INFLATION REDUCTION ACT PASSES: Just back from Washington, US Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer outlined the historic passage of the Inflation Reduction Act that will deliver the largest investment in fighting the climate crisis, while lowering prescription drug costs, utility bills, and fight inflation, amongst so much more. Schumer broke down how this historic deal will touch every corner of New York, helping to lower costs for families who need it most, creating thousands of new clean energy manufacturing jobs, all while reducing the deficit by $300 billion.
Schumer said this bill is a once-in-a-generation opportunity with New York primed to reap the rewards with thousands of new, good-paying manufacturing jobs powering the future of American energy independence, lower healthcare costs for over 3.7 million seniors in New York on Medicare, and investments in fighting the climate crisis.
U.S. Senator Charles Schumer said, “It has been a long, tough and winding road, New York, and I am back from DC to tell you: at last we have arrived. After more than a year of hard work—the Senate made history and I am confident the Inflation Reduction Act will endure as one of the defining legislative feats of the twenty-first century. Our bill reduces inflation, lowers costs, creates millions of good-paying jobs, and is the boldest climate package in US history—and New York State and New Yorkers are primed to reap the harvest of these investments and costs savings.”
“This bill will kick-start the era of affordable clean energy in America. It is a game-changer. It is a turning point. And it has been a long time incoming. To Americans who’ve lost faith that Congress can do big things, this bill was for you. To New York’s seniors who’ve faced the indignity of rationing medications or skipping them altogether, this bill was for you. And to the tens-of-millions of young Americans and New Yorkers who have spent years marching, rallying, demanding that Congress act on climate change, this bill was for you,” Schumer added.
Congressman Gregory W. Meeks released the following statement: “Today, I voted to pass the Inflation Reduction Act and finally send it to President Biden’ s desk. This legislation takes a critical step towards easing everyday costs for American families. From the American Rescue Plan to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to the Infrastructure Reduction Act, Democrats have prioritized providing relief for families and creating a more sustainable future for our communities. This is the biggest investment in energy security and climate action and protects the health of our planet while creating millions of good-paying jobs. I am proud to have supported this legislation because it will help the many families and communities in my district who need relief.”
Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney stated: “Today we passed the Inflation Reduction Act, ensuring that this country is ready to tackle the climate crisis, make billionaires pay their fair share, and so much more – this is a major step in the right direction.
“The bill represents the largest climate investment in US history, tackles the high cost of prescription drugs, lowers the national deficit by roughly $305 billion through 2031, and more. Bills like the Inflation Reduction Act are the critical stepping stones to lasting change in our nation.
“The Inflation Reduction Act is addressing critical issues in our nation, while creating and sustaining millions of jobs for Americans.”
The Inflation Reduction Act will provide an affordable and safe livelihood for all Americans, said Meeks, by:
ADAMS SIGNS SAFE ABORTION ACCESS: New York City Mayor Eric Adams signed historic legislation on August 12 to protect access to safe and affordable abortions in New York City. In response to the U.S. Supreme Court’ s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’ s Health Organization that effectively overturned Roe v. Wade, these six bills will strengthen abortion protections, make medication abortion free at all New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) clinics, and improve public health education so every New Yorker and person visiting New York City for reproductive health care knows their rights and their options for receiving care. The passage and signing of these bills underscore the city’ s commitment to protecting the bodily autonomy of women in New York and outsiders seeking reproductive asylum here in the city.
“The Dobbs decision was about nothing more than controlling people’ s bodies, their choices, and their freedoms, but we are not going to leave our sisters or others behind,” said Mayor Adams. “Abortion is health care, and, with the signing of these six bills into law, the nation will know that New York City will always defend the right for all people to access an abortion. Safe, legal abortion care is the cornerstone of public health in our city, and our goals are and will remain to ensure that young women will not come of age with fewer rights than their parents. Reproductive freedom and abortions will always be protected in New York City no matter what any activist court with a clear political agenda rules. I, and those here in New York City and across the country, are grateful to the City Council for passing these bills and getting this important work done.”
With the implementation of these bills, New York City is strengthening abortion protections, expanding access to safe abortion, and raising public awareness about women’ s rights and the options for those seeking abortions in New York:
Int. 465-A requires DOHMH to annually report the number of births and abortions provided in the city each year both for individuals who were residents of New York City at the time of such birth or abortion and for those who were not residents. DOHMH will also be required to assess the ability of licensed medical providers in the city to provide reproductive health care, identify any challenges faced by licensed medical providers to provide reproductive health care, and make recommendations for increasing the capacity of such providers to provide reproductive health care.
Int. 466-A prohibits city agencies from using city resources — including, but not limited to, time spent by employees and the use of city property — to detain persons for performing or aiding with abortions or to cooperate with out-of-state entities related to abortions performed in New York state.
Int. 474-A requires the city to conduct a public education program to inform the public about the protections available to people and providers accessing reproductive health care facilities. It also requires the city provide information about the protections available in the city Human Rights Law (HRL) related to reproductive health decisions and stopping discriminatory harassment. The public education program will also provide information about a person’ s right to bring a civil action for violating the HRL or accessing the reproductive health care facilities law, as well as how to access resources to find comprehensive reproductive health care and privacy protections for people accessing reproductive health care.
Int. 475-A creates a private right of action for interference with reproductive or endocrine medical care.
Int. 506-A requires the New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection to implement an outreach and education campaign on facilities that deceptively advertise or are otherwise misleading when offering reproductive health services.
Int. 507-A requires DOHMH to provide access to U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved medicine for medication abortions, at no cost to patients, at health clinics operated by DOHMH. DOHMH would provide such medication to patients who seek to terminate their pregnancy, when the use of such medication is indicated and in accordance with the medically reasonable and good faith professional judgment of such patients’ medical providers. DOHMH would also provide counseling and timely referrals to other health facilities and qualified family planning providers, if needed, for other services.
NEW LAW HELPS VETS EXPOSED TO RADIATION: On August 10, President Biden signed the Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act (Honoring Our PACT Act), a key veterans health bill that includes U.S. Rep. Grace Meng’ s (D-NY) legislation to provide health care benefits for “Atomic Veterans” who were exposed to harmful radiation when they cleaned up nuclear testing sites during the late 1970s.
Meng’ s measure, entitled the Mark Takai Atomic Veterans Healthcare Parity Act, will allow veterans who participated in the cleanup of Enewetak Atoll on the Marshall Islands to receive the same health care and benefits given to other veterans who were involved in active nuclear tests. From 1946 to 1958, the U.S. military conducted nuclear tests on the islands, but the thousands of servicemembers who cleaned up the area were never made eligible to receive health benefits.
