GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION PASSES HOUSE: Congressman Gregory W. Meeks released a statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed a package of gun reform legislation, the Protecting Our Children Act. Rep. Meeks stated:
“Within the first half of this year alone, we have witnessed over 200 mass shootings – 27 taking place at schools. Parents send their children to school to become our future leaders of this country and protecting them is of the utmost importance. Gun violence terrifies our communities in what could happen to their loved ones on a seemingly normal day. While the nation continues to mourn the countless, almost daily tragedies of gun violence, we must also focus our collective efforts on demanding action. I’m proud that House Democrats are working to combat the epidemic of gun violence and passed historic gun violence prevention legislation today.
“The Protecting Our Children Act is a package of bills that would raise the purchasing age for semi-automatic weapons, outlaw high-capacity magazines for civilian use, and crack down on gun trafficking, and more to reduce gun violence. This package will ensure that the survival of our children is our collective responsibility. The victims of gun violence and the loved ones they’ve left behind require us to do more and to say enough is enough. I urge the Senate to immediately bring this legislation to the floor.”
SCHUMER: BIPARTISAN GUN SAFETY FRAMEWORK: Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) on June 12 released the following statement on the announcement of a bipartisan gun-safety framework:
“Today’s announcement of a bipartisan gun-safety framework is a good first step to ending the persistent inaction to the gun violence epidemic that has plagued our country and terrorized our children for far too long. Once the text of this agreement is finalized, I will put this bill on the floor as soon as possible so that the Senate can act quickly to advance gun-safety legislation.
“As the author of the Brady-background checks bill, I am pleased that for the first time in nearly 30 years Congress is on the path to take meaningful action to address gun violence. I applaud Senators Chris Murphy, Kyrsten Sinema, John Cornyn, and Thom Tillis for their leadership in these discussions and the bipartisan group of Senators who worked in good faith to reach this agreement.
“This important legislation will limit the ability of potential mass shooters to quickly obtain assault rifles by establishing an enhanced background check process for gun purchasers under age 21, invest in the adoption and expansion of state red flag laws, close the boyfriend loophole, establish federal penalties for gun traffickers, and fund critical support services to help address our nation’s mental health crisis. After an unrelenting wave of gun-related suicides and homicides, including mass shootings, the Senate is poised to act on commonsense reforms to protect Americans where they live, where they shop, and where they learn. We must move swiftly to advance this legislation because if a single life can be saved it is worth the effort.”
MALONEY OPENS HEARING ON GUN VIOLENCE: Committee on Oversight and Reform Chairwoman Carolyn B. Maloney delivered the following opening statement for the June 8 hearing on “The Urgent Need to Address the Gun Violence Epidemic”:
“Today, we will examine the destruction and heartbreak that gun violence is causing across our country. I want to express my deep gratitude to each of our witnesses for being here today. I am particularly grateful to our witnesses who will be discussing the loss of their loved ones and their personal experiences … For a parent, there is no greater pain than the loss of a child. But across the country, senseless gun violence is claiming the lives of our children and loved ones in places where they should be safe—our schools, our supermarkets, even our churches and synagogues. Gun violence is now the leading cause of death for children in our country. As a society, we are failing our children and we are failing each other. This out-of-control gun violence is a uniquely American tragedy.
“As you can see in this chart, in 2019, the United States suffered 17 times more gun deaths than the next highest G7 country. And no other country even comes close to the number of school shootings we have. Between 2009 and 2018, the U.S. had 288 school shootings. All other G7 countries combined had just five.
“Some of my colleagues across the aisle have blamed this violence on mental illness. They have blamed violent video games. They have blamed family values. They have even blamed doors. They have blamed everything but guns. But we know the United States does not have a monopoly on mental illness, video games, or any other excuse. What America does have is widespread access to guns. That includes assault weapons, which were designed to kill as many enemy soldiers on the battlefield as possible. Yet in many states, these weapons of war can be purchased by an 18-year-old, just by walking into a store. Assault weapons were used in the recent massacres in Buffalo, Uvalde, and Tulsa—just as they were in Parkland, Newtown, San Bernardino, Orlando, Las Vegas, and so many other mass shootings. These weapons have no place in our communities.
“No civilian needs an assault rifle, and the Second Amendment does not protect the right to own a weapon of war. It’s time that we ban assault rifles from our streets and homes.
“But if we are going to truly address the gun crisis, we need to be honest about why our country has failed to act sooner. The truth is, the gun industry is making billions of dollars selling the weapons that are killing our children—and they are fighting tooth and nail to keep doing it. That is why I launched an investigation into five leading gun manufacturers that sell assault weapons used in mass shootings. We need to know why these companies are marketing military weapons to civilians, and how much they are profiting from the death of our kids.
“Of course, mass shootings are just one part of this crisis. We can’t forget that gun violence is a steady drum beat in so many of our towns and cities, especially in marginalized communities. Black men make up more than half of all gun victims in the U.S., despite making up less than 6% of the population. Latinos are twice as likely to be killed by a gun and four times as likely to be wounded by a gun as white Americans. We need transparency into how guns are reaching the hands of criminals, which is why this Committee has been working to identify the gun dealers that are selling the most guns used in crimes, including across state lines.
“Today, the House is voting to pass commonsense gun safety legislation, which is a crucial first step in addressing this crisis. I am particularly grateful this bill will include key provisions similar to a bipartisan bill I first introduced more than ten years ago, with the strong support of former Chairman Elijah Cummings.
“My bill will make gun trafficking a federal felony and strengthen penalties for straw purchasers, which will help stop the flow of guns into the hands of criminals. My goal for today’s hearing is simple. I am asking every Member of this Committee to listen with an open heart to the brave witnesses who have come forward to tell their stories about how gun violence has impacted their lives. Our witnesses today have endured pain and loss. Yet they are displaying incredible courage by coming here to ask us to do our jobs. Let us hear their voices. Let us honor their courage. And let us find the same courage to pass commonsense laws to protect our children.”
LANDMARK LAW UNLOCKS HOTEL SPACE FOR HOUSING: Governor Kathy Hochul on June 7 signed new legislation (S.4937C/A.6262B) to create more flexible rules for converting underutilized hotel space into permanent housing. Governor Hochul signed the bills with Senator Brian Kavanagh, New York City Mayor Eric Adams, and housing and labor advocates.
“As New York’s housing crisis continues to impact families, we’re taking bold action, embracing innovative ideas and thinking outside the box to help ensure that New Yorkers can access safe, livable, and quality affordable housing,” Governor Hochul said. “This new law allows us to tackle the affordability crisis head-on and convert empty, underutilized spaces into homes. I thank Assembly Member Cymbrowitz and Senator Kavanagh for sponsoring this bill and taking this step to ensure that New Yorkers have a place to call home.”
