Holden Announces Cleaning Services to Offset Budget Cuts
City Councilmember Robert Holden is reallocating discretionary funds toward another non-profit organization to help keep his district clean in response to citywide budget cuts affecting the Department of Sanitation’s public waste basket collection and litter removal.
On September 2, The Association of Community Employment Programs for the Homeless (ACE) began cleaning commercial corridors seven days a week in District 30, including Flushing Avenue, Metropolitan Avenue, Fresh Pond Road and Myrtle Avenue. Holden officially announced his partnership with ACE on September 16. The organization will focus on cleaning up litter, overflowing waste baskets and other garbage along these corridors, while also clearing snow from catch basins and sidewalk cutouts at crosswalks, and occasional graffiti removal.
“The economic toll that the COVID-19 pandemic has taken on our city can be seen daily in the growing amount of litter and piles of garbage from overflowing wastebasket on our streets and sidewalks,” said Council Member Holden. “We cannot allow our environment and quality of life continue to suffer, so I am proud to bring more cleaning services to my communities to make up for what was lost. The addition of ACE will build upon the work that the Wildcat Service Corp. has been doing for many years, while also providing jobs to those who need them most.”
ACE will complement the work that the Wildcat Service Corp. is already doing throughout the district. Council Member Holden is also reallocating funds from his discretionary budget to bring back Sunday waste basket collection for the Department of Sanitation.
ACE works with homeless men and women throughout New York City to provide job training, experience, and a support network to help program participants re-establish economic independence.
Schumer Issues Statement On Hispanic Heritage Month
US Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer released the following statement in recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month 2020:
“Today marks the commencement of Hispanic Heritage Month, a time for us to acknowledge and celebrate the great contributions of the Latino community to our nation. Whether it’s working in public service, running small businesses, serving in the armed services, or being on the frontlines fighting against the COVID-19 pandemic, Latinos enrich and strengthen America every day.
This should also be a time for reflection and action. We cannot celebrate the richness of the Latino culture and heritage without addressing the challenges faced under the Trump administration. Every one of their harmful policy against immigrants, attacking affordable healthcare, or dismantling our democracy undermines the well-being of our entire country. As Senate Democratic Leader, I remain committed to building a better future for Latinos in America, which benefits us all. An American symbol of hope, the Statue of Liberty reminds us that diversity is one of America’s greatest strengths.
I wish everyone a happy celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month!”
Gianaris Hosts Webinar about Student Loans
State Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris is partnering with the Community Service Society of New York to provide a free webinar for those with student loans to learn about relief available and repayment options amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The covid-19 pandemic has put the financial lives of millions in jeopardy. While we continue to fight for additional relief, I am pleased to work with the Community Service Society of New York to help people learn more about their options during this uncertain time,” said Gianaris.
The webinar will take place on Thursday, September 17 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. To register for the webinar, click here. To download the flyer, click here.
