Richards, Grodenchick Rally For Airport Worker Healthcare
City Council Members Donovan Richards (D-Arverne, Brookville, Edgemere, Far Rockaway, Laurelton, Rosedale, Springfield Gardens) and Barry Grodenchick (D-Bayside, Queens, Bellerose, Douglaston, Floral Park, Fresh Meadows, Glen Oaks, Hollis, Hollis Hills, Holliswood, Jamaica Estates, Little Neck, Oakland Gardens, Queens Village) will join dozens of airport workers today in a rally demanding the workers get quality, affordable health insurance.
The rally comes as airport workers from JFK and LGA airports urgently call on the state to pass legislation that would give NY airport workers better access to quality-affordable, healthcare, right before these workers participate in a comprehensive training session on how to handle Coronavirus.
Airport workers at the event will include wheelchair attendants, security, cleaners and passenger service representatives – all of whom will participate in training sessions on how to best protect themselves and passengers from Coronavirus (COVID-19).
The rally is slated for 10 a.m., today, March 4 at 86-11 Lefferts Blvd. in Richmond Hill.
Kim, Community Leaders Hail $40 Million Fund to Fight Coronavirus
Assemblymember Ron Kim (D-Whitestone, Flushing, College Point, Murray Hill) will join Asian American business leaders and health professionals today to highlight the recently passed bill (A09953 / S07919) appropriating $40 million for a state response towards the coronavirus.
Those assembled will be giving a community-wide update as well as further details about the purpose, intent, and potential significance of the law. Kim, who co-sponsored the bill, will be joined by prominent leaders of the Asian American community and health professionals, including Charles Yoon, the president of the Korean American Association of Greater New York, Peter Tu, president of the Flushing Chinese Business Association, and presidents of several professional medical associations.
The speakers at the press conference will also address the continuing challenges of dealing with the growing impact of the virus and its effects on the Asian American community in the city.
The update is slated for 3 p.m., today, March 4 at the Association of Chinese American Physicians USA, Inc. (ACAP) Queens office, 136-33 37th Avenue, Suite 2D in Flushing.
Gianaris Gets Recognition From State Animal Rights Federation
Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris (D-Astoria, Long Island City, Sunnyside, parts of Woodside, Maspeth, Ridgewood, Woodhaven) this week accepted the Companion Animal Champion award from the New York State Animal Protection Federation.
The award recognizes Gianaris’ leading efforts on a host of animal welfare issues. The Federation’s executive director Libby Post presented it at the organization’s annual advocacy day at the state Capitol.
“I am honored to be recognized by the Federation for my work on behalf of our four-legged companions, but this is work that could not be accomplished alone,” said Gianaris. “I thank the Federation for their partnership and look forward to our continued efforts with all our allies to support animals across New York.”
Gianaris authored the first-in-the-nation ban on cat declawing, which the state enacted last year. He is also the author of legislation to ban the sale of animals in pet stores, putting an end to the puppy mill to pet store pipeline and also legislation banning the devocalization of animals.
Meng Brings Texas Congresswoman To Queens
U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D- Bayside, Flushing, Forest Hills, Fresh Meadows, Glendale, Kew Gardens, Maspeth, Middle Village, Rego Park) this past weekend brought U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar (D-TX) to Queens.
Escobar, a Democrat representing the Lone Star State’s 16th Congressional District in El Paso, visited the borough to join Meng in meeting and speaking with local residents about key issues that concern them. Escobar is one of the first of two Latinas to represent Texas in Congress.
“I thank my friend and colleague Congresswoman Escobar for traveling to Queens to talk with my constituents and area leaders about issues that are important to them,” said Meng. “It was an honor to have her visit with us. The remarks, viewpoints, and insights that she shared were extremely informative and well-received, especially the firsthand perspectives she provided about the border, immigration, and gun violence prevention. I am also thrilled that she got a taste of our borough, and experienced the great vibrancy and diversity that exists here. I look forward to her returning in the future.”
“I am grateful to Congresswoman Meng for welcoming me to the vibrant and diverse borough of Queens to meet with her constituents and discuss topics like immigration reform, gun violence prevention, and the importance of representation,” said Escobar. “Like El Paso, Queens was built on the ingenuity and dedication of hard-working families, and it is an honor to work alongside my colleague Rep. Meng to expand opportunities and renew the American Dream for all.”
