Archives for July 2010

Liz Rodriguez, a former civil filing clerk from Manhattan’s Lower East Side, has been unemployed since June 18, 2009. After losing her job, she received two weeks of severance pay and then weekly unemployment checks. However, since May 28, her unemployment checks have stopped arriving. 

New York State’s unemployment insurance fund is in deficit, meaning that if no action is taken, over the next eight years, New York employees will be forced to pay billions in interest penalties through taxes.

Governor Paterson is introducing a legislation and if approved, it will reform the unemployment benefits system by giving unemployment insurance claimants a minimum of $70 extra a week. It also establishes a $75 minimum for weekly checks. 

Since her unemployment checks stopped coming, “my lifestyle has changed big time,” said Rodriguez.

According to a press release from the Governor’s office, “The New York State Department of Labor estimates that the Governor’s proposal would bring the UI (unemployment insurance) fund out of deficit in 2015… and save nearly $3.3 billion in additional taxes. It would also save $634 million in UI loan interest that would otherwise be paid by the state’s employers.”

As for Governor Paterson’s proposal to reform the unemployment benefits system, “it’s a good thing, since jobs aren’t so available right now, and the only options are more jobs or the extension,” Rodriguez said.  â€œIt would help me out, because the bills would pay up.”

Like Rodriguez, many other unemployed people in New York City feel that reforming the unemployment benefits system is a step in the right direction.

Since the start of the recession, job opportunities are limited and it takes people longer to find jobs. “In the past two years I have seen an increase in people who come to our center, mainly because of the increase in unemployment and the clients are looking for work,” Joan Staunton, the director of the workforce development center at Henry Street Settlement,  said.  â€œA year ago it would take one or two months to find a job for someone and now it might take up to three or four months.”

Bessie Colon was laid off as a director at Phoenix House, a program that offered counseling and treatment to mentally ill patients and substance abusers, on June 30, 2010. The program was de-funded due to budget cuts.

Like Paterson, Colon feels that this reform is necessary, “They need to make changes and help people who need to collect,” said Colon.

Liz Rodriguez, a former civil filing clerk from Manhattan’s Lower East Side, has been unemployed since June 18, 2009. After losing her job, she received two weeks of severance pay and then weekly unemployment checks. However, since May 28, her unemployment checks have stopped arriving. 

New York State’s unemployment insurance fund is in deficit, meaning that If no action is taken, over the next eight years, New York employees will be forced to pay billions in interest penalties through taxes.

On June 29, Governor Paterson announced a proposed legislation to reform the unemployment benefits system. This legislation could make it easier for those who are unemployed by providing financial stability to those who don’t have a source of income.  The bill would increase the benefits given to the unemployed and save employers tax money.

Since her unemployment checks stopped coming, “my lifestyle has changed big time,” said Rodriguez.

According to a press release from the Governor’s office, “The New York State Department of Labor estimates that the Governor’s proposal would bring the UI (unemployment insurance) fund out of deficit in 2015, three years earlier than projected under current law, and save nearly $3.3 billion in additional taxes. It would also save $634 million in UI loan interest that would otherwise be paid by the state’s employers.” In other words, this legislation would ensure that the UI fund pay for all benefits from unemployment because of family reasons so they won’t be unfairly passed on to employers who are not responsible.

As for Governor Paterson’s proposal to reform the unemployment benefits system, “it’s a good thing, since jobs aren’t so available right now, and the only options are more jobs or the extension,” Rodriguez said.  â€œIt would help me out, because the bills would paid up.”

Like Rodriguez, many other unemployed people in New York City feel that reforming the unemployment benefits system is a step in the right direction.

Since the start of the recession, job opportunities are limited and it takes people longer to find jobs. “In the past two years I have seen an increase in people who come to our center, mainly because of the increase in unemployment and the clients are looking for work,” Joan Staunton, the director of the workforce development center at Henry Street Settlement, a program that provides job assistance to unemployed people, said. She says that because so many people are getting laid off and there are fewer job opportunities, “a year ago it would take one or two months to find a job for someone and now it might take up to three or four months.”

