Dromm Resolution Battling Sickle Cell Disease Passes Council
City Council Member Daniel Dromm (D-Jackson Heights, Elmhurst), saw the city council yesterday overwhelming pass his Resolution 335A calling upon the State Legislature to pass and fully fund, and the Governor to sign, A.6493/S.2281, which would improve the care of sickle cell disease patients and educate about sickle cell trait.
Specifically, the state legislation would establish eight demonstration programs throughout New York State and one coordinating center to battle the disease.
Sickle-cell related conditions highlight health disparities in our system as communities of color are disproportionately affected. New York falls behind other states in rectifying this problem by fully funding the programs needed to enhance outcomes and quality of life for those with sickle cell disease.
Recognizing the need for the state to launch a coordinated effort to tackle this health challenge, Senator James Sanders (D-Queens) and Assemblywoman Alicia Hyndman (D-Queens) introduced A.6493/S.2281.
“Sickle cell disease is a public health crisis,” said Dromm. “Thousands of New Yorkers have either sickle cell trait or sickle cell disease. Sickle-cell related conditions highlight health disparities in our system as communities of color are disproportionately affected. A large effort is needed to meet this serious issue head-on and to address the myriad of concerns that have arisen.”
Kim & Liu To Announce New Bill For Korean Independence Figure
Assemblymember Ron Kim (D-Whitestone, Flushing, College Point, Murray Hill) and State Sen. John Liu (D-Northeast Queens) today will make public their intent to introduce a new bill in relation to the teaching of Yu Gwan Sun.
The independence and human rights activist has remained a renowned figure in the history of Korea, and her global stature has steadily grown since the country’s founding. They will be joined by several prominent leaders in the Korean American community, including Min Sun Kim, president of the Museum of Korean American Heritage and former President of the Korean American Association of Greater New York, as well as Do Hyung Kim, a Board Member of the Korean American Public Action Council.
The lawmakers will further discuss their proposed legislation at 11 a.m., today, Feb. 28 at 136-20 38th Avenue, Suite 10A, in Flushing.
Richards, Cruz to Announce Queens Immigrant Welcome Center Proposal
City Council Member Donovan Richards (D-Arverne, Brookville, Edgemere, Far Rockaway, Laurelton, Rosedale, Springfield Gardens) and Assembly Member Catalina Cruz (D-Corona, Elmhurst, Jackson Heights), alongside immigrant advocates today will announce a proposal to include immigrant welcome centers as part of the Queens Borough President’s Office.
Queens is home to more than one million immigrants, with more choosing to call the borough home each year. Richards and Cruz will detail their plan to ensure that those coming have the resources they need upon arrival.
The lawmakers will further discussion on their plan at 11:30 a.m., today, Feb. 28 at Corona Plaza on the corner of National Street and Roosevelt Avenue in Corona.
Cuomo Launches ‘No Hate in Our State’ Campaign
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo (D) yesterday launched the ‘No Hate in Our State’ campaign that includes a series of comprehensive proposals in the FY 2021 Budget to combat hate, division and anti-Semitism in New York State.
The campaign includes passing a first-in-the-nation domestic terrorism law, investing $25 million for religious not-for-profit organizations vulnerable to hate crimes, creating an education curriculum on diversity and tolerance for students in New York and investing $2 million to support the State Police Hate Crimes Task Force.
The governor also launched a new website as part of the campaign with more information about these proposals, and encouraged New Yorkers to sign on to the campaign petition to show their support.
“The rash of anti-Semitism and hate crimes that has been spreading across our State and the country is a virus. I thought that New York would be immune from it, but I was wrong,” said Cuomo. “I want to make it clear that anti-Semitism has no place in New York, and this year we are going to fight this rising tide of hate with bold legislative action to deter violence, protect our citizens and educate our people about the causes and terrible consequences of hate.”
Kim Thanks Cuomo For Seeking Emergency Funding to Fight Coronavirus
Assemblymember Ron Kim (D-Whitestone, Flushing, College Point, Murray Hill) yesterday thanked Gov. Andrew Cuomo for seeking a $40 million emergency appropriation to fight the coronavirus.
The thanks come as Kim recently announced the creation of the Asian American Health Council, comprised of more than 20 medical professionals, and his push for a dedicated emergency fund to deal with the coronavirus.
“I thank Governor Cuomo for his swift and decisive action in seeking $40 million to keep New Yorkers safe from a possible coronavirus outbreak,” said Kim. “But more immediately, due to the fears surrounding the spread of this virus, hundreds of our workers and family-owned small businesses are suffering and on the verge of filing for bankruptcies. After weeks of declining business, often up to 50% in lost revenues, many New Yorkers are more scared of losing their jobs or livelihood than catching the coronavirus.
“For these reasons, I encourage Governor Cuomo and Speaker Carl Heastie to extend this fund or create a separate fund that will provide relief grants for small businesses impacted by the virus.”
