Maloney Endorsed by Village Independent Democrats
Representative Carolyn Maloney (D-Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens) has received an endorsement from the Village Independent Democrats (VID).
The VID is one of the oldest reform political clubs in the City. Club President David Siffert claimed to support Maloney on the grounds of her “broad accomplishments”, including her efforts to provide healthcare for 9/11 first responders and investigate the Trump Administration.
“VID has been a force for progressive reform in this city going back over 60 years, and their ability to organize for candidates they support is truly impressive,” said Maloney. “I’m so proud to have their endorsement.”
Hoylman, Rosenthal Introduce Bill to Ban “Ghost Guns”
Last Friday, State Senator Brad Hoylman (D-Chelsea, Midtown) and Assemblymember Linda Rosenthal (D-Upper West Side, Hell’s Kitchen) introduced a bill to curb the manufacturing of “ghost guns”, a class of weapons without serial numbers.
“Ghost guns” are generally constructed from parts that can be purchased online, thus allowing the buyer to wield an untraceable weapon. The new bill, the Jose Webster Untraceable Firearms Act, would outlaw the sale and possession of all such guns.
“I’ve been fighting to pass legislation to crack down on ghost guns in New York,” said Hoylman. “It’s an honor to introduce this legislation in memory of Jose Webster who was tragically killed by gun violence.”
Williams, Quart to Host Forum on Bail Reform
Tonight, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams (D) and Assemblymember Dan Quart (D-Murray Hill, Lenox Hill) will be hosting a forum on bail reform.
The event is part of a citywide series on the subject. It will feature a panel of legal service providers and policy experts.
The event will take place tonight from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Touro College, 230 West 125th St.
Krueger, O’Donnell, Barrett Introduce Alternative Surrogacy Bill
Last Thursday, State Senator Liz Krueger (D-Upper East Side, Lenox Hill) and Assemblymember Daniel O’Donnell (D-Manhattan Valley, Morningside Heights) and Didi Barrett (D-Dutchess, Columbia) introduced legislation to provide greater protections for all parties in surrogacy agreements.
The bill, S. 7717, would legalize and regulate gestational and genetic surrogacy, and establish protections for all parties involved in gamete donations. For instance, it mandates that intended parents must undergo medical evaluations and background checks before entering into a surrogacy agreement.
“Surrogacy can be a satisfying and positive experience, but it is also a complex physical, emotional, and legal process with the potential for serious negative outcomes,” said Krueger. “That is why it is vital to have protections in place for everyone involved, especially low-income people. Previous legislative proposals have not fully addressed concerns that I and many advocates have.”