New York City Mayor Eric Adams said, “Today, we are saying yes to more of the affordable and supportive housing that New Yorkers need and deserve. This law cuts red tape and removes outdated rules so we can take advantage of this once-in-a-generation opportunity. I want to thank my partners in the Legislature and at HTC for providing the support we needed to deliver this win for New Yorkers, as well as Governor Hochul for signing this bill into law.”
The new law authorizes Class B hotels that are located in or within 400 feet of districts that permit residential use and meet certain criteria to use their existing certificates of occupancy to operate as permanent residential spaces. The new bill further allows such hotels to provide permanent housing if they enter into an agreement with the City or if they receive State financing, through the Housing Our Neighbors with Dignity Act (HONDA).
In her State of the State address, Governor Hochul announced a $25 billion, five-year Housing Plan that will create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes in urban and rural areas across New York including 10,000 homes with supportive services. As part of that announcement, the governor proposed easing hotel conversions to create more affordable housing. The governor has also secured an additional $100 million in HONDA funding to convert vacant commercial properties and distressed hotel properties across the state.
GIANARIS ON HOTEL CONVERSION BILL SIGNING: Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris issued the following statement on Governor Hochul signing legislation to expand the Housing Our Neighbors with Dignity Act (HONDA) program, which converts financially-distressed hotels into affordable housing.
“This legislation builds upon the success of HONDA, which I was proud to author into law,” said Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris. “We will now have more opportunities to grow and expand this program to more neighborhoods, ensuring the construction of more affordable housing for New Yorkers. I thank everyone who helped make this possible, and look forward to more projects getting off the ground soon.”
HONDA funds the state purchase of financially-distressed hotels and commercial properties to create permanent affordable housing for homeless and housing-vulnerable New Yorkers. The properties would then be operated by non-profit housing providers. New York City currently has more than 50,000 people living in homeless shelters and countless others who are housing stressed. Senator Gianaris has secured over $200 million in funding for this program since it was first enacted in 2021.
The HONDA program was supported by a wide variety of experts in the housing field, including advocacy groups like VOCAL-NY, the Community Service Society of New York, non-profit housing developer HousingWorks, the Strong Economy for All coalition, Neighbors Together, and other organizations.
PUSHBACK ON CONGESTION PRICING: On June 7, Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, NY-1), the Republican Party and Conservative Party designee for Governor, New York City Council Minority Leader Joe Borelli and New York City Council Member Joann Ariola slammed the impending congestion pricing, which will raise $1 billion “on the backs of hardworking New Yorkers traveling into Manhattan while doing nothing to address the MTA’s inefficient spending and out of control budget,” they said of the “Hochul Hike” as they called congestion pricing being implemented.
ADDABBO REMEMBERS BRAVE SOLDIERS ON D-DAY: NYS Senator Joseph P. Addabbo Jr. released the following statement on June 6: “Today marks the 78th anniversary of D-Day, when over 160,000 Allied soldiers landed on the beaches of Normandy, France in what would be a pivotal battle in World War II. On this day we remember the men — some of them just 18 years old — who stormed the beaches to help the fight for freedom against the Nazi forces, as well as those who laid down their lives during the invasion to ensure an Allied victory. This incredible battle shaped the future of the world and the sacrifice of the soldiers on that day shall not be forgotten.”
MALONEY INVESTIGATES TRUMP’S UNREPORTED FOREIGN GIFTS: Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney, the Chairwoman of the Committee on Oversight and Reform, sent a letter to Debra Steidel Wall, the Acting Archivist of the United States, seeking documents and information on former President Trump’s apparent failure to account for gifts from foreign government officials while in office, as required by the Foreign Gifts and Decorations Act.
“These revelations raise concerns about the potential for undue influence over former President Trump by foreign governments, which may have put the national security and foreign policy interests of the United States at risk, and about possible violations of the Constitution’s Emoluments Clause, which prohibits the president from obtaining benefits from foreign entities while in office,” wrote Chairwoman Maloney.
Public reporting indicates that President Trump accepted multiple gifts from foreign sources in 2020, yet these gifts do not appear on the State Department’s list of foreign gifts as required by law. According to reports, following President Trump’s first foreign trip to Saudi Arabia in May 2017, at least 82 gifts were given to Trump Administration officials, but, “Nine of the most expensive presents—the three furs, three swords and three daggers—were sent to the White House gifts unit to be assessed and appraised but never appeared on any of the Trump State Department’s legally required annual filings for foreign gifts.”
On April 11, 2022, the State Department revealed that it could not fully account for the foreign gifts Trump Administration officials received during the final year of the Trump Administration. The State Department noted that during the Trump Administration, the Department’s Office of the Chief of Protocol failed to obtain a list of foreign gifts received in 2020 from the White House. The State Department also stated that it was unable to determine the identities of some government officials who received foreign gifts during the Trump Administration, as well as the sources of those foreign gifts.
On May 9, 2022, the Office of the Chief of Protocol briefed Committee staff on the process for tracking and reporting White House gifts and the serious deficiencies in that process during the Trump Administration. The Office told Committee staff that the Trump Administration “did not prioritize this obligation, which led to delays” in statutory requirements to report foreign gifts.
A senior career protocol officer, who has been involved in multiple presidential transitions, told Committee staff that the Department of State’s gift vault was in “complete disarray” at the end of the Trump Administration.
The Committee is requesting all documents and communications related to foreign gifts received by President Trump or his family members, including information on each gift’s value, its location or disposition, the identity of the donor, payment, and reporting. The Committee is also requesting all communications between the National Archives and Records Administration and former President Trump, his family members, or White House staff related to foreign gifts by June 20, 2022.
MALONEY PROBES SAUDI’S $2B KUSHNER INVESTMENT: On June 2, Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney, Chairwoman of the Committee on Oversight and Reform, sent a letter to Jared Kushner, son-in-law of former President Trump and former senior White House advisor, requesting documents on a major investment in his firm, A Fin Management, LLC (Affinity) by the Saudi Government. The Committee is also investigating whether Mr. Kushner’s personal financial interests improperly influenced U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East under the Trump Administration.
“Your support for Saudi interests was unwavering, even as Congress and the rest of the world closely scrutinized the country’s human rights abuses in Yemen, the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi by Saudi assassins tied to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and Saudi Arabia’s crackdown on political dissidents at home. After leaving your senior White House position, you formed an investment firm, A Fin Management, LLC (Affinity) and raised $2 billion from the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), the sovereign wealth fund of Saudi Arabia, which is controlled by the Crown Prince,” wrote Chairwoman Maloney.
