Hoylman’s Trans Rights Bill Advances in State Senate
New York State Senator Brad Hoylman kicked off yesterday’s Judiciary Committee session with the passage of the Gender Expression Non-Discriminatory Act (GENDA).
The bill, sponsored by Hoylman and co-sponsored by every member of the Democratic majority, defines gender identity and gender expression as protected classes, thus preventing trans and non-binary people from housing and employment discrimination.
The bill, much to Hoylman’s delight, passed the Senate’s Investigations and Government Operations Committee during yesterday’s session.
“We’re on the verge of history,” Hoylman said in a tweet. “At long last, equal protections for transgender and gender non-conforming New Yorkers.”
Ayala to Host Community Forum on Trump’s Public Charge Proposal
City Councilwoman Diana Ayala (D-East Harlem, Mott Haven) will be joining Councilwoman Vanessa Gibson (D-Claremont, Concourse) for a public forum on President Trump’s newly proposed amendment to the “public charge” rule.
“Public charge” is a status ascribed to immigrants who are primarily reliant on government aid for subsistence; immigrants who are labeled as such are ineligible for green cards. The proposal, introduced late last year, would expand the definition of the term, making it more difficult for immigrants to apply for permanent residence if they’ve received any form of public aid.
The forum is slated for Jan. 30 from 6-8 p.m., at P.S. 73 at 1020 Anderson Ave.
Keith Powers Hosts First Annual “Keith Powers Chess Challenge”
City Councilman Keith Powers (Upper East Side, Carnegie Hill) hosted the first annual “Keith Powers Chess Challenge”, a chess tournament for elementary school students, at P.S. 59 last Saturday.
Powers, a longtime chess enthusiast, hosted the event in conjunction with Chess in the Schools, an organization that seeks to promote the intellectual development of underprivileged students via chess education.
“It was a thrill to see all the young students so excited and engaged in playing chess,” Powers said in a tweet. “The home team (PS 59) brought home lots of trophies! Thanks to @chessinschools for making this fun day happen.”