According to a press release from Paterson, “These people did not willingly leave their jobs; their jobs left them. And more than two years into this terrible recession, neither government remedies nor the free market have succeeded in bringing those jobs back.” The chances of finding a job are scarce. However Paterson’s legislation can help fix this problem by offering an increase in unemployment benefits for those who are unemployed and/or cannot find work.

Bessie Colon was laid off as a director at Phoenix House since June 30, 2010, a program that offered counseling and treatment to mentally ill patients and substance abusers, on June 30, 2010. The program was de-funded due to budget cuts.

Like Paterson, Colon also feels that extending benefits would be a helpful thing because, “if people have some type of income, they can spend money and this will help the economy, where as if the benefits are not extended they wouldn’t have money to spend.” According to Governor Paterson’s press release about the reform, the established minimum that an individual could receive is $75, which is extremely helpful for someone who doesn’t even have a $1 in his or her pocket. Prior to governor Paterson’s proposed legislation, on July 26, 2010, congress and President Obama passed and signed the unemployment extension. This legislation was approved by congress and now the eligibility for benefits has been extended. This will help out those that are currently unemployed because it will be providing them with financial stability.

Like Paterson, Colon feels that this reform is necessary, “They need to reform it, they need to extend benefits for people who aren’t finding jobs, they really need to make changes and help people who need to collect,” said Colon.

Rushing through pedestrian traffic with several bags in hand, dodging yellow speeding cabs on every street and racing time to fulfill errands is not an easy task for anyone, but for Michelle Pajevic it iss harder because her mother periodically stops to reply to every text message, even if she’s in the middle of the street. 

“Whatever happened to the golden rule – look both ways?” Michelle, 17, joked. “It’s funny now, but very irritating trying to keep someone alive who is glued to her cellphone. The purpose was to shop together and I did most of the work.”

Several teens interviewed said that when they want to talk to their parents about something important, they first have to compete with Blackberries, cell phones and the Internet. And many times, they lose.

“When I need to tell her something important about my day or a decision I need help making, she’ll make me wait because she’s on the phone and that’s majority of the time,” said wide eyed Michelle.

Michelle said the constant interruption from technology makes her feel insignificant and can be discouraging. This holds her back from being able to express herself because of the constant gap between them.

“Sometimes it gets me mad, but I just give up because I don’t want to bother her,” Michelle added shrugging the stress off. 

Some teens said technology has limited the time parents spend with them and they feel as if they are being ignored. Ana Cruz ,16, is one of the many teens that can more than relate to this. 

And it’s not always new media that gets in the way of family time.

“My dad would stare at the television all day, while my mom would play cards with me. Sometimes I wish the T.V would magically break,” said Ana, laughing. “That way he wouldn’t have a choice but to spend time with us.” 

Some teens admitted they have gone to extremes to get their parents’ attention.

“I thought if I ran away from home my mom would pay more attention to me and it would bring us closer together, instead of being segregated into our worlds,” said Kristen Avil, 16. “That was a dramatic, but it was sure to get a response. However in the end I decided to confront her instead.” she added.

“Now, everything has gotten better between us and we spend more time with one another, we go out to eat and the movies,” she said.  

For some teens, they believe that their parents unintentionally forget that being absorbed in their cell phones, T.V or Internet fun can be hurtful.

“Sometimes it bothers me when my dad is always on his Xbox 360 playing online. Like I’ll tell him “hey dad let’s go do something,” he’ll just brush it off and say “okay, okay when we have time,” said Kassandra Merced, 16. “I’m still waiting for that time.”

In addition some even feel the more advanced technology becomes, the less dialogue and family activities they get to experience with their parents. 