On January 21, 2021, the day after the Trump Administration ended, Mr. Kushner incorporated Affinity in the state of Delaware. Six months later, Affinity secured a $2 billion investment—the majority of its assets under management—from the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF)—the sovereign wealth fund of Saudi Arabia. PIF is led by the Crown Prince, with whom Mr. Kushner developed a very close relationship while a senior adviser to former President Trump. Affinity’s public filings indicate that PIF’s investment will generate $25 million in annual asset management fees for Affinity, in addition to a share of any profits made—representing a substantial windfall for Mr. Kushner, Affinity’s sole owner.
Saudi Arabia reportedly made this investment despite senior officials’ concerns about the “inexperience of the Affinity Fund management” and after concluding that Affinity’s operations were “unsatisfactory in all aspects”—raising questions about the purpose of PIF’s substantial investment. The concerns were reportedly overridden by PIF’s board, led by the Crown Prince.
A presentation to potential investors prepared by Affinity suggests that the firm’s business model is focused on trading on the relationships Mr. Kushner built while working in the White House. The presentation highlights Affinity’s “unique network and experience” and the various foreign policy initiatives that Mr. Kushner “led,” “oversaw,” or was “instrumental” in facilitating while working in the Trump White House.
“The Committee on Oversight and Reform is investigating whether you have improperly traded on your government position to obtain billions of dollars from the Saudi government and whether your personal financial interests improperly influenced U.S. foreign policy during the administration of your father-in-law, former President Trump. This investigation will inform the Committee about whether federal ethics laws should be strengthened to prevent senior public officials from taking advantage of their position within the federal government to reap a financial windfall—before, during, or after government employment,” Chairwoman Maloney wrote.
In 2019, the Committee released two reports detailing how Mr. Kushner pushed a project to share nuclear power technology with Saudi Arabia over the concerns of senior U.S. national security leaders. The Saudi nuclear project, if successful, would have benefitted an asset management firm, Brookfield Asset Management, which subsequently bailed out a troubled property owned by Mr. Kushner’s family’s real estate business, Kushner Companies.
Chairwoman Maloney asked Mr. Kushner and Affinity to produce documents, including personal communications and records, by June 16.
‘HUGE VICTORY FOR NURSING HOME RESIDENTS’: On June 3, Assemblymember Ron Kim issued the following statement on the passage of the Grieving Families Act (A.6770/S.74-A), an act that would amend the state’s harsh Wrongful Death statute and extend the statute of limitations for filing claims.
Assemblyman Kim: “Earlier this morning, the Senate and Assembly came to an agreement on the passage of the Grieving Families Act (A.6770/S.74-A), an act that would amend the Wrongful Death Statute and extend the statute of limitations claims to 3.5 years.
New York’s Wrongful Death Law has remained unchanged since 1847. It became law during the industrial revolution, when wealthy landowners wanted to protect their profits instead of the safety of low-wage workers. Therefore, the law strictly limited damages to pecuniary losses, which are defined as the monetary value of the financial support and services that the deceased would have provided, and not the emotional pain or suffering of grieving families left behind.
When we measure the worth of a person’s life on an economic basis, we normalize negligent and abusive treatment of those deemed economically expendable. This new statute is game-changing; it will reshape the way long-term facilities and hospitals treat their patients. It will systemically root out negligence because it mandates our courts to recognize the universal value of life.
Although nothing will bring back their loved ones, the pain and suffering of New York’s nursing home families will no longer be in vain. Due to the families’ and my initial fight to pass “The Justice For Nursing Home Victims Package,” which amended the Wrongful Death Statute, included a Victim Compensation Fund, and extended the Statute of Limitations, we were able to achieve this outcome. I’ am proud that we led the way on a critical issue for our State.
BILLS MAKE PRESCRIPTION DRUGS MORE AFFORDABLE: Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. and his Senate colleagues advanced legislation to improve the accessibility and affordability of prescription drugs for all New Yorkers.
“This package of bills will greatly improve patient access to critical care and reduce prescription drugs for hard-working individuals,” said Senator Addabbo. “Exorbitant healthcare costs have forced some individuals to forgo critical medications or delay seeking treatment while others have struggled with mounting medical debt. I’m proud to approve bills to help lower the cost of medicine, hold pharmaceutical companies accountable, and allow residents to afford the care they need,” Addabbo concluded.
In addition to cost-saving initiatives, the legislation will promote prescription drug awareness and provide information on cost-increase measures. One bill requires pharmaceutical companies to offer a sixty-day notice of their intent to raise the cost of a prescription drug if the increase is greater than 10%.
Bills passed by both the Senate and Assembly awaiting the Governor’s approval:
Additional legislation passed by the Senate:
TOWNSEND HARRIS GETS $250K FOR BRIDGE PROGRAM: NYS Senator Toby Ann Stavisky and Assembly Member Nily Rozic announced $250,000 in State funding for Townsend Harris High School’s Bridge Year Program. They spent the afternoon talking to students who benefited from the program and have taken courses such as English, Astronomy, Sociology, and Urban Studies.
Townsend Harris High School (THHS) has always offered their seniors a unique opportunity to attend classes at Queens College and earn college credit. Under the previous mayoral administration, there were attempts to cut the program despite strong support from local elected officials, the THHS administration, faculty and students.
Senator Stavisky, who led the fight in the State Senate for the funding stated, “This is a program that should be replicated throughout New York City. With the ever-growing costs of college, this gives students a foot in the door while at the same time exposing them to the excellent opportunities that Queens College has to offer.”
Assembly Member Rozic who is an alumna of Townsend Harris High School and benefited from the Bridge Year Program herself said, “Giving our students the tools to advance in their higher education is imperative for their success at the university level and beyond. I am proud to have secured funding with Senator Stavisky for the Queens College Bridge Program at Townsend Harris High School which will help transition high school seniors to the new responsibilities of college coursework and allow them to gain college credits at no additional cost to families.”
Since taking the helm at Townsend Harris High School five years ago, Principal Brian Condon has been an outspoken proponent of the program and has brought together City and State officials to keep the program running.
“On behalf of the entire Townsend Harris Community, I thank State Senator Toby Stavisky and Assembly Member Nily Rozic for securing $250,000 to fund our renowned Queens College Bridge Year Program,” said Principal Condon. “Their visionary leadership and willingness to fight to keep this program alive for another year will ensure that the next senior class of Townsend Harris High School students will attend college courses while in high school. Furthermore, it will continue to allow Townsend Harris High School at Queens College, a public high school, to be a place that offers students of all backgrounds the greatest educational opportunities this city and state have to offer.“
With a new City administration now in place, the elected officials hope this funding brings fresh opportunities for the school and encourage the new Mayor and City Council to continue to invest in the Bridge Year Program.
