Queens Lawmakers On The Move May 8, 2018

Meng On Schneiderman Resignation

U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Bayside, Flushing, Forest Hills, Rego Park, Fresh Meadows, Glendale, Kew Gardens, Maspeth) last night issued the following statement on New York State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, after four women accused the state’s top prosecutor of physical assault, and Schneiderman’s resignation.

“The allegations against Attorney General Schneiderman are deeply disturbing and shocking, and his immediate resignation as Attorney General was the right decision.

“This kind of conduct is abhorrent and has no place in our society.

“The brave women who revealed this abusive behavior are to be commended for speaking out. They refused to stay silent, and I applaud them for having the courage to come forward.”

Crowley Sponsors Legislation to Protect Student Veterans

U.S. Rep. Joe Crowley (D-Sunnyside, Astoria, College Point, East Elmhurst, Jackson Heights, Corona, Woodside, parts of the Bronx) chair of the House Democratic Caucus, last week announced legislation to help student veterans find affordable housing and protect them from predatory landlords.

The legislation, the Students LIVE Act, is part of Crowley’s Better Deal for Queens and the Bronx, a comprehensive plan put forward by Crowley to improve the lives of working men and women in New York’s 14th Congressional District.

The Students LIVE Act would establish federal protections for student veterans when they apply for housing accommodations. Crowley was inspired to introduce the legislation after assisting a constituent and student veteran, Manish Singh, who faced unnecessary burdens and hurdles when seeking affordable housing.

“It’s a travesty that too many of our nation’s heroes are denied access to affordable housing and other resources they need when returning home,” said Crowley. “This issue is especially prevalent amongst our student veterans, including one of my constituents. Manish’s experience drove me to introduce the Students LIVE Act, which will safeguard the rights of our nation’s returning servicemembers as they transition back to civilian life.”

Supporters of The Students Live Act include the Student Veterans of America, The American Legion, Code of Support, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Association of the United States Army, NYC Veterans Alliance, EANGUS, and Swords to Plowshares.

Nearly 90,000 veterans reside in Queens and the Bronx, some of whom struggle to secure affordable housing and find resources to help them navigate life back home. Throughout his time in Congress, Chairman Crowley has been a steadfast advocate for veterans’ rights and fought to expand services for those who have served our nation. In October, Chairman Crowley led the Queens Congressional delegation in demanding the Department of Veterans Affairs to explore the rehabilitation and reopening of a crucial hospital facility for local veterans.

Sanders Announces Senate Youth Leadership Recognition Awardees

State Sen. James Sanders Jr. (D-Rochdale Village, Far Rockaway) yesterday announced that three young people from his district have been awarded New York State Senate Leadership Recognition Awards.

This honor is bestowed upon juniors and seniors in high school for their achievements in academics, athletics, arts and community service and the great work they do to benefit their communities.

“The applications we received are from a young generation of New York’s future entrepreneurs and leaders, who possess exceptional leadership qualities and the determination to make a difference in the future success of our communities,” Sanders said. “I am extremely proud of their hard work and encourage them to continue to find ways that they can positively influence the lives of those living in their community and throughout the state.”

The 2018 winners from the 10th Senatorial District are:

Christian Izien –  Academic Achievement – Far Rockaway

Justin Olave – Academic Achievement – Ozone Park 

Zahir Shadick – Community Service – Far Rockaway

“As your state Senator, I would like to offer my heartfelt congratulations to you for receiving this award,” Sanders said. “I also wish to thank your parents and your school faculty for their role in your academic and extracurricular successes, and for encouraging you to get involved in community service.”

Addabbo Bills Making It Easier To Disposed Of Unused Meds Passes Senate

State Sen. Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach, Ozone Park, Woodhaven, Glendale, Middle Village, Maspeth, South Ozone Park, Ridgewood, Woodside, The Rockaways) yesterday saw two of the bills he co-sponsored helping New Yorkers more easily dispose of unwanted or expired medications pass the senate.

The measures would provide more public information about disposal programs and require manufacturers to take back drugs from consumers without charge.

“Many of my constituents have complained about the difficulties of clearing out their medicine cabinets and having safe and responsible options for disposing of unwanted prescription and non-prescription drugs,” said Addabbo. “No one really wants to flush them down the drain and have these drugs seep into our water sources and overall environment. Having truly convenient avenues to get unwanted medications out of our homes would be a great help to environmentally-responsible consumers, and would also address the opioid epidemic by reducing access to narcotics in the home.”

The first bill (S.6673) would require the State Departments of Health and Environmental Conservation to create a statewide website listing of existing drug disposal sites, events and other options for safe disposal. The list would be searchable by zip code and be made available on both of the agency’s websites.

“With the click of a mouse, consumers would be able to look for voluntary pharmacy drop off programs, law enforcement collection sites, and learn about safe drug disposal events being held by municipalities and community groups,” said Addabbo.

The second bill (S.7354) would require pharmaceutical manufacturers to create a drug take-back program to enable consumers to return or recycle their unwanted prescription and over-the-counter medications. Chain pharmacies (with ten or more locations) would need to offer on-site collection receptacles or mail-back collection opportunities with pre-paid envelopes.

The bills now move to the assembly for consideration.