LINARES CHAMPIONS PASSAGE OF LIVERY LEGISLATION
Assemblymember Linares was instrumental in championing this historic Livery Cab Legislation signed into law by Governor Andrew Cuomo last month. The Livery Taxi industry was legalized, thus allowing our independent drivers and owners to legally pick up fares north of 96th Street and the other Boroughs. This law is special to the Assemblymember in that he drove a livery cab during his college years. Mayor Michael Bloomberg recognized that the legalization of this industry will bring an additional $1.3 Million in projected revenues to NYC. This new plan will afford New Yorkers in underserved areas greater access to taxicab service in and around the city. This will also fuel more revenue for the city of NY and help protect vital programs for seniors and hard working families. Assemblymember Linares wishes to thank Governor Cuomo, Mayor Bloomberg, Speaker Silver, Assemblymember Carl Heastie, Ms. Cira Angeles, and many others for their efforts in working to pass this law.

UPDATE ON FIRE @ BROADWAY & 207TH STREET
At the CB 12 District Service Cabinet meeting last week, the Spokesperson for the Department of Building (DOB) reported that the fire was caused by the illegal use of a torch in the Chinese Restaurant on site. The contractor/sub contractor had neither a permit for renovation nor a permit to renovate after hours. No summonses were issued and no criminal charges were pursued. It is Assemblymember Linares' hope that the affected businesses can return to their original locations once the building is renovated. Assemblymember Linares will continue to work with the authorities and do all they can to prevent similar accidents from occurring again.

CELEBRATING THANKSGIVING, THREE KINGS DAY, & OLD LADY BELEN
On Thanksgiving Day, Assemblymember Linares collected Food Pantry donations and distributed them to a number of constituents in his District. Additionally, on Three Kings Day and Vieja Belen, he distributed toys to various schools in School District 6, School District 10, and children in our District.

ASSEMBLYMENBER LINARES KNOWS IT'S ABOUT JOBS, JOBS, JOBS
Under the current economic strains we face, Assemblymember Linares helped pass the "jobs bill"in the last legislative session. The law states that 1) companies that hire underprivileged youths aged 16 to 24 will get a tax break and an additional credit for retaining those employees, 2) $25 Million will go toward the Summer Youth Employment Program, 3) $12 Million will be available for critical training, mentoring and job-placement programs for inner-city youths, 4) $2.5 Million will go toward the Displaced Homemakers Program, and 5) The MTA payroll tax will be eliminated or reduced for many small businesses. Giving young people the skills they need to earn a living and provide for their families makes Upper Manhattan a better place.

STREET VENDORS
Assemblymember Linares participated on a local street vendors meeting organized by the office of Councilmember Ydanis Rodriguez at PS 143 along with the CB 12 District Manager, The BID, and a representative of the Urban Justice Center. Around 180 street vendors attended the meeting, many of whom expressed their vicissitudes in selling on the streets in our community. The local elected officials are trying to resolve the street vendors' difficulties in our community.

THE DREAM ACT
Assemblymember Linares is fighting to make the NY Dream Act (A. 6829B) a reality for thousands of undocumented students who are unable to access higher education because of their immigrant status. Assemblymember Linares introduced this piece of legislation during last year's legislative session and it has become one of his legislative priorities. Last month, Linares held a Press Conference on the Steps of City Hall to present the legislation in anticipation of a Public Hearing by the Standing Committees on Government and Higher Education.

A Public Hearing was held that day by the Assembly Standing Committee on government and the Standing committee on Higher Education to discuss how to promote greater access to funding for higher education for this group of students.

Last Saturday, the Assemblymember hosted a breakfast meeting to strategize and promote the NY DREAM Act with California Assembly Member Gil Cedillo, who championed and was the main sponsor of the DREAM Act in his state. Accompanying Linares were the Hispanic Federation of NY, Make the Road, NY, and many State and City Elected Officials. The DREAM Act will grant undocumented students access to state tuition assistance as well as SUNY and CUNY scholarships.