3520 Nostrand Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11229
Assemblywoman
Helene E. Weinstein photo
Making a Difference in Brooklyn and Albany
MAY 2007

A Report To The Residents Of The 41st Assembly District

Dear Neighbor,

With the passage of the 2007 Budget, New York is well on its way to achieving historic reforms in the way we fund the education of our children and the delivery of health care for the elderly, the sick, the disabled and hundreds of thousands of children.

This year’s budget makes a historic investment in our education system by funding universal pre-kindergarten for all 4-year-olds in our state and providing increased resources to reduce class sizes in our schools. We made significant investments in our state university system and provided funds for higher education opportunity programs to help keep a college education affordable and attainable.

Additionally, the budget expands access to health care and takes steps to fight Medicaid fraud through the creation of a New York State False Claims Act. As a member of the Public Protection Budget Sub-Committee, I played a key role in shaping our final budget. In this report, I have included highlights of the 2007 budget.

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TAX RELIEF FOR NEW YORKERS

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Glenwood Tenants Association
Assemblywoman Weinstein addressed members of the Glenwood Tenants Association about the NYC-210 School Tax Credit.
The new state budget includes an expanded property tax relief program for property owners and increased tax credits.

REDUCING INCOME TAXES

The STAR personal income tax credit (City of New York School Tax Credit) was increased to $145 for single filers and $290 for joint filers – bringing total STAR savings for New York City residents to $1.1 billion annually.

PROPERTY TAX REBATE CHECKS

NYC property owners who participate in STAR, (the property tax savings program) will receive tax rebates, on a sliding scale based on income.

NYC STAR Personal Income Tax Credit INCREASE
Tax Filing Status Current Tax Credit Your New Tax Credit
Single $115 $145
Married filing jointly $230 $290
STAR Property Tax
Income Rebate Amount* 2007-2008 Total Savings
$120,001 or less $127 $339
$120,001 - $175,000 $95 $307
$175,00 - $250,000 $64 $276
$250,000+
$212
*Average Benefit Amount



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Fraser Civic Association
Assemblywoman Weinstein addressed quality of life issues at a recent Fraser Civic Association meeting. The Assemblywoman also discussed the array of important services and programs available at her community office.
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Sheepshead Bay Environmental Tour
Assemblywoman Helene Weinstein recently joined the New York City Dockmaster’s Unit, Theresa Scavo, Chairperson of Community Board 15, and Kathy Flynn, President of Plum Beach Civic Association for an inspection of bulkhead conditions within her district and throughout the Bay. Dilapidated bulkheads not only pose serious safety concerns but can also lead to pollution of the waters in the Bay.



2007 STATE BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS

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1199 Healthcare Workers
Assemblywoman Weinstein discussed with 1199 healthcare workers the need to ensure that New York’s health care budget does not put patients at risk.
EXPANDS ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE

The legislative budget protects New York’s most vulnerable populations by expanding access to health care and rejecting many of the Governor’s cuts harmful to patients, health care workers and our health care system. In a victory for New York State’s health care system and the patients that it serves, the final budget provided an additional $355.7 million over and above the Governor’s proposals for hospitals, nursing homes and pharmacies.

The final budget:

  • Expanded the income eligibility guidelines for the Child Health Plus Insurance program – providing coverage for the 400,000 uninsured children in our state.

  • Eliminated unnecessary red tape associated with Medicaid and Family Health Plus enrollees – helping 900,000 uninsured adults.

  • Eliminated the hospital “sick tax.”

  • Restored Medicaid and EPIC pharmacy reimbursements, to ensure ready access to needed medications at local pharmacies.

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Midwood Senior’s International Garden of Hope
Assemblywoman Helene Weinstein joined the Midwood Senior Center in officially opening their “International Garden of Hope.” Assemblywoman Weinstein, who provided funding for the garden, lauded Midwood Senior Center's ongoing commitment to the residents of Flatlands. Joining in the ribbon cutting were Morris Horring, a 99-year old active center member; Paul Curiale, Director, Millennium; Senior Center Director Jacqueline Florio; and, Sandra Maitland, President, Flatlands Community Block Association.
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Weinstein Visits Senior Center
Assemblywoman Weinstein often visits senior centers in the community. During a visit to Good Shepherd Church's Friendship Club, the Assemblywoman spoke about important services and upcoming programs coming to her community office.

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Weinstein Visits Seniors
Assemblywoman Weinstein distributed Matzos to seniors at JASA’s annual mock seder event as Rabbi Menachem Sperling looked on.
WEINSTEIN SCORES VICTORY AGAINST MEDICAID FRAUD

Assemblywoman Weinstein has for many years led the fight against Medicaid fraud, sponsoring a “False Claims Act” for New York State. The law allows private citizens, acting as whistleblowers, alongside the Attorney General’s office, to receive a reward for reporting Medicaid and other fraud against the State. This year’s budget enacts the New York State False Claims Act to root out Medicaid Fraud - saving New York taxpayers billions of dollars. It also strengthens the Office of the Medicaid Inspector General by adding 157 new positions (including 100 auditors) and strengthens the Attorney General’s ability to recover fraudulently obtained Medicaid payments.


