I On Politics

By ohtadmin | on May 31, 2023

VET PROTECTION BILLS PASS: In honor of Memorial Day, NYS Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. and his colleagues advanced legislation to protect the well-being of Veterans in New York, home to the fifth-largest veteran population with nearly a million former service members. These measures uphold and promote the best interests of those who have dedicated themselves to their country by improving the services and protections afforded to them. "Although we cannot repay the debt owed to these brave men and women, we can advocate for their dignity and security in retirement," said Senator Addabbo. "This Memorial Day, we pause to remember the service members who are no longer with us and improve the quality of life for those who are still here and their families."

The legislation co-sponsored by Addabbo and passed by the Senate authorizes close friends or family members to fulfill veterans’ burial wishes at their behest; requires a study from SUNY and CUNY on the availability of campus resources for veterans; notifies local veteran agencies and organizations of a member's return to provide expedient support; clarifies the definition of "veteran" for tax purposes, and establishes the Alex R. Jiménez New York State Military Immigrant Family Legacy Program.

"I can't say it often enough, "Every day is Veterans Day," explained Addabbo. "The men and women who have served or continue to serve our country are our everyday heroes and deserve all the accolades, opportunities, and benefits we can offer as a token of our immense appreciation. I have many priorities in the district and Albany, with veterans consistently on top of the list. It's with great pride that I serve on the Senate's Veterans, Homeland Security, and Military Affairs Committee and join my colleagues in approving legislation to enrich the lives of our veterans," Addabbo concluded.

The legislation passed by the Senate includes:

The package of bills is now under review and consideration in the Assembly.

Earlier in the 2023 legislative session, Addabbo passed two other veteran-related bills, namely S.2028 which establishes a real property tax exemption for the primary residence of a veteran with 100 percent service-connected disability and S.1811 which allows for a 120-day warning period to veterans organizations to cure site violations.

LANDER ON MAYOR’S EFFORTS TO SUSPEND RIGHT TO SHELTER: City Comptroller Brad Lander issued the following statement: "New York City's right to shelter makes this city a place where people without a home can have a roof over their heads. The Adams administration's attempt to abdicate its responsibility to uphold this legal obligation undermines the foundation of the social safety net in this city.

"Providing shelter to arriving asylum seekers is a massive undertaking that stretches the management capacity of this administration and a financial strain that the federal government needs to cover. The City must urgently turn its attention toward moving long term stayers into housing, as well as supporting new arrivals to apply for asylum and work authorization so they too can leave shelter. Rather than seeking to circumvent the state constitutional requirement to provide safe and dignified shelter, the Mayor should have gone to court to clarify that it applies to all municipalities in New York State."

‘AVID ROUTED BILLIONS OF ROBOCALLS NATIONWIDE’: New York Attorney General Letitia James sued Avid Telecom (Avid), its owner Michael Lansky, and its vice president Stacey S. Reeves for illegally initiating and facilitating billions of robocalls to millions of Americans. The lawsuit alleges that Avid ignored repeated notifications that it was conducting illegal robocalls and made more than 7.5 billion calls to telephone numbers on the National Do Not Call Registry. That day's legal action arises from the nationwide, bipartisan Anti-Robocall Multistate Litigation Task Force of 51 attorneys general.

"Americans are sick and tired of their phones ringing off the hook with fraudulent robocalls," said Attorney General James. "Seniors and vulnerable consumers have been scammed out of millions because of these illegal robocalls. Today we are suing Avid Telecom for facilitating these annoying and illegal calls and for hurting ordinary Americans. I am proud to stand with my colleagues to protect consumers and put an end to this national nuisance."

Avid Telecom is a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service provider that sells data, phone numbers, dialing software, and expertise to help its customers make mass robocalls. The company provides its customers with Direct Inward Dialing (DID), which appear as a "Caller ID" number to an individual receiving a call. Avid sold DIDs in bulk and provided DIDs for telephone numbers from every area code in the United States. Avid's customers were then able to use caller ID numbers with the same area code as the call recipient to increase the odds of the recipient answering the phone, a practice known as "spoofing."

Between December 2018 and January 2023, Avid facilitated more than 24.5 billion calls. More than 90 percent of those calls lasted less than 15 seconds, which indicates they were likely robocalls. Further, Avid helped make hundreds of millions of calls using spoofed or invalid caller ID numbers, including more than 8.4 million calls that appeared to be coming from government and law enforcement agencies, as well as private companies. Avid sent or transmitted scam calls about Social Security Administration scams, Medicare scams, auto warranty scams, Amazon scams, DirecTV scams, credit card interest rate reduction scams, and employment scams.

The USTelecom-led Industry Traceback Group, which is designated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to notify providers about known and suspected illegal robocalls sent across their networks, sent at least 329 notifications to Avid that it was transmitting illegal robocalls, but Avid ignored those notