Johnson, Koo Announce Massive Mask and Thermometer Donation
Yesterday, Council Speaker Corey Johnson (D-Chelsea, Hell’s Kitchen) and Council Member Peter Koo (D-Queens) announced the donation of 200,000 KN95 face masks and 2,000 infrared thermometers to the New York City Emergency Management Department (OEM).
The donation, courtesy of the Flushing Chinese Business Association (FCBA), arrived at the OEM warehouse earlier that day.
“I want to thank the Flushing Chinese Business Association for making this generous PPE donation to the City,” said Johnson. “I know many of their members have been suffering from the economic hardship caused by COVID-19, and have been hurting since February. So I was extremely touched when they reached out to the Council about donating these PPEs to protect first responders and frontline workers. We connected them with OEM immediately. I am so appreciative of their generosity and that of so many others who have stepped up during the pandemic.”
Williams Calls for Aid to NYC Small Businesses
At a City Council hearing yesterday, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams (D) called for vital assistance to small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Williams suggested several measures outlined in his Response and Recovery Report, including suspending commercial rent, tax breaks and working with city banks to streamline access to loans and grants.
“I am not confident we are prepared to help our small businesses,” said Williams. “The cuts proposed in this executive budget to the Department raises serious concerns that we are not prepared to deal with the economic fallout from the pandemic. I worry that future cuts will only weaken SBS, which in turn will hurt small businesses at a time that they need the most help.”
Nadler, Sires Lead Call for Financial Assistance for Port Authority
Yesterday, U.S. Reps. Jerrold Nadler (D-Manhattan, Brooklyn) and Albio Sires (D-NJ) lead a bipartisan group of representatives in calling for emergency financial assistance for Port Authority.
In a letter to House and Senate leadership, the representatives request $3 billion in aid, citing decreased ridership and hikes in operational costs.
“Our region cannot function without a fully operational Port Authority,” said Nadler. “Not only do the tens of millions of people who live and work in the New York and New Jersey metropolitan region depend on the Port Authority for their daily commutes, the Port Authority employs thousands and is integral to New York and New Jersey’s economy. Our states cannot expect to fully recover from this crisis without federal support for the Port Authority.”
Schumer, Gillibrand Announce $4 Million in Funding for Watertown
Yesterday, U.S. Senators Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) announced $4 million in emergency funding for the city of Watertown’s transit system and international airport.
The CARES Act, which Schumer helped negotiate, allocates $3 million for Citibus, Watertown’s public bus system, and $1 million for Watertown International Airport. Citibus had been in the process of expanding its bus routes before the COVID-19 pandemic began.
“Transit systems like Citibus and airports like Watertown International are vital to the connectivity and success of the regional economy,” said Schumer. “As New York continues to battle the coronavirus pandemic, it’s imperative that citizens and first responders have reliable methods of transportation. This federal funding will offset major revenue losses for Citibus and Watertown International airport and allow them to recover and continue serving Watertown. I’m proud we secured this imperative funding in the CARES Act and will continue to fight to make sure North Country has the help it needs to make it through this crisis.”
Quart Announces a Slew of Endorsements
Yesterday, Assemblymember Dan Quart (D-Lenox Hill, Murray Hill) announced a myriad of endorsements from various public figures across New York.
The list includes Councilmembers Ben Kallos (D-Yorkville, Lenox Hill) and Keith Powers (D-Upper East Side, Carnegie Hill); Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer (D); U.S. Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens); and City Comptroller Scott Stringer (D), among several others.
I am proud of the endorsements I’ve received from my colleagues and from groups I’ve worked with for years on issues of reproductive justice, LGBTQ equality, workers’ rights, and criminal justice reform,” said Quart. “It has been an honor and a privilege to represent my constituents in the New York State Assembly. I’m working hard to once again earn their support and continue fighting for working families and a better quality of life for my community.”