The Honoring Our PACT Act is a sweeping bill that Meng helped pass in the House which expands healthcare to approximately 3.5 million veterans who were exposed to toxic substances during their service, including smoke from burn pits and other airborne hazards. It creates presumptions for 23 respiratory illnesses and cancers, such that they are assumed to have been caused by toxic substances. It is an issue that many Queens veterans have advocated for with Meng ever since she was first sworn into Congress.
“The enactment of my legislation will finally provide the brave veterans who cleaned up Enewetak Atoll with the health care they need and deserve,” said Rep. Meng. “It is way overdue and should not have taken decades to correct this injustice. We must take care of all our nation’ s veterans, and that includes all who have cleaned-up nuclear testing sites and those exposed to hazardous materials. As I’ ve said, we have a moral obligation to ensure needed care is delivered to our toxic-exposed veterans, and the Honoring our PACT Act will make sure that impacted veterans receive the assistance they require. I was honored to help pass it in Congress, and I thank President Biden for making it the law of the land. I also thank all the Queens veterans who raised the issue of burn pits with me over the years and commend them for keeping up the fight.”
The Congresswoman’ s measure is named after the late Hawaii Congressman Mark Takai, a veteran of the U.S. Army and Hawaii Army National Guard who passed away in 2016, and was the original sponsor of the bill in the House of Representatives. Meng first introduced it in 2017.
The veterans who participated in the Marshall Islands cleanup have suffered from high rates of cancers due to their exposure to radiation and nuclear waste but have been unable to receive the same treatments and service-related disability presumptions that other “radiation-exposed veterans” receive. Current law has only covered those who participated in active nuclear tests, not those who participated in the cleanup.
NEED MORE OPEN HOUSES FOR BUS REDESIGN: Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris is calling on the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) to hold more in-person engagement in Western Queens on the Queens Bus Network Redesign plan. Senator Gianaris sent a letter to the agencies encouraging them to plan more events in their series of open houses.
“Queens commuters are heavily dependent on reliable bus service and any changes should inure to the benefit of riders,” said Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris. “To know what works best for riders, the MTA and DOT must have more outreach to them throughout the borough, and especially in western Queens. I encourage these agencies to expand their public outreach plan accordingly.”
New York’ s transit agencies are developing and implementing a plan to modernize bus routes throughout Queens. The agencies have held a series of pop-up events and virtual workshops, as well as a current series of five in-person open houses across Queens to gauge public interest in the plan and solicit feedback. Of their in-person workshops, only one is being held in Western Queens, in Jackson Heights.
CALLS FOR EXHAUSTED HORSE TO BE RETIRED: After video of yet another horse collapse in Manhattan during last week’ s blazing heat had gone viral, Council Member Robert Holden (D-Queens), along with NYCLASS, the Voters for Animal Rights (VFAR), and PETA, made arrangements with a certified sanctuary for the horse named Ryder to be retired and live out the rest of his days in peace. The horse owner, Ian McKeever, has been notified of the offer and has yet to approve.
Many sharing the story and photos on social media noted the apparently emaciated condition of the horse as well.
“The multiple videos of Ryder collapsing on a hot day in Hell’ s Kitchen that have gone viral shocked the entire world and only proved what we all knew about the torturous conditions that carriage horses endure daily in New York City,” said Council Member Robert Holden. “Ryder joins a long list of horses who have collapsed or died on our city’ s streets. I thank the animal advocacy groups and the thousands of concerned citizens for elevating this horrible story. We look forward to hearing from Ian McKeever that he truly cares for his horse and is willing to let Ryder retire at a sanctuary.”
“The heartbreaking footage of Ryder collapsing in Midtown traffic, being hit and whipped by his owner, Ian McKeever, and then unable to get up off the hot asphalt for over an hour has garnered international outrage,” said Edita Birnkrant, Executive Director of NYCLASS. “Ryder is clearly a very sick, malnourished horse who never should have been pulling a carriage in high humidity at all. After such trauma and suffering Ryder deserves to be placed in a waiting sanctuary that will provide immediate, much-needed veterinary treatment and lifelong care. NYCLASS calls on Ian McKeever to show mercy to Ryder by releasing him to the sanctuary that has pledged to ensure that the rest of his life will be filled with love and happiness, with other horses to form bonds with, pasture to graze and run freely on and attentive caretakers.”
“Ryder has been through so much already while pulling tourists on the congested streets of Midtown Manhattan,” said Allie Taylor, President of VFAR. “He deserves to live out the rest of his life at an accredited animal sanctuary. We hope the carriage industry will accept the invitation from the certified sanctuary who have kindly offered to provide a loving forever home to Ryder.”
“Unfortunately, Ryder’ s fate will be decided by the same man who saw fit to work him even though he was ill and the heat was so intense that he collapsed and to hit and yank him as he flailed in deep distress on the hot asphalt,” said Ashley Byrne, Campaign Director of PETA. “We hope Council Member Robert Holden’ s efforts in Ryder’ s behalf will spare him the horror of being auctioned off and slaughtered, which is how the horse-drawn carriage industry frequently and quietly disposes of horses who are old, sick, or lame. PETA asks the New York City Council to pass Intro 573 and get all the horses out of harm’ s way.”
‘ NEW DATA SHOWS INCREASE IN CO ASSAULTS SINCE HALT ACT: Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, NY-1), the Republican Party and Conservative Party nominee for Governor, released the following statement on new data that shows attacks on corrections officers and other prison staff have increased 37% since the April 1st, 2022, implementation of the HALT Act. Violence between inmates has increased about 30%, according to the New York State Corrections PBA. Congressman Zeldin continues to call for Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature to repeal the HALT Act.
“Our brave corrections officers fight to keep our communities and state safe every day, but instead of providing them with more resources that help make our prisons safer Kathy Hochul and the state legislature have pulled out the rug from under them,” said Congressman Zeldin. “The data is in, and it shows a massive increase in assaults targeting corrections officers and other prison staff. The Governor has become an accomplice of these assaults by staying silent, refusing to lead, and resisting all calls to repeal this extremely dangerous new law. We must repeal the HALT Act!”
MAN ARRESTED FOR SLASHING TIRES IN BAYSIDE: Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced that Dee Lazersmith, 42, was arrested and charged with numerous counts of criminal mischief for allegedly slashing the tires of 27 separate vehicles along 42nd Avenue in Bayside. The incident took place between the hours of 1:00 AM and 7:00AM on Sunday, August 7th.
District Attorney Katz said, “As alleged, this defendant caused thousands of dollars’ worth of damage by going on a slashing spree alongside a quiet residential street. More than two dozen victims must now pay to repair and replace the vandalized vehicle tires. This senseless nuisance will not be tolerated in Queens County. The defendant is now charged accordingly and faces prison time if convicted.”
