Queens Lawmakers On The Move Feb. 28, 2019

Weprin, Liu Announce Passage of Religious Garb Bill in State Assembly, Push for Vote in State Senate

Assemblyman David I. Weprin (D-Richmond Hill, Fresh Meadows) and State Sen. John C. Liu (D-Bayside, Flushing), along with religious freedom advocates from across the spectrum stood on the Assembly steps yesterday to announce Assembly passage of A04204, ‘The Religious Garb Bill.’

The legislation, which prohibits discrimination against religious attire and appearances, passed the Assembly chamber 106 to 1.

Weprin first introduced the measure in 2011 and it has passed in the Assembly each year since 2013. Liu is now carrying the bill in the senate and he expects it to pass thanks to the change in Senate leadership.

The bill is intended to protect the rights of all New Yorkers regardless of religion in the workplace. The legislation was inspired by the case of Kevin Harrington, a Sikh subway operator for the MTA, who was ordered to remove his turban or deface it with an MTA logo. This bill would end workplace discrimination with regard to religious expression.

“With hate crimes on the rise, we must make it clear that New York will not tolerate any form of discrimination against people of faith,” said Weprin. “This legislation would ensure that no one is ever forced to choose between adhering to their religious beliefs and earning a living.”

“In this day and age, no New Yorker should have to choose between gainful employment and faithful adherence to their religious beliefs,” said Liu. “This bill will at long last rid our state of this type of religious discrimination in the workplace.”

Kim Congratulates Williams On Public Advocate Win

Assemblymember and Public Advocate candidate Ron Kim (D-Whitestone, Flushing, College Point, Murray Hill) yesterday congratulated Jumaane Williams on his hard-fought special election win for the seat.

Williams showed his toughness and resilience over the last two months and is more than ready to become the city’s next public advocate, said Kim.

“I also want to congratulate all the other candidates in the race for running spirited campaigns, particularly the two new comers, Dawn Smalls and Nomiki Konst who both qualified for the two televised debates.

“Finally, I want to thank the voters of Assembly District 40 and Queens for coming out in large numbers to vote for me and of course, my campaign staff, senior advisors, and countless volunteers.

“We ran a principled and purposeful campaign, one that was based on tackling the root problems of our city and state. We are witnessing the worst levels of household debt in decades, and student debt is the primary driver. Meanwhile our subways and schools are falling apart and we continue to hand out billions of taxpayer dollars in corporate welfare every year.

“I will continue to advance our mission, starting today in Albany, as I refocus on ending the failing practice of corporate giveaways that do not result in good jobs or revenue for our state. I was grateful for the opportunity to spread my “people over corporations” message to the voters of New York City and look forward to moving this agenda forward at the State level.”

Ramos, Dromm Laud City Announcement That Record Amount Of Students Took AP Exams

State Sen. Jessica Ramos (D-Corona, East Elmhurst, Elmhurst, Jackson Heights) and City Council Member Daniel Dromm (D-East Elmhurst, Elmhurst, Jackson Heights ) this week lauded Mayor Bill de Blasio and Schools Chancellor Richard A. Carranza announcement that a record-high number of New York City students took and passed Advanced Placement exams, a direct result of the Mayor and Chancellor’s AP for All initiative, part of the Equity and Excellence for All agenda.

The number of students taking at least one Advanced Placement exam in 2018 rose 11.4 percent, from 49,364 students in 2017 to a record 55,011 students. The number of students passing at least one Advanced Placement exam rose 10.7 percent, nearly keeping pace with the increase in participation. The number of students taking and passing AP exams increased in every borough, and across all ethnic groups.

“Our schools have been underfunded for far too long. The Mayor and the Chancellor’s Equity and Excellence for All agenda has showed just how much talent and potential our children have and all they can achieve when they have the tools they need to succeed. I am thrilled today to join the Mayor and Chancellor in celebrating the 55,011 students who took AP exams, and their bright futures,” said Ramos.

“I celebrate these citywide gains,” said Dromm. “Thanks to NYC’s AP for All initiative, many more of our children are better prepared for college. This just goes to show what a substantial investment in public education can do.”

Katz, Moya Celebrate Dominican Heritage Month

Queens Borough President Melinda Katz today will join in the celebration of two event for Dominican Heritage Month.

In the first event she will join City Council Member Francisco Moya (D-East Elmhurst, Elmhurst, Jackson Heights, and Corona in Queens, including Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Lefrak City, LaGuardia Airport) and the Dominican-American Society of Queens at 7 p.m. at La Boom, 56-15 Northern Boulevard in Woodside.

Then at 7:45 p.m. she will celebrate with the Queens Dominican Parade at PS 19Q 98-02 Roosevelt Avenue in Corona.