Queens Lawmakers On The Move Jan. 24, 2019

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Gillibrand, Senators Reintroduce Legislation Expanding Access To Affordable Childcare

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) yesterday announced the reintroduction of the Right Start Child Care and Education Act, legislation that would make child care more affordable and accessible for families across New York State and the nation.

The measure would reform the nation’s federal tax code to increase the outdated dollar limits on child care expenses for families, make the child care tax credit fully refundable, create a tax credit for educated child care professionals, and increase support for businesses that provide child care benefits for employees.

“As I’ve traveled throughout New York, one concern I keep hearing from families all across our state is the extremely high cost of child care,” said Senator Gillibrand.

“Congress needs to be doing more to support working families, and the Right Start Child Care and Education Act would make child care more affordable for families across New York and the rest of the country. It is a commonsense solution to a problem that many of our families are facing, and I urge my colleagues to move quickly and pass this bill into law,” added Gillibrand.

Dromm Applauds Passage of Jose Peralta New York State Dream Act

City Council Members Daniel Dromm (D-East Elmhurst, Elmhurst, Jackson Heights) yesterday applauded the passage of the  Jose Peralta New York State Dream Act.

The bill, named in honor of the late State Senator Jose Peralta, passed Wednesday in Albany with the State Senate now majority Democratic. The measure would allow undocumented students to qualify for financial aid when attending college.

Passage of the bill, which could impact an estimated 6,000 undocumented immigrant students statewide, is one of a number of progressive measures that, enabled by a new Senate Democratic majority, have passed since the start of the legislative session earlier in January, according to initial reports.

“As a long-time educator and Council Member who represents one of the largest immigrant communities in New York, I celebrate the passage of the Jose Peralta NY State Dream Act,” said Dromm.

“I have always believed that a quality education lifts people out of poverty.  Undocumented status should never serve as a barrier to that education, but for far too long, that was the reality for many living in our state.  I am elated that the New York State Legislature has taken action to move us forward and thank Governor Cuomo for committing to sign the bill into law,” added Dromm.

Constantinides To Deliver 2019 State of the District Address

City Council member Costa Constantinides (D-Astoria, Jackson Heights, Woodside, East Elmhurst) will deliver his 2019 State of the District address next week.

The annual speech will outline Constantinides’ policy and budget initiatives for western Queens in the new year. The Council Member will also recap victories for the community in 2018.

The event is slated for 7 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 31, at P.S. 2, The Alfred Zimberg School, at 75-10 21st Avenue in East Elmhurst.