Lazersmith, of Bayside, was arrested on August 10, and charged with one count of criminal mischief in the second degree, 25 counts of criminal mischief in the third degree, and 27 counts of criminal mischief in the fourth degree. The defendant was arraigned on the charges before Queens Criminal Court Judge Anthony M. Battisti, who ordered the defendant to return to court on October 6. Lazersmith faces up to seven years in prison if convicted.
According to the complaint, the defendant allegedly used a knife to slash the tires of 27 vehicles that were parked on 42nd Avenue, between 213th Street and Corporal Kennedy Street in Bayside. The estimated total damage to all the vehicles exceeds $13,000.
Continuing, DA Katz said the defendant was allegedly observed on video surveillance walking on the street before stopping and bending down near the tires of numerous parked vehicles.
As part of the investigation conducted by the 111th Police Precinct, a folding knife was recovered from the rear passenger door of the defendant’ s vehicle, with what appears to be rubber on the tip of the blade.
SENTENCED 25 TO LIFE IN 2011 S. RICHMOND HILL MURDER: Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced that Troy Thomas, 37, has been sentenced to 25-years-to-life in prison following a jury trial conviction for the December 2011 shooting death of a 20-year-old man in South Richmond Hill. Defendant shot the victim at a house party after the two started arguing.
District Attorney Katz said, “Despite being on the run for eight years, the defendant has now been held to account for committing this senseless murder. The family and loved ones of the victim, who had just become a father at the time of his death, were denied justice for more than a decade. Today, I hope they can finally put this sad chapter to rest knowing that the defendant will spend a lengthy term in prison for his criminal actions.”
Troy Thomas, 37, formerly of 156th Street in Jamaica, was convicted in May after trial of murder in the second degree before Queens Supreme Court Justice Michael Yavinsky. Yesterday, Justice Yavinsky sentenced the defendant to a term of 25-years-to-life in prison.
According to trial testimony, both the defendant and the victim, Keith Frank, 20, attended a house party in South Richmond Hill and became involved in a petty dispute. As a result of the dispute, the defendant fired a weapon striking Mr. Frank once in the chest. The victim, who had just become a father prior to the shooting, was rushed to a local Queens hospital where he died from his injuries. The defendant immediately fled New York City, but was found living in Guyana, where he fought extradition but was eventually returned to Queens to face the murder charge.
ADAMS ANNOUNCES LARGEST COMPOSTING PROGRAM: New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) Commissioner Jessica Tisch today announced the launch of the nation’ s largest curbside composting program starting this fall, as weekly collection of compostable materials becomes automatic and guaranteed for every single resident in the borough of Queens. Beginning October 3, all residential buildings in Queens will automatically receive weekly collection of leaf and yard waste, food scraps, and food-soiled paper products. This is the first time that an entire borough will receive this service — coming to an area that produces significant amounts of leaf and yard waste in particular, as Queens is home to 41 percent of New York City’ s street trees.
“Starting this fall, we’ re bringing guaranteed, weekly curbside composting to the entire borough of Queens — taking action to keep our streets clean and simultaneously fight climate change,” said Mayor Adams. “This launch makes New York City home to the largest curbside composting program in the country and will help Queens residents easily get rid of yard waste, food scraps, and food-soiled paper products in an environmentally conscious way. There’ s no sign-up required, and all that Queens residents need to do it put out their waste in a separate bag or bin. This is how we’ Get Stuff Done’ for our city.”
New York City has developed new extreme routing efficiencies for this program, allowing DSNY to service Queens — the geographically largest of the five boroughs — at the lowest cost-per district of any curbside composting program to date. Queens was selected because of the diversity of communities and housing stock. The borough also includes large leaf and yard waste districts in the east, dense multifamily homes in the west, and a variety of historically underserved neighborhoods that have suffered the consequences of environmental injustice.
The new program will include all leaf and yard waste — which residents already collect and place out separately from trash — as well as all food scraps and food-soiled paper products, such as napkins, paper towels, and unlined plates.
Unlike past composting programs, there is no sign-up required for this new program. Residents of Queens need to simply set out their waste on the assigned day — all collection schedule information will be available on DSNY’ s composting website by mid-September — and let DSNY pick it up to turn into usable compost or clean, renewable energy.
To make this program even more accessible, DSNY will proactively deliver bins to all Queens residential addresses of 10 or more units in the coming weeks.
When waste decomposes at a landfill, it creates methane, a potent and dangerous greenhouse gas. Separating compostable material from household trash is one easy way to ensure a cleaner, greener city, and yard and leaf waste provide New Yorkers with the easiest way to compost, as these materials already exists outside the home. About one third of the city’ s residential waste is compostable material, which can help gardens grow or create power through renewable energy — all from a discarded apple core.
In addition to improving sustainability, composting also improves cleanliness. Rats and other pests feed on organic material in trash bags, and secure compost bins make it more difficult to access that material. To participate in the program, residents must place food waste in a labeled bin with a secure lid or a bag to prevent pests and odors. Residents may use an old DSNY-issued brown bin or a lidded, labeled bin of their own. Residents who need a compost bin may order one online until October 1 at nyc.gov/curbsidecomposting. DSNY decals are available at nyc.gov/CompostingBinDecal.
Weekly service will begin October 3 and run through late December. After a three-month pause for winter — when there is little to no yard waste to be collected — service will resume in late March 2023. The history of composting programs in New York City and comparable cities shows that during the start-up phase, yard waste is the primary driver of tonnage collected — producing far more compostable material than food scraps.
New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) residents may contact sustainability@nycha.nyc.gov with questions about how to participate in this program.
The Adams administration also announced the placement of 250 new “smart” composting bins this fall — vastly more than the 100 promised earlier this year. The sealed bins will be on publicly accessible streets and opened via a smartphone app. The city has completed a small-scale pilot of these bins that began in late 2021, proving them to be a popular and effective way to keep compostable material out of landfills. The new bins will be placed in communities in all five boroughs, with a special emphasis on areas in Manhattan above 125th Street, the South Bronx, the North Shore of Staten Island, and Central Brooklyn.
PHEFFER AMATO: NO MORE SHELTERS: Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-South Queens) expressed her apprehension of a new homeless shelter on Brunswick Avenue in Far Rockaway and called for the project to be stopped due to the heavy saturation of supportive housing on the Peninsula. In her letter to Mayor Eric Adams, the Assemblywoman expressed the concerns of her constituents explaining that “throughout the Rockaway Peninsula, there are already 7 homeless shelters, 12 adult homes, 17 nursing homes and a copious amount of supportive housing. We have our fair share.” The Assemblywoman also pointed out that all of this is located in Flood Zone 1, in a community of only 130,000.
