Richards Tours Ocean Bay Apartments With Brooklyn Borough President
City Council Member Donovan Richards (D-Arverne, Brookville, Edgemere, Far Rockaway, Laurelton, Rosedale, Springfield Gardens) and Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams today will visit the Ocean Bay Apartments to encourage the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) to expand its use of the Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) program.
RAD is a public-private partnership that provides financial resources that NYCHA cannot otherwise access to enable critically-needed building repairs and ongoing maintenance while preserving permanent affordability and tenancy of existing residents.
Donovan and other Rockaways leaders did a lot of community organizing in getting the Ocean Bay Apartmnets residents to endorse using the RAD program.
Following the tour, Richards and Adams will join NYCHA tenant leaders for a media availability to discuss the merits of the RAD program, the critical importance of proactive tenant engagement, and the necessity of securing funding that fixes the city’s public housing stock while ensuring it remains affordable and accessible for very low-income New Yorkers.
The visit is slated for 3 p.m., today Jan. 4 at the Ocean Bay Apartments, corner of Beach Channel Drive and Beach 54th Street in Arvine.
Meng Calls For End To Government Shutdown
U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Bayside, Flushing, Forest Hills, Fresh Meadows, Glendale, Kew Gardens, Maspeth, Middle Village, and Rego Park) yesterday called for an end to the government shutdown in her statements after being sworn into her fourth term in the House.
“While I am excited about the work ahead in the new Congress, it is unacceptable that the federal government remains partially closed. Allowing this shutdown to occur was an irresponsible and reckless decision by President Trump and Congressional Republicans. It has forced many federal employees to work without pay, or to be furloughed without pay, and it has been harmful to the American people and our economy,” said Meng.
“As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, which is responsible for drafting government spending bills that are sent to the president to be signed into law, I am determined to work with my colleagues to end the shutdown. I will continue to urge the President to work with us as well.
“In the 116th session of Congress, I am excited to build upon my work from the last Congress and champion issues that help Queens and our nation. I will continue to work tirelessly for my constituents and be responsive to their needs. I will also continue to work with my colleagues across the aisle in areas where we agree, but I will stand firm against efforts that undermine labor rights for Americans, protections for immigrant communities and minorities, and environmental standards that keep the public and children safe from harmful chemicals and pollutants. In addition, I look forward to introducing and supporting legislation that helps working families succeed, protecting our voting rights, ensuring Americans have access to clean air and water, and supporting policies that mitigate climate change.”
Suozzi Floats DREAMer Protection For Wall Deal
U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-Little Neck, Whitestone, Glen Oaks, Floral Park & Eastern Long Island) this week said in a Facebook post this week that he would be willing to support a deal with Presidents Trump on more border security, including building a wall in exchange for immigrant protections.
“The President says ‘Let’s make a deal.’ Ok. You want more money for border security (including some physical structures as well as the much more important technology and personnel)? In return, let’s finally protect the Dreamers, the Temporary Protective Status recipients and let’s start a move towards comprehensive immigration reform,” said Suozzi in the post.
“Let’s not play games with trying to change existing legal migration. Let’s not make it all about “a wall.” There has always been “a deal” to be made. Let’s do it and actually make people’s lives better! Let’s treat newcomers from Central and South America like human beings.”
Ocasio-Cortez Responds To GOP Booing
U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-(D-Sunnyside, Astoria, College Point, East Elmhurst, Jackson Heights, Corona, Woodside, parts of the Bronx) yesterday responded on Twitter to House Republican boos after she was sworn in and thre her backing behind U.S. Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) for Speaker.
Ocasio-Cortez, a Democratic Socialist, was the only House member that received the Bronx cheers after her swearing in and vote of support..
“Over 200 members voted for Nancy Pelosi today, yet the GOP only booed one: me,” Ocasio-Cortez wrote on Twitter. “Don’t hate me cause you ain’t me, fellas.”
