U.S. Rep. Crowley Says Tillerson Should Demand Human Rights On Trip to Burma
U.S. Rep. Joe Crowley (D-Sunnyside, Astoria, College Point, East Elmhurst, Jackson Heights, Corona, Woodside, Bronx), the House Democratic Caucus Chair, yesterday called on U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson should strongly step to the plate and put pressure on Burma to stop the reported ethnic cleansing of the Rohingya people – which are a majority Muslim, but some Hindu population.
Crowley’s comments come as Tillerson is traveling to the Asian country this week.
“Secretary Tillerson should demand that serious action is taken to bring an immediate end to the persecution of the Rohingya people. The facts coming out of Burma are horrific – widespread sexual violence has been perpetrated against women and girls, 250,000 children are now refugees, and hundreds of villages have been burned to the ground. There is no question that murderous ethnic cleansing is occurring in Burma.
“Given the Burmese authorities’ total denial of what is happening within their borders, Secretary Tillerson should use this trip to press for real solutions, including full and equal rights for the Rohingya. Without meaningful pressure from the United States, this violence against innocent men, women, and children will not end.”
Kim Turkey Giveaway Slated For Next Week
Assemblyman Ron Kim (D-Whitestone, Flushing and Murray Hill) announced yesterday that his office would be partnering with Flushing Town Hall and the Asian Real Estate Association of America (AREAA) to host the 2017 Turkey Giveaway for this holiday season.
The 200 turkeys, sponsored by AREAA, will be distributed to all families in Flushing, and limited to 1 turkey per family.
“I am proud to announce that we will once again be able to host our annual Turkey Giveaway. Thanksgiving is a time of year when we come together in appreciation for what we have and the good in our lives. Sadly, for far too many, something as simple but vital as a Thanksgiving meal has become an unaffordable luxury. That is why I am so glad that my office is partnering with the Flushing Town Hall and AREAA to continue this tradition of giving back to the community.”
The event is slated for 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 21 at the Garden of Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Boulevard, Flushing. All who are interested can reserve a turkey by visiting Assemblyman Kim’s district office, located at 136-20 38th Avenue, Flushing to pick up a voucher ticket. They can also reserve a spot by calling the Assemblymember’s office at (718) 939-0195 on weekdays during regular office hours (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) or by email anytime at events@ronkim.com.
Sanders To Hold Public MWBE Forum
Senator James Sanders Jr., (D-Richmond Hill, South Ozone Park, Jamaica Rochdale Village, Rosedale, parts of Far Rockaway) tomorrow will fold a public forum on the Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprise (WMBE) program
The purpose of the forum is to capture feedback from the business community as the state begins to make changes to the program in the 2018 legislative session and to formulate policy ideas on how to reform Article 15-A. Specifically the certification process, utilization plan and participation goals will be examined as well as allowing for testimonials from the business community.
The measure was signed into law in 1988 and authorized the creation of an Office of Minority and Women’s Business Development to promote employment and business opportunities on state contracts for minorities and women.
Under this statute, state agencies are charged with establishing employment and business participation goals for minorities and women to ensure that the program is as effective as possible.
The forum is slated from 9 a.m. to 12 noon, tomorrow, Nov. 16 at 250 Broadway in Lower Manhattan. Please confirm your attendance by calling 718-523-3069.