“We used to make weekly trips to NYC when I was a little girl, after long days of school or work for hours to spend quality time and just talk as a family. Now we never do,” said Kassandra.

However, not all teens feel this strongly about spending quality time. It’s not an issue that they would stress.

“When we are together doing those things, we have to leave the television, computer and our cellphones alone because it’s disrespectful to interrupt. My parents came from [the Dominican Republic] so they didn’t have time to adapt to the new technology, so that rule solely applies to the kids,” said Christopher Torres, 18.

Some parents defend being attached to their email when not at work. Daniel Merced, Kassandra’s father, said he needed to be connected at all times in case an important dignitary or politician came to Federal Hall, where he worked a laborer. 

However, he concedes that technology has affected his daughters’ behaviors. “Comparing my childhood to my daughters, technology has made a drastic change,” Merced, 40, said. When I was a kid I would go biking with my friends all over NYC and rush to go play football. Now people can go online to play football and speak to their friends on Facebook, Twitter or BBM them. ”

Armoni Joseph,17, lives with her grandmother who has Alzheimer’s disease. Seeing her grandmother lose her memory makes her afraid that someday she too will forget the people she loves and cares about.

Living with sufferers of Alzheimer’s disease can cause heartbreak. Not being able to connect with their loved ones can make teens feel alone and afraid. But teens have been less affected when they have support and friends who can help them get through the feeling of being forgotten.

Armoni’s grandmother is 65 and has had the disease for three years. Although her grandmother’s Alzheimer’s does not affect her social life, it affects her relationship with her grandmother.

Zakir Chowdhury and his family are feeling the burden of the recent robberies that are circulating through Parkchester. What’s worse, these residents feel like the police aren’t doing enough to protect them.

The crime that is occurring in the community is scaring some residents. The statistics on robberies are overwhelming. This year there have been 13 more burglaries than last year. Almost passed midpoint of the year, robbery is leaping towards passing the 2009 statistics. This lingering affect of robberies in the community is causing many residents to rethink the decision to call Parkchester home.

So far this year, the population in Parkchester is steadily declining. Juana Tatis, an employee  at the Parkchester North Condominium thinks the population will continue to be affected negatively if the community and the police department don’t find an alternative way to prevent robberies.

“People are unemployed and teenagers are out on the street causing trouble,” said Tatis. “The robberies have been a devastating blow to this neighborhood. I think the population will continue to decline and we will see more empty apartments.”

Residents in Parkchester are aware of recent crimes. Community members post community news and updates in building lobbies around the neighborhood.

Recent robberies are causing havoc in Parkchester. People are more inclined to leave the community because they feel unsafe. Just ask 36-year-old father, Zakir Chowdhury who has been residing in Parkchester for 10 years. He has three children that go to Middle School 127 and feels the overwhelming burden on his shoulder about the recent robberies.

“I feel that Parkchester has changed a lot, there are a whole lot of thefts going on and of course the Parkchester security doesn’t do anything about it.” Chowdhury said. He said the police have been careless in responding.

The 43rd Precinct Police Department has ordered more officers to patrol the streets of Parkchester more efficiently. They have placed more officers in places where there is heavy crime.

“The main priority of the 43rd Precinct is to protect the lives and property of residents by reducing and preventing crimes,” said Chris Cunningham, a veteran officer who patrols the street of Parkchester.

As for the future, Chowdhury says, “I am waiting for my lease to be over to move elsewhere because I will not continue to raise my children in this horrible neighborhood.”

Joseph Nazrul, a resident from Parkchester, left the neighborhood and moved with his family to Amarillo, Texas. Nazrul felt the neighborhood was unsafe, particularly the place where he was residing.

“Every time me and my wife are at work, we were worried that someone might break into our apartment. There was always a sense of panic,” said Nazrul.

Last April, Nazrul was robbed coming home from work. When Nazrul approached his building, he realized that he was being followed. Unlike other victims, Nazrul was not brutally beaten or left helpless on the ground. Instead, the perpetrators simply took his wallet and everything in it and escaped.

