A Note from Assemblyman Keith Wright

Since the proposal was first made to expand the States DNA database I have worked to ensure it would be defeated. Despite my own effort, and the efforts of some of my colleagues, the measure passed and the bill is now law, effective in October. In an already racially skewed criminal justice system, a fallible and racially biased technique to investigate crimes is not what New Yorkers need, and not how their money should be spent. The new law will require DNA samples to be taken for all crimes, with the exception of first-time offenders convicted of possessing small amounts of marijuana. Supporters of the law insist that the expanded database will help to find guilty only those who are and exonerate the wrongly convicted. In reality these resources will be used more often to aid the prosecutors, while access to the database will be less accessible for those already convicted or on the defense. This database will actively work against Black and Brown communities by ignoring existing flaws in the system, therefore perpetuating misconceptions about African Americans and Hispanics, and crime. In an era where we are cutting off access for indigent defendants and arrestees to competent representation in the criminal justice system, the collection statute is desperately racist Our society is shifting towards a scary reliance on DNA. When the database was first created in the 1990s, samples were obligatory for only a limited number of crimes. Since then, the database has sneakily expanded to umbrella a wide range of crime types. While early DNA samples were requisite for only convicted sex offenders, a requirement established based on the statistical likelihood of recidivism, the new law will demand DNA samples for even low-level offenses including turnstile jumping. Todays law was originally proposed to make any arrest subject to the collection provision. The use of DNA in crime investigation is quickly headed in an unnerving and racially biased direction, and I will continue to voice my opposition against the new law and work to make sure that it does not infringe upon the civil liberties of my constituents.

COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS
Youth Resources Expo: Community Board 9 is hosting the 3rd annual Youth Resources Expo at the Riverbank State Park to connect dozens of organizations to the children, youth and families of our communities. They will provide information on a range of programs, jobs and internships for interested candidates. To participate or for more information call 212-864-6200. Youth Summer Camp: Parents, dont forget to sign up early if youre interested in sending your child to summer camp! The Childrens Aid Society has summer camp options for 5-11 year olds and 12-14 year olds that take place from 8am to 6pm on Monday through Friday. For more information or to register, visit http://www.childrensaidsociety.org/east-harlemcenter/summer-camp or call 212-348-2343.

TEAM WRIGHT AT WORK

As too many Harlem residents know, the lack of available, convenient and affordable childcare presents a huge problem for families. Our office has recently teamed up with the West Harlem Child Care Business Development Program (CCBDP), a project run by the Upper Manhattan Entrepreneurial Assistance Program/BOD, to offer new and prospective child care providers with helpful start up services and business counseling, which the CCBDP offers and our office sponsors. The projects goal is to help providers establish, develop and expand their own child care businesses. It provides a comprehensive 60-hour child care business development curriculum that includes marketing, financial literacy, day-to-day operations, legal issues and business planning. The United Federation of Teachers Family Child Care Providers Chapter, the West Harlem Child Care Business Development Program and Team Wright are working to expand our communitys childcare options!

ALBANY UPDATE
In a move opposed by the States unions, labor leaders, and myself, New York State created an additional level for the States pension system- Tier 6. Despite outcry from many New York residents, many who are middle class and are already feeling the effects of the recession on their families, the legislation passed and will be in effect this month. This new tier does not reflect the needs of our working people, and this cannot be overlooked. As the State Budget saw passage in the last week of March, an important inclusion was the Close to Home Initiative. The initiative will allow New York City youth who are committed to secure level juvenile justice facilities to be treated in securities near their home, closest to their families. Youth will be placed in facilities appropriate for any mental or substance abuse issues they may be faced with.

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
Governor Andrew Cuomo announced the launch of the NY Youth Works Program, which will help to combat high unemployment among youth in inner city communities. The new program includes $25 million in tax credits to businesses that hire unemployed and disadvantaged youth, and $62 million towards job training programs. I commend Governor Cuomo for recognizing the severe unemployment problem in our Communities of Color, and hope that he will continue to recognize the necessity of programs like these as we work to establish a fair and effective 2012 budget, Assemblyman Keith Wright said of the new tax credit. For interested businesses: Go to www.labor.ny.gov/formsdocs/do es/es325.pdf to retrieve an application. Deadline is June 1st 2012. For interested youth: Go to www.labor.ny.gov/formsdocs/do es/es326.pdf to retrieve an application. If youre under 18 you will need to have working papers to be eligible. Lets be sure to take advantage of these programs that will help prepare our young community members for careers. For more information, contact youthoffice@labor.ny.gov.

KIDS CORNER
EMPLOYMENT REMINDER! For those under the age of 18 who are interested in working this summer, remember to apply for your working papers at a local high school. For more information call the Board of Education at 212374-6095. PAID INTERNSHIP! The United States Court of Appeals is looking for high school and college aged interns for the summer. Minimum age is 14, and students must apply by April 20th. For directions on how to apply, contact Emma in our Albany office at 518-455-4793.

USEFUL INFORMATION
GET OUT AND VOTE! Residents of Harlem, please note the new primary dates for both the Congressional and State Legislative Primaries for 2012. Congressional: Tuesday, June 26th 2012. State Legislature: Tuesday, September 11th 2012. If youre eligible to vote, make sure youre registered! Stop by our office on 125th street to get a form, go to any board of elections office, or register online at http://vote.nyc.ny.us/register.html

The West Harlem Child Care Business Development Program meets with people interested in child care business advice.

For more information or if you have any problems we can help solve, please do not hesitate to contact our office directly, we are always here to help. Assemblyman Keith L.T. Wright 163 West 125th Street, Suite 911 Albany, New York 10027 212-866-5809- Phone 212-864-1368- Fax wrightk@nysa.us http://www.facebook.com/assemblymanwright http://www.twitter.com/wright4harlem http://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/?ad=070