In the letter, written in late July, the Assemblywoman offered to work with the Mayor to provide an alternative to the homeless shelter with several community-based alternatives. The Assemblywoman recommended that the space could be better utilized as a Boys and Girls Club that could accommodate children, a business incubator or coworking space, or a multi-level parking facility.
The Assemblywoman praised the Mayor’ s vision that “everyone must be in the game.” and noted that there is a clear housing and homeless crisis. She expressed to the Mayor that “the Rockaway Peninsula has been a team player for decades. I am asking for there to be equitable distribution of shelters and supportive housing throughout all community boards in the five boroughs.” The Assemblywoman was referring to the reports that several community boards and districts do not even have one shelter, let alone the amount on the Rockaway Peninsula.
“I know the Mayor supports this community and I believe that he can help reverse the course from previous administrations that have disregarded the Rockaway Peninsula,” said Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato.
POLIO DETECTED IN CITY: Statement from Speaker Adrienne Adams and Health Committee Chair Lynn Schulman on Detection of Polio in New York City: “Today we learned polio was detected in New York City’ s wastewater, suggesting that the virus is circulating. As we continue to grapple with COVID-19 and Monkeypox, we now face another public health risk, but the defense is simple and proven. It is imperative that all New Yorkers make sure they have received their full polio vaccination, which is standard for children and nearly 100% effective. There are clear disparities in the vaccination rate across our city, where some neighborhoods have less coverage and more risk. The City and all officials need to ensure we address these gaps so New Yorkers are protected from this virus. All parents and caregivers should make sure their young children have the full course of vaccination against polio. All adults who are unvaccinated, or have not received the full course, should get the full vaccination now. New Yorkers should contact their primary care providers first, and call 311 in the event that is not an option for vaccination. New Yorkers can visit the City’ s vaccine record database to confirm immunization records for themselves and family members. The Council will continue monitoring this potential outbreak and the City’ s response, remaining in coordination with our City and State health officials.”
The polio vaccine is proven to be 99% effective and is a standard vaccination for children. New Yorkers should visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’ s polio webpage for more information.
A breakdown of New York City vaccination coverage is available via the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH).
New Yorkers can check their vaccine records via DOHMH.
MALONEY HOLDS ROUNDTABLE ON MONKEYPOX: Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (NY-12) held a virtual roundtable on the monkeypox (MPV) outbreak in New York City with health professionals and advocates. Among the experts were Dr. Bernard Camins, Infectious Diseases at Mount Sinai Doctors; Dr. Wafaa El-Sadr, Epidemiology and Medicine at Columbia University; Dr. Freddy Molano, Vice President of Infectious Diseases and LGBTQ Programs and Services at the Community Healthcare Network; Dr. Eugene Heslin, First Deputy Commissioner at the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH); Dr. Ursula Bauer, Deputy Commissioner for Public Health at NYSDOH; Dr. Madhury Ray of the Data Analytics Team at the New York City Department of Health & Mental Hygiene (DOHMH); Stacey Roger-Gordon, Chief People Officer at the Hetrick-Martin Institute; and Christopher Murray, Educational Specialist HIV Testing, Hetrick-Martin Institute,
“One month ago today, New York City had 141 cases of MPV, the most of any city in the United States, and I responded immediately by writing a letter to the federal government and the city government about the lack of MPV vaccine access and poor vaccine rollout. My letter proved successful, as the Biden administration subsequently tripled its vaccine allocation for New York City. During that time, the State also declared monkeypox as an imminent threat to public health. But I knew that more needed to be done, so as Chair of the House Oversight and Reform Committee, I also wrote a letter to the Biden Administration, urging them to declare a public health emergency, which also proved successful. Yesterday, as Chairwoman of the House Oversight and Reform Committee, I sent a letter to the Biden Administration asking them to evaluate a potential emergency use authorization for’ TPOXX’ (Tecovirimat) to treat MPV. Rest assured; I will do everything I can to combat the spread of MPV and make sure that these resources are directed towards those that are most affected,” said Rep. Maloney.
KIM CONSIDERS SOLUTIONS FOR OLDER ADULTS’ ISSUES: Assemblymember Ron Kim and his summer associates presented results and proposed solutions to problems affecting older adults in New York. The representative had tasked the participants in his office’ s 2022 Summer Associates program with two distinct tasks: researching the ongoing injustices in the homecare industry and surveying older adults in the community to identify the issues they cared about the most.
At a press conference in his district office, the summer associates divided into two separate groups and gave a presentation on their findings as well as the proposals they were exploring. Following an introduction by Assemblyman Kim, the first group spoke about the difficulties faced by homecare workers and home health aides working in New York. In particular, they focused on the problem of forced arbitration in employer contracts, which have even affected those working for non-profit organizations. After summarizing the bias and injustices that have occurred through forced arbitration, including in real cases which harmed constituents in the Assemblyman’ s district, they presented potential solutions to make the process fairer, more transparent, and with greater oversight.
The second group unveiled the results of a survey they did with local residents at five different senior centers. The top issues this cohort identified were overcrowding, sanitation and pollution, and language barriers. They began by discussing the issue of an unfriendly and sometimes hostile environment for the elderly caused by congestion on streets and sidewalks, before transitioning to the issue of litter, waste and noise pollution. After offering solutions for these concerns, they discussed ways to address language and cultural barriers.
Following the presentation, the Assemblymember thanked his summer associates for their efforts and proposals, and promised that his office would examine the various issues and potential solutions offered in more detail.
Assemblymember Ron Kim said, “As the Chair of the Assembly Aging Committee, I asked the participants in this year’ s summer associates program to research the topic of forced arbitration, and survey older adults in our community to find their most pressing concerns. These are two keys issues our office has been exploring this year, and we thank them for their efforts to address and resolve them. I hope that the participants in our program this year have learned valuable lessons about public service that will help them in their future endeavors.”
SPOTTED LANTERNFLY SPOTTED IN CITY PARKS: Standing in the exact spot where a Spotted Lanternfly swarm was just reported to New York State, U.S. Senator Charles Schumer revealed that pockets of NYC, Long Island and Upstate are now infested with the invasive Spotted Lanternfly (SLF).
Schumer stood yards away from Central Park, and detailed the risk posed to ALL of New York State. Schumer said New York City’ s parks, like Central Park, Long Island wineries and upstate crops are all at risk. Schumer said, uncontrolled, the pesky bug could cost New York State millions if it is not contained. Schumer urged the USDA to tap federal funds from an account he has supported with over $200 million dollars to contain the SLF. Schumer said these funds can be used by New York’ s “Integrated Pest Management Program,” and that there is still time to contain the Spotted Lanternfly’ s serious threat to New York. Schumer also said fed funds can be used for education and eradication teams as he made the case for to deliver an additional $22 million in the upcoming fed budget to deal with invasive species like the SLF.
“We are here today, just yards away from Central Park, because the Spotted Lanternfly is no longer just a threat to New York, it’ s here and it’ s ready for its closeup,” said U.S. Senator Charles Schumer. “For years now, I have warned about the pest, but today, we are here demanding action because pockets of New York City, Long Island and Upstate are now infested by the invasive bug that wreaks havoc on trees, vineyards and crops. This is a multi-million-dollar threat to New York’ s economy– both tourism and agriculture are now at risk if the Spotted Lanternfly goes unchecked. But the good news here is that we have federal funds already in place, that I secured, to help New York contain the bug, and that we will be pushing for more.”
Schumer detailed his two-pronged push to contend with the bug. First, Schumer said that he is calling on the United States Department of Agriculture’ s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to use the over $200 million for the Specialty Crops Pests program he secured in the recent appropriations bill, including $1 million allocated for the control of Spotted Lanternflies, to bolster New York’ s ongoing efforts to prevent the insect from spreading in New York.
Over the past year, New York has seen the beginnings of infestations of Spotted Lanternflies in nearly all corners of the state from New York City, Long Island and beyond. Infestations and sighting have been found across the state from Central Park to the Hudson Valley to Long Island to the Southern Tier. In 2019, following a series of severe infestations in nearby Pennsylvania, researchers at the Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences warned that the Spotted Lanternfly had the potential to cost Pennsylvania’ s economy $325 million a year and 2,800 jobs. The senator said that given the increase in SLF infestations in New York in recent years, it is integral that the USDA commit to increased resources and dollars the state needs to fight the SLF proactively before it infests more communities, not after.
Second, Schumer said he is launching a major push to increase federal support for the USDA’ s APHIS program by over $22 million in FY23 to enhance their work with states to prevent & mitigate invasive species like the Spotted Lanternfly. Schumer praised the work being done currently by USDA and New York State to monitor for sightings of the SLF and to educate locals on best ways to spot this invasive species. The senator explained, however, that long-sustained funding and planning is required to prevent damage and ensure communities have the resources to stop this bug from coming back and stomping it out wherever it may pop up.
New York State says that if you believe you’ ve found Spotted Lanternfly in New York:
Aside from the beauty that is New York City parks, like Central Park, according NYS’ Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), the Spotted Lanternfly poses a risk to New York’ s agricultural health, too, because they feed on the sap of more than 70 plant species, which makes plants vulnerable to disease and attacks from other insects. As swarm feeders, SLF’ s are known to quickly overwhelm vineyards and orchards, killing grape vines and other fruit bearers or rendering them unusable due the excessive amounts of “honeydew” they release when feeding which can cover the plant and cause mold. Schumer said the spread of the SLF could have particularly devastating impact in places like Long Island, where the wine industry employs thousands of New Yorkers and generates significant economic activity.
AOC’ S COOLING TIPS BEAT THE HEAT: Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said, “We’ re sure you’ ve noticed these last few weeks have made for an especially uncomfortable summer in NYC, the rest of the country, and all over the world. Make no mistake, skyrocketing global temperatures are a result of the climate crisis, and we can expect these extreme weather conditions to worsen. So, here at Team AOC, we want to make sure you know how to stay safe this summer from heat stroke and other health effects of heat.”
– 1/4 cup lemon juice – 2 tbsp lime juice – 2 tbsp raw honey – 1/8 tsp of sea salt – 2 cups of cold water
“Keep the larger climate fight in mind. If corporations and establishment politicians are going to continue to prioritize profit over protecting vulnerable communities, it’ s up to us to educate and protect our neighbors from the dangers of extreme heat – which we know disproportionately affects lower-income communities and marginalized people.
“It’ s no secret as to why portions of the Bronx have the highest rates of childhood asthma in the country. As temperatures climb and air quality suffers, we have to stick together to fight these devastating health outcomes.”
The climate crisis may be global, supporters note, “but Alexandria firmly believes that coordinated action at a local level is the best community protection money can’ t buy.”
GANDHI STATUE VANDALIZED: City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams released the following statement on the vandalism of the Mahatma Gandhi Statue in Richmond Hill: “I’ m horrified that a statue of Mahatma Gandhi was vandalized outside of a Hindu temple in my district last week. Hate has no place in our community, Queens, or New York City. I join my colleagues, community, and faith leaders to unequivocally denounce this troubling act of hate. As a city, we must root out hate with love and acceptance. The Council will continue to invest in preventing hate crimes and supporting the communities, like mine, that too often experience it. We will continue working together in unity for the safer communities we all want.”
RAJKUMAR ON SUSPECTED HATE CRIME: On August 9, Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar – the first Hindu-American elected official in New York State – brought together community leaders, national leaders, and elected officials to denounce a suspected hate crime at Shri Tulsi Mandir, a beloved Hindu temple in South Richmond Hill. Recently, three unidentified men vandalized, smashed, and toppled a cherished statue of Mahatma Gandhi outside the mandir. This comes after the vandalism of Union Square’ s famed Gandhi statue in February, and the desecration of other Gandhi statues around the world.
Assemblywoman Rajkumar stated: “A central tenet of Hinduism is inclusivity and mutual respect toward people of all faiths. Hindus believe not just in tolerance, but in one step more than tolerance– actively loving and respecting people of different backgrounds and faiths. This was Mahatma Gandhi’ s dream– a peaceful, loving world. We have achieved Gandhi’ s dream in Richmond Hill, where Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Jews, and Christians live together in harmony, often on the same block.”
She continued: “The desecration of Gandhi statues and anti-Hindu hate crimes will not be tolerated in Richmond Hill or anywhere in New York State. At a time when our city is experiencing a 127% increase in hate crimes, elected officials and community leaders gathered together in my district at Tulsi Mandir to condemn hate crimes against any group based on their religion or ethnicity.”
Rajkumar called for the vandalism to be investigated as a hate crime and for the perpetrators to be persecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
The event continued Assemblywoman Rajkumar’ s extensive work to combat hate crimes. In June, she passed a law creating the first ever Asian American and Pacific Islander Commission in New York State, which will develop solutions to the rise in anti-Asian hate crimes. The Assemblywoman also takes the lead in speaking out against hate crimes in Queens, including multiple anti-Sikh hate crimes, the assault of a white woman in Woodhaven being investigated as a hate crime, and a series of Islamophobic hate crimes in South Queens.
Pandit Lakhram Maharaj, founder and spiritual leader of Shri Tulsi Mandir, thanked the Assemblywoman for organizing the outpouring of support.
