House Passes Maloney’s Women’s Museum Bill
Last Tuesday, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 1980, the Smithsonian Women’s History Museum Act, with a vote of 374-37.
The act, whose lead sponsor was Carolyn Maloney (D-Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens), provides for the creation of a women’s history museum on the National Mall.
“For too long, women’s history has been left out of the telling of our nation’s history,” said Maloney. “Today, the House of Representatives took an important first step to change that. Women are part of every American moment, and their contributions should be recognized and celebrated.”
Rodriguez Welcomes Appointment of New TLC Commissioner
Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez (D-Washington Heights, Inwood) released a statement on Tuesday following the appointment of a new Taxi Limousine Commission (TLC) Commissioner.
Last Month, Mayor Bill de Blasio (D) Aloysee Heredia Jarmoszuk – formerly the chief of staff for Deputy Mayor Laura Anglin – as the new TLC Commissioner. Earlier this week, the City Council approved the nominee, making her the first Dominican-American to head TLC.
“I welcome the appointment of Aloysee Heredia Jarmoszuk as Chair and Commissioner of the TLC,” said Rodriguez. “Throughout her professional career, Ms. Heredia has demonstrated high competence and qualification in her ability to perform her duty as TLC Commissioner to the highest standard. During her hearing, Ms. Heredia showed her willingness to be a transparent and open-minded Commissioner, ready to hit the ground running on her first day. In my role at City Council, I have worked closely with prior TLC Commissioners finding solutions to many issues impacting all sectors in the Taxi industry and I am excited to begin working alongside Ms. Heredia.”
Velázquez Blasts Trump’s FY 2021 Budget
Representative Nydia Velázquez (D-LES, Brooklyn, Queens) made the following statement on Tuesday after President Donald Trump (R) released his Fiscal Year 2021 Budget.
“The President’s budget would dismantle our safety net, harm seniors, take food from hungry families, slash funding for infrastructure investment and housing and make it harder for young people to pursue education and job training. Budget’s reflect values and this one makes it crystal clear the President’s values are diametrically opposed to those of the American people.
“The President’s budget would slash half a trillion dollars from Medicare and cut Social Security Disability Insurance. This comes at the same time he is relentlessly pursuing legal action to destroy protections for people with pre-existing conditions and dismantle every other protection and benefit of the Affordable Care Act. The President is also trying to cut $900 billion from Medicaid, threatening the health care of seniors with long-term care needs and hard-working families in every corner of America.
“Once again Donald Trump’s absolute contempt for the American people is on full display. I will work alongside my colleagues in Congress to reject these cuts and fund the programs important to the American people.”
Gottfried, Rivera Call for Extended Medicaid Eligibility
Yesterday, Assemblymember Richard Gottfried (D-Chelsea, Midtown) and State Senator Gustavo Rivera (D-Bronx) held a press conference to advocate for the “Beyond the Fourth Trimester” bill.
The bill would extend postpartum Medicaid coverage for new mothers from 60 days after giving birth to one year. The intention of the legislation is to reduce New York’s maternal mortality rate, which currently stands at 20 deaths per 100,000 live births. Thus far, the bill has passed the Health Committees of both houses.
“We know access to health care is one of the most important drivers of wellbeing regardless of income,” said Gottfried. “When a new mother loses access to all health care services only 60 days after giving birth, she is much more likely to suffer from potentially fatal complications and other conditions that affect not only her, but also her child. As pediatricians say, ‘The most important factor in the health of the child is the health of the mother.’ Extending coverage beyond 60 days is critical to improve family health outcomes and eliminating racial disparities in maternal mortality and morbidity.”
