MANH Lawmakers on the Move, Nov. 26, 2019

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Espaillat Says He’s Ready to Impeach Trump

U.S. Rep. Adriano Espaillat
U.S. Rep. Adriano Espaillat

Recently, Representative Adriano Espaillat (D-Washington Heights, Sugar Hill) appeared on CNN to say that he’s ready to vote to impeach President Donald Trump (R).

Espaillat conceded that no witness has directly testified that Trump directed them to withhold aid to Ukraine. However, he maintained that the testimony we’ve heard thus far has been more than compelling enough to merit impeachment.

“We heard compelling evidence from Taylor, from Vinton, from Sondland – I think his back and forth was very telling,” said Espaillat. “So there’s enough there for us to really take a good look at this. But I’ll leave it up to Adam Schiff and Jerry Nadler to see where we go with this. For me, I am convinced with the evidence that has been presented.”


Velázquez to Host Public Forum in Woodhaven

Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez
Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez

Representative Nydia Velázquez (D-LES, Brooklyn, Queens) will be hosting a public forum for her constituents next Monday.

The forum will cover a plethora of topics, including the 2020 Census, Medicare, and the Woodhaven bus network redesign. Velázquez has invited representatives from the MTA, Neighborhood Housing Services of Queens and Queens Community Board 9 to present, among others.

The event will take place on Monday, Dec. 2 from 6-8 p.m. at the American Legion Hall Post 118, 89-02 91st St.


Rodriguez Calls on MTA to Fix Transit System

Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez
Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez

Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez (D-Washington Heights, Inwood) rallied on the steps of City Hall yesterday to demand that the MTA reforms its transit system to make it more reliable and accessible.

The rally took place at 9 a.m., right before a City Council hearing on the MTA FY20-24 Capital Plan. Rodriguez wanted the MTA to ensure that the plan prioritizes New Yorkers’ most pressing concerns, such as new subway signals, new station elevators, accessibility and affordability.

“Today, on my end, I will focus on not only asking, but expecting that the chairman of the MTA, in his leadership, will explain to us how they will prioritize investing the 51 billion dollars on riders and workers,” said Rodriguez. “We need to protect both.”


Rivera, Rodriguez to Announce New Bills Establishing “Pedestrian and Bike Mayor”

Council Member Carlina Rivera
Council Member Carlina Rivera

Today, Council Members Carlina Rivera (D-East Village, Gramercy Park) and Ydanis Rodriguez (D-Washington Heights, Inwood) will be introducing two new bills that would create an Office of Pedestrians and an Office of Active Transportation in New York.

The former will work alongside city agencies to pursue policies related to pedestrian safety. Meanwhile, the latter will help develop the City’s infrastructure bikes, scooters, skateboards and more. Both offices will be responsible for improving street safety and promoting sustainable transit options.

The announcement will take place today at 12 p.m. on the steps of City Hall.