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Helene Weinstein and Alec Brook-Krasny Secure $540,000 for Chernobyl Funding

Assemblymembers Helene Weinstein and Alec Brook-Krasny have secured funding for lifesaving health screenings for many Russian-American New Yorkers – $540,000 was included in the State Budget for Chernobyl Thyroid Cancer Screening and education for victims of Chernobyl. Since April 20, 1986, the date of the worst peace-time nuclear accident, more than 200,000 émigrés from the affected regions have settled in the New York Metro area. Recent work by international experts at the United Nations and by New York scientists has demonstrated markedly increasing rates of thyroid cancer among a number of these individuals. When diagnosed early, thyroid cancer is totally curable.


WEINSTEIN DELIVERS FOR THE COMMUNITY

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, multicultural and intergenerational programs. If you want additional information on any of these programs which Assemblywoman Weinstein has funded for the following organizations, call the community office.


HELPING SENIOR CITIZENS, SOCIAL SERVICES & COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES

Recreational, cultural and social services and citizenship programs:

  • Glenwood Senior, Good Shepherd Friendship Club, Jay-Harama Seniors, Kings Bay Seniors, Marine Park Active Adults, Midwood Seniors, Shellbank Leisure League Senior and Young Israel of Bedford Bay Senior Centers, Alzheimer’s & Aging Resources, Brooklyn-wide Interagency Council of the Aging.

  • Brooklyn Housing and Family Services, COJO of Flatbush, JCC of Coney Island, JCC of Kings Bay, Kings Bay YM-YWHA, Glenwood, Nostrand and Sheepshead Houses Tenant Associations, Haitian Americans United for Progress and Ohel Children’s Services.

  • Flatbush Shomrim, Flatlands Volunteer Ambulance Corps, Nottingham Patrol, and American Red Cross.

  • Brooklyn Philharmonic, Russian-American Kids Circus, Seaside and Martin Luther King Jr. Concert Series, Brooklyn College Center for the Performing Arts Caribbean Celebration Concert Series.

  • NYANA and Caribbean Women’s Health Association citizenship programs.

SCHOOLS, YOUTH AND EDUCATION PROGRAMS

After-school, tutoring, early literacy, arts programs, school technology and public/civic education programs:

  • Kings Highway, Kings Bay, Paerdegat and Rugby Library branches.

  • P.S. 119, P.S. 194, P.S. 197, P.S. 206, P.S. 208, P.S. 244, P.S. 251, I.S. 14, I.S. 285, Madison, Samuel Tilden, Sheepshead Bay and South Shore High Schools.

  • COJECO, HIAS, Be Proud and Agudath Israel of America.

  • Salt Marsh Alliance, Wyckoff House Museum.

Sports, Anti-Violence, Anti-Graffiti, Multicultural and Intergenerational programs:

  • East Flatbush Ecumenical Choir, Friends United Block Association, Bergen Basin Development - Operation CLEAN SLATE, Kings Bay Youth Organization, Mr. Bee’s Hornets, Show Me What You Got basketball programs, and Schenectady Avenue Block Association Youth Programs. Salt Marsh Alliance, Wyckoff House Museum.


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Flatlands Ambulance Dedicated
With an increasing need for an additional vehicle in the community, the Flatlands Ambulance Corps approached Assemblywoman Weinstein who had provided them with funds for operating expenses and equipment purchases. Along with former Assemblyman Frank Seddio, Assemblywoman Weinstein secured $100,000 to purchase the Ambulance.
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2007 COJO of Flatbush Breakfast
Helene Weinstein joined Rabbi Yechezhel Pikus and Leon Goldenberg at the Annual COJO of Flatbush Breakfast.

MAJOR CAPITAL PROJECTS IN THE PIPELINE:

Digital Mammography Machine for Beth Israel Hospital, computer lab at Friends United Youth Center, auxiliary patrol vans for the 63rd & 67th Police Precincts, state-of-the-art science lab for Public School 208, renovations at Kings Bay YM-YWHA, renovations at Kings Bay Youth sports facility. Wyckoff House Museum, new Marine Park Senior Center, new kitchen for Homecrest Senior Center, Caribbean Trade Center for the Caribbean Chamber of Commerce, air conditioning for Madison High School, renovations at Kings Bay Senior Center and a new recreation room at Glenwood Senior Center.




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“Read A-Loud” at Kings Bay Library
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“Read A-Loud” at Paerdegat Library
Assemblywoman Helene Weinstein participated in national “Read Across America” Day with First and Second Graders at the Kings Bay and Paerdegat Library branches. Across the nation, community leaders read Dr. Seuss’s “Cat in The Hat” in celebration of its 50th Anniversary.

EDUCATION

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School Visit
Assemblywoman Helene Weinstein often visits schools throughout the community. At a recent visit, she discussed the importance of community involvement with an attentive elementary school class.

