Meeks Part Of Bipartisan Resolution Condemning Russian Chemical Attack
U.S. Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-Jamaica, Laurelton, Rosedale, Cambria Heights, Saint Albans, Springfield Gardens, Far Rockaway, JFK Airport) was part of bipartisan group of six House members that introduced a resolution yesterday expressing solidarity with the victims of the Russian chemical weapons attack in the United Kingdom and strong support for measures to counter Russian aggression.
The resolution came the day after UK Prime Minister Teresa May announced measures, including the expulsion of 23 Russian intelligence agents, in response to the attempted assassination of former Russian military intelligence officer Sergei Skripal.
Other federal lawmakers signing on to the resolution included U.S. Reps. Jim Langevin (D-RI), George Holding (R-NC), Tom Cole (R-OK), Albio Sires (D-NJ) and Joe Wilson (R-SC).
“This attack is a brazen violation of the sovereignty of the United Kingdom and of the rules-based international order,” the House Representatives said in a joint statement. “The use of a chemical weapon is just the latest example of Russia’s attempts to undermine democratic institutions, and we stand together with our allies in stating unequivocally that this aggression cannot be tolerated.”
Addabbo Statement On Forest Hills High School Lockdown
State Sen. Joseph Addabbo Jr. (D-Howard Beach, Ozone Park, Woodhaven, Glendale, Middle Village, Maspeth) yesterday commended the faculty and staff at Forest Hills High School after the school was put on lockdown following reports to a threat to the school, which proved to be a hoax.
“When a threat of violence against our schoolchildren is made — credible or not — it truly brings the issue of school safety home. We cannot overlook or minimize the national attention students garnered during the nationwide walkout on March 14. These students are demanding action to make sure they are safe while attending school,” said Addabbo.
“Although this incident was determined to be a hoax, I commend the faculty and staff at Forest Hills High School for acting according to the guidelines put forth for a situation such as this, as well as the officers from the 112th Precinct for ensuring that everyone inside the school remained safe. I am glad to hear that the person responsible for this hoax is in custody, and pranks such as this should bring greater penalties than just a slap on the wrist,” he added.
Avella On The One-House Senate Budget
State Sen. Tony Avella (D-College Point, Whitestone, Bayside, Flushing, Jamaica Estates, Fresh Meadows, Bellerose, Floral Park, Jamaica, Douglaston, Little Neck, Auburndale, Kissena Park, Briarwood) yesterday hailed the senate’s one-house budget resolution for funding for a number of priorities that help communities within his district and throughout the state.
Among Avella’s priorities included were five pieces of legislation that the Senator has been advocating for over the course of his tenure. Those include S1361, which provides for a discount on driver’s license renewal fees for seniors and S1566, which which authorizes a feasibility study for a potential expansion of the Long Island Motor Parkway.
Also included were S1271, which establishes a uniform distance measurement for sex offenders near schools; S1195, which provides for the payment of death benefits for volunteer fire and ambulance workers within 90 days; and S7423, which provides assistance for dry cleaners and nail salons to make necessary capital improvements.
“I was pleased to see these priorities included in the one-house resolution and know that these items will greatly improve the lives of many across the state. It was a shame that other priorities of immense importance to this state were left out and I had no choice but to vote against this budget but I look forward to significant climate and election reforms, the passage of the DREAM Act, and the inclusion of the women’s agenda in the final budget. As always, I will continue to fight to make my district, my city, and my state a fairer place for everyone,” said Avella.
Meng Announces Winners Of Congressional App Contest
U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Bayside, Flushing, Forest Hills, Rego Park, Fresh Meadows, Glendale, Kew Gardens, Maspeth) yesterday announced that Jashua Veerasammy and Arun Budhoo, juniors at Thomas Edison High School in Jamaica, Queens, have been selected as the winners of the Congresswoman’s Congressional app contest.
The competition, which consisted of entries from students at Queens middle schools and high schools, is part of the “Congressional App Challenge,” a nationwide contest held by the House of Representatives in which students compete by creating and exhibiting an app for mobile, tablet or computer devices.
Veerasammy and Budhoo – along with winners from app contests in Congressional districts throughout the United States – will now be invited to showcase their apps to Members of Congress and members of the tech community at #HouseOfCode, a special reception scheduled to take place on Capitol Hill in April.
Their app is also eligible to be displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol and on the House of Representatives’ official website, www.house.gov.
Veerasammy and Budhoo, who are both 16 years of age, won for their app entitled “VIVID” which seeks to help people become motivated and confident in fitness and health. A video that they created about their app – which was required under the rules of the contest – can be viewed here.
“I am proud to congratulate Jashua and Arun for winning my App Challenge,” said Meng. “I am extremely impressed at how these teens used their creativity and scientific minds to create and develop this impressive piece of work. Their efforts illustrate the outstanding tech skills that exist among Queens students and I salute their passion for technology and writing code. I look forward to welcoming them to Washington next month, and I applaud the talents of all the students who entered my competition.”
