Elections

Biaggi, Senate Majority Pass Law Aimed at Strengthening State’s Sexual Harassment Protections

By SÍLE MOLONEY
The New York State Senate passed new legislation on March 2 sponsored by Sen. Alessandra Biaggi (S.D. 34) to expand protections against sexual harassment and discrimination in the workplace and provide survivors the opportunity to openly speak their truth, without fear of retaliation.   The legislation includes the following laws: Let Survivors Speak Act: This legislation, Senate Bill S.738, sponsored by Biaggi, would reform current Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) laws that financially penalize survivors who speak out about their abuse by prohibiting settlements that require plaintiffs to pay liquidated damages for violating their NDA. Workplace Sexual Harassment Hotline: This bill, S.812A,


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Elections 2022: Diaz Offers Alternative to “Go Along to Get Along” Politicians in A.D. 81

By JULIAN NAZAR
  The following story is an updated version of the one that appears in our latest print edition.   On a brisk Thursday afternoon, George Diaz Jr. descends the steps of Norwood’s 205th Street subway station, located at East 205th Street and Perry Avenue. After swiping his metro card, Diaz shares with Norwood News what changes he would like to see in the station. “We need an elevator,” he said. “Feasibly, it is probably better to make the elevator by this entrance because when you step out, you see Whalen playground, a City park. It should be easier for the MTA


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Our Revolution Endorses Melanie D’Arrigo in New York’s 3rd Congressional District Race

By SÍLE MOLONEY
Our Revolution announced its endorsement of organizer and mother-of-three, Melanie D’Arrigo in New York’s 3rd congressional district race on Tuesday, March 1. The organization is described as “the United States’ leading grassroots-funded, political organizing group,” launched by Bernie Sanders following the 2016 election to help everyday Americans take on the corporate establishment.   Campaign officials for D’Arrigo said the organization’s endorsement of her candidacy shows that her progressive platform – centered on getting dark, corporate money out of politics – is resonating both across the district and across the country. “Melanie is dominating the ‘Left Lane’ in this race, and Our


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Biaggi Earns Endorsements of 12 New York State Senators in NY-3 Congressional Race

By SÍLE MOLONEY
State Sen. Alessandra Biaggi (S.D. 34) announced on Feb. 18 that she had secured the endorsements of twelve New York State senators in her bid to win the race for NY congressional district 3, the parameters of which have recently been redrawn and now encompass parts of the senator’s current senatorial district 34 in The Bronx and Southern Westchester, as well as the area spanning the Sound from Northern Westchester to Suffolk County.   In the context of the announcement, Biaggi’s campaign said the senator quickly earned support from her colleagues in the State Senate who campaign officials said have


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NYC Voter Assistance Advisory Committee Holds Public Meeting February 23

By SÍLE MOLONEY
  New York City’s Campaign Finance Board (NYCCFB) announced that the next public meeting of the New York City Voter Assistance Advisory Committee (VAAC) will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 23, at 5:30 p.m. Members of the public may join the meeting via Zoom.   According to NYCCFB, VAAC advises the board on its nonpartisan voter engagement initiative, NYC Votes, by promoting voter registration, participation and civic engagement in New York City through its many programs and partnerships. It also recommends legislative and administrative changes to improve NYC elections, sponsors the City’s official debate program, produces the citywide voter guide,


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UPDATE Bowman, Lander Back Alessandra Biaggi in New York’s 3rd Congressional District Race

By SÍLE MOLONEY
In perhaps not such a surprising announcement, Congressman Jamaal Bowman (NY-16), who represents parts of The Bronx and Westchester, formally endorsed New York State Sen. Alessandra Biaggi (S.D. 34) for U.S. Congress in New York’s 3rd congressional district (NY-3) on Tuesday, Feb. 8. Bowman’s endorsement comes one day after Biaggi launched her congressional campaign to succeed Democrat, Thomas Suozzi, as reported. Suozzi announced a bid to run for governor in November 2021.   “I am proud to endorse Senator Biaggi in her run for Congress,” said Bowman in a written statement. “Senator Biaggi leads with relentless compassion. She’s smart, bold,


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UPDATE Former NYC Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito Endorses Melanie D’Arrigo for Congress in NY-3

By SÍLE MOLONEY
Former New York City Council Speaker, Melissa Mark-Viverito endorsed Melanie D’Arrigo in New York’s 3rd congressional district race on Tuesday, Feb. 8. Described as a healthcare advocate, organizer, activist, mother of three, and a leader in the Latino and Puerto Rican communities in The Bronx, D’Arrigo recently announced her candidacy for the seat which is currently held by moderate Democrat, Thomas Suozzi. Suozzi announced in November 2021 that he was running for governor.   Parts of the eastern section of The Bronx now fall under New York’s 3rd congressional district since Gov. Kathy Hochul recently approved the Democrats’ latest re-districting


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Ruben Diaz Jr. Joins Montefiore as Senior VP of Strategic Initiatives

By SÍLE MOLONEY
Montefiore Health System announced on Tuesday, Feb. 8, that Ruben Diaz Jr., former Bronx Borough President, has joined Montefiore as senior vice president of strategic initiatives. Diaz Jr. served as Bronx borough president from 2009-2021, where according to the official press release, he led an unprecedented revival of The Bronx in areas of economic development, job creation, health, and housing. Prior to serving as borough president, Diaz Jr. was a member of the New York State Assembly from 1997-2009.   Dr. Philip O. Ozuah, president and CEO of Montefiore Health System, said, in the context of the announcement, “Ruben Diaz


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UPDATE Biaggi Launches Campaign for U.S. Congress in NY-3, Others Eye Senatorial Seat

By SÍLE MOLONEY
New York State Sen. Alessandra Biaggi announced her candidacy for U.S. Congress in New York’s third congressional district (NY-3) on Monday. Biaggi, known as a progressive leader who has worked to make State government more transparent, said she was running to ensure hard working families along the Sound shore have their voices, needs, and vision heard in Washington D.C.   Up until now, the 3rd congressional district included most of the North Shore of Long Island, and expanded from Northwestern Suffolk County, across Northern Nassau County, and into far Northeastern Queens. However, the newly drawn NY-3 district, following the most


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