Brooklyn's 76th, 78th and 84th Precincts all have experienced a reduction in crime this year. To commemorate their success in fighting crime, Assemblywoman Millman presented Deputy Inspector John A. Argenziano of the 78th Precinct and Captain Mark Di Paolo of the 84th Precinct with Assembly Certificates of Merit. The celebrations also included a performance by the NYPD Auxiliary Band, delicious barbeque and ice cream, pony rides and informational booths on crime prevention.
"I am so proud of the dedication with which the men and women of the NYPD serve the neighborhoods I represent," said Millman. "Throughout my Assembly District, there has been a reduction in crime. However, we can't take this success for granted. We need to ensure that law enforcement receives the resources they need to keep us all safe."
On Wednesday, August 12, 2009, Governor David A. Paterson signed into law a bill authored by Senator Velmanette Montgomery and Assemblywoman Joan Millman to improve social services provided to children. Specifically, A7846-B/S4865-B reforms the family court act and the social services law to remove the special powers that were granted to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (SPCC) in the 1870s. This new law ensures that all child protective services are overseen and regulated by New York State.
Senator Montgomery, who serves as Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Children and Families, said, "We finally have in place a measure of accountability to our children that has been missing for far too long. I appreciate the Governor supporting our work to help protect our young people from abuse and neglect."
"Working with Senator Montgomery, we have ensured that New York's most vulnerable children will no longer fall through the cracks," Millman stated. "The impact of this bill is immeasurable, and though it likely will not receive much fanfare, its impact extends to countless children and families. I thank the Governor for recognizing the merits of this bill and signing it into law."
"Each summer, I encourage children to read," said Assemblywoman Millman. "The children that participated in this Summer Intensive Tutoring Program will begin the school year with a major improvement in skills and a boost in self confidence. Thanks to the International Dyslexia Association, tutors taught students techniques that can raise reading levels by multiple grades."
Seniors from the St. Charles Jubilee Senior Center in Brooklyn Heights, the Eileen Dugan Senior Center in Carroll Gardens and the Races Times Plaza Senior Center in Boerum Hill were all offered tickets to the event. Each summer, Assemblywoman Millman hosts the event.
"The film was a success!" said Millman. "We all enjoyed it, and after the credits rolled, everyone had time to get back to their respective senior centers in time for lunch. I would like to thank the staff at each of the senior centers for their cooperation and the Cobble Hill Cinema for accommodating us.