Queens Lawmakers on the Move September 15, 2020

Grodenchik Gives Out Face Masks in Oakland Gardens

Councilmember Barry S. Grodenchik (D-Bayside Hills, Bellerose, Douglaston, Floral Park, Fresh Meadows, Glen Oaks, Hollis, Hollis Hills, Holliswood, Little Neck, New Hyde Park, Oakland Gardens, Queens Village) distributed nearly 2,000 free masks in Oakland Gardens in an effort to keep local residents safe from the novel coronavirus.

The recent grab-and-go occurred outside of Key Food on Springfield Boulevard, just south of Horace Harding Expressway in Oakland Gardens, where local residents and shoppers were handed small packets filled with five folded masks. 

The councilmember, who recovered from COVID-19 in March, has done mask giveaways throughout eastern Queens, including in Glen Oaks, Fresh Meadows, and Queens Village. He has also delivered masks to the homes of those in need. He has distributed close to 20,000.

Gianaris Bill Will Pause Statute of Limitations for US Presidents

Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris (D-Astoria, Long Island City, Sunnyside, parts of Woodside, Maspeth, Ridgewood, Woodhaven)and Assemblymember Nick Perry (D-Brooklyn) announced the New York No Citizen is Above the Law Act, (S.8973/A.10905). 

Last week a federal court granted President Donald Trump another delay in his on-going legal maneuverings and stall tactics to keep hidden his subpoenaed tax returns from the Manhattan District Attorney. This bill ensures laws are equally applied to all citizens, even the President of the United States.

“This President and any who follow should be held accountable for their illegal acts,” said Gianaris. “We must close the loophole that allows Presidents to exploit statutes of limitations coupled with Presidential immunity to forever escape culpability for malfeasance.”

The bill pauses statute of limitations for all crimes alleged to be committed by the President of the United States. If enacted, it would thwart all efforts by any sitting US President to impede on-going criminal investigations.  Under current law the immunity enjoyed by Presidents can be used to run out the statute of limitations on criminal charges. The bill, if enacted, would take effect immediately allowing prosecutors in New York State currently pursuing investigations into the sitting President of United States to pursue charges if warranted.

Addabbo and Miller to Hold Recycling Event

State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach, Ozone Park, Woodhaven, Glendale, Middle Village, Maspeth and parts of South Ozone Park, Ridgewood, Woodside and The Rockaways) and Assemblymember Mike Miller (D-Woodhaven, Ridgewood, Richmond Hill, Ozone Park and Glendale), in partnership with Community Board 9 Queens, will go forward with their bi-annual recycling event in the Forest Park Bandshell parking lot this September with some major changes in place. 

“Senator Addabbo and I had to postpone our Spring Recycling Event due to COVID-19, however, I am pleased that we can move forward with our Fall Recycling Event,” Miller said. 

This year, due to COVID-19, there will be no electronics recycling at the event. There will still be paper shredding services through USA Shred as well as clothing and household goods donations to the United War Veterans Council.

“Unfortunately with the Coronavirus pandemic affecting budget constraints, we cannot bring the e-waste recycling portion of our event to the park this fall,” Addabbo said. “We understand the inconvenience of this and thank everyone for their understanding.”

The event will be held on Sunday, September 27 at the bandshell parking lot in Forest Park, and run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.