PRIMARY PREP WITH QPL INFO SESSIONS: Be Heard at the Upcoming NY State Primary Election on June 28! Get ready with these programs. Join Queens Public Library and NYC Votes and learn more about voting, why it’s important, and how you can be best prepared. QPL is offering interactive information and discussion sessions to keep all New Yorkers informed and ready for the polls.
Get Primary Election Ready! Voter Info Session with NYC Votes (Virtual) Looking to impact your neighborhood? The ballot box gives the community power. But what are your rights as a voter? What do the people you vote for actually do? How do you vote, and what offices are on the ballot? You will have the opportunity to join the conversation and ask about key issues impacting you! Together we can shape the future of our nation, state, and local communities. Register here: www.eventbrite.com/e/get-primaryelection-ready-voter-information-session-with-nyc-votes-tickets-348817982977
NYC Votes! Learn About Upcoming Elections (In-Person). Join NYC Votes for a voter engagement session! Participants will learn the basics of how to register to vote, who’s on the ballot, and why it matters. School students who attend may earn 1 hour of community service. Thursday, June 23, 6pm, Central Library (89-11 Merrick Boulevard, Jamaica).
HOCHUL: $83M SAFETY ENHANCEMENT ON LIE STARTS: Governor Kathy Hochul announced that construction has begun on an $83 million project in Queens to enhance traffic flow and reduce congestion on the eastbound Long Island Expressway (I-495) between the entrance ramp from the southbound Clearview Expressway to the Exit 29 ramp to Springfield Boulevard. The project will construct a new auxiliary lane, reconstruct two entrance ramps and one exit ramp, and improve the acceleration and deceleration lanes within the project limits. This is part of the FY 2023 Enacted Budget’s record $32.8 billion, five-year DOT Capital Plan to improve the State’s roads, bridges, airports, rail facilities, ports, and other transit systems.
“Safety is a top priority for our transportation infrastructure, which is why we are investing in these critical enhancements along the Long Island Expressway,” Governor Hochul said. “We remain laser-focused on making our infrastructure safer and more efficient, and investing in infrastructure projects like this will ensure our communities and transportation networks across the state are well-connected. Motorists on this busy section of the highway have historically experienced heavy congestion and delays, and this project will help ease travel to the benefit of local residents and everyone who uses this critical corridor.”
The new auxiliary lane, which is being constructed adjacent to the three-lane main highway, will ease lane changing maneuvers by providing a continuous lane for traffic entering and exiting the eastbound Long Island Expressway between southbound Clearview Expressway and Springfield Boulevard.
Alongside the auxiliary lane, two consecutive entrance ramps (from northbound Clearview Expressway and from Horace Harding Expressway at 212th Street) and one exit ramp (to Springfield Boulevard) will be realigned, the ramps’ acceleration and deceleration lanes will be extended, and the distance between the entrance ramp from Horace Harding Expressway at 212th Street and the exit ramp to Springfield Boulevard will be increased. The addition of the auxiliary lane, together with the ramp modifications, will improve traffic flow and eliminate the need for two yield signs currently located at the entrance ramp from the northbound Clearview Expressway and the entrance ramp from Horace Harding Expressway at 212th Street.
The project will also include the construction of noise barriers along the eastbound and westbound Long Island Expressway within the project limits, with a total noise barrier length of 6,500 feet that will reduce traffic noise for more than 300 homes.
Additionally, the project will replace the bridge carrying Oceania Street in Bayside over the eastbound and westbound Long Island Expressway to accommodate the new eastbound auxiliary lane below. Exclusive left-turn lanes will also be constructed on the bridge at both the northbound and southbound intersections with Horace Harding Expressway, which will increase the storage capacity for left-turning vehicles in both directions. The project will install a new pavement surface, new striping, new signage, and new traffic signals that will include optimized signal timings to reduce delays and backup for the left-turning vehicles at the Oceania Street and Horace Harding Expressway intersections.
The new bridge will also provide enhanced safety for pedestrians and bicyclists. New sidewalks, which will be built on both the east and west sides of the bridge, will accommodate pedestrians and bicyclists. A road safety feature called rumble strips (which produce perceptible vibrations) will be installed within the sidewalks to separate pedestrians and bicyclists.
Other benefits include the reconstruction of accessible curb ramps in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act at both intersections of Oceania Street with Horace Harding Expressway and the installation of Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS), which communicate information about the “Walk” and “Don’t Walk” cycles in a non-visual form for visually-impaired pedestrians. The project will upgrade the existing lighting system to install new LED lighting on and beneath the bridge deck for better visibility. The existing Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) within the project limits will also be upgraded.
ADAMS & ADAMS AGREE ON FY 2023 BUDGET: New York City Mayor Eric Adams, New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, New York City Council Finance Chair Justin Brannan, and members of the City Council announced on June 10 an agreement for an early and balanced city budget for Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23). The budget protects the city’s fiscal health by building record levels of reserves — more than $8.3 billion — and making prudent investments that support an equitable recovery and that make New York City safer, more prosperous, and a better place to live, work, and raise a family.
The agreement on the approximately $101 billion budget builds on fiscally responsible planning by the Adams administration throughout the budget process. It includes a number of new and expanded investments, including investments in low-income and immigrant childcare vouchers, as well as in adult literacy. To help keep public spaces clean, the budget adds resources for additional litter basket service, a waste containerization study, lot cleaning, and rat-resistant litter baskets. And out of a mutual commitment to parks equity, the agreement funds additional Urban Park Rangers, tree stump removal, and improvements to the city’s community gardens and forested areas.
The budget additionally includes an annual contract adjustment to help human and legal services providers who were on the front lines of the pandemic, relief to property owners with a property-tax rebate, and funding for the city’s Cultural Development Fund and Cultural Institutions Group.
The administration and City Council also partnered this year to secure first expansion of the New York City and State Earned Income Tax Credit in 20 years and $4 billion in childcare funding.
Given the importance of planning for the future, the administration and City Council have agreed to deepen their commitment to building reserves; boosting them to $8.3 billion — the highest level in city history. This budget adds $750 million to the Rainy-Day Fund, $750 million to the Retiree Health Benefits Trust, and $500 million to the General Reserve. There is now $1.9 billion in the Rainy-Day Fund, $4.5 billion in the Retiree Health Benefits Trust, and $1.6 billion in the General Reserve, as well as $250 million in the Capital Stabilization Reserve.
