Crowley Steps Down As Queens Dem Party Chair
Longtime Queens Democratic Party Chair Joe Crowley resigned as chair yesterday, the New York Post reported.
Crowley, a former Congressman who has been the party boss since 2006, was defeated by U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in a stunning upset in last year’s Democratic Primary.
The resignation, which takes effect immediately, came on the same day it was reported that had joined one of Washington, D.C.’s largest lobbying firms, Squire Patton Boggs.
Among those being considered as potential replacements are U.S. Reps. Greg Meeks and Grace Meng, the Post reported.
Addabbo Says State Budget Shortfall Increases Need for Sports Betting Revenue
State Sen. Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach, Ozone Park, Woodhaven, Glendale, Middle Village, Maspeth, parts of South Ozone Park, Ridgewood, Woodside, The Rockaways) yesterday pushed the state to strongly consider legalizing sports betting in the state, especially in light of Governor Andrew Cuomo’s recent announcement the state is facing an unexpected $2.3 billion shortfall, in addition to the $3 billion deficit the state was already facing going into next year.
“Now more than ever it makes sense to legalize sports betting to help fund essential programs by bringing in additional revenue. It offers great potential for increasing revenue without placing the burden on taxpayers, it creates new jobs, and adds crucial funding support for education in New York. We should act now to create new wagering opportunities, including mobile and online betting, to help close the gap,” said Addabbo, Chair of the Senate Racing, Gaming and Wagering Committee.
Addabbo noted that sports betting on the East Coast is still in its infancy making the opportunity for New York to legalize it now even more lucrative. In November alone, neighboring New Jersey taxed sports betting at 8.5 percent and reportedly brought in $2.45 million in tax revenue for the Garden State, the lawmaker added.
“There are many economic advantages for the state in legalizing sports wagering including tax revenue from betting, sales tax revenue, job creation, additional income and increased payroll. I am confident that by working together, we can develop and enact a comprehensive plan to legalize sports betting in New York,” Addabbo said.
Van Bramer Hosts 9th Annual Black History Month Celebration
City Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer (D-Sunnyside, Woodside, Long Island City, Astoria, Dutch Kills) next Monday will host his 9th Annual Black History Month event.
The event will honor true community leaders for their unyielding commitment to our Queens values. There will be light refreshments, as well as special musical performances by Braata Productions, DJ Hank, and more.
“This year, I am proud to present our Distinguished Public Service Award to NYC Council Member Jumaane D. Williams and to honor outstanding black community leaders,” said Van Bramer in a Facebook post.
Others being honored include:
Andrew Clarke, Founder & Executive Director of Braata Productions
Carol Nurse, Fiscal Officer of Jacob A. Riis Neighborhood Settlement
Christine Hughes, Founding Member of Friends of Rochdale Village ALC
Claudia Coger, President of Astoria Houses Residents Association, Inc.
Emmett Wigglesworth, Artist in Residency at Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning
Jean Woods-Powell, Principal of Info-Tech High School
Kyle Bragg, Secretary-Treasurer of 32BJ SEIU
Russel Kenton, NYPD Police Officer
Sylvia White, Co-Chair of Justice for All Coalition
Virgie Alston, Member of Friends of Queensbridge Park
The event is slated for 6:30 p.m., next Monday, Feb. 25 at the Jacob A. Riis Neighborhood Settlement, 10-25 41st Street in Long Island City.
This event is FREE and open to all. To RSVP please contact Nishath Azad at nazad@council.nyc.gov or (718) 383-9566×1.
