Maloney, Pressley Introduce Legislation to Address Childhood Trauma Crisis
Yesterday, U.S. Reps. Carolyn Maloney (D-Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens) and Ayanna Pressley (D-MA) announced their plan to introduce two bills to address the mounting childhood trauma crisis.
Untreated childhood trauma is a factor behind several leading causes of death in America, including heart disease, drug overdose and suicide. Maloney and Pressley’s bills would directly address several of the underlying factors linked to childhood trauma, including poverty, food insecurity and homelessness.
Maloney’s Children’s Protection Act would require each new proposed federal rule to undergo a study examining the rule’s potential impact on children. Meanwhile, Pressley’s STRONG Support for Children Act would create two new grant programs to help Public Health Departments address trauma; it would also ensure that said programs are available to all children and families, regardless of race, income, immigration status or past incarceration.
“Childhood trauma and insecurity is a public health crisis in this country,” said Maloney. “Congress must pass the Children’s Protection Act and the STONG Support for Children Act to ensure that the federal government prioritizes the health and wellbeing of our children and is a partner in breaking the cycle of intergenerational trauma fueled by race and class discrimination. Every child deserves to grow up feeling safe and supported with the tools they need to create their best future, and federal actions should never undermine this bedrock value. I’m proud to continue the work of the late Chairman Elijah E. Cummings, who held the first ever Congressional hearings on childhood trauma.”
Cuomo Recognizes New York State Organ Donor Enrollment Day
Yesterday, Governor Andrew Cuomo (D) urged New Yorkers to register as organ donors, in recognition of New York State Organ Donor Enrollment Day.
While most COVID-19 patients ultimately recover, older and immunocompromised patients risk suffering permanent damage to their lungs and other organs. Because of this, the State’s need for organ donors is arguably greater than ever.
Fortunately, even amidst the pandemic, New Yorkers can safely and easily register as donors via the NYS Donate Life Registry.
“As we continue to fight against COVID-19, we once again have an opportunity to demonstrate New York’s tremendous love and generosity by encouraging New Yorkers to become organ donors, saving more lives in the process,” Governor Cuomo said. “Unfortunately, the pandemic has caused declines in organ donations. With so many awaiting lifesaving organ transplants, I encourage New Yorkers to become organ donors and join the NYS Donate Life Registry.”
Brewer, FreshDirect, Harlem Alphas Team Up for Food Distribution Event
Today, Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer (D), FreshDirect, and the Harlem chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. will be conducting food distributions across Manhattan.
Brewer and co. will be conducting the distribution at two different locations – one in Harlem, one on the Lower East Side. The intent of the event is to spread awareness about food insecurity, a problem which has only gotten worse since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The event will take place at 12 p.m. at Drew Hamilton Houses, 2660 Frederick Douglass Blvd. and at 2 p.m. at Lillian Wald Park, 200 Monroe St.
Velázquez Denounces Appointment of Justin Peterson to Puerto Rico Oversight Board
U.S. Rep. Nydia Velázquez (D-LES, Brooklyn, Queens) released a statement on Wednesday after President Donald Trump (R) appointed Justin Peterson to serve on the Financial Management and Oversight Board of Puerto Rico.
Peterson is a managing partner at DCI, a Washington, D.C.-based public affairs firm. In that position, he has spent years advising creditors and bondholders in financial disputes. Velázquez believes that his past experience constitutes a conflict of interest.
“Once again, the President is using his powers to undermine the interests of the people of Puerto Rico. Just weeks before the election,” said Velázquez. “Trump has made an appointment that could impact the lives of Puerto Ricans for decades. Justin Peterson has spent his career advising and lobbying some of Puerto Rico’s most prominent bondholders. As a member of the Board, Peterson would have a critical say in how to restructure the Island’s debt, but his coziness with bondholders is a serious red flag and a clear conflict of interest.
“In appointing Peterson, this Administration has made clear it favors pursuing interests of bondholders over the wellbeing of the Puerto Rican people. I oppose an appointment that would further force austerity measures on the Island in favor of boosting Wall Street.”