“We are all so proud that Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar is the first Hindu American in New York State Office, and we are blessed that she brings the whole community together to take action at this challenging moment in time for the Hindu-American community,” he said. “Our statue of Mohandas Gandhi represented our Hindu values of love, respect, and peace. The statue may be gone, but the values it embodied will endure forever, and they must guide us as we respond to this incident. What we want is not revenge against the perpetrators, but mutual understanding; not punishment, but healing. We are grateful to have Assemblywoman Rajkumar on our side as we embark on this healing process.”
“Hate has no place in Queens, and hateful acts like the disgraceful vandalism that took place at the Shri Tulsi Mandir will not be tolerated here,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. “Queens is called’ The World’ s Borough’ because we respect the many different cultures of our residents. So when an act of hate is committed against one group, our entire borough stands together as one community in denouncing the hate. I join with Assemblywoman Rajkumar and my fellow elected officials and community leaders in calling on whoever perpetrated this recent vandalism to be arrested and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
“Whenever places of worship are defaced, vandalized or attacked we must ask why the perpetrators did it and address the situation. That is what we are doing here at the Tulsi Mandir temple since their Gandhi statue was vandalized and knocked over last week,” State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. said. “I will work with my colleagues on the governmental level, the police force and the community so we can find these vandals and make sure justice is served, while continuing to promote the awareness and education that vandalizing religious sites and statues hurts not only the house of worship, but the entire community.”
“I am appalled that we have to keep convening in circumstances like this again and again,” said Assemblyman David Weprin. “Vandalism, threats, or intimidation against any of our houses of worship will never be tolerated. I do not come from a Hindu background, but I view this vandalism as if it were an attack on my own Synagogue. Mahatma Gandhi was a dedicated servant of peace in the face of violence – we must embody his values and stand in solidarity with the attendees of Tulsi Mandir and our neighbors in the Hindu community.”
Attendees, including Congressman Gregory Meeks and Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, also offered their sympathies to the mandir and committed to aiding Assemblywoman Rajkumar’ s work to end hate crimes.
Significantly, two national Hindu groups, the Hindu American Foundation and the Coalition of Hindus of North America, also joined to support the Hindu-American community in Queens.
MILLIONS TO HELP COMBAT HATE CRIMES: U.S. Representative Grace Meng (D-NY) and U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI) applauded millions in funding to continue their efforts to combat hate crimes.
The money has been included in the Justice Department’ s budget which is awaiting floor action in the House and Senate. The bill, approved by the House Appropriations Committee, provides $30 million for the Justice Department’ s Community-Based Approaches to Advancing Justice Grant Program, an initiative created last year that expanded on provisions in the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act which Meng and Hirono passed into law in May of 2021. These funds follow the $5 million grant that the two lawmakers secured in last year’ s spending package.
“More than two years into the COVID-19 crisis, Asian Americans continue to live in fear of hate crimes and incidents due to being scapegoated for the pandemic,” said Congresswoman Meng. “That is why it is important to invest in the Justice Department’ s programs to ensure we are taking a holistic approach to addressing the problem. While we finalize the government spending bills for the coming fiscal year, it is critical that our communities not lose out on vital federal funds that will help local organizations support victims and address discrimination and violence. I thank Senator Hirono for her partnership and – due to her leadership – I am grateful to see the Senate bill include – for the first time – grant money to help community organizations combat hate crimes. I look forward to working alongside Senator Hirono to protect this investment in our communities.”
“I introduced the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act with Congresswoman Meng to combat the disturbing rise in hate crimes Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders have faced since the onset of the COVID pandemic,” said Senator Hirono. “This legislation has been critical to our work to prevent hate-based crimes and empower our communities, but it is clear that more must be done. This funding will help the Justice Department and the organizations on the front lines in our communities do more to prevent hate-based crimes and attacks, and hold those who commit these acts of hate accountable. I’ m grateful for Congresswoman Meng’ s partnership in this effort, and will work to ensure this funding remains in the final funding bill considered by the Senate later this year.”
Community-based organizations have been leaders throughout the pandemic, supporting victims and their families in combating and recovering from the rise in hate crimes and incidents. The fiscal year 2022 omnibus created the Community-Based Approaches to Advancing Justice at the Justice Department, which received $5 million in funding. The grant is being administered by the Justice Department’ s Bureau of Justice Assistance which was established to reduce violent crime and create safer communities.
US OPEN EFFORT TO RAISE AID FOR UKRAINE: The USTA announced its comprehensive awareness and humanitarian aid plan to benefit the people of Ukraine under tennis’ established Tennis Plays for Peace program. Tennis Plays for Peace, comprised of all seven of tennis’ governing bodies, including the four Grand Slam events, has raised more than $1 million in humanitarian aid to date, and the USTA, in conjunctions with the broader tennis community, expects to raise at least $2 million more over the three weeks of the 2022 US Open.
The signature launch event, “The Tennis Plays for Peace Exhibition,” will be held on Ukraine Independence Day, Wednesday, August 24. The event will feature a fun line-up of some of the biggest names in the game, including Rafael Nadal, Coco Gauff, John McEnroe, Carlos Alcarez, Leylah Fernandez, Iga Swiatek, Taylor Fritz, Felix Auger-Aliassime, Jessica Pegula, Victoria Azarenka, Matteo Berrettini, and others playing in a series of singles and mixed doubles matches in Louis Armstrong Stadium from 7 to 9 pm. Outreach to a number of celebrities to join the event is on-going.
Tickets for the event, on sale via TicketMaster, are $25 and $50 with 100% of the proceeds going to GlobalGiving, the international non-profit identified by Tennis Plays for Peace. All donations to GlobalGiving’ s Ukraine Crisis Relief Fund will support humanitarian assistance in impacted communities in Ukraine and surrounding regions where Ukrainian refugees have fled. GlobalGiving’ s local partners are bringing relief to devastated but determined communities, and they need resources to continue their life-saving work.
“The US Open is a stage that attracts millions of passionate fans, and it is incumbent upon us to help guide this passion to help those who desperately need it,” said USTA Chairman of the Board and President Mike McNulty. “This is a vitally-important cause, and I’ m proud of the way in which our sport has rallied together to lend a much-needed hand to our friends in Ukraine. I’ m likewise proud that we are able to use the global platform of the US Open to enhance the giving effort, and I urge everyone to do all they can to help us show the people of Ukraine that we stand with them in their time of need.”
The event will be hosted by ESPN’ s Patrick McEnroe, and ESPN will make The Tennis Plays for Peace Exhibition available on ESPN+. The official domestic broadcaster of the US Open also will provide the program to the US Open’ s world feed, and the event will stream on USOpen.org.