Historic Investment in Education

New York City schools and students will now, finally, receive appropriate funding through a new “foundation education formula”, assuring New York City schools 43 percent of the foundation aid. The budget includes an unprecedented $1.7 billion increase in education funding, with New York City schools receiving $712 million more than last year - a 10% increase. The budget finally addresses the court ruling in the Campaign for Fiscal Equity (CFE) case.

The budget:

  • Builds on last year’s $11 billion Assembly victory in financing for NYC’s capital needs by providing over $470 million increase in operating aid for schools.

  • Provides $60.3 million more for early education to provide universal pre-k slots for every 4-year-old statewide.

  • Reduces class sizes at low performing and overcrowded NYC schools.

  • Provides $127 million for private schools to pay for mandated programs.

  • Provides $37.4 million for computer aid for both public and private school students.

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Kings County South Civic Association
During a recent visit to Kings County South Civic Association, Assemblywoman Weinstein informed members about her funding for a new science lab at P.S. 208 and her pledge to support the re-establishment of a much needed senior center facility in Community Board #17.

HIGHER EDUCATION

Keeping a College Education Within Reach – Providing Significant Investment

The state budget invests in our state university system, funds opportunity programs and helps to keep affordable college education within reach for working families.

  • Preserves funding for the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP).

  • Provides $3.1 million increase in funding for the EOP, HEOP, SEEK and Liberty Partnerships programs and a 5 percent increase for the College Discovery program.

  • Increased operating aid for SUNY and CUNY colleges – $16.5 million.

  • Increases community college base aid by $24 million.


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Yeshiva Tiferes Yisroel
On a recent visit to Yeshiva Tiferes Yisroel, Assemblywoman Weinstein spoke with Rabbi Rosenshein about new state funding for computer hardware aid for non-public schools in this year’s State budget.
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Assemblywoman Weinstein Meets With UFT Teachers
Assemblywoman Weinstein met with UFT members to discuss education funding for schools in the community.



ASSEMBLYWOMAN WEINSTEIN HELPS YOU SAVE MONEY

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SKIP A TRIP TO THE DMV

Join the hundreds of your neighbors who have already received their Non-Driver IDs at Helene Weinstein’s Community Office.

The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will be returning to Weinstein’s Office on:

Thursday June 28th, 2007

Apply for a Non-Driver’s I.D. Card
Renew Your Driver’s License
Appointments are required – No Walk-Ins!

Call to Schedule (718) 648-4700


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Sanitation Meeting
To address sanitation issues in the East 30’s, Assemblywoman Weinstein convened a meeting with Sanitation Officials Rabbi Moshe Scheinerman, Congregation Kollel Bnai Yeshivos; Rabbi Daniel Goldstein, Kingsway Jewish Center; Raphael Treitel, NYPD Clergy Liaison, 63rd Precinct; and, Chazkel Bennett, Community Representative.

HELP WITH ELECTRIC BILLS!!!

Last year, Assemblywoman Weinstein secured funding to help pay summer air conditioning bills for 58 area residents on fixed incomes. Weinstein’s office is designated as a local Neighbor Fund Application site. This year, grants of up to $50 are available to Con Edison customers. Contact Assemblywoman Weinstein’s Community Office to see if you are eligible.


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Glendale Civic Association
In recognition of the organization’s dedicated service to the community, Assemblywoman Weinstein presented a NYS Assembly Citation to Sharon Borno, President of the Glendale Civic Association at their annual Awards Scholarship Dinner.
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Yeshiva Derech Hatorah Dinner
Assemblywoman Weinstein congratulated Yeshiva Derech Hatorah at their 27th Annual Dinner and presented a check for $4,750 to President Jacob Abilevitz and Chairman of the Board Dr. Jan Geliebter towards the purchase of new air conditioning units for Pre-Kindergarten Classrooms.

HELENE WEINSTEIN CAN HELP YOU OBTAIN A SENIOR HALF-FARE METROCARD

Helene Weinstein Brings the Senior Half-Fare MetroCard Bus to the Community Office at 3520 Nostrand Avenue on the Third Thursday of every month.

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Upcoming dates:
May 17th, 2007
June 21st, 2007
July 19th, 2007
August 16th, 2007
10:30 am to 12:00 noon

Apply for the Senior Half-Fare MetroCard and receive one on the spot.

Proper Age (65 years & older) and photo identification is required.

  • Save the cost of photos and notary fees

  • Add money to your Senior Half-Fare MetroCard

  • Only MetroCard holders transfer for FREE between buses & trains


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Congresswoman Yvette Clarke
Assemblywoman Weinstein joined newly elected Congresswoman Yvette Clarke at a community breakfast event honoring civic leaders.
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Weinsteins Honors “Cop of the Month”
Assemblywoman Weinstein presented an Assembly Certificate of Merit to 61st Precinct “Cop of the Month” Lieutenant Paul Putkowski for his outstanding service to the community.

ASSEMBLYWOMAN WEINSTEIN
HELPS YOU STAY HEALTHY!

Free
Cholesterol & Glucose Screening*

Friday June 15th, 2007

*Appointments are necessary
Call to Schedule (718) 648-4700


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