Meng Measure Stressing Link Between Climate Change & Food Security Passes House
U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D- Bayside, Flushing, Forest Hills, Fresh Meadows, Glendale, Kew Gardens, Maspeth, Middle Village, Rego Park) yesterday saw the House pass the Climate Action Now Act (H.R. 9) which included an amendment she authored that stresses the critical link between climate change and food security.
“Climate change is one of the greatest threats facing our planet and humanity. Failure to face this challenge immediately and head-on will have catastrophic consequences for us and generations to come,” said Meng. “I’m especially alarmed by the consequences climate change poses to our agriculture, and how this will impact vulnerable communities like children, the elderly, and low-income individuals who already face food insecurity. Hundreds of millions of people around the world already face chronic malnourishment and hunger, and inaction will only exacerbate these issues. I’m glad my amendment was included in this critical bill, as we cannot ignore the inextricable link between climate change and food security.”
The Climate Action Now Act seeks to prohibit federal funds from being used to withdraw the United States from the Paris Agreement. It also calls on the administration to develop its own strategy for how the U.S. will meet its goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions under the agreement. Meng cosponsored and voted for the bill.
The legislation now heads to the U.S. Senate.
Ramos, Rozic Announce Legislation to Legalize Electric Bicycles and Scooters
State Sen. Jessica Ramos (D-Corona, East Elmhurst, Elmhurst, Jackson Heights, parts of Astoria, Woodside) and Assemblywoman Nily Rozic (D-Fresh Meadows) today will announce legislation they have introduced that would legalize the use of electric bicycles and scooters.
New York is one of the last states left in the country that has yet to legalize and define electric bicycles and scooters. This lack of definition has created confusion over how these low-speed devices should be regulated, causing New York cities to fall behind the rest of the country in adopting this next generation of micro-mobility.
This bill would allow local municipalities to determine the rules and regulations of operating electric bicycles and scooters.
The announcement is slated for 9 a.m., today, May 3 at Corona Plaza, 40-04 National Street in Corona.
Gillibrand Shocked At Increase Of Sexual Assaults In The Military
U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) yesterday called for Congress to take action following the Department of Defense’s latest report on sexual assault in the military.
According to the report, there were an estimated 20,500 instances of sexual assault – an increase over the 14,900 estimated in the previous 2016 survey. The number of women in the military who experienced sexual assault increased by 50% from 8,600 in FY2016 to 13,000 in FY2018.
“Almost six years after the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs said the Pentagon was on the clock to solve this problem, sexual assaults continue to increase dramatically while the number of cases going to trial goes down. The status quo is not working,” said Gillibrand.
“It’s time for Congress to step up and bring accountability where the Department of Defense has repeatedly failed. The evidence is clear – we need to pass the Military Justice Improvement Act so that trained military prosecutors can handle these cases moving forward and give survivors confidence in the system. We must create an unbiased military justice system worthy of their sacrifice.”
Van Bramer To Kickoff Borough President Run This Weekend
City Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer (D-Astoria, Long Island City, Sunnyside, Woodside) is set to officially launch his run for Queens Borough President on Sunday.
“For the past 10 years, I’ve proudly served Western Queens in the City Council. I hope I’ve shown you that I am a tireless advocate for our local community, and I hope to continue working with that same passion and tenacity on behalf of the whole borough,” said Van Bramer in his emailed newsletter.
“I’m proud to be a vocal representative for working families in Queens and I’ve made it my priority to listen to each one of you as we embark on this race. I have already announced that I will not accept contributions from real estate developers or corporate PACs of any kind, so your support and your small-dollar contributions will be the people power that propels this campaign to victory,” he added.
Van Bramer will kick off his run with a party and fundraiser between 1-3 p.m., this Sunday, May 5 at the home he shares with his husband, Dan Hendrick at 39-19 46th Street in Sunnyside. If you have any questions or to RSVP directly, please contact Michael Senay at (646) 559-9946 or mike@bhstrategiesllc.com.
