BROOKLYN, NY – On Thursday, July 26, over 50 people representing a diverse array of constituents and activists from New York State Senate District 17 rallied outside Sen. Simcha Felder’s office to demand action on critical legislative priorities, including:
- The New York Health Act
- The Child Victims Act
- The Liberty Act and DREAM Act
- School Safety: Authorization for new school speed cameras and a rejection of armed police officers in schools
Sen. Felder has not taken a public stance on either of the first three issues. In the case of school safety, Sen. Felder refused to support the extension of the school speed camera program unless armed police were placed at each New York City school. Because Sen. Felder would not let the bill to extend school speed cameras out of the Cities committee, which he chairs, the program ended on July 25.
The rally was organized by NYSD 17 for Progress, an organization of Senate District 17 constituents promoting transparent communication with elected officials and progressive legislation that will improve the lives of all Senate District 17 residents.
A video recording of the rally can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/bvJNOgGpMBc
Photos from the event can be viewed here: https://www.facebook.com/nysd17forprogress/posts/654764704901231
“No matter who is in power, we the people, have a right to be listened to,” said Naomi Rabeeya, a founding member of NYSD 17 for Progress, in her concluding remarks at the rally. “We have a right to have leaders who engage with all their constituents. Keep calling, emailing, writing letters, approaching Senator Felder on the street to demand representation. I am asking you on behalf of all of us to not give up and not let any politician take away our right to be represented.”
“This district is extremely diverse,” said Julio Peña III, another founding member of NYSD 17 for Progress. “Over 20 languages are spoken here. Nearly half the population was born in another country. Our senator needs to listen to all his constituents. He needs to represent all of us. Otherwise, he’s not doing his job.”
“Sen. Felder is using his position in the Senate to block these critical bills, legislation that would directly improve the lives of his constituents,” said David Goldberg, another founding member of NYSD 17 for Progress. “What’s more, he refuses to discuss these bills publicly with his constituents, one of the most basic responsibilities of any elected official. We, his constituents, are demanding a change immediately.”
“We need the New York Health Act to provide healthcare coverage to every New Yorker,” said Sarah Herbst, a member of NYSD 17 for Progress. “Our immigrant neighbors need the protection of the Liberty Act and DREAM Act. We want speed cameras outside our schools, not guns inside them. Sen. Felder needs to pay attention to what his constituents are calling for.”
In an interview after the rally, Naomi Rabeeya gave the following quote in Hebrew:
“יש הרבה חוקים שיצילו את החיים שלנו והוא [פלדר] לא יפגוש איתנו ואני לא מבינה את זה מפני שזה התפקיד של המנהיג שלנו להקשיב לנו ולעזור לנו. זה פיקוח נפש.”
English translation: “There are a lot of laws that would save our lives and he [Felder] won’t meet with us. And I don’t understand this. Because it is the job of our leaders to listen to us and to help us. It’s Pikuach Nefesh [the principle in Jewish law that the preservation of human life overrides virtually any other religious consideration].”
Recent Actions by NYSD 17 for Progress:
- Release: SD 17 Parent Associations and Citizens Citywide Express Opposition to Senator Felder Putting Armed Police in Schools
- Release: NYSD 17 for Progress Responds to Senator Felder’s Statement that he Will Remain with the GOP for the Remainder of the 2018 Legislative Session
- Release: Borough Park forum on New York Health Act draws more than 70 attendees
- Release: 26 Organizations Call for Public Dialogue with State Sen. Simcha Felder on the New York Health Act
Background on NYSD 17 for Progress:
New York Senate District 17 for Progress is a grassroots group of individuals who live, work and attend school within State Senate District 17. We recognize that there are needs within our district that are not being met and diverse and underrepresented voices that deserve amplification. We advocate for transparent communication by elected officials, who must be held accountable to all of their constituents, regardless of voter eligibility. We promote progressive policies and legislation that will improve the lives of all NY Senate District 17 residents.
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