Separately, almost $3 billion has been added to the Labor Reserve over the financial plan in anticipation of negotiating labor agreements with the entire represented workforce. In total, the Labor Reserve has been replenished by nearly $4.7 billion over this budget cycle.
Driven primarily by growth in personal income taxes related to a record level of Wall Street activity, the city’s tax revenue forecast has been revised upward over the Executive Budget estimate by just under $3 billion in Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22) and nearly $1.5 billion in FY23. These revenues allowed the city to increase reserves to a record level and reduce the FY23 budget gap by prepaying expenses.
Outyear gaps are manageable, and the budget reflects almost $300 million in savings over FY22 and FY23, bringing total savings achieved by this administration over those years to more than $2.7 billion and $4 billion in financial plan outyears. Additionally, the budget reflects more than $250 million in pension savings in FY23.
PRIDE FLAG INCIDENT AT FOREST HILLS CHURCH: Congress Member Grace Meng, Assembly Member Andrew Hevesi, NYS Senator Joseph Addabbo, and City Council Member Lynn Schulman on the Pride Flag vandalism in Forest Hills: “The 112th NYPD Precinct informed our offices that the Rainbow flag at the Church in the Gardens was torn down Saturday – and has since been found and returned safely to the Church. We are proud to represent a community that celebrates all of our LGBTQ+ neighbors – who make up our elected representatives, community leaders, advocates, friends and people from all walks of life. This was a display of cowardice, and a reminder that we cannot let up in the fight for equality. We thank the Church in the Gardens and 112th Precinct for their response – and look forward to continue celebrating Pride this month and every day thereafter.”
CALLS FOR ‘SAVE OUR STAGES’ EXTENSION FUND: On June 7, Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (NY-12) was joined by representatives of arts institutions and organizations calling for passage of the Save Our Stages Extension Act.
The Save Our Stages Act was signed into law in December 2020 and provided Shuttered Venue Operators Grants (SVOG) to eligible movie theaters, live venue operators, talent representatives, and performing arts organizations equal to 45% of their 2019 gross earnings with a maximum of $10 million in funding.
The Save Our Stages Extension Act was introduced in the House of Representatives in September 2021 and would extend the last day that SVOG recipients may use grant funds from December 31, 2021 to March 11, 2023. As of January, the SVOG program issued more than $1,918,124,440 in relief funds to recipients in the State of New York with more than $808,511,000 in grant dollars dispersed in the 12th Congressional District.
Small live music and entertainment venues have been hard-hit during the coronavirus pandemic. Earlier this year, the National Independent Venue Association reported a 50-percent no-show rate for ticketholders, which is significantly higher than the typical five percent of ticket buyers who don’t attend a performance. This has devastated many venues, which often rely on in-house sales to pay core bills.
“New York City – my district in particular – is the arts and culture capital of the world,” said Rep. Maloney. “What is New York without Broadway, off-Broadway, and independent theaters? COVID-19 decimated most of the industry, which is why I was so thrilled when the Save Our Stages Act was signed into law in December 2020. This critical legislation provided grants to eligible movie theaters, live venue operators, talent representatives, and performing arts organizations equal to 45% of their 2019 gross earnings with a maximum of $10 million in funding. This much needed financial relief provided a lifeline to institutions across the country, including so many in New York City, allowing them to re-open and continue the integral work of education, entertainment, and creativity. It is about time we release these funds –funds that are already there – by passing The Save Our Stages Extension Act. This will not only have a positive effect on New York City’s economy but on other major arts and cultural economies around the nation. As we move through and rebuild from the COVID-19 crisis, our artists and cultural institutions must be a part of that rebuilding and get the funding that they are entitled to.”
“SVOG is the largest investment in culture ever made by our country. It helped not only performing arts venues, but small dance studios and community cultural organizations to stay alive during the pandemic. And for most live arts organizations, the recovery is not here yet. If SVOG is not extended, if the funds do not go to the hardest hit cultural sector for which it was intended, we will lose valuable cultural spaces and the economy-enlivening activity they bring,” said Lucy Sexton, New Yorkers for Arts and Culture.
“Extending the Shuttered Venues grant program will provide the crucial support needed for performance organizations, especially small ones like my own, to fully continue serving culture- loving audiences and our commitment to uplifting female, BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ artists,” said Ana Mari de Quesada, the Wild Project.
LEE TO HOST COMMUNITY TOWN HALL: On June 28th, at 6PM Council Member Linda Lee’s office will be hosting a Community Town Hall at the Cross Island YMCA with representatives from several city agencies to provide you with essential information! Come by to receive city updates and to make your voice heard!
If you would like to RSVP to attend our town hall and submit a question for an agency, please follow the link here! forms.gle/ruQkNkPv3Df1JXMz7
More agencies to be added.
UNG TO HOST HOUSING RIGHTS CLINIC: City Council Member Sandra Ung will be hosting a Housing Rights Clinic on Friday, June 17 and July 8, 10 am-1 pm, at 135-27 38th Ave, Suite 388, in Flushing, 11354, 718-888-8747; District20@council.nyc.gov. By appointment only, contact Ung’s office for a time slot.
INDICTED FOR SLAYING PAWN SHOP OWNER: Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced that Rodolfo Lopez-Portillo, 48, has been indicted by a Queens County grand jury and arraigned in Supreme Court on murder charges and other crimes. The defendant allegedly struck and killed a 60-year-old pawn shop owner in broad daylight inside the Jamaica Avenue store in March 2022.
District Attorney Katz said, “The defendant has been indicted on murder charges following the fatal beating of a pawn store owner during a broad daylight robbery. Brutal lawlessness against our local business owners is unacceptable and will not go unanswered. The defendant faces a lengthy prison term if convicted for his alleged actions.”
Lopez-Portillo, of Jamaica Avenue in Hollis, was arraigned before Queens Supreme Court Justice Kenneth C. Holder on a five-count indictment. The defendant is charged with two counts of murder in the second degree, two counts of robbery in the first degree and criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree. Justice Holder set the defendant’s return date for July 12. Lopez-Portillo faces up to 25 years-to-life in prison, if convicted.
According to the charges, soon after noon on March 28, 2022, the defendant walked into the Global Pawn Shop on Jamaica Avenue and confronted the store’s owner, Arasb Shoughi. The defendant allegedly used a blunt object to repeatedly strike the 60-year-old victim in the head multiple times. The defendant then allegedly removed property from Mr. Shoughi, along with other items from store shelves, and then left the store.
Mr. Shoughi died as a result of the beating on April 17, 2022.
The defendant was apprehended by police on May 5 in Maryland and extradited to New York to face charges.
MAN CHARGED IN SCHEME TO STEAL WIDOW’S HOME: Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz, along with New York City Sheriff Anthony Miranda and New York City Finance Commissioner Preston Niblick, announced that Christopher Williams, 41, has been charged with grand larceny, falsifying business records, identity theft, scheme to defraud and other crimes. The defendant allegedly used forged paperwork to claim ownership of a Jamaica house that he then sold for nearly $300,000 cash.
District Attorney Katz said, “As alleged, the defendant scammed his way into ownership of property that was never legally his before selling the house for hundreds of thousands of dollars. Deed fraud is unfortunately on the rise throughout the borough and oftentimes, the rightful property owner is not aware that their home was taken away through fraudulent means. That is why the Housing & Worker Protection Bureau I created within the first year of taking office is dedicated to the investigation and prosecution of such crimes. No one should suffer the loss of homeownership at the hands of fraudsters. The defendant has been charged accordingly and faces prison time if convicted.”
Sheriff Miranda said, “Deed Fraud continues to be a priority of the Sheriff’s Office and we will continue to conduct joint investigations with the Queens District Attorney’s Office and other prosecutors to arrest those individuals engaged in this criminal activity and restore ownership to the victims of these fraudulent schemes. The victim in this investigation is an elderly woman and all too often these investigations involve targeting our City’s most vulnerable communities and individuals.”
Finance Commissioner Niblack said, “The Department of Finance has taken several steps to increase awareness and to assist homeowners in identifying potential fraudulent filings on their real property. The success of this investigation is directly related to the implementation of the DOF notification program. The Office of the City Register notifies homeowners whenever a document is filed against their property. The City Register and the Office of the Sheriff work together in identifying potential fraudulent transactions and will continue to aggressively investigate these horrific crimes.”
Williams, of Glenmore Avenue in the Brownsville section of Brooklyn, was arraigned before Queens Criminal Court Judge Joseph Kasper on a complaint charging him with grand larceny in the second degree, criminal possession of stolen property in the second degree, forgery in the second degree, criminal possession of a forged instrument in the second degree, identity theft in the first degree, falsifying business records in the first degree, scheme to defraud in the first degree and offering a false instrument for filing in the second degree. Judge Kasper set the defendant’s return date for July 28, 2022. Williams faces up to 15 years in prison, if convicted.
According to the charges, the victim and her sister inherited the home from their father, who passed away in 2011. Two years later one sister bought out the other and became the sole owner of the Dunlop Avenue home in Jamaica,. The residence remained empty for several years with the victim planning renovations that became stalled due to the coronavirus health pandemic.
DA Katz said in August of 2021, the homeowner received a notification that a new deed, mortgage and other documents had been filed with the Office of the City Register regarding the ownership of the two-story dwelling. Investigators found that in early August 2021, deed-transfer documents were filed with the New York City Department of Finance, Office of the City Register transferring ownership of the home from the defendant, who was listed as the sole heir to the estate of the victim, to a buyer.
According to the complaint, the documents also show that the property was allegedly sold by Williams for $270,000 on August 6, 2021. A deed transfer was submitted along with notification that a mortgage in the amount of $360,000 had been acquired against the property by the new owner.
Continuing, said the DA, in order to sell the home, the defendant was required to submit several documents, including his birth certificate and the death certificates for the victim and her father, who was a retired police officer. All documents were provided and the closing proceeded. A review of the birth certificate listed the victim as the defendant’s mother, even though her last name was misspelled. An allegedly forged death certificate for the victim included the property’s address and a date of death as July 9, 2017.
This all occurred without the victim’s knowledge or consent and while she was very much alive.
CHEF JOSÉ ANDRÉS URGES CONTINUED SUPPORT FOR UKRAINIANS AT HEARING: On June 10, Rep. Stephen F. Lynch, Chairman of the Subcommittee on National Security, held a hearing to examine the humanitarian crisis resulting from Russia’s unprovoked war against Ukraine and the efforts of international aid organizations to deliver urgently needed assistance to support civilians affected by the conflict. “Thanks to the extraordinary work of international humanitarian organizations such as World Central Kitchen, Doctors Without Borders, Save the Children, the International Rescue Committee, and Samaritan’s Purse, aid is fortunately making its way into Ukraine,” said Chairman Lynch in his opening statement.
“Their task is complicated and made more dangerous, however, by indiscriminate violence and shelling of civilian areas and key infrastructure nodes. As Russia shifts its military objectives toward Eastern Ukraine, the international humanitarian community may only be beginning to understand the full extent of destruction and suffering the Russian military has left in their wake.” “For more than three months, Russian forces have carried out a campaign of terror against the Ukrainian people. They have indiscriminately targeted and killed thousands of innocent civilians, destroyed Ukrainian schools and hospitals, brought Ukraine’s farmlands to ruin, and decimated entire cities,” said Chairwoman Maloney in her opening statement. “Moving forward, it will be critical for Congress to work with the Biden Administration to efficiently distribute humanitarian aid and continue to unite our allies in support of the Ukrainian people.”
The Subcommittee heard testimony from José Andrés, Founder and Chief Feeding Officer of World Central Kitchen; Christopher Stokes, Emergency Coordinator for Ukraine at Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders; Amanda Catanzano, Acting Vice President for Global Policy and Advocacy for the International Rescue Committee; Pete Walsh, Country Director for Ukraine with Save the Children; and Edward Graham, Vice President of Operations for Samaritan’s Purse.
Witnesses testified about the massive humanitarian crisis resulting from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and its implications for the entire world.
Witnesses emphasized that structural changes and reforms are needed to improve how the
international community responds to urgent humanitarian needs around the world.
Witnesses warned that Ukrainian civilians, especially children, face risk sexual and gender-based violence, human trafficking, and psychosocial trauma, and emphasized that special considerations are required for their psychological and physical health.
ROZIC’S LEGISLATIVE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF 2022: Assemblywoman Nily Rozic (D, WF–Fresh Meadows) announced that she passed 6 pieces of legislation that now await the Governor’s approval. The bills address issues ranging from consumer protection to improving Holocaust education to modernizing government.
“While there is always more to be done, I’m proud of my many legislative accomplishments this session that will benefit so many New Yorkers – from students to consumers,” said Assemblywoman Nily Rozic. “I look forward to returning to Albany next year to continue advocating for the legislative fixes our community and all New Yorkers need.”
Among other accomplishments, Rozic passed legislation that:
Rozic also championed legislation that strengthened gun laws and increased access to abortion and reproductive health care.
JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION EVENTS & BOOKLISTS: Queens Public Library has suggested books, programs, and resources to help everyone celebrate Juneteenth, the annual celebration of the end of slavery in the United States. “Check out our reading lists and resources and join us for in-person and virtual programs to learn more about this important day in U.S. history. Visit our blog to learn more. Please note: All Queens Public Library locations will be closed on Monday, June 20 in observance of Juneteenth.
WEPRIN ENDORSES ZIMMERMAN: Assemblyman David Weprin has endorsed long-time advocate and Long Island businessman Robert Zimmerman for Congress. Assemblyman Weprin said, “I am proud to endorse Robert Zimmerman for the United States Congress. As someone who has served his community in public office, I know that Robert has the drive and tenacity to deliver for the people of Queens and Nassau Counties. Robert will be a champion for our district in Washington, fighting to ensure that we receive the support we need to preserve and enhance our quality of life. Keeping our communities safe, providing our local schools with much needed resources, preserving our open spaces and supporting our vital small businesses are just some examples of where Robert will take the lead for us. I look forward to working with him on these issues and many more when he represents us in Washington. Please join me in supporting Robert Zimmerman for Congress in NY3.”
Robert Zimmerman is an activist, Democratic Party leader, and business owner running for Congress in New York’s 3rd District. Supporters note, “A resident of Great Neck, Zimmerman has proudly been a leading advocate for defending voting rights, combatting the climate crisis, protecting the right to a safe and legal abortion, and preventing gun violence, among other issues. Since entering the race for NY-03, Zimmerman has led the Democratic field in fundraising and endorsements from across the district.”
The Democratic Congressional Primary is now scheduled for Tuesday, August 23rd. For more information on Zimmerman’s campaign, visit zimmermanforcongress.com.
KIM OPENS ASSOCIATION ON AGING CONFERENCE: Assemblymember Ron Kim delivered the opening remarks at the Association on Aging in New York Conference. He primarily focused on the historic passage of New York’s Wrongful Death Statute and the extension of the Statute of Limitations. The bill (S.74A/A.6770) passed both houses in the legislature and is awaiting the governor’s signature. The new statutes would pave the way for nursing home families to seek redress in the courts for the death of their loved ones during the pandemic.
The Association on Aging in New York (AgingNY) supports and advocates for New York’s 59 mostly county-based Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) and works collaboratively with a network of organizations to promote independence, preserve dignity, and provide support for residents of New York State as they age.
Assemblymember Ron Kim, Chair of the Committee on Aging, said: “For over 160 years, New York State’s wrongful death claims have been settled in strict pecuniary terms —financial losses— that unjustly minimized the value of life. But this bill, which passed in the Assembly 147-0, will update the state’s wrongful death statute to recognize the intangibles, the familial, social, and emotional impact and loss caused by a victim’s death, and extend the statute of limitation to 3.5 years (from 2 years), giving families more time to grieve while collecting evidence for negligence. In recognizing the trauma, pain, and suffering caused by loss of a loved one, we join most other states that allow the courts to determine the worth of a human being beyond their ‘economic value.’ I implore the governor to sign this new bill into law, without hesitation, to deliver justice to nursing home families”
CANDIDATES ON SAN FRANCISCO DA RECALL: Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, NY-1), the Republican Party and Conservative Party designee for Governor, issued the following statement after voters in San Francisco recalled District Attorney Chesa Boudin:
“Yesterday, Californians made their voice heard, and, in November, New Yorkers will too when they remove Kathy Hochul for, among many reasons, her refusal to fire pro-criminal Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. New Yorkers are sick and tired of criminals ruling our streets, and they’re ready to end
NY gubernatorial candidate, Republican Andrew Giuliani said: “It turns out rampant shoplifting, drug dealing and car thefts are unacceptable for the people of San Francisco, who voted to recall their activist DA, Chesa Boudin. Americans are begging to be safe on their streets again. As governor, I’ll recall any district attorney who chooses to serve the criminals instead of the people — and I’ll start with Manhattan’s Alvin Bragg.”
For more info on Giuliani, visit SaveNY.org.
KIM ENDORSEMENTS: On June 8, Assembly Member Ron Kim received a rousing endorsement and show of support from Councilman Christopher Marte, homecare attendants, labor advocates, and local residents in front of the Flushing Library. The attendees spoke about his persistent commitment to protecting workers, including the fight to end the 24-hour workday in New York, and his advocacy for women of color in fields like the homecare industry. Some of them spoke about their difficult experiences in the field, and urged their fellow New Yorkers to re-elect Assemblyman Kim in this year’s Assembly District 40 Election.
Assembly Member Kim said, “Today I received one of the most significant endorsements of my entire political career from hundreds of homecare workers. These mostly immigrant women workers represent people like my mother, who worked for years under horrible and exploitative conditions. I am truly grateful for their support. Although we have secured some victories this year, like the legislature’s passage of the wrongful death statute, we still have unfinished business at hand, including our efforts to fully and completely end the 24-hour workday and ban forced arbitration clauses. I would like to thank everyone for coming out today, and for their continued support in this year’s election.”
Council Member Christopher Marte said, “Assembly Member Ron Kim’s integrity and commitment to justice is unmatched in Albany. His work to end the 24-hour workday for home attendants, a workforce that’s almost entirely women of color, and majority immigrants, is emblematic of this commitment. His bombshell report exposed the deep corruption of a high-profile nonprofit and made him a target of organizations that have been complicit in destroying the lives of these working women. Where other politicians might cave under this amount of pressure, the Assembly Member has stood tall. He refuses to let these women’s voices be buried by powerful special interests. His passion for fighting for working people is matched by his actions to bring them justice. I am proud to endorse Assembly Member Ron Kim for re-election, and I encourage his constituents to vote to send their champion back to Albany.”
Lai Yee Chan, former CPC Home Attendant, said, “My name is Lai Yee Chan, and I am a former CPC Home Attendant. I and home attendants from many different agencies support AM Ron Kim’s re-election! In the Chinese community, CPC takes the lead in forcing us immigrants and women of color to work 24-hour workdays, damaging our health and affecting our family relations. Many elected officials, knowing CPC’s abuse against us, choose to remain silent, and some even speak for CPC to maintain the 24-hour workdays. It was AM Kim who fearlessly stood up for us by publicizing a groundbreaking report to expose CPC’s labor law violations and wrongdoings. He’s taking the lead to abolish the 24-hour workdays. He’s truly caring about the community and speaking for women and workers!”
Hyesuk Li, former Home Attendant, said, “I have been fighting to end the 24-hour workday – it is very bad for our health and bad for the patients too. Assemblymember Ron Kim has been fighting against the racism home care workers face in the State of New York. That’s why I urge everyone to vote for Ron Kim! If we want Ron to continue to fight for us home attendants and workers in Albany, we must vote for him on June 28th.”
Ah Qing, former Home Attendant, said, “I’m Ah Qing, and I worked 24-hour workday shifts several years in a row. The 24-hour workday schedule for home care workers is very tiring, we usually have no sleep at night, at best catching a quick nap while sitting, and have to answer the patient as soon as they call. I feel like my whole body has collapsed. The 24-hour workday is not a job for human beings. I thank AM Kim for advocating for us home attendants. We urge everyone to support the re-election of AM Kim, so that he can continue to help workers by helping to abolish the 24-hour workday. Thank you.”
GIULIANI ON NEW SIENA POLL ON HIGH CRIME RATES: Gubernatorial candidate Andrew Giuliani reacted to the latest poll from the Siena College Research Institute, which found that 75% of New Yorkers fear they’ll be the victim of violent crime, with many blaming Mayor Adams and Governor Hochul for taking New York City and State in the wrong direction.
Giuliani supporters noted, “It’s a sobering fact that New Yorkers no longer feel safe in their own neighborhoods. Progressive policies like bail reform and defunding the police are costing us precious lives. All of that will end on Day One under Governor Giuliani.”
To see the Siena Poll, visit bit.ly/3xbT9Js.
ASIAN WAVE ENDORSES ZELDIN FOR GOVERNOR: The Asian Wave Alliance (AWA) just endorsed the candidacy of Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, NY-1), the Republican Party and Conservative Party designee for Governor.
“Lee Zeldin was the first gubernatorial candidate to reach out to NYC’s Asian communities and has continued to engage us throughout his candidacy, “said AWA President Yiatin Chu. “Mr. Zeldin heard our fears on public safety, our children being discriminated against in educational opportunities and our immigrant struggles as small business and property owners, and promised to make our concerns his top priority as Governor. We wholeheartedly endorse Lee Zeldin for Governor in the Republican Primary on June 28.”
HOLDEN, SUOZZI ENDORSE CANDO FOR NYS ASSEMBLY D30: At the triangle of 69th Street and Grand Avenue in Maspeth, Ramon Cando was officially endorsed by both U.S. Representative Tom Suozzi, who is also gubernatorial candidate for NYS, and NYC Council Member Robert Holden, who represents Glendale, Maspeth, and Woodside.
Cando declared his candidacy for the recently approved NYS Assembly District 30, which includes Maspeth, Elmhurst, Woodside, and Jackson Heights. He will be competing in the June 28th democratic primary.
Representative Suozzi said, “Our State needs leadership that will work to prioritize public safety. With Ramon Cando, we have a leader who understands the importance of safe streets, plus he knows what to do make that happen.”
Council Member Holden said, “Almost every week, we hear of another shooting, another hate crime, or more robberies taking place in our communities. Enough is enough! It’s time to take back our city, and along with Cando, I’m fighting to make sure our streets are safe again.”
Candidate for NYS Assembly District 30, Ramon Cando stated, “I am honored to have the support of our Congressmember and next Governor for the State of New York, Tom Suozzi who I fully support and endorse.
“I am honored to have the support of our local Councilman and fighter for our community Bob Holden! Thank you both. With your support we are in a stronger position to win and Fix Albany!
“Every day we hear about shootings, robberies and quality of life in our community is worse every day. As the next Assembly member for the 30th District, I will fight for more police officers, more mental health services and support our law enforcement officers. We need public safety now!
“My opponent has been a cheerleader for #defundthepolice. In his last failed campaign for city council, he campaigned as a defund the police candidate and even signed a pledge to defund the police.
“We don’t need another socialist trying to fool us. The people need to know the truth. No more excuses and pandering politics. I will govern as a common-sense Democrat looking for real solutions.”
Ramón Cando is a current Democratic District Leader having won an election in 2020 for AD 35. Now, after redistricting, Cando resides in the new 30th Assembly District. He is seeking the Democratic nomination for the NYS Assembly as a common-sense Democrat who supports public Safety. Cando is also a union member of Local 78 LIUNA.
UNIFORMED SANITATIONMENS UNION ENDORSES MALONEY: On June 9, the Uniformed Sanitationmenʼs Association Local 831 IBT endorsed Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney for re-election to represent New Yorkʼs 12th Congressional District. “As a long-time public servant and resident of Manhattan, you have devoted your life to service of your neighbors and our city. Over the course of your career, you have served in appointed and elected offices at all levels of city, state, and federal government. Your experience has given you unique perspectives of the workings of government, and your legislative accomplishments on behalf of your constituents and all residents of New York City are unparalleled. Especially endearing to our brothers and sisters has been your work on issues related to the September 11th terrorist attacks. When we consider your years of service and commitment and devotion to your neighbors and all New Yorkers, the men and women of the USA are proud to stand with you in your efforts to continue to represent the men, women, and families of New Yorkʼs 12th Congressional District,” said Harry Nespoli, President, Uniformed Sanitationmenʼs Association Local 831 IBT.
“I am deeply grateful to the Uniformed Sanitationmenʼs Association Local 831 IBT and Harry Nespoliʼs support,” said Rep. Maloney. “They were critical partners in my passing victims compensation for the 9/11 responders and survivors, frontline heroes throughout the COVID-19 crisis, and I am honored to have their support in my campaign for re-election.”
21 YEARS FOR 2019 FAR ROCKAWAY SHOOTING: Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced on June 9 that Michael Hall, 36, has been sentenced to 21 years in prison for the December 2019 fatal shooting of a 45-year-old man in front of a Far Rockaway deli. The defendant pleaded guilty to manslaughter last month in Queens Supreme Court.
District Attorney Katz said, “Gun violence is an epidemic that has brought too much heartache to our communities. Last month, the defendant admitted guilt in the December 2019 shooting that took the life of a man in Far Rockaway. He has now been sentenced by the Court and will spend a lengthy time in prison as punishment for his callous actions.”
Hall, of Rockaway Beach Boulevard in Far Rockaway, pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the first degree before Queens Supreme Court Justice Ushir Pandit-Durant last month. Justice Pandit-Durant on June 9 imposed the sentence of 21 years in prison, to be followed by five years’ post release supervision.
According to Court records, at approximately 6:15 p.m., on December 18, 2019, the defendant encountered 45-year-old Dion Gumby in front of a deli convenience store near the intersection of Rockaway Beach Boulevard and Beach 88th Street. Video surveillance footage shows the two men exchanged words before the defendant pulled out a gun and fired multiple shots. The victim was struck in the abdomen, torso and arm. Mr. Gumby succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital.
The defendant fled from the scene and was arrested approximately two weeks later.
—With contributions by Annette Hanze Alberts
This column was originated by John A. Toscano
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