
WASHINGTON, DC— CYBERSECURITY AND DIGITAL SERVICE REGULATIONS GOVERNING GOVERNMENT FOOD ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS would need to be improved and bolstered under a bipartisan bill that Brooklyn Congressmember Dan Goldman introduced in the House of Representatives on Tuesday, Feb. 24.
The bill, indexed as H.R. 7658, would “amend the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to require the promulgation of cybersecurity and digital service regulations relating to the use of EBT cards under the supplemental nutrition assistance program, and for other purposes.” Two of its four original cosponsors are Republicans, including Mike Lawler of District 17 (lower/eastern Hudson Valley). The bill is now in the House Committee on Agriculture.
State and local elected lawmakers have also tackled improving the security of SNAP and other EBT cards following a rash of skimmed fund thefts. One effort is a partnership between state Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton, D-23, and Congressmember Nicole Malliotakis, R-11, who both represent much of southern Brooklyn. Assemblymember William Colton, D-47, has also introduced a bill to require chip technology in the cards.
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SUNSET PARK — “As a resident of Marine Park, one of the great surprises I found biking around Industry City and visiting Japan Village was to discover Bush Terminal Park. I continue to be amazed at the serene hideaways that the city offers in some of the busiest places — and, still, with an iconic view.”

BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — ‘A miracle that no one was killed …’ That’s what neighbors are saying about the collapse of the Hotel St. George marquee. Shown in this photograph are workmen beginning the removal and repair of the historic, old neon sign at the corner, referencing a relic of Brooklyn Heights’ past: the St. George Hotel.

ATLANTIC AVENUE — Exhausted shopper with cluster of bags and goods from mall at Boerum Place stops to look at huge construction site across the street. “Is that REALLY going to be a jail??” Her male companion is reassuring, “Nothing like Rikers … this is 21st Century.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — Overheard in line at one of most popular pastry outlets on Montague Street: “Hope I can get them into a camp …” A mother with two pre-schoolers in tow was showing a friend the Dodge Y flyer for Healthy Kids Day on Saturday, April 18.