Queens Lawmakers on the Move July 21, 2020

AOC to Introduce Law Enforcement Identification Bill

Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-Astoria, College Point, Corona, East Elmhurst, Elmhurst, Jackson Heights, Woodside, parts of the Bronx) will introduce the ‘Law Enforcement Identification Transparency Act of 2020,’ requiring all federal law enforcement officers to identify their name, agency and badge number on their uniform at all times while on duty or serving the public this week with Representative Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC). 

This bill follows multiple reports of unidentified law enforcement at public demonstrations and a recent Nation report that revealed that many of these law enforcement officers were with federal agencies never intended or trained to patrol civilian populations or public demonstrations.

“Secret police snatching Americans off of street corners and shooting rubber bullets at peaceful demonstrators is something we would expect to see in an authoritarian state, not outside the White House. Yet, that is our current reality,” said Ocasio-Cortez in a statement. “This bill will increase accountability and oversight for law enforcement. Currently, law enforcement can violate an American’s First Amendment right with complete anonymity. If an officer violates their agency’s policies, their victim should have the ability to report them to their agency and demand accountability.” 

The bill also conditions federal funding for local and state law enforcement on the inclusion of identifying information on their uniforms. Additionally, the bill requires each federal law enforcement agency to implement a policy that is in accordance with the bill’s outlined goals, and requires data reporting on compliance with that policy. The full bill text is available here. 

Braunstein Holds Urgent Need Blood Drive

Assemblymember Edward C. Braunstein (D-Bayside) is sponsoring his 8th Annual Summer Blood Drive, in conjunction with the New York Blood Center. 

“Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there is an urgent need for blood donors,” said Braunstein. “Each blood donation saves up to 3 lives, so I hope you will take the time to share this lifesaving gift.”  

This urgent need blood drive will take place on Thursday, August 6 from 2:30pm to 8:30pm at the Bay Terrace Shopping Center at 212-51 26th Avenue (formerly American Eagle Outfitters).

To remain in compliance with the guidelines for social distancing, donations are by appointment only.  To sign-up visit https://tinyurl.com/braunsteinblooddrive or contact Braunstein’s office by phone at 718-357-3588 or by e-mail at braunsteine@nyassembly.gov.

Comrie Mourns Passing of Community Giant Leroy Carmichael

Senator Leroy Comrie (D-of Jamaica, Cambria Heights, Queens Village, Hollis, St. Albans, Laurelton, Jamaica Estates, Briarwood, Hillcrest and Kew Gardens) issued the following statement in response to the passing of Leroy Carmichael, lifelong civil servant and Southeast Queens community leader:

“Leroy Carmichael was driven by a deeply personal commitment to ensure adequate health care outcomes for the African American community and other minority communities in New York and to promote justice and equality for all people. Among the entries on his remarkable resume were Executive Director of the Queens Hospital Center, Director of the Bronx Psychiatric Center, Vice Chair of the NYC Health + Hospitals Corporation, member of the NYC Water Board, and Assistant Commissioner to the Regional Director of the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities. He was a brilliant and compassionate hospital administrator and a leader of his time in the struggle for social and civil justice.

Genuine and affable by nature, he attracted the friendship of luminaries such as the Hon. Guy R. Brewer, the Hon. Archie Spigner, the Rev. Robert Ross Johnson, and Governor Nelson Rockefeller. His willingness to build bonds as he fought for fairness powered his remarkable career.

He was justifiably proud of his family who together achieved a long needed economic triumph at the intersection of Foch and New York (Now Guy R. Brewer) Boulevard in South Jamaica with a world renowned diner and other community businesses. He too was eternally proud of his beloved wife, Charlene Carmichael, who served as the dean of a dental college in Virginia.

A brother to me in spirit and as a proud member of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, I mourn his death but I find comfort and inspiration in his memory and ironclad legacy of community service.”