Constantinides Releases Statement on Expulsion of Andy King from Council
Councilmember Costa Constantinides (D-Astoria, East Elmhurst, Jackson Heights, Woodside) issued the following statement on his vote to expel Andy King from the New York City Council:
“Today the New York City Council took the unprecedented step to expel Andy King from this body. This was not taken lightly, but over the last year Andy has shown no remorse for the substantiated allegations of abuse, harassment, and betrayal of public trust. Instead, he has doubled down on the idea that he has done nothing wrong. What does that say to the women he made feel unsafe? Andy has time and again betrayed the oath all of us took to make this City a better place, not just for our constituents but all 8.4 million New Yorkers — including our staff.
For the last year I have maintained he was no longer fit to serve in the Council, as he’s continually sought retribution instead of absolution. He scoffed at the umpteenth chance he got last year to make amends or improve himself. I voted last year and again today to expel him, because we must set the example that anyone who abuses trust should be removed from the workplace. As a former Council staffer, I know how hard our teams work over grueling days to make the City a safer place. They have put their faith in us because they believe in our particular causes or want to serve their neighborhood. We, in turn, should support them — not make them fear for their health or safety. This is something we must uphold.”
Meng Introduces Bill to Promote Teaching Asian Pacific American History in Schools
U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Bayside, Flushing, Forest Hills, Fresh Meadows, Glendale, Kew Gardens, Maspeth, Middle Village, Rego Park), First Vice Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, announced today that she introduced the Teaching Asian Pacific American History Act (H.R. 8519), a bill to promote the teaching and learning of Asian Pacific American history in schools across the United States.
The announcement of the bill’s introduction comes on this day, 42 years ago, when President Jimmy Carter signed a Joint Resolution designating the annual celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage Week. This week-long celebration was later extended to a month after President George H.W. Bush signed a bill passed by Congress in 1990.
“For decades, our children’s social studies textbooks have misrepresented, or excluded, the history of Asian Pacific Americans,” said Meng. “Our children are graduating from high school without learning of the important contributions the Asian Pacific American community has made throughout our nation’s history. They are also graduating without learning of the disenfranchisement and discrimination Asian Pacific Americans have faced at the hands of the United States government. I firmly believe we cannot fully empower our students to be strong and empathetic leaders without teaching them all of America’s history – both the good and the bad. Our school teachings need to reflect the diversity of the American experience and accurately portray the history of Asian Pacific Americans. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.”
Asian Pacific Americans have made immeasurable contributions to our nation throughout its history. As far back as the 1700s, APAs have played an integral part in shaping American society. They have shaped the face of infrastructure, created the pillars of our economy, and bravely laid down their lives in service to their country. However, for generations, Asian Pacific American history has been poorly represented in our K-12 education system and social studies textbooks.
The Teaching Asian Pacific American History Act would require Presidential and Congressional Academies to include Asian Pacific American history as part of their American history and civics programs offered to students and teachers. Every year, hundreds of teachers and students attend these academies for an in-depth study in American history and civics, which includes visiting sites of historical importance.
Additionally, the Congresswoman’s legislation would encourage the inclusion of Asian Pacific American history in national and state tests administered through the National Assessment of Educational Progress, and promote collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution’s Asian Pacific American Center to develop innovative programming regarding Asian Pacific American history.
Addabbo Serves Veterans Grab-and-Go Lunch
State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach, Ozone Park, Woodhaven, Glendale, Middle Village, Maspeth and parts of South Ozone Park, Ridgewood, Woodside and The Rockaways), a member of Senate Veterans Committee, and his staff were at the Howard Beach Motor Club to serve free grab-and-go meals to over 150 local veterans during the Senator’s annual Veterans BBQ on Saturday, September 26.
Addabbo was joined by Assemblymember Stacey Pheffer Amato and her staff, volunteer Phillip Lynch of the Howard Beach Motor Club, and Laura Lee and Richie Pullara who provided the music for the event.
Addabbo would like to thank his staff and all the volunteers for coming out to help make the event a success, as well as Frank Russo of Russo’s on the Bay for providing the free meals for the veterans.
Miller Hosts M/WBE Virtual Networking Event
City Councilmember I. Daneek Miller (D-Cambria Heights, Hollis, Jamaica, St. Albans, Queens Village, and Springfield Gardens) in partnership with Artimus, Showing Hearts Foundation, and Greater Jamaica Development Corporation is hosting a virtual Minority and/or Women-Owned Business Enterprise (M/WBE) networking event.
There will be a brief project presentation and a discussion of future bidding opportunities for a new mixed used residential project in Jamaica.
The virtual event will be on Tuesday, October 5 at 11 a.m. To join the meeting, please click this link or use the following call in at +1(646) 876-9923, and enter code 2485104413#.