The broadcast of the program is one part of the US Open’ s overall promotional efforts, toward raising awareness of the on-going horrors facing the Ukrainian people. The comprehensive promotional initiative will include all US Open global broadcasts, all tournament digital and social media platforms, and all on-site communication point-of-contact with fans, including the stadium big screens, LED signage, and other opportunities. The US Open has invited the Ukraine Chorus Dumka of NY to be a part of the 2022 Opening Night Ceremonies.
The USTA will work with GlobalGiving to create a unique URL to ensure that anyone interested in supporting Ukraine relief effort will have a direct means to access GlobalGiving’ s array of offerings. Also, a text to donate opportunity will be built for U.S. fans, and will be promoted on domestic broadcasts, on digital platforms and throughout the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, home of the US Open. TicketMaster has added a direct contribution option to the US Open ticket landing page, and the US Open will make Tennis Plays for Peach merchandise available at retail stores on the grounds of the US Open.
Earlier this year, the global tennis bodies established a fundraising campaign entitled Tennis Plays for Peach with the Global Giving charity. To date the tennis community has raised more than $1M to support this fund, and both Tours and the other entities have provided support to Ukrainian tennis players and their families.
The Tennis Plays for Peace Exhibition is one of the nighttime signature events of US Open Fan Week, which is returning in 2022 after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The free (except for two evening events including this exhibition) weeklong tennis and entertainment celebration will take place at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, from Tuesday, August 23, to Sunday, August 28. During US Open Fan Week attendees can experience the sights and sounds of the US Open at no cost. This includes the opportunity to see world-class tennis as players compete in the US Open Qualifying Tournament to secure a spot in the US Open Main Draw. Last year, Emma Raducanu started her journey to the US Open women’ s singles title during the Qualifying Tournament. In addition, tennis enthusiasts will be able to watch the best players in the world, from just steps away, practice in the lead-up to the final Grand Slam event of the year – a fan experience unique to the US Open.
The 2022 US Open Main Draw takes place August 29 to September 11.
FREE PROSTATE CANCER SCREENING EVENT IN OZONE PARK: September is known as Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, and State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. is once again partnering with Mount Sinai to bring a free Prostate Cancer Screening event to Ozone Park.
After a successful Prostate Cancer Screening event in July at Atlas Park in Glendale, Addabbo wanted to bring the event back to a different portion of the district to help more men take control of their health.
During this free prostate cancer PSA blood test screening, Mount Sinai’ s Robert F. Smith Prostate Cancer Screening Mobile Unit will be set up at the Living Word Christian Fellowship, located at 132-05 Cross Bay Boulevard, Ozone Park, on Monday, September 19 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to service men who register with Addabbo’ s office.
This free screening will be open for men aged 40 and older who have never been previously diagnosed and treated for prostate cancer, whether or not they have health insurance.
“We had the privilege of getting a dozen men their free PSA blood test at Atlas Mall in July, and I am happy to partner again with Mount Sinai to bring this great event to the Ozone Park community,” Senator Addabbo said. “It is important that men check their prostate health, especially as they age, because early detection is the best way to combat prostate cancer. During this Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, I want to thank the medical professionals with Mount Sinai and Pastor Joel Sadaphal and staff at Living Word Christian Fellowship for their coordination on this event.”
While registration for this event is encouraged, walk-ups will be accommodated on the day of the event. Those who register with Addabbo’ s office will need to provide their name, age, date of birth, address and phone number. On the day of screening patients will be asked for their government-issued ID and insurance card, if they have one.
Insurance is not required since participants will not be billed for the screening, however if a follow-up visit becomes necessary based on the results of the screening, Mount Sinai will the already have any needed information should they wish to continue their care with Mount Sinai. Patients generally receive results within 2-3 days after the test was administered.
To register for your free PSA blood test, contact Sen. Addabbo’ s office at 718-738-1111.
FREE MAMMOGRAMS IN WHITESTONE: Early detection of breast cancer saves lives! The American – Italian Cancer Foundation (www.americanitaliancancer.org) Mammogram Bus will administer exams to women for free on Wednesday, September 7, hosted by Councilmember Vicky Palladino. It will be at 20-15 Francis Lewis Blvd. in Whitestone, on the Wednesday, September 7 from 9 AM to 4:30 PM. For an appointment, call 718-619-8611 or 877-628-9090. Eligibility: women aged 40 to 79 with health insurance; women age 50 to 79 without health insurance; currently living in New York City; no mammogram in the past 12 months. The services are at no cost, no copays required and deductibles are waived. Uninsured patients are welcome. Medical services are provided by Multi-Diagnostic Services.
WON LAUNCHES FREE WIFI FOR NYCHA: On Saturday, July 30th, Council Member Julie Won hosted a registration for NYCHA residents to sign up for free home Wifi through the Federal Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) at Woodside Houses Friends & Family Day.
Approximately 300 residents attended the event as well as elected officials Congresswoman Nydia Velásquez, New York City Comptroller Brad Lander, New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, and Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, to celebrate the launch.
The ACP provides a subsidy for high-speed internet to many qualifying New Yorkers. Subscribers will be able to get free internet through this program or apply the subsidy savings to their existing bill. Under ACP, individuals — including those who have an income at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines or any member of the household, those enrolled in public housing, Medicaid, SNAP, National School Lunch, veterans pensions — are eligible for this service.
Council Member Julie Won has kept her campaign promise within her first year in office to work to provide free home WiFi for District 26 NYCHA residents. Next, Julie Won’ s council office will be hosting free home WiFi ACP registration events at Queensbridge Houses (8/20/22) and Ravenswood Houses (8/27/22). In addition to the registration events, Julie Won’ s council office has partnered with local nonprofit partners to continue registrations for the rest of the year to ensure all residents can receive the ACP wifi subsidy. For Woodside Houses residents, Sunnyside Community Services will continue to be available for sign-ups for the ACP at their community center located in Woodside Houses for the rest of the year.
1.5 million New Yorkers currently lack at-home internet access because they simply cannot afford it. Closing the digital divide is essential to ensuring a just economic recovery. Nearly all government services — including vaccination scheduling and unemployment benefits — are accessible exclusively online. Our public schools are engaging in remote learning, which necessitates a high-speed internet connection. Job applications as well as many office jobs have made the leap to being fully remote. While these are all logical steps in order to contain the spread of COVID-19, our government has failed to provide the infrastructure necessary for equitable access.
Inequalities in housing are now being exacerbated by the digital divide. Black New Yorkers are nearly twice as likely to go without internet access than their white neighbors, and more Hispanic families are without internet than any other ethnic group.
