Suozzi Supports U.S. Embassy In Jerusalem
U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-Little Neck, Whitestone, Glen Oaks, Floral Park, Long Island) yesterday lauded the opening of the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem.
“I support the opening of the United States Embassy in Jerusalem. I also support the decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, which prompted today’s embassy opening. Jerusalem has been the focal point of Jewish religious devotion and has already been reaffirmed by Congress as the Israeli capital. It remains a beacon of religious freedom and safeguards the rights of Jews, Muslims and Christians to visit and pray at their respective holy sites,” said Suozzi.
“Today’s embassy opening also signifies that we must continue to work toward a durable and sustainable peace agreement between Israel and the Palestinians resulting in two states – a Jewish, democratic state living side by side next to a demilitarized Palestinian state in peace and security,” he added.
Sanders Wishes Muslim Community A Blessed Ramadan
State Sen. James Sanders (D-Rochdale Village, South Ozone Park) today wished the members of the Muslim community a blessed Ramadan.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, and is observed by Muslims worldwide.
“This month of prayer, fasting and sacrifice marks the revelation of the Koran to the Prophet Muhammad, according to Islamic belief. May you and your family be rewarded with mercy, forgiveness and joy as you embark on this period of spiritual reflection, self-improvement and increased devotion to faith,” said Sanders.
Katz, Queens Boro Cabinet Reviews Neighborhood Police Program
Queens Borough President Melinda Katz and the Queens Borough Cabinet today will hear the New York City Police Department (NYPD) deliver a presentation about the NYPD’s Neighborhood Coordination Officers (NCO) Program.
Since 2015 the NYPD has gradually introduced Neighborhood Policing, a comprehensive crime-fighting strategy built on improved communication and collaboration between local police officers and community residents. Neighborhood Policing reorganizing precincts into four or five fully-staffed sectors that correspond to established neighborhood boundaries.
Each sector is staffed by NCOs who, when not responding to radio calls, devote their time to engage with neighborhood residents, identify local problems, and work toward solutions. NCOs serve as liaisons between the police and the community, as well as key crime-fighters and problem-solvers in the sector.
In addition, the New York City Department of Small Business Services (SBS) will deliver an overview of the services available to small business owners by the SBS Business Support Center.
The meeting is slated for 9:30 a.m., today May 15 at Queens Borough Hall, 120-55 Queens Boulevard in Kew Gardens.
Avella, Addabbo Applauds Supreme Court Overturning Federal Ban on Sports Gambling
State Senators Tony Avella (D-College Point, Whitestone, Bayside, Flushing, Jamaica Estates, Fresh Meadows, Bellerose, Floral Park, Jamaica, Douglaston, Little Neck, Auburndale, Kissena Park, Briarwood) and Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach, Ozone Park, Woodhaven, Glendale, Middle Village, Maspeth, South Ozone Park, Ridgewood, Woodside, The Rockaways) yesterday applauded the U.S. Supreme Court’s decsion ruling that the federal ban on state laws allowing sports betting was unconstitutional.
Since 1993, when the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) effectively outlawed sports betting, Washington has unconstitutionally restricted the state of New York from putting into place a legal sports betting system.
“I applaud the Supreme Court for restoring common sense on this issue and realizing the limitations that the United States Constitution and the system of federalism places on the federal government in regards to dictating to the States what they can and cannot do,” said Avella.
“With our state facing budget deficits and the recent tax law from Washington unfairly punishing New Yorkers, it is imperative that our state take the step of legalizing sports betting. This is an opportunity for our state to diminish a serious organized crime enterprise and provide critical funds to support our underfunded schools,” he added.
“Today’s Supreme Court’s decision to allow states to legalize sports betting is a major victory for not only New Jersey, but all states who are interested in entering the sports betting market, like New York. As the ranking member of the Senate Racing, Gaming and Wagering Committee, I look forward to working with my colleagues in all levels of government to credibly investigate how we can potentially implement sports betting here in New York to improve the state’s tourism, create jobs and increase revenues. I look forward to moving cautiously forward, as our state entertains the idea of sports betting, while protecting the consumer and the integrity of professional sports,” said Addabbo.
Avella is also renewing his call for his legislation, S.1282, to be passed into law. The bill would allow betting on professional and collegiate sporting events at betting facilities located at horse racing tracks, simulcast theaters operated by off-track betting corporations, and in authorized casino facilities.
