Queens Lawmakers On The Move Jan. 24, 2020

Queens County City Council News

Meng Introduces Resolution Commorating 75 Years Since Auschwitz Liberation

U.S. Rep. Grace Meng

U.S. Reps. Grace Meng (D- Bayside, Flushing, Forest Hills, Fresh Meadows, Glendale, Kew Gardens, Maspeth, Middle Village, Rego Park), Ted Deutch (D-FL), and Lee Zeldin (R-NY) yesterday announced that they will introduce a bipartisan resolution in the House to commemorate 75 years since the liberation of Auschwitz next Monday.

The resolution honors the 6 million Jews who were murdered by the Nazi regime and the millions of other minorities whose lives were tragically cut short. The measure also reaffirms the United States’ shared commitment to combating anti-Semitism and all other forms of bigotry whenever and wherever they arise. 

In addition, it supports continued educational efforts to teach future generations about the Holocaust, and pays tribute to Holocaust survivors who have shared their painful stories that serve as a warning to future generations. There are over 80,000 Holocaust survivors still living in the United States.

“Nearly 75 years ago, Allied troops liberated Auschwitz and saw with their own eyes the Nazi regime’s evil and barbaric persecution of Jews and other minorities,” said Meng. “Since then, the United States has resolved to teach future generations about the Holocaust, and why anti-Semitism and bigotry must be fought whenever and wherever these acts of hate occur. We must do all that we can in order to ensure that the adage ‘never again’ is realized. That is why I am proud to introduce this bipartisan resolution that reaffirms our shared commitment to these goals. We stand together, united in our resolve to combat the rise of anti-Semitism in the U.S. and around the world.”


Meeks Takes CODEL to Guyana to Meet with Leadership

U.S. Rep. Gregory Meeks

U.S. Rep. Gregory W. Meeks (D-Jamaica, Laurelton, Rosedale, Cambria Heights, Saint Albans, Springfield Gardens, The Rockaways, JFK Airport), senior member of the Foreign Affairs Committee and Vice Chair of the Western Hemisphere, Civilian Security, and Trade Subcommittee, issued the following statement after traveling with a Congressional delegation to Guyana.

“As Vice Chair of the Western Hemisphere Subcommittee, I called for this trip because of the strategic importance of Guyana in our hemisphere. In meetings with President Granger, Foreign Minister Cummings, Justice Claudette Singh of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, and People’s Progressive Party Presidential Candidate Irfaan Ali, I underscored the importance of upholding international norms, while ensuring upcoming elections are free and fair, abiding by the rule of law,” said Meeks.

“Maintaining the full confidence of the Guyanese people during upcoming elections must remain a top priority.  I also emphasized, no matter the electoral result, the United States maintains a steadfast commitment to building upon the strong U.S.-Guyana relationship. 

“In meetings with the Guyanese business and international community, I noted that Guyana is at a critical crossroads.  I cautioned that oil wealth can evolve into a blessing or a curse, benefiting every echelon of society or the chosen few, and that petroleum revenues should spur innovation in all sectors, positively benefiting future generations.”


Gianaris Pleased Cuomo Budget Includes His Democracy Preservation Act

Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris (D-Astoria, Long Island City, Sunnyside, parts of Woodside, Maspeth, Ridgewood, Woodhaven) said this week he was pleased that Gov. Cuomo included his Democracy Preservation Act in his proposed state budget.

The measure would bar companies with foreign ownership from making political campaign expenditures.

“Unlimited corporate expenditures have a pernicious effect on our elections and my  Democracy Preservation Act will make substantial inroads in fighting the influence of big corporations. Enactment of this bill would ensure that New York’s elections are decided by its people, not by big corporations,” said Gianaris.

Gianaris is a leading voice on electoral reform in New York. He authored legislation to reduce campaign contribution limits and prohibit politicians from using campaign funds for legal defenses. He is a longtime supporter of publicly financed campaigns and of getting big money out of politics.


CM Miller’s BIll Extending Health Insurance Passes City Council

Councilmember I. Daneek Miller

City Council Member I. Daneek Miller (D-Cambria Heights, Hollis, Jamaica, Jamaica Estates, Laurelton, Queens Village, Springfield Gardens, St. Albans) saw his legislation (1785) extending health insurance coverage benefits to some surviving family members of deceased municipal employees pass the council yesterday.

Under the measure, this would pertain to those who died as a natural and proximate result of an accident or injury sustained while performing duties for the city or who died because of a condition as related to the World Trade Center.

“All work has dignity, and Introduction 1785 demonstrates how we as a city value the service of every single one of our municipal employees, particularly the brave civilian responders who answered the call on 9/11,” said Miller.

“I thank my colleagues, Speaker Johnson, and the Administration for supporting this bill. Its passage today ensures that all of our dedicated civil servants will have the peace of mind they richly deserve by knowing that the care we provide for their families’ health will endure, even if tragedy should strike in the course of duty,” he added.