating over 200 million unique visits (not to mention many recurring rendezvous). But love is a two-way trail, and healthy long-term relationships require maintenance. Now is the time to prove to your favorite park or open space that it was more than just a pandemic fling. Let’s show our parks, trails and open spaces all of the love on I Love My Park Day!” Volunteers will celebrate New York’s public lands by cleaning up debris, planting trees and gardens, restoring trails and wildlife habitats, removing invasive species and working on various site improvement projects. To encourage year-round stewardship, PTNY, State Parks and DEC will launch additional volunteer opportunities throughout the summer and fall as part of the Love Our NY Lands campaign. The campaign goal is to help protect our natural resources by providing visitors with the knowledge necessary to reduce their impact, engage users to practice sustainable and safe recreation, and help all visitors feel welcome while visiting state lands. Parks & Trails New York is New York’s leading statewide advocate for parks and trails, dedicated since 1985 to improving our health, economy, and quality of life through the use and enjoyment of green space for all. With thousands of members and supporters across the state, PTNY is a leading voice in the protection of New York’s magnificent state park system and the creation and promotion of more than 1,500 miles of greenways, bike paths, river walks, and trails. More information can be found here. The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, which were visited by a record 79.5 million people in 2022. For more information on any of these recreation areas, visit www.parks.ny.gov, download the free NY State Parks Explorer mobile app or call 518.474.0456. Also, connect on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Under the Adventure NY initiative, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is making strategic investments to expand access to healthy, active, outdoor recreation; connect more New Yorkers and visitors to nature and the outdoors; protect natural resources; and boost local economies. Read more about the Adventure NY initiative on DEC’s website.

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Attorney General James Leads Multistate Coalition to Urge U.S. Supreme Court to Maintain Medication Abortion Access

by Urban CNY News
April 14, 2023

Coalition of 24 Attorneys General Stresses that Ruling Restricting Use of Mifepristone Could Endanger Lives Nationwide New York – New York Attorney General Letitia James today led a multistate coalition to challenge the decision issued by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit that would leave in place restrictions on access to mifepristone imposed by a Texas trial court, and as a result restrict access to medication abortion nationwide. The amicus brief, filed in the United States Supreme Court, urges the court to stay pending appeal the Court of Appeal’s ruling, which if allowed to take effect would halt the approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of a generic version for the medication abortion drug, mifepristone. The ruling would also ban access to mifepristone by mail, and would block the ability of non-doctors to prescribe and dispense the medication. Attorney General James and the coalition of 24 attorneys general warn that the Fifth Circuit’s order will drastically reduce access to safe abortion care and miscarriage management for millions of people across the country. “The constant assault on abortion access is putting the health care and rights of millions of Americans at risk,” said Attorney General James. “We cannot allow these attacks, or efforts to make it harder to access mifepristone, to be ignored or normalized. I will continue to use the full force of my office to protect the rights of all New Yorkers, and all Americans.” This decision from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit comes in response to motions filed by the FDA and Danco Laboratories LLC to stay the April 7, 2023 decision by Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas, which stayed the effective date of the FDA’s original approval of mifepristone in 2000. The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals reinstated the 2000 approval, but left in place the district court’s stay on other FDA regulatory actions regarding mifepristone, including the 2016 elimination of certain dispensing requirements, the 2019 approval of the generic drug, and the 2021 elimination of the in-person dispensing requirement. Attorney General James and the coalition are urging the U.S. Supreme Court to stay this decision pending the appeal, given the critical role medication abortion plays in reproductive health care, and the need for ease-of-access, particularly in low-income, underserved, and rural communities. The coalition notes that if the appellate court decision takes effect, it could drastically curtail abortion access for millions of Americans. According to current estimates, medication abortion accounts for over half, approximately 54 percent, of all abortions performed in the United States. Reducing medication options by forcing the FDA to stay approval of generic mifepristone, restricting which clinicians are permitted to provide prescriptions for this safe medication, and reinstating the in-person dispensing requirement will make it more challenging for millions of Americans to access safe medication abortions. This decision could result in substantially increased demand for procedural abortions, resulting in later and more risky procedures, and more complicated and costly logistics for many patients, especially where procedural abortion is unavailable. Attorney General James has been a national leader in protecting access to reproductive health care, including medication abortion. In February, Attorney General James led a coalition of attorneys general to submit an amicus brief in the U.S. District Court case challenging the FDA approval of mifepristone, and earlier this week, she again led a coalition in submitting an amicus brief to support efforts to stay the initial decision and maintain FDA-approval of mifepristone. In March, Attorney General James, together with Governor Hochul, sent a letter to the CEOs of Walgreens (owner of Duane Reade), Rite Aid, and CVS to demand answers about the companies’ plans to make the abortion medication mifepristone available in New York state. In February, Attorney General James led a multistate coalition to defend and protect access to medication abortion in the initial court challenge that sought to revoke FDA’s approval of mifepristone. Following the Supreme Court’s decision to end Roe v. Wade, Attorney General James launched a pro bono legal hotline to provide legal support to patients and health care providers nationwide. Attorney General James has helped lead a coalition of attorneys general to defend abortion access in Idaho, Texas, Arizona, Indiana, and Mississippi. Joining Attorney General James in filing today’s amicus brief are the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawai’i, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia. This matter is being handled by Deputy Solicitor General Ester Murdukhayeva and Solicitor General Barbara D. Underwood — all of the Division of Appeals and Opinions, and Special Counsel for Reproductive Justice Galen Leigh Sherwin of the Executive Division, which is overseen by First Deputy Attorney General Jennifer Levy. Photo by Pixabay