Police officials responded to the scene, but they were too late. The three alleged perpetrators left. Nazrul hopes the community gets safer and the police are able to maintain the security.

“The police officers in my opinion are not doing enough. Yes, they’re patrolling the neighborhood but I just don’t feel they’re doing enough to help stop the recent robberies,” said Nazrul.

If it weren’t for the bowties and the pocket protectors, Livia Zambrano, 17, would consider becoming an accountant. But the number crunching dork image doesn’t appeal to her. Still, she likes the idea of serving her community like her “role model mom” who is a CPA.

“Seeing her perseverance and determination makes me as well want to take upon the challenge of becoming an accountant,” said Livia.

Livia attends Queens Gateway to Health Sciences Secondary School and she loves to run as a hobby. As a track runner, she wants to challenge herself in beating the time like taking upon the challenge of becoming an accountant.

Accounting is a field some teens are considering but they are having trouble with the negative image.

“I think on a typical day, they are on the computer all day long doing taxes for people,” said Cindy Wen, 17, who live in Chelsea.

But accountants do more than just stare at the computer in a typical day.  

“I run around the firm daily, meet clients and file taxes,” said Xue Mei Gao, an accountant who works at a Mott Street firm for five years.

According to Gao, accounting tends to rank first among top employers with job offers for college graduating students. Teens are drawn to this field because accountants make a great deal of money.

“I think it is easy to make money in the accounting field because you just sit there and calculate taxes,” said Cindy. “Other professions require higher education and degrees that accountants don’t need in order to make a lot of money.”

“Who wouldn’t want a lot of money? As the song says, I wanna be a billionaire so fricking bad,” said Amanda Erakky, 17, quoting the song by Travis McCoy. 

According to the teens, they want to major in accounting but they are unprepared for their future career.

“At the moment, there is nothing I can really do to prepare for my future career,” said Amanda.

“Many teens have no idea what they want to do with their career until they have experienced so many other careers,” said Gao.

As a teen, Gao worked as a McDonald employee, a bank teller and a supermarket cashier. In the end, she chose accounting because it suits her the most.

There are many organizations out there that promote accounting to teens that are interested. Career Opportunities in Accounting Profession (COAP) is one of the programs that promote accounting and let teens experience what it feels like to be an accountant.

“After joining the COAP program, I had insight of two accounting firms which were very exciting to see accounting myths aren’t true and being an accountant is actually a really fun job,” said Livia, a member of COAP 2010.

“The COAP program was a great experience and it helped me learn that accounting is not about sitting at a desk and adding numbers but about being able to travel and meet new people,” said Daniel Rios, also a member of COAP 2010.

Accounting is not about being the smartest or fastest in calculating numbers but having leadership skills, technologically adept, strategic and critical thinking, according to Price Waterhouse Coopers (PWC), one of the largest accounting firms in United States.

According to Cindy Wong, a bookkeeper and an accountant who works at a day care, accountants have to know the basic skills in Microsoft Office suites, have the ability to interpret financial information and possess strong communication and listening skills.

Accounting is neither a solitary profession nor the image of nerds glued to their seats, crunching numbers and squeezing their brains until they explode.

On the contrary, accountants do a lot of traveling to sites, work in different teams for different clients, and continue advanced learning and training.

“At first when I did not know that much about accounting, I thought it was an extremely boring and dull job,” said Livia. “But after being exposed to the career and having professionals tell me about their experiences, I believe the myths are all wrong.”

A few months ago Carlos Akino moved with his family from Bedford Park because of violence that broke out at a pizza shop down the block from where he lived.

“It was scary having something like that happen so close to you,” said Carlos. “George’s Pizza was like the father of the neighborhood. It was my after school hangout. The food was good and [it made the] neighborhood calmer.”