In the heavily working-class neighborhoods like Jackson Heights, Elmhurst, and Corona, 17 percent of households lack high-speed internet while over 90 percent of residents in Middle Village have access to broadband. In our home district (which includes Sunnyside, Woodside, Long Island City, and Dutch Kills) one in four residents go without high-speed internet.
PHEFFER AMATO WOMEN OF DISTINCTION EVENT: Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-South Queens) hosted her annual Women of Distinction event on August 6. The event highlights the remarkable contributions by women who work or reside within the 23rd Assembly District which encompasses the communities of Ozone Park, Howard Beach and Hamilton Beach, to Breezy Point and Rockaway Beach to Far Rockaway. This year’ s recipients included: Barbara Buffolino, Karen Buffolino-Nevirs, Holly Gendron, Clare Hilger, Kathleen Lawless, and Patricia Raghunandan.
“While Women’ s History Month may be in March, I believe that women should be honored every day, of every month all year long,” said Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato. The in-person event had an attendance of over 50 people, including past recipients resulting in the program turning into an impromptu networking event. “I believe in women supporting women, celebrating each other for their accomplishments. We have so many amazing women in this community who do so much, and this is a great way to come together and thank them for their work and contributions. It also gives all of these amazing women the chance to connect and develop new partnerships which further helps them in their work to improve the community,” said the Assemblywoman.
The six recipients were chosen from many nominees and each was personally presented with a beautiful orchid and an official citation from Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato. “This year’ s winners devote themselves to their community and exemplify the best of the New York spirit. Their work ranges from spending hours at a food pantry, organizing and advocating for tenants’ rights, to promoting the importance of water safety and helping neighbors resolve problems; and throughout it all, putting the neighborhood and community above themselves. The people of the 23rd Assembly District have greatly benefited from the work of these incredible women, and often without even knowing it. On behalf of the community and the State of New York I thank Barbara, Karen, Holly, Clare, Kathleen and Patricia who have all made this a better place to live,” said Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato.
NEWS FROM FLUSHING: Councilmember Sandra Ung announced:
“Earlier this week, constituent and District Leader Martha Flores-Vazquez called my office about a dangerous situation behind a residential building on Roosevelt Avenue. A section of concrete fence had fallen, leaving a gap and a scary 35-foot drop to the LIRR tracks below. I guess the only positive thing is that it didn’ t fall the other way, landing on the tracks and causing a horrible accident, or at the very least delays for commuters. The same day, I reached out to the LIRR, and by the next morning work crews had already removed other structurally suspect sections of the concrete wall and installed a temporary chain link fence. The LIRR is working with the building’ s management company to have a more permanent solution in place soon. Thanks to everyone for their help in calling attention to the issue and quickly correcting it!”
WEPRIN’ S SMALL BUSINESS TOUR IN RICHMOND HILL: On Thursday, August 11th, Assemblymember David Weprin gathered with the Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH) and representatives from the offices of Speaker Adrienne Adams, Congressman Gregory Meeks, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, District Attorney Melinda Katz, the Queens Chamber of Commerce, and South Queens Women’ s March for a press conference and small business tour. The tour began at Sybil’ s Bakery and highlighted multiple small businesses along Liberty Avenue, notifying them of the services and programs OATH offers.
“Our mission at OATH is to ensure that everyone who appears before us receives a fair and impartial hearing and a timely decision. For the great borough of Queens, that includes making sure that we are accessible to individuals and small business and that we provide multi-lingual services. One way we are doing this is by having hearings by phone so that residents and business owners don’ t have to use their valuable time traveling across the borough to go fight City-issued summonses,” said OATH Commissioner and Chief Administrative Law Judge Asim Rehman.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our city, and in the past few years they have weathered many storms – both literal and figurative – enduring the pandemic, flooding, supply chain challenges, and inflation,” said Assemblymember David Weprin. “But New Yorkers don’ t give up, and today we celebrate the perseverance of our local entrepreneurs and highlight the diversity of this neighborhood, which embodies the best of Queens – the World’ s Borough. I’ m sure I speak for my fellow community leaders when I say we are eager to do everything within our power to help set everyone up for success.”
The Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH) is the main, independent tribunal for New York City. They are comprised of two divisions, Trials Division and Hearings Division, and home to the Creative Conflict Resolution and the Administrative Judicial Institute. Both are resource centers for the City agencies to have access to mediation, restorative justice, training, continuing education, research and support services for various administrative law judges and tribunals throughout New York City.
ADDABLE MOBILE OFC HOURS: Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. is hosting library office hours at various QPL locations throughout his district to listen to constituent/community concerns, and to make his office more accessible to the public on Thursdays from 5:30PM – 7PM:
TRANSIT SUPERVISORS ORGANIZATION ENDORSES ZELDIN: The Transit Supervisors Organization endorsed Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, NY-1), the Republican Party and Conservative Party candidate for Governor.
“New York is heading full steam into a downward spiral of crime, higher taxes, government overreach and overall uncertainty. Change is desperately needed and we need a leader now more than ever who can take over the helm and right the ship! Lee Zeldin is the right guy at the right time and just what New York needs,” said Transit Supervisors Organization President Philip Valenti. “As a Congressman from Long Island and a US Army veteran, Lee will make the tough decisions that need to be made and will stand up for us so we can maintain the rights and freedoms that all New Yorkers deserve and enjoy.”
Congressman Zeldin has now received 23 labor endorsements for his campaign. He has also been endorsed by the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 138, Laborers Local 1298, Transport Workers Union Local 252, Suffolk County Police Benevolent Association (PBA), Suffolk County Superior Officers Association, Suffolk County Detectives Association, Suffolk County Probation Officers Association, Suffolk County Detective Investigators PBA, Suffolk County Police Conference, Suffolk County Deputy Sheriffs Police Benevolent Association, Nassau County Probation Officers Association, NYC Fire Marshals Benevolent Association, Amityville Village PBA, Northport Village PBA, Lynbrook PBA, IBEW Local 2230, NYPD Captains Endowment Association, NYPD Detectives’ Endowment Association, NYPD Lieutenants Benevolent Association, Nassau County Police Detectives’ Association, Nassau County Police Superior Officers Association, and Suffolk County Court Officers Benevolent Association.
QUEENS CHAMBERS’ UPCOMING EVENTS: The Queens Chamber of Commerce announced the following events:
The 2022 Building Awards with Keynote Speaker Eric Ulrich, Commissioner, NYC Department of Buildings. The event will take place on October 13, from 6-9 pm at the TWA Hotel at JFK, Terminal 5, JFK Airport and features cocktails, dinner and the awards.
The Business Person of the Year Awards on December 6, 6-11 pm at Terrace on the Park, with cocktails, dinner and the program.
—With contributions by Annette Hanze Alberts
This column was originated by John A. Toscano
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