Comrie, Access-A-Ride Reform Group to Host Workshop for Community
State Sen. Leroy Comrie (D-St. Albans, Cambria Heights, Jamaica, Hollis, Rosedale, Laurelton, Kew Gardens, Queens Village) in collaboration with the Access-A-Ride Reform Group, will host an Access-A-Ride “Know Your Rights” Workshop for individuals who currently use or are interested in using the MTA’s Access-A-Ride.
The workshop will feature representatives from the New York City Department for the Aging, New York Lawyers for the Public Interest, and the Center for Independence of the Disabled.
Each representative will present on the work his or her organization is doing to assist seniors and people with disabilities with their transportation needs. Attendees will be given the opportunity to share their experiences and participate in a question and answer session with the presenters.
The workshop is slated for between 7-9 p.m., tonight, Nov. 30 at Emblem Health Neighborhood Care Facility 206-20 Linden Blvd., Cambria Heights.
Crowley On House Resolution Mandating All Members & Staff Get Sexual Harassment Awareness Training
U.S. Rep. & House Democratic Caucus Chairman Joe Crowley (D-Sunnyside, Astoria, College Point, East Elmhurst, Jackson Heights, Corona, Woodside, parts of the Bronx) issued the following statement yesterday after the House passed a resolution mandating that all members and staff receive annual sexual harassment awareness training:
“It is clear how pervasive the problem of sexual harassment and assault is in the American workforce, including the halls of Congress. That must end.
“Today is the beginning of a much-needed reform process – an important first step in our national conversation to change the culture of our workplaces. But this is just the beginning.
“We must quickly reform the entire reporting system here in Congress. We must make sure victims are heard and learned from. And we must shine light on the settlement process. Congress must set the gold standard and ensure our workplace is welcoming, supportive, and safe for all employees.”
Meeks Supports Bill Criminalizing Sharing Of Explicit Images Without Subject’s Consent
U.S. Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-Jamaica, Laurelton, Rosedale, Cambria Heights, Saint Albans, Springfield Gardens, Far Rockaway, JFK Airport) released the below statement yesterday after Rep. Jackie Speier (D-CA) and U.S. Senators Kamala D. Harris (D-CA), Richard Burr (R-NC), and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) yesterday introduced the Ending Nonconsensual Online User Graphic Harassment Act or the ENOUGH Act.
The bill, in which Meeks was an original cosponsor, would criminalize the sharing of private, explicit images without the subject’s consent.
“In this digital age, people can become victims of sexual harassment in an instant, turning their whole lives upside down. Four years ago, Rep. Jackie Speier and I first began working on federal legislation to address the problem of nonconsensual pornography. Since then, 35 states have enacted statutes to combat this heinous practice. Statutes differ from state to state and unfortunately, the adoption of such laws has not been ubiquitous. It is therefore up to Congress to step in and enact a federal law finally criminalizing nonconsensual pornography,” said Meeks.
“Law enforcement organizations, women’s rights groups, family issues organizations, technology companies, and academics all agree: the victims of “revenge porn,” “sextortion,” and other forms of heinous nonconsensual pornography deserve a federal fix. That is why I am proud to join Congresswoman Speier’s effort to finally criminalize—at the federal level—the practice of non-consensual explicit image sharing as the House Democratic Co-Lead and an original cosponsor of the ENOUGH Act.
“This act would not only establish criminal punishment for these serious privacy violations, but would also do so in specific and narrow ways that would respect the First Amendment and civil liberties. In our digital world, it is crucial we enact new laws that both protect our rights as citizens and the safety of our private content,” Meeks added. the shared image to touch on a matter of public concern.
Van Bramer Co-Hosts 8th Annual Skillman Ave. Holiday Lighting
City Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer (D-Astoria, East Elmhurst, Jackson Heights, Long Island City, Maspeth, Sunnyside and Woodside) along with the Skillman Project, the Sunnyside Chamber of Commerce, the Titan Theatre Company, and the Sunnyside Post will host the 8th Annual Skillman Avenue Holiday Lighting Ceremony and Winter Festival this Saturday.
“Come out for songs, festivities, warm cider and hot cocoa provided by Aubergine Cafe, and to support local businesses and celebrate the holiday season! I look forward to seeing you there as we celebrate the holidays and our community,” said Van Bramer.
The kickoff to the festival is slated for between 4-8 p.m., Saturday Dec. 2 on Skillman Avenue between 51st and 43rd Streets. The program, caroling by local schoolchildren, and the tree lighting begins at 6 p.m. in front of the 48th Street Reform Church.