The largest housing development in the nation holds 55,000 people and 13,750 are on one bus. The residents of Co-Op City are limited to four buses because of MTA recent budget cuts. Service time, bus routes and bus numbers have all been reduced.

“I can no longer travel when I feel, I find myself going according to new bus schedules,” said Betty Thomas, a 63-year-old resident who formerly used the Bx28, but has been forced to switch to the Bx38.

Before the recent cuts, neighborhood buses ran every five to seven minutes. Now due to drastic system-wide changes, residents have a 30 minute wait between buses. That is an increase of nearly 330 percent.

“I have received 1,082 complaints re-guarding the recent bus services and 378 of them came from senior citizens,” said Janneen Willson community board manger of Riverbay Corporation, the organization that manages Co-Op City.

Not everyone feels the MTA is doing a bad job. Louise Wells, an 87-year-old MTA customer described a day on the bus going to attend a doctor appointment. She waited for the Bx26 bus for 33 minutes but she still received the courtesy of having the step lowered and being offered a seat on a crowded bus.

On the other hand Wells mentioned that when she takes the Bx26 bus she now finds herself paying an extra fare because riders cannot transfer from bus to bus. When taking the Bx26 before bus cuts it was one ride. Now riders must get off the Bx26 to catch Bx14. And because some riders are finding bus-to-bus free transfers inconsistent, they must dole out another $2.25.

“I work my hardest not to earn money, but to keep my job,’’ said Angelo Davis, Gun Hill Road bus depot manger. This shows the intensity that recent cuts have caused in the MTA work environment.

The Gun Hill bus depot services the Co-op City area so his clerk Monica Towns receives the complaints from that area of the North East Bronx. “I can report these complaints to the headquarters but I don’t expect a response because things are so hectic with the MTA right now the last thing they care about is complaints,’’ said Angelo Davis.

Co-op City residents are unsure whether they will receive any changes or adjustments to bus service or just have to adapt to these new conditions but residents elderly and youths are affected by cuts.

Mark Green the representative for the president of the MTA Jay Kaufman declined to comment on the issue.

“I can not answer any of your question because my job will be in jeopardy,” he said.

Summer enrollment at CUNY is at a 19-year high because students are trying to graduate early and get a head start on the workforce.

“This year summer enrollment was 74,700. There was a three percent increase in summer enrollment from last year,” said Rita Rodin of CUNY Office of Media Relations.

“Students are taking more core classes at CUNY during the summer, said Ellis Simon, CUNY director of public relations.

Many of the students interviewed were taking core classes such as accounting, economics finance and communications.

College students taking summer classes want to take core classes and required classes for their major to get them out of the way.

Mason Lin, a student at Baruch College, is taking cost accounting and financial accounting because it’s required for his major. Finishing these classes allows him to graduate early.

According to several students attending school during the summer, classes are more demanding and rigorous than classes during the rest of the year. Some students feel that summer courses have a better structure than regular year classes because teachers work more with the students and the semester is shorter.

According to Ail Alyas, a student at Baruch College, the workload is a lot more intense and it is done at a faster pace during the summer.

Christal James of Brooklyn College said she is taking core classes because she has the money right now and she saved up to take the classes. She doesn’t know when she will have the money again to get the classes out of the way.

 â€œStudents take summer course to catch up with missing work,” said Alyas.

Many students during the year are so busy that they don’t have time to take all the classes they need.

“Certain profile of students takes summer courses. They are hard working, take summer classes more serious and graduate quicker,” said Anthony O’Malley, a professor at Baruch College.

Because students work harder for summer courses, O’Malley said, “grades grew a little higher, more A’s, and students are higher quality.”

CUNY Rodin said that students gain more from their learning experience during summer classes. Students might take classes because they don’t have time during the year, are out of work in the summer, and in order to advance their skills and resume.

While CUNY’s enrollment has increased, SUNY’s has not seen the same growth, with enrollment decreasing by one percent since last year.