In response to the recent spate of rent regulated building owners  intentionally destroying units in attempts to drive tenants out,   Senator Martin Malavé Dilan (D-Bushwick) and Assemblyman Joseph R. Lentol (D-North Brooklyn) have introduced new legislation making the practice a criminal act.

S. 6941 would expand tenant protections by establishing the crime of Sabotage of Rent Regulated Accommodations, a class D felony. Existing tenant protections  prohibit the harassment of rent regulated tenants in an attempt to drive them out. However, the recent rise in intentional destruction of regulated units, and the severity of the damage, are well beyond the scope of current law.

(South Bronx, NY)- Senator Serrano joined volunteers at Franz Sigel Park for the annual New York Cares Day event.  New York Cares Day is the largest spring cleaning event, where over 4,000 volunteers clean up parks, community gardens, and public spaces throughout the city.

(Bronx, NY)- Senator Serrano celebrated the arts at the Bronx Opera Company's Annual Gala Celebration. The Bronx Opera celebrated their 47th anniversary of bringing arts and culture to the Bronx.

State Senator Hugh T. Farley(R, C, I – Schenectady) says National Volunteer Week, April 6th – 12th, helps celebrate ordinary people doing extraordinary things, and is designed to highlight the enormous contributions that volunteers make every day. Established in 1974, this year marks the 40th anniversary of National Volunteer Week, a clear reflection of the long and proud tradition of volunteerism in our nation.

Whether it's mentoring a student who needs help and guidance, or volunteering time at a local library, VA hospital, nursing home or firehouse, volunteers help make our nation and our local communities more vibrant, compassionate and strong, Senator Farley said.

(Bronx, NY)- Senator Serrano participated in a ribbon cutting at Lincoln Hospital in the Bronx to celebrate the completion of a fully renovated Emergency Room. Lincoln Hospital's emergency care facility is the busiest in New York City, with 177,000 visitors a year. The $24 million renovation was necessary to improve and update the facilities. The renovation included a children's emergency unit, a cutting-edge psychiatric and mental health emergency unit and brand new waiting room.

(East Harlem, NY)- Senator Serrano joined New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, New York City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer, and colleagues for an important press conference regarding the asthma epidemic affecting communities in East Harlem and the South Bronx. Comptroller DiNapoli published a new report that showcases the rising asthma rates and costs associated with treating asthma. 

(New York, NY)- Senator Serrano stood with New York City fast food workers on 51st Street demanding  living wages and more workplace respect. Serrano joined hundreds of fast food workers and elected officials from across the city in advocating to give localities the right to raise minimum wages in order to keep pace with the constant rise of our cost of living. 

(Central Park, NY)- Senator Serrano marched with hundreds of 32BJ SEIU union members to demand fair wages and safer working conditions. The march was organized to call attention to the ongoing contract negotiations between 32BJ SEIU and the Realty Advisory Board. The union represents 30,000 doormen, porters, handypersons and supers in 3,300 buildings in New York City.