Rosenthal, BP Richards Condemn Anti-Semitic Vandalism
State Assemblymember Daniel Rosenthal (D-Kew Gardens Hills, Kew Gardens, Pomonok, Electchester, College Point and parts of Whitestone, Richmond Hill, Briarwood and Forest Hills) and Queens Borough President Donovan Richards released separate statements on Wednesday condemning the anti-Semitic vandalism that was discovered earlier in the day on 68th Road and the Grand Central Parkway in Queens.
“This shameful and repugnant act has no place in our community. It will not be tolerated and must be stamped out. This latest event comes on the heels of a cyber attack on a local Jewish school in Long Island. Anti-Semitism is not new to our community but we must stand united and with one voice declare that there is no room for it. The scourge of anti-Semitism and hate must be combated at every level. I condemn in the strongest possible terms any acts of anti-Semitism and I have full confidence in the NYPD that they will find the perpetrator and that justice will be served,” said Rosenthal.
“This sickening display of anti-Semitism has no place in The World’s Borough, especially as our Jewish brothers and sisters in Forest Hills and across Queens rejoice during the holy week of Chanukah,” said Richards. “This intolerable act of vandalism will not go unpunished, and our office is working closely with the NYPD, the NYC Commission on Human Rights and the NYC Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes to ensure those responsible are held accountable for their shameful, unacceptable act of hate.”
Stavisky Congratulates Recipients of “STEM Reimbursement” Funding
State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky (D-Central Queens) congratulated three schools in her district on Wednesday who received funding from the New York State “STEM Reimbursement” Program.
“STEM education is vital for the growth and development of our young students. This funding will help ensure these students can grow and compete in the ever evolving world of science, technology, engineering and math,” she said.
The New York State “STEM Reimbursement” Program announced this week that more than $81,000 in funding is going to three schools in Stavisky’s 16th District –– the Muslim Center Junior High School, the New Highland Elementary School and the Resurrection Ascension Catholic Academy. The funding will be used for the program, and can be accessed by the schools immediately.
“Our society is more dependent on the core principles and values of STEM than ever before,” said Stavisky. “The future of our city’s economy depends on our students developing a strong and practical understanding of those principles. As a member of the Education Committee, and as the Chairwoman of the Higher Education Committee, I understand that that growth starts in the classroom, and with the teachers who invest their time and energy into inspiring our next generation of innovators and problem solvers.”
The “STEM Reimbursement” Program was originally passed in 2017. The first-in-the-nation program reimburses nonpublic schools, from third grade through high school. The program distributed $15 million dollars statewide this year, and will be distributing an additional $30 million across the state in 2021.
De Blasio Issues Statement on Stimulus Negotiations
Mayor Bill de Blasio on Wednesday issued the following statement on stimulus negotiations in Congress:
“Direct payments to people are a step in the right direction, but a deal that sidelines local aid is a deal that sidelines our recovery. Congress must work together to provide funding for localities to ensure public services can remain intact. Local governments like New York City are in the midst of fighting back COVID-19, and without local aid, this deal fails to meet the moment.”
Dromm Hosts Finance Committee Hearing
City Councilmember Daniel Dromm, Chair of the Committee on Finance (D-Jackson Heights, Elmhurst), and the rest of the committee are holding a hearing Thursday.
The committee will discuss multiple items including two land use applications and a resolution approving new designations and changes in designations of certain organizations to receive funding in the Expense Budget.
For more information see the agenda.
The remote hearing will take place on Thursday, December 17 at 9 a.m. in Virtual Room 1.
Koo Holds Parks and Recreation Vote on Bill
City Councilmember Peter Koo, Chair of the Committee on Parks and Recreation (D-Downtown Flushing, Murray Hill, Queensboro Hill), and the rest of the committee will hold a hearing on Thursday.
The committee will hold a vote on preconsidered legislation about the naming of 92 thoroughfares and public places.
For more information see the agenda.
The remote hearing will take place on Thursday, December 17 at 10 a.m. in Virtual Room 1.
Koslowitz Discusses Elections in Hearing
City Councilmember Karen Koslowitz, Chair of the Committee on Rules, Privileges and Elections (D-Rego Park, Forest Hills, Kew Gardens, Richmond Hill), and the rest of the committee is holding a hearing on Thursday.
The committee will hear from Miguelina Camilo from the Office of Commissioner of Elections of the Board of Elections, Richmond County Democratic Commissioner of Elections Patricia Anne Taylor Carsel and Tiffany Townsend of the Office of Commissioner of Elections.
See the agenda for more details.
The hearing will take place on Thursday, December 17 at 10:30 a.m. in Virtual Room 1.
