Assemblyman Cymbrowitz Sponsors Blood Drive

Assemblyman Cymbrowitz is sponsoring a blood drive in conjunction with The New York Blood Center Thursday, July 10th from Noon to 5:30 pm. The entire process takes less than an hour and each pint of blood can help up to five patients. The Center’s van will be parked by Assemblyman Cymbrowitz’ office to make donating convenient. Please contact his office for an appointment, someone needs blood every three seconds.

There’s a lot of Good in New York State’s New Budget

There was much in the media about New York State’s new $121 billion budget, but what does this document actually mean to the average New Yorker? I am happy to say that this budget contains funding for many programs that are important to all of us in our community.

One significant feature of this budget is an increase of over $293 million in aid and incentives to municipalities to help them meet their obligations and avoid property tax hikes for homeowners. The increased aid brings New York City’s total to $328 million. The budget’s benefits to New York City are also reflected in a second consecutive year of record increases to the City’s Department of Education, including a $622 million hike in foundation aid. Maintaining a strong education system in the City is important to everyone, not just parents with children enrolled in public schools. A well functioning school adds to the stability of a community and the Department of Education provides certain services to all students, including those in private schools.

I am pleased to report that after much negotiation, my Assembly Majority colleagues and I were able to prevent tuition hikes for CUNY and SUNY students and maintain adequate funding for such important programs as Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), Education Opportunity Program (EOP), Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP), Search for Education Elevation & Knowledge (SEEK), Liberty Partnership and College Discovery. Combat veterans will also be eligible for a college tuition grant, equal to the cost of in-state SUNY tuition, to attend any public or private college or university in New York State.

This budget also protects our healthcare system by providing it with $49 billion, restoring over $450 million in reductions. This means “healthier” hospitals, nursing homes and rehabilitation centers. The Child Health Plus premium will not increase and EPIC drugs not covered by Medicare Part D will not be subject to prior authorization, both direct benefits to many people in our community. A discount prescription drug card for 50 to 64 year old New Yorkers and the disabled has also been created to assist those not Medicaid eligible and who meet income eligibility requirements. Anyone who receives homecare will be happy to know that we rejected $62 million in reductions in funding to home care programs, including rejecting a rate freeze at the 2005 level for Certified Home Health Agencies(CHHA).

This budget very successfully takes the needs of the people in our community into account, while still being fiscally sound.

Assemblyman Cymbrowitz’ Mobile Office Travels “Up North”

Assemblyman Cymbrowitz and a staff member listening to a community complaint from constituents who visited his mobile community office at the Midwood Library.

Assemblyman Cymbrowitz’ mobile office visits the Brooklyn Public Library’s Midwood Branch (East 16th Street, between Avenues I and J) the first Friday of each month, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. The Assemblyman and his staff can answer questions, take complaints about community and government service and also handle personal problems. Visitors may help themselves to useful pamphlets and other free materials. “It is important that my constituents have easy access to my staff and me. I am grateful to the Midwood Library for allowing us to operate our mobile office on their busiest day. This allows constituents from the northern end of my district easy access to my community office services without traveling to the Sheepshead Bay storefront office,” Assemblyman Cymbrowitz explained.

Assemblyman Cymbrowitz Gets
Buses Added to Ocean Avenue Route

Responding to complaints that the Ocean Avenue (B49) buses were overcrowded, especially mornings as Kingsborough Community College students headed to school, Assemblyman Cymbrowitz got extra buses added to the route. “I must compliment NYC Transit for its quick response to my request. As we work to reduce traffic, it is vitally important that we make public transportation as efficient and convenient as possible. Adding buses to this route reduces both overcrowding and waiting times,” Assemblyman Cymbrowitz explained.

A new law, that Assemblyman Cymbrowitz supported, is now in effect prohibiting the dropping of fliers and similar advertisements at a private home if a sign stating such materials are not wanted is displayed. To make things easier for homeowners, Assemblyman Cymbrowitz has printed a cardboard sign that may be placed in a front window to advise distributors to skip the home. To get a sign, either drop by Assemblyman Cymbrowitz’ office, give him a call or email. Newspapers are exempt from this law. If fliers are left after a sign is posted, the homeowner may file a complaint with the City by calling 311. Violators are subject to a fine of between $250 and $1,000 for each violation, with a maximum penalty of $5,000.

Assemblyman Cymbrowitz Teams Up
with Assemblyman Brook-Krasny to Tackle Boardwalk Disrepair with $10 Million

Assemblymembers Cymbrowitz and Brook-Krasny presented NYC Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe and Brooklyn Parks Commissioner, Julius Spiegel with a $10 million check for repairs to the 2.7-mile long Riegelmann Boardwalk, which runs through both Assemblymembers’ districts. This heavily used boardwalk has many serious problems and is slated for a major renovation.

Assemblyman Cymbrowitz Has
$1,300 Fraudulent Charge Removed

Assemblyman Cymbrowitz came to the aid of Leonid T. who was hit with a $1,300 bill for a large screen SONY plasma television he never purchased. The saga began when he bought a television at PC Richard’s Flatbush Avenue store and his credit card information was stolen. His wife contacted PC Richards and was referred to GE Money Bank which refused to remove the charge even though the purchase was made in a PC Richards store that Mr. T. never shopped in and the signature on the credit card receipt didn’t match the cardholder’s. Shortly after Assemblyman Cymbrowitz contacted the bank the charge was reversed. While Mr. T. was not negligent in this case, Assemblyman Cymbrowitz cautions everyone to be on the offensive when it comes to identity theft. He has produced a card with several easy to follow suggestions that will help safeguard your identity. Please call, write, email or drop by Assemblyman Cymbrowitz’ office for a copy.