Mr. Dinowitz, who authored a 2007 law establishing new crimes related to sex and human trafficking, among other steps, added: “Human trafficking destroys lives and violates basic human rights. This heinous practice affects far too many New Yorkers, including more than 1,000 children every year, according to the Governor’s Office.”

Engel applauds jobs numbers

December’s jobs report from the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics found 252,000 positions added to the economy and the unemployment rate dropping to 5.6 percent.

Mr. Engel proclaimed the economy is heading in the right direction.

““It is encouraging to see our unemployment rate drop from 5.8 percent to 5.6 percent, which is the lowest it has been since June of 2008,” the congressman said in a statement. “I renew my call to Speaker [John] Boehner to allow for an up-or-down vote on extending unemployment insurance, and I also hope that as we begin a new year House Republicans will seriously consider other economic measures to help the middle class, like raising the minimum wage.”

Town hall at Marble Hill

Mr. Rodriguez and Community Board 8 are holding a town hall about the Marble Hill Houses on Wednesday, Jan. 21. Topics are expected to include illegal dumping (see story, page A1), security and safety, apartment repairs, grounds maintenance, parking and youth services.