Queens Lawmakers on the Move Feb. 16, 2021

Queens County City Council News

Koo to Visit Downtown Flushing

City Council Member Peter Koo/via Facebook

City Councilmember Peter Koo (D-Downtown Flushing, Murray Hill, Queensboro Hill), OATH Commissioner Joni Kletter, Flushing Business Improvement District, Union Street Merchant Association will conduct a walkthrough of downtown Flushing to update businesses about OATH’s standards and procedures and offer advice on how to navigate the agency’s trial and hearing system during the pandemic.

The walkthrough will take place on Tuesday, February 16 at 11 a.m. The group will meet at the entrance to Sheraton LaGuardia East Hotel, 135-20 39th Ave., in Flushing.

Rajkumar Hosts Free COVID-19 Testing

State Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar (D-Woodhaven, Ridgewood, Richmond Hill, Ozone Park and Glendale) will be hosting free COVID-19 testing at her office on Woodhaven Blvd later this week. 

The testing is available without insurance and is rapid testing. It is free and no appointment is needed.

Rajkumar’s office is located at 83-91 Woodhaven Blvd. The free COVID-19 rapid testing will be available starting on Friday and will go until Sunday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. 

Meng Introduces Lunar New Year Resolution

U.S. Rep. Grace Meng

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, introduced a bipartisan resolution today in the House of Representatives to recognize Lunar New Year as the Asian American community prepares to celebrate the holiday tonight, on the eve of Lunar New Year. 

This year, Lunar New Year fell on February 12. 

“Lunar New Year is normally a special time for families, delicious foods, and community and cultural celebrations. Unfortunately, this year’s Lunar New Year is atypical as our nation—indeed, our world—continues to combat COVID-19. Traditional festivities, gatherings with family and friends, and other activities have been limited or gone virtual,” said Meng. “Despite this setback, I am pressing forward to honor this global holiday by introducing my resolution in the House – as we mark the Year of the Ox. A dish my family traditionally enjoys is noodle soup, which is supposed to bring luck for the year ahead. However people choose to observe this holiday, I hope that everyone stays safe and healthy, and I wish everyone luck, fortune, and happiness in the year ahead.”

Lunar New Year, which celebrates the heritage, culture, and contributions of Asian Americans, is the most significant time of the year for the Asian American community. This year marked the Year of the Ox. 

Meng’s resolution would recognize the cultural and historical significance of Lunar New Year, and express the deepest respect for Asian Americans and all individuals throughout the world who celebrate the holiday. The measure, which details the history and customs of Lunar New Year, would also wish Asian Americans and all who observe the Lunar celebration a happy and prosperous New Year.

A copy of the resolution can be viewed here.