RyeCity REVIEW THE
February 3, 2023 | Vol. 10, Number 5 | www.ryecityreview.com
SLAM IT HOME!
Andi Hajdarmataj dunks in the waning minutes of Eastchester’s 69-58 victory over league foe Rye on Jan. 31. Hajdarmataj and the Eagles rallied from a 13-point deficit after the first quarter. For story, see page 16. Photo/Mike Smith
Senate passes Mayer’s bill to protect abortion The New York State Senate passed Sen. Shelley B. Mayer and Assemblywoman Karines Reyes’ bill, S.1066A/ Assembly number forthcoming, which provides explicit protections for doctors, medical providers, and facilitators serving patients seeking abortion and reproductive health services via telehealth. Just days after the 50th anniversary of the landmark decision of Roe v. Wade, the New York State Senate passed a package of bills to cement New York’s status as a reproductive health care sanctuary state. Included as part of this package, S.1066A affirms New York’s role as a nationwide leader by further safeguarding access to abortion for people in this state and across the country. The Supreme Court’s June 2022 ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization has had a devastating effect
on women across the country. Despite nearly six in ten adults disapproving of the decision, and 62% of Americans agreeing that abortion should be legal in all or most cases, 26 states have banned or are expected to ban abortion in most circumstances. S.1066A represents an effort to counteract the Supreme Court’s disastrous decision, building upon protections provided in a package of laws the legislature passed last year, by explicitly addressing reproductive health services provided by licensed New York providers and physicians via telehealth, even when the patient is located outside of New York. New York State Senator Shelley B. Mayer said, “I am proud that my bill, S.1066A, has passed the Senate. This legislation will protect reproductive health care providers by safeguarding them against any out-of-state interfer-
ence –– allowing New York providers to be a resource for Americans who have had their rights stripped away. New York has been and continues to be a nationwide leader for reproductive rights. We will not forego or forget our sisters across state lines. I am honored to be a part of a state legislature that is so dedicated to its constituents and fellow Americans.” Senator Mayer continued: “I am grateful for the tireless efforts and contributions from the medical community, advocacy community, Senate staff, and New Yorkers across the state who believe that every person has the right to receive safe and private care from our world-class practitioners living in New York. I especially want to thank Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Assemblymember Karines Reyes for carrying this bill in the Assembly.”
Free tax prep for working families program The Westchester-Putnam Workforce Development Board (WPWDB) will kick-off its “Volunteer Income Tax Assistance” (VITA) Program on Friday, Feb. 3, at multiple locations throughout Westchester. Residents must make an appointment by calling 211 or 1-800899-1479 to schedule an appointment at one of six locations listed below. The VITA program, which runs Feb. 1 to April 18, helps low- and moderate-income individuals and families eligible for the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) file their taxes for free, including people with disabilities, senior citizens, and those for whom English is a second language. To make sure the program delivers maximum benefits, VITA relies on dedicated volunteers to act as greeters, and assist with translation and call-center operations. Tax preparation is done by IRS-certified volunteers with FREE electronic filing. Westchester County Executive George Latimer stated, “What started as a small program in 1969 to help the IRS increase taxpayer education has evolved into a critical resource for low- and moderate-income taxpayers. Today, the VITA program helps ensure accurate tax returns and equitable access to the tax code and its many benefits. VITA is designed to help working families and individuals, but also serves to boost the local economy as it’s estimated that about 80% of refunds are spent locally, generating sales, wages and jobs.” Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard said: “We are proud to provide our hard-working residents access to free tax prep services they can trust and rely on right in their local community. We thank all the IRS certified volunteers for their time and talent.” The program is delivered through a collaboration of partners who work diligently to coordinate the day-to-day appointments and operations—United Way 2-1-1, Volunteer NY, WestCOP, AARP, the IRS, Westchester County Government, Westchester Community College, Westchester Education Opportunity Center, Mercy College Westchester and Bronx Campus, Ossining High School, and the Westchester-Putnam Career Center Network. Call 211 or 1-800-899-1479 to make an appointment for one of the six locations listed. VITA Free Tax Prep Program Runs from February 1 through April 18
Volunteer tax preparer and Spanish translator assistance runs from February 1 through April 18 and is available at the sites below. Call 211 or (800) 899-1479 to make an appointment at one of the Westchester County VITA/EITC Tax Assistance locations.
Free Tax Prep Locations White Plains Career Center, 120 Bloomingdale Road, 2nd Floor, White Plains, NY 10605 Dates/Times: February 7 to April 18 | Tuesday & Thursday: 11am–7pm | last open appt 6pm • Appointments Only • English & Spanish • Site reserves the right to require a mask due to COVID • Last Day: April 18 | last open appt 6pm
Mercy College—Dobbs Ferry Campus 555 Broadway, Dobbs Ferry, NY 10591 Victory Hall, Room 100 | Formerly Our Lady of Victory HS Dates/Times: Saturdays: February 4 to April 15 | 9:30am–3:00pm | last open appt 2:00pm Last Day: April 15 | last open appt 2:00pm • Appointments and Walk-ins • English & Spanish • Site reserves the right to require a mask due to COVID
Mercy College Bronx Campus 1200 Waters Place (1st Floor, Room 1344), Bronx, NY Dates/Times: Fridays: February 3 to April 14 | 11:30am–5:30pm | last open appt 4:30pm Last Day: April 14 | last open appt 4:30pm • Appointment and Walk-ins • English & Spanish • Site reserves the right to require a mask due to COVID
Mount Vernon Career Center 130 Mount Vernon Avenue, Mount Vernon, NY 10550 Dates/Times: February 1 to April 17 Mondays, Wednesday & Friday:
see TAX 9