Velázquez Introduces Blast Exposure Protection Act
Last Friday, Representative Nydia Velázquez (D-LES, Brooklyn, Queens) introduced a bill to extend healthcare veterans who suffered blast injuries in the line of duty.
Until recently, veterans receiving benefits through the Veterans Administration (VA) were required to provide proof that they were injured in the line of duty. This created a coverage gap for veterans who developed service-related injuries after returning home. The Blast Exposure Protection Act would help close that gap.
“Our veterans risk their lives for the rest of us,” said Velázquez. “We must honor their service with not just lip service, but tangible actions. Congress must work to ensure our veterans receive the care they deserve.”
Kallos to Sponsor Drag Queen Story Hour
The Office of Council Member Ben Kallos (D) will be sponsoring an iteration of Drag Queen Story Hour (DQSH) this Thursday.
DQSH is a nationwide trend, intended to get children acquainted with unabashedly queer role models. This iteration stars drag queen Harmonica Sunbeam, who will will read stories to children and lead them in movement activities.
The event will take place on Thursday, Feb. 6 from 4-5 p.m. at the New York Public Library, 1465 York Ave.
Maloney Calls on DeVos to Testify Before Oversight Committee
Yesterday, Representative Carolyn Maloney (D-Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens), the Chairwoman of the Committee on Oversight and Reform, penned a letter to U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos (R), accosting her for ignoring the Oversight Committee’s request for her testimony.
Last December, Maloney had invited DeVos to testify on “critical issues facing the Department”, such as policies on campus sexual harassment and oversight of federal student loans.
“In response, your office stonewalled and delayed, refusing for weeks to confirm your attendance or to provide any other possible dates that you would appear,” reads the letter. “Ignoring—or defying—requests for congressional oversight in order to spend your time campaigning for President Trump is an abuse of your position as Secretary of Education.”
Read the full letter here.
Brewer to Host Briefing on AMPO
Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer (D) will be hosting a briefing tomorrow on the role of NYC’s new Algorithms Management & Policy Officer (AMPO).
At the event, attendees will learn how the AMPO oversees responsible use of data and automated decision-making. Brewer will be joined by BetaNYC, a civic organization dedicated to improving New Yorkers’ lives through civic design and technology.
The event will take place tomorrow from 8:45-11 a.m. at the Manhattan Borough President’s Office, 1 Centre St.
