Press Releases
WASHINGTON, DC— Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton and Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez introduced legislation to strengthen the food stamp program for unemployed workers, providing needed assistance to hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers in need. The Food Security Act of 2008 would extend the eligibility for workers without dependants to receive food stamps from 3 months to 12 months per three-year period.
NEW YORK, NY – Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-N.Y.) today joined leaders from the Grand Street Settlement at the 2nd Annual Lower East Side Youth Day. She announced federal support for an initiative aimed at providing at-risk teens with access to computers and technology. The U.S. Department of Justice will make funding available to ensure the continued success of the program, which serves nearly 2,000 youth and families each year.
New York, NY –Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) today tested the waters of the East River and joined New York City youth as they learned about marine ecology, habitat and the history of the Brooklyn waterfront. The Congresswoman participated in the Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy’s Cove Camp, an educational initiative targeting at-risk and underserved kids. She has supported the group’s youth programming and helped secure resources through the Department of Justice, Office of Juvenile Programs, enabling the Conservancy to expand its educational programming.
New York, NY – As the Hamilton-Madison House rolls out its Community Improvement Project, Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) applauds the group for bringing valuable social services to Lower Manhattan’s immigrant populations. The organization has received a federal grant for $95,000 from the Department of Health and Human Services to assist in the implementation of this new program assisting seniors and working families.
NEW YORK, N.Y. — Faced with the rising cost of food, energy and healthcare, many New Yorkers are struggling to make ends meet. Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez today unveiled legislation that would expand the food stamps program to allow New Yorkers to keep food on the table while they search for work.
NEW YORK, N.Y. — Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-N.Y.) today sent a letter to the top federal judge in Brooklyn requesting additional consideration for the new location and layout of the Federal Probation office. The letter was co-signed by members of the Brooklyn Congressional delegation, Senators Charles Schumer and Hillary Rodham Clinton, and Representatives Edolphus Towns and Yvette D. Clarke.
The following letter was delivered this afternoon to Raymond J. Dearie, Chief Judge of the United States District Court, Eastern District of New York:
NEW YORK, NY – Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-N.Y.) today announced support from the U.S. Department of Energy for the implementation of a green roof initiative in Brooklyn. The Southwest Brooklyn Industrial Development Corporation (SBIDC) will use the resources to create a 12,500 sq. ft. garden atop a Red Hook factory. This effort will demonstrate that green roof design has cost-effective, environmental benefits and should be implemented in future projects.
NEW YORK, NY – During a celebration of the arts held at Bushwick’s P.S. 257 elementary school, Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-N.Y.) today presented the Brooklyn Arts Council (BAC) with a check in the amount of $188,000 from the U.S. Department of Justice. The federal funding will be used to expand arts education in six public schools in the Bushwick and Red Hook communities.
NEW YORK, NY – Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-N.Y.) today presented El Puente with a check in the amount of $214,000 from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The federal funding will be used to support a wellness program providing Brooklyn youth and their families with information on disease prevention and management. The health education initiative will focus on diseases that impact the North Brooklyn community, including obesity, diabetes, STDs, HIV/AIDS and environmentally-connected diseases like asthma.
Brooklyn, NY – With the opening of a new Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at the New York City College of Technology, entrepreneurs in Brooklyn will gain increased access to the resources and technical expertise needed to help start a business or grow their existing firms. At the ribbon cutting yesterday Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-N.Y), Chair of the U.S. House Committee on Small Business, highlighted the importance of expanding entrepreneurial development services to foster small business growth and strengthen the economy.