The Hall Monitor Voices

The First Earth Day: 53 Years Later

by Ken Jackson
April 14, 2023

April 22, 1970 was a special day for our neighborhood. Suddenly, from Syracuse University scores of students gathered at the corner of Madison Street and South Crouse Ave. It was a vacant lot and the students started to dig through weeds and cleared the entire lot of debris. As the day progressed, so did work on the once vacant lot. Small trees planted by the neighborhood, led by students and at the center of it all was a pond. They assembled rocks into a formation as they dug out the base. Soon a pond began to emerge, as the rocks settled water was added, filling the pond making this vacant lot a pop-up city park. It was called the “People’s Park” and at the age of thirteen, I was witnessing a change in American political engagement, the environmental movement was born. I witnessed many things while growing up on Harrison Street; I could view Syracuse University’s Chancellor’s Mansion from our front porch. Countless candlelight processions from campus to the Onondaga County War Memorial, in protest of the Vietnam War. Growing up in a university neighborhood, living on Harrison Street during the tumultuous 1960’s and 70’s was a rolling American civics lesson. As I delivered newspapers, I remember stopping at the last house on my route and the CBS Evening News was on showing scenes from a Civil Rights protest, similar to events that unfolded in 1965 on the Edmond Pettis Bridge, where Black protestors were fire hosed and attacked by police canine units. The students immediately grabbed their newspaper from my hand and blocked the TV screen and said, “You don’t need to see any of this.” I lived two doors down; I ran home and caught the rest of the news. I was a boy in the Syracuse University bubble, isolated from the community decimated by Urban Renewal. Our house was two blocks from where the city mandated destruction ended. But it gave me a front seat to some of the most chaotic and festive times in American History. What a year! It was 1970 change was occurring as we witnessed mounting protests against the Vietnam War, the African American Football Players strike against Syracuse University, where 8 Black players were suspended for boycotting spring practice and the birth of Earth Day. The groups of student volunteers transformed a vacant lot into a park complete with a pond and trees. At the age of 13 you think, “This is going to last forever.” However, the park was short lived. Not too long after our little park was built the entire block was bulldozed to make way for the coming changes. Today, you wouldn’t recognize the area; it’s now the Parking lot for McCarthy Manor. Most of what we grew up seeing is now completely gone, the neighborhood, its houses, the people, and the relationships, all bulldozed. But the legacy of that day 53 years ago, in the eyes of a 13-year-old, set the stage for what we’re celebrating, the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. Originally posted in 2017 Photo Shameer Pk Pixabay

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