Katz Sponsors School Supplies Drive For Homeless Children
Queens Borough President Melinda Katz is urging Queens residents to donate backpacks and other school supplies as part of “Project: Back to School,” an annual drive she supports in partnership with the Coalition for the Homeless that provides homeless children with backpacks filled with the items they need to succeed in the classroom.
“According to the Coalition for the Homeless, nearly 115,000 New York City schoolchildren experienced homelessness at some point last year,” said Katz. “Let’s make sure all kids have a chance to get the school year off to a good start with the supplies they need.”
Katz’s office is accepting donations of new backpacks and other school supplies now through Wednesday, Aug. 28 at Queens Borough Hall, 120-55 Queens Boulevard in Kew Gardens. Donations will be accepted on the first floor of Borough Hall in a box located just inside the front entrance in the main lobby.
Nolan Lauds Law Enactment Requiring Further Child Abuse Reporting
Assemblymember Catherine Nolan (D-Sunnyside, Ridgewood, Astoria, Woodside, Long Island City, Maspeth, Queensbridge, Ravenswood, Dutch Kills, Blissville) yesterday lauded Gov. Andrew Cuomo for signing legislation (S.273A/A.5842) she sponsored to include bus drivers to the list of mandated reporters of abuse in private schools.
“The safety and well-being of our children is the top priority of this administration and I’m proud to sign this legislation and help close this loophole in the law,” said Cuomo. “In New York, we will continue to do everything in our power to protect our young people and with this measure we take one more step toward a safer and stronger New York for all.”
Under current law, bus drivers employed at public schools are required to report all allegations of child abuse. This new law corrects an inequity in the law by expanding that requirement to bus drivers employed by private schools.
“We are taking an important step in protecting children in all of New York’s schools from abuse. This legislation ensures that all students are protected by requiring all school administrators, superintendents, and those who provide transportation services, to report allegations of child abuse. I am proud to have sponsored this bill and will continue to fight for the safe learning environment that our students deserve,” said Nolan.
PA Williams Proposes Youth Employment Legislation
Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams (D) today will join a broad coalition of youth advocacy groups and elected officials at a rally to announce the introduction of legislation that would create a Youth Employment Education Program for all school-age New York City residents.
The plan would expand the city’s Summer Youth Employment Program, which allows youth to engage in paid entry-level jobs and employment skilled training, into a parallel program that provides these services to all youth, regardless of immigration status.
As the Trump administration has sought to restrict opportunity for immigrant communities, including with its new public charge rule this week, immigrant rights groups and youth advocacy organizations will come together to support this proposed program that expands the opportunity for all.
Williams will unveil the proposed legislation at 9 a.m., today, Aug. 14 on the steps of city hall in Lower Manhattan.
Addabbo’s Mobile Office Hours Comes To Forest Hills
State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach, Ozone Park, Woodhaven, Glendale, Middle Village, Maspeth, parts of South Ozone Park, Ridgewood, Woodside, The Rockaways) later this month will kick off his summer/fall mobile office hours in Forest Hills.
During these Mobile Office Hours, Addabbo encourages people to come in and see him where they can bring up any community or personal issues they wish.
“I enjoy holding my Mobile Office Hours because it gives constituents a chance to meet with me outside of one of my offices during a time that is convenient for them and at a central location right within their own community,” Addabbo said. “I look forward to another successful round of mobile office hours over the next few months and, as always, encourage those who need assistance to take advantage of these library visits.”
His Mobile Office Hours Kickoff is slated for between 5:30-7 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 29 at the North Forest Park branch of the Queens Public Library, 98-27 Metropolitan Avenue in Forest Hills.
Gianaris Announces Funding For Queens Public Library
Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris (D-Astoria, Long Island City, Sunnyside, parts of Woodside, Maspeth, Ridgewood, Woodhaven) today will announce funding for materials at the Queensbridge Library.
Gianaris will make the announcement and tour the facility with Queens Library President Dennis Walcott.
The event is slated for 1:30 p.m., today, Aug. 14 at the Queensbridge Library, 10-43 41st Avenue in Long Island City.
