Maloney Calls Second-Quarter GDP Flat
U.S. Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney (D-Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens), vice-chair of the U.S. Congress Joint Economic Committee, issued the following statement after the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) released its third and final estimate of second-quarter gross domestic product (GDP).
The report showed that GDP expanded at an annual rate of 2.0 percent in the second three months of 2019, unchanged from the second estimate of 2.0 percent growth for Q2, which in turn was a downward revision of the advance estimate of 2.1 percent.
“This number falls far short of the more than 3 percent rate that the President has promised and it’s nowhere near the 6 percent growth that he had predicted two years ago. “This disappointing number is partly the result of chaos caused by the President’s haphazard trade policies. This hurts manufacturers, farmers and in the end American consumers,” said Maloney.
“The BEA report includes a downward revision of consumer spending and private investment, which was supposed to receive a permanent boost from the Republican tax cuts. Meanwhile, manufacturing is demonstrating weakness and we have seen signs of waning consumer confidence.
“Clearly the President’s tax cuts gave the economy a sugar high that has already faded and resulted in growing budget deficits. I am also deeply concerned that these tax giveaways to the fortunate few are inflating the gender and racial income gaps. That’s why I have introduced legislation that would require BEA to report growth by income decile. The bill would help us craft policies to help Americans who are being left behind in this economy,” she added.
Gianaris Announces $10K Grant For Mandarin Language Program
Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris (D-Astoria, Long Island City, Sunnyside, parts of Woodside, Maspeth, Ridgewood, Woodhaven) yesterday announced a $10,000 grant to support PS/IS 78Q’s Interactive Language Program which begins preparing students for a global economy by using technology to facilitate early-age foreign language instruction from teachers across the globe.
Gianaris made this announcement during the school’s first PTA meeting of the school year.
Specifically, the money will go towards My Chinese Teacher Program, MCT, a Mandarin foreign language program using technology to connect to a China-based teaching team. The Chinese teacher uses video conferencing technology and connects to the classroom to provide a Chinese language and culture program. The classroom receives a weekly 25-minute Mandarin lesson by video conference while classroom teachers provide follow up instruction.
“The world is increasingly interconnected and our economy is increasingly reliant on knowledge of other cultures and their languages. This is an incredible program equipping students from an early age to have the skills needed to thrive,” said Gianaris. “New York needs to invest in the next generation of economic leaders and programs like this one at PS/IS 78Q make a big difference.”
Constantinides Stresses Urgency to Combat Climate Change
City Council Member Costa Constantinides (D-Astoria, East Elmhurst, Woodside, Jackson Heights) chair of the Committee on Environmental Protection, this week called on all levels of government to meaningfully act on climate change after the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) issued yet another stark report.
The body’s findings warned that Earth’s oceans are greatly stressed, in part, because steady greenhouse gas emissions have created a hotter planet.
“We all woke up this morning to another disturbing report by the IPCC, which warned our oceans are extremely strained because of rising greenhouse gas emissions. Even if we act now, climbing sea levels and underwater destruction provide a grim future both for our children and the unique ecosystems in our waterways. I hope world leaders gathered for the U.N. General Assembly this week realize the severity of this report and how it might forever shape their borders and endanger their citizens,” said Constantinides.
“While the White House might turn a blind eye to findings like these, New York City is well aware of the threat. That’s why, in April, we passed the Climate Mobilization Act, the largest carbon emissions reduction ever mandated at the local level, so other cities may have a blueprint for reducing carbon emissions. I am committed to fighting for more meaningful, attainable policies that give our children a brighter, greener, safer future.”
Koo To Announce Free Fall Festival In Flushing
City Council Member Peter Koo (D-Bayside, College Point, Flushing, Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Fresh Meadows Whitestone) today will join with community groups and sponsors to announce his upcoming Annual Fall Festival in Flushing.
The event will feature free rides, games, entertainment, popcorn, cotton candy and more.
The announcement is slated for 11 a.m., today, Sept. 27 at Koo’s district office, 135-27 38th Avenue, Suite 388 in Flushing.
