Meng Joins Students In National School Walkout Day
U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Bayside, Flushing, Forest Hills, Rego Park, Fresh Meadows, Glendale, Kew Gardens, Maspeth) yesterday joined students at the U.S. Capitol for National School Walkout Day, exactly one month after the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.
Meng stood with the thousands of students who descended on Capitol Hill to demand passage of tougher gun safety laws.
“Today, we say enough is enough to gun violence and I am proud to stand in solidarity with America’s students in the fight to prevent additional gun tragedies,” said Meng. “I salute the advocacy and passion of these young men and women and I applaud each and every one of them for taking a stand and making their voices heard. No student should fear going to school and all communities deserve to feel safe. We must keep up the fight to prevent future gun violence and I will continue to do all I can to help make that happen.”
Meng also applauded the courage of Queens students who participated in the walkout at schools in her Congressional district. While she was in Washington, a member of her staff took part in the walkout at the Metropolitan Expeditionary Learning School in Forest Hills.
Schumer Protects Consumers In Wake of Toys R Us Closure
U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY) yesterday announced he is urging the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to step in on behalf of consumers regarding the swirling reports that retailer Toyr R Us is declaring bankruptcy.
Specifically, Schumer is concerned that gift cards that consumers purchased from the toy retailer will not be honored as the company goes through the rumored liquidation process ensues.
“With the entire Toys R Us operation at risk of shutting its doors for good, I am urging the company to redeem outstanding gift cards for cash so they are not as worthless and unwanted as a lump of coal in a stocking,” said Schumer.
“This past holiday season, buoyed by fresh debt financing, Toys R Us gave an ‘all clear’ to consumers, selling toys and gift cards as part of normal operations. However, it appears the music is about to stop for the iconic retailer and consumers could be left in the lurch when it comes to the loss of a whole lot of money in unspent gift cards. It would be a sad toy story if those same consumers got gamed by a Toys R Us closure and left holding useless gift cards that were intended to bring a smile to the face of a child,” he added.
Schumer said that is why it is critical for the FTC to take an immediate look at how the company is handling this unique situation and determine just how many gift cards are out there.
Kim Adds $3 Million In State Budget To Assist Dry Cleaners & Nail Salons
Assemblymember Ron Kim (D-Whitestone, Flushing, Murray Hill) announced yesterday that through his efforts $3 million in new funding to assist dry cleaners and nail salons has once again been added to the New York State Assembly’s budget proposal.
With his successful and successive spearheading of this funding inclusion, Kim continues to advance one of the major tenets of his platform as a legislator: helping New York’s struggling small businesses.
“Small businesses across New York are still struggling in the face of an ever-increasing number of challenges,” said Kim. “This funding is meant to help thousands of small family-owned businesses struggling to keep up with unreachable mandates or pay exorbitant fines. However, we need to make sure the State Senate and governor understand the importance of keeping it in the final budget. I urge any and every New Yorker who supports to measure to let Governor Cuomo and their State Senators know how important it is to ensure this allocations remains for the 2018-2019 fiscal year.”
Peralta Supports NYCHA “Break The Mold” Bill
State Sen. Jose Peralta (D-Corona, East Elmhurst, Elmhurst, Jackson Heights, Woodside) this week threw his full support behind a bill to include the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) in current law that requires mold assessment, remediation and abatement be performed only by a licensed professional.
Sen. Senator Diane Savino (D-Staten Island/Brooklyn) sponsored the measure, which passed the Senate on Tuesday. Under the legislation, NYCHA would be held to the same standards as private entities when remediating mold from apartments.
“NYCHA residents deserve better, much better. It was shocking to learn that six in every 10 NYCHA residents surveyed had mold problems in their apartments. Simply put, this is unacceptable,” said Peralta.
“Lead-paint, boiler installation, falling roofs, mold. When are all these situations going to be stopped, resolved? I applaud Senator Savino’s efforts to deal with the mold problem by including NYCHA under a current law that requires mold assessment, remediation and abatement be done by a licensed expert. This is a great step in trying to put an end to mold damage and ensure residents have habitable conditions in their homes,” the lawmaker added.
Van Bramer Walks Out With Students
City Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer (D-Astoria, East Elmhurst, Jackson Heights, Long Island City, Maspeth, Sunnyside, Woodside) yesterday joined students from Academy of American Studies and Newcomers High School in Long Island City as they participated in the National School Walkout.
“Student leaders invited me to attend and I was honored to stand with them in solidary,” said Van Bramer.
“The shooting in Parkland has activated young people across the country to advocate for their safety and for gun control. It’s inspiring to see these students organizing, getting involved and demanding more from their government. I am confident that as this new generation of leaders continues to meet with, hold accountable and inspire lawmakers, they will change the world,” he added.
Queens Village Republican Club Lincoln Dinner
The Queens Village Republican Club is thrilled to have the honor of Frank J. Gaffney, Jr. former Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Policy under President Ronald Reagan deliver the Abraham Lincoln Address at this year’s Lincoln Dinner, on Sunday March 18.
Gaffney, the founder of the Center for Security Policy has for over 30 years been a leader in the effort to keep our nation secure and free. His leadership has been recognized by some of the most prestigious liberty oriented organizations in the United States.
The 143rd Anniversary Lincoln Dinner is slated for between 3-8 p.m., this Sunday, March 18 at Antun’s, 96-43 Springfield Blvd., Queens Village. For tickets and information visit: www.QVGOP.org. Contact James Trent, Dinner Chair at 718-343-8830 or JTrent8830@aol.com.
