THIS WEEK IN THE NEWS
May 19 to May 23, 2014
TOP HEADLINES
Schneiderman Launches Statewide Effort To Combat Zombie Properties
Attorney General Schneiderman launched a statewide effort to encourage the State legislature to pass the Abandoned Property Neighborhood Relief Act. Proposed earlier this year, the bill would provide critical support to communities that have been plagued with vacant properties, including making lenders responsible for delinquent properties soon after they are abandoned. As part of the effort, New York City Councilmember Ritchie Torres announced that he will introduce a council resolution encouraging the legislature to pass the bill. Attorney General Schneiderman also announced that city council resolutions in Newburgh, Binghamton, Schenectady, Albany, Poughkeepsie, Elmira, Beacon, Jamestown and Hornell are urging passage of the bill. The Schenectady Daily Gazette also joined the effort, calling on the legislature to assist in eradicating zombie properties.
Schneiderman Proposes Legislation To Ensure Critical Public Utility Services Are Protected From Climate Change Impacts
In a speech at the New York League of Conservation Voters’ Spring Gala, Attorney General Schneiderman announced that his office will propose legislation to require electric and gas utilities ensure the critical services they provide to millions of New Yorkers are properly protected from the impacts of climate change. After Sandy exposed critical weaknesses in the resilience of New York’s utility infrastructure – costing the state nearly $50 billion in economic revenue – the Attorney General’s proposal aims for preparation for a future of more extreme weather, mandating utilities to assess their systems’ vulnerability to climate change and to document for public review and comment how they intend to address these risks.
In an editorial, the Times Herald-Record praised the Attorney General’s bill as a step toward guarding against “the threats that a changing climate will bring sooner than we expected.”
Schneiderman: Fighting For Justice For All New Yorkers
In an editorial posted on the Huffington Post and Daily Kos, Attorney General Schneiderman discussed his commitment to ensuring that the law applies equally to everyone, not just the rich and powerful. From prosecuting consumer frauds to fighting wage theft to securing historic settlements with the major banks to closing gun show loopholes, the Attorney General touted his work improving the quality of life for every New Yorker.
The Attorney General also spoke to Capital Tonight and Inside City Hall about his efforts to uphold the principle of equal justice under law. Watch the interviews here and here.
Schneiderman Calls On EBay To Protect Consumers After Security Breach
In light of the recently discovered security breach involving eBay customer data, Attorney General Schneiderman called on eBay to help consumers protect their personal information by providing free credit monitoring services to all those impacted by the breach. The Attorney General also provided a list of tips for eBay customers who suspect they may be a victim, and for those who have verified that they are a victim of this breach.
Schneiderman: Millions In Relief Are Available To Victims Of Illegal Loans By High Interest Lenders
Attorney General Schneiderman announced that consumers that were charged illegal interest on loans from Western Sky and CashCall can begin filing claims for refunds, through a fund established by the Attorney General’s settlement with the companies earlier this year. If consumers make claims, there is more than $20 million that could be distributed, and many eligible borrowers will receive a refund of more than $1,000. Visit the Attorney General’s website or the fund administrator’s website for more information on filing a claim.
Schneiderman Secures Agreement With Major Realty Corporation To Ensure Equal Access At Its New York Shopping Centers
Through his agreement with Kimco Realty Corporation, Attorney General Schneiderman is ensuring that people with disabilities have equal access to each of the company’s 34 New York shopping centers. The settlement ensures compliance with the accessibility standards set forth by the Americans with Disabilities Act in all common areas, including parking lots and sidewalks. This agreement is the latest out of the Attorney General’s Civil Rights initiative to ensure every New York citizen is able to lead an independent life and easily access retail sites: Learn more about his recent, similar deal with Vornado Realty Corporation here.
Schneiderman Sends Cease And Desist To Business Illegally Practicing Law
Attorney General Schneiderman issued a notice of proposed litigation, cease and desist letter, and a subpoena for business records to the owner of Watertown-based Legal Docs By Me for the unauthorized practice of law. The business has been found by multiple lawsuits nationwide to engage in the illegal practice of law, even materially prejudicing the interests of its clients and forging client signatures.
Schneiderman Reaches $30,000 Settlement With Group That Allowed Members’ Health Insurance To Lapse
The Attorney General reached a settlement with Gerald Burgin and the Buffalo-based Arts and Culturals Collaborative – a group created to give members of the local arts community access to affordable group health insurance – which will protect members of the group whose health coverage Burgin had allowed to lapse. The $30,000 agreement will cover the expenses of those who faced personal liability for their medical bills and reimburse the premiums paid by others.
Upcoming Events
In the Bronx on May 30:
Please join the Attorney General’s Office for a presentation by the Charities Bureau on up-to-date requirements for non-profit organizations and its leaders. The event is co-sponsored by Hostos Community College and Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. on Friday, May 30 from 9:00 to 11:00am. See the flyer below for complete details.
In Other News…
Attorney General Schneiderman led a community forum in Suffolk County, answering local residents’ questions regarding the work of his office.
He also stopped by Brentwood’s Roberto Clemente Park to speak to community members about the dumping of dangerous debris in the park and share his outrage. Attorney General Schneiderman offered his full support to the Suffolk County District Attorney’s investigation into the debris dumping.
The Buffalo News praised the Attorney General’s proposed legislation to ban microbeads, a hazard to the Great Lakes and all of New York’s waters.
Attorney General Schneiderman congratulated former HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan on his appointment to Director of the Office of Management and Budget, and to Julián Castro, who will replace him as HUD Secretary.
The Attorney General applauded Oregon and Pennsylvania’s respective court victories overturning bans against marriage equality.
Contact Us
Visit our website at ag.ny.gov, where you can learn more about the office’s various initiatives. You can also contact us here.
For more information on the Attorney General and other politics please hit us up at RandyKFisher@gmail.com.
Posted by Randy Fisher and Charles Fisher (Twitter @HHSYC)
