Queens Lawmakers on the Move July 24, 2020

Queens County City Council News

Rozic Paves Way for Online Pay Stubs

Assembly Member Nily Rozic

Assemblymember Nily Rozic (D- Flushing, Queensboro Hill, Hillcrest, Fresh Meadows, Oakland Gardens, Bayside, and Douglaston) announced the passage of legislation that she authored with Senator Brian Kavanagh (D-Manhattan/Brooklyn) (A4867/S2328) that would enable all state employees to get their paycheck information online. 

The bill passed both the Assembly and Senate with bipartisan support and now awaits the governor’s signature.

“As technology advances, state government needs to keep pace,” said Rozic. “By allowing all state employees to access their pay stub information online, we can cut costs—both financially and environmentally. This common-sense legislation is just one of the many ways we can modernize government and keep up with the times.”

Currently, a large number of state employees –– even those enrolled in a direct deposit program –– still receive printed copies of their pay stubs by mail or delivered by hand at their workplace. This legislation would require the state to give employees the option of receiving their pay stub electronically, with the same information that is currently printed on paper pay stubs. Currently the paperless option is only available at the discretion of the individual state agency where the employee works and it has been implemented only to a limited extent.

The Office of the New York State Comptroller already implements NYS Payroll Online, a service that allows some state employees to view and update certain employee payroll information and opt out of receiving paper pay stubs. The initiative has been operating since 2014. The requirements of this bill can be met by expanding access to that system. Minnesota, Florida, Kentucky and South Dakota all have similar programs in place.

Sanders Hosts Census 2020 Event

State Sen. James Sanders Jr.

Senator James Sanders Jr. (D-Laurelton, Rosedale, Springfield Gardens, Edgemere, Bayswater, Arverne and Far Rockaway) is partnering with a number of community organizations to reach out to residents about the 2020 Census in response to a document issued by NYC Census 2020 identifying neighborhoods within Senatorial District 10 –– South Ozone Park, Richmond Hill and South Jamaica –– as communities with the low participation.

Senator Sanders will distribute sanitizers, masks and food while representatives and volunteers assist constituents with onsite sign-up for the 2020 Census. Please bring a bottle to receive sanitizer. 

The event will take place Saturday, July 25 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Frederick B. Judge Playground located at 111- 01 134th Street in South Ozone Park.

RSVP on Eventbrite.

Feel free to contact Senator Sanders’ office with any questions or concerns at 718-523-3069 or 718-327-7017.

Meng Helps Pass Legislation to Repeal Trump’s Muslim Ban

U.S. Rep. Grace Meng

U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D- Bayside, Flushing, Forest Hills, Fresh Meadows, Glendale, Kew Gardens, Maspeth, Middle Village, and Rego Park) announced Thursday that she helped pass the NO BAN Act which seeks to repeal President Trump’s travel bans that target individuals from several predominantly Muslim countries. 

The legislation, which Meng cosponsored, passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 233-183.

“Since President Trump first announced his Muslim travel ban, I have led efforts to defund it, and I was proud to support and help pass the NO BAN Act as well,” said Congresswoman Meng. “Muslims are hard-working members of our communities particularly here in Queens. They contribute to the greatness of our country and help improve neighborhoods throughout our borough and across the nation. We must continue standing up to the President’s xenophobia and discrimination against Muslims. This bigotry is ugly, cruel and un-American, and we will not stop fighting for the rights of the Muslim community. I urge the Senate to now follow the House’s lead and immediately pass the NO BAN Act.”

In January 2017, Meng was the first member of Congress to introduce legislation aimed at stopping President Trump’s Muslim ban, and she has consistently spoken out against his rhetoric and polices towards Muslims and immigrants.