Crowley Trashes Trump On Tax Day
U.S. Rep. and House Democratic Chairman Joe Crowley (D-Sunnyside, Astoria, College Point, East Elmhurst, Jackson Heights, Corona, Woodside, parts of the Bronx) yesterday criticized President Donald Trump’s new tax reform measures on the deadline for Americans to file their federal income taxes. In the following statement he said:
“As families and small businesses file their taxes, the extent of President Trump’s broken promises to the American people is becoming increasingly clear.
“President Trump and congressional Republicans promised to fix our broken tax system, provide relief to hard-working families, and promote job growth. Instead, they passed a tax scam that leaves the hard-working men and women of Queens, the Bronx, and the country behind.
“Each day, we continue to learn more about the true consequences of this tax scam and how it is hurting the financial stability of Americans by giving special corporate interests billions of dollars in tax cuts instead of lifting up the middle-class.
“The American people deserve better. That’s why Democrats have a vision to give hardworking families much-needed tax relief, create good-paying jobs, and expand opportunities for all Americans. This is the better deal we’ve promised the American people and we will continue to fight for it.”
Meeks Statement on Speaker Ryan’s Planned Retirement
U.S. Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-Jamaica, Laurelton, Rosedale, Cambria Heights, Saint Albans, Springfield Gardens, Far Rockaway, JFK Airport) last week wished House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) well after his announcement that he will not seek reelection.
“Paul Ryan has been a committed, hard-working Representative for the people of Wisconsin’s First District for nearly twenty years. Though we have been on opposing sides of most issues throughout our time serving together, we were able to find common ground on others. Yet, even in times of disagreement, Paul held fast to his principles without being disagreeable,” said Meeks.
“I hope that in his remaining months as Speaker, Paul Ryan will return the House to regular order and restore the bipartisanship the American people deserve. I wish Paul, Janna, and their children nothing but the best as they prepare for their next chapter.”
Ulrich Announces Expansion of Sanitation Services Along Jamaica Avenue
City Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Belle Harbor, Breezy Point, Broad Channel, Hamilton Beach, Howard Beach, Lindenwood, Neponsit, Ozone Park, Rockaway Beach, Rockaway Park, South Ozone Park, Woodhaven) yesterday announced the expansion of sanitation services along Jamaica Avenue after securing $14,815 for the clean-up initiative, which will add two days of litter basket pick-up between 80th Street and 114th Street until the end of the fiscal year.
“Jamaica Avenue is one of the busiest commercial strips in Queens, and in certain areas, garbage accumulates faster than it can be picked up. Even with five days of litter basket pick-up, it is a great challenge for local business owners to keep it clean,” said Ulrich. “I am proud to partner with DSNY to fund this initiative, which will reduce litter by providing trash pick-up seven days a week.”
The announcement is the latest of clean-up initiatives that Ulrich funded aimed to beautify the most problematic areas in the district.
Earlier this year, announced a series of upgrades and clean-up efforts at the Albert Road Triangle in Ozone Park. The former eyesore, located at the corner of Albert Road, North Conduit Avenue and 99th Place, was a hot spot for litter, graffiti and illegal concrete dumping.
Ulrich also funded a clean-up initiative in Broad Channel through Wildcat Service Corporation. The Councilman’s efforts targeted trash-prone areas between the Joseph P. Addabbo Memorial Bridge and the Broad Channel Athletic Club.
Additionally, the lawmaker secured more than $85,000 for the expansion of sanitation services along Cross Bay Boulevard, between Liberty Avenue and 165th Avenue. The initiative included additional trash pick-up locations, as well as mechanical broom sweeping services.
“I am proud of all that we have been able to accomplish together. This past year, my office made several investments that will beautify our community, and we are far from finished,” Ulrich said. “Ensuring the quality of life for my constituents is a top priority. Our community is the cleanest it ever has been, and I am confident that we will continue to make great progress in the years to come.”
Lancman Leads Joint Hearing On ‘Raise the Age’ Legislation
City Council Member Rory I. Lancman (D-Briarwood, Cunningham Park, Flushing, Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Fresh Meadows, Hollis, Holliswood, Jamaica, Jamaica Estates, Jamaica Hills, Kew Gardens, Kew Gardens Hills, Richmond Hill), today will co-chair a council oversight hearing to examine the city’s preparedness to ‘raise the age’, as state law requires.
In April 2017, the state legislature passed a bill to raise the age of criminal responsibility to 17-years old beginning on October 1, 2018, and then to 18 years-old by October 2019.
Lancman chairs the council’s Justice System Committee. City Councilman Andy King (D-Bronx), chair of the council’s Committee on Juvenile Justice, is the other co-chair in the joint hearing.
“Raising the age of criminal responsibility is a vital reform to our state’s justice system, and we must make sure that New York City is ready to implement this legislation. Tomorrow’s hearing will highlight if the City is on track to meet the October 1 deadline and what challenges still remain,” Lancman said Yesterday.
The hearing is slated for 1 p.m., today, April 18 at City Hall in Lower Manhattan. It is open to the public.
