Dromm, Weprin Support City’s For-Hire Vehicle Legislation
City Council Member Daniel Dromm (D-Elmhurst, Jackson Heights) and Assembly Member David I. Weprin (D-Fresh Meadows, Richmond Hill) yesterday expressed full support of the City’s Council passing a package of regulatory legislation regarding for-hire vehicles that includes setting a minimum pay for drivers and placing a one-year pause on the number of for-hire vehicles app-based companies are able to have on New York City roads.
The two attended a rally in Manhattan yesterday where Mayor Bill de Blasio announced:
- That he will be signing the legislation next Tuesday, Aug. 14.
- The City will stop issuing new for-hire licenses that same day, with the exception of wheelchair-accessible vehicles.
- The City will initiate a study to more comprehensively manage the changing industry to reduce congestion and protect workers by ensuring fair pay.
- The City will introduce and adopt a new minimum compensation rule at the Taxi and Limousine Commission within 75 days. Once adopted, it will increase for-hire vehicle driver take-home pay by approximately 20 percent on average – that’s more than $6,000 per year.
“Working closely together, the Mayor and the Council have produced legislation that will protect the over 100,000 taxi and for-hire vehicle drivers in our city,” said Dromm. “The legislation will make our streets safer and cleaner by reducing traffic congestion while ensuring that rideshare drivers earn living wages. As a council member who represents a large number of for-hire vehicle drivers, I celebrate this achievement which will improve the lives of many who call NYC home.”
“There is no reason billion dollar app-based companies shouldn’t have to adhere to the same regulations as NY based businesses, regulations that were put in place to reduce congestion and protect New York’s drivers,” said Weprin. “This cap levels the playing field for medallion owners and drivers of yellow and green cabs, who adhere to caps of their own, and gets these empty, congestion causing, cars off of our streets. I commend Mayor Bill de Blasio and Speaker Corey Johnson for taking this bold step and look forward to working with them to take additional steps to protect working New Yorkers”
Koo Condemns Swastika Vandalism In Flushing
City Council Member Peter Koo (D-Downtown Flushing, Murray Hill, Queensboro Hill) yesterday condemned a swastika found written on the Flushing Business Improvement District (BID) booth on Main Street and Kissena Boulevard in Flushing.
After a constituent notified Koo’s office of the hate symbol, the lawmaker informed the BID, which immediately painted over it within the hour.
“While this is not the first time our community has had to denounce the ideologies of hatred, ignorance and intolerance, we remain vigilant and determined to condemn such disturbing bigotry each and every time it rears its ugly head,” said Koo.
“Flushing is the birthplace of religious freedom. We embrace diversity, equality and multiculturalism. We have no place for hate here. Thank you to our constituents who pointed this out, and to the Flushing BID for immediately removing it,” he added.
Addabbo, Amato To Host Annual Big Band Concert In Howard Beach
State Sen. Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach, Ozone Park, Woodhaven, Glendale, Middle Village, Maspeth, parts of South Ozone Park, Ridgewood, Woodside, The Roockaways) will once again be sponsoring the annual Arnie Mig Memorial Big Band Concert, along with Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-Broad Channel, Hamilton Beach, Howard Beach, Lindenwood, Ozone Park and Rockaway) in Howard Beach this month.
The very first annual swing concert happened nearly three decades ago when Arnold “Arnie Mig” Migliaccio, the leader of the Serenaders in Blue Orchestra, would perform Big Band-era jazz music from the 1940’s for residents of Howard Beach.
When the beloved musician passed away on June 7, 2009, Addabbo wanted to honor his legacy and continue the tradition by hosting a big band concert in his memory.
“Arnie Mig was a staple in the Howard Beach community, and it is my honor and pleasure to continue his tradition of bringing great music to the residents each year,” Addabbo said. “This memorial concert is the perfect way to not only honor Arnie’s memory, but to bring the people the music they enjoy listening to right into their community. The fact that people of all ages continue to attend these concerts year after year goes to show the true impact Arnie Mig had on the people of Howard Beach. I am proud to again partner with Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato and the Brady & Marshak law firm to bring this concert to Howard Beach.”
This year’s free concert will take place from 7-10 p.m., Thursday, August 30 in the St. Helen’s parking lot at the corner of 157th Avenue and 84th Street in Howard Beach. If there is inclement weather, the concert will be moved indoors to the Father Dooley Hall.
For more information on the Arnie Mig Memorial Big Band Concert, contact Addabbo’s Howard Beach office at 718-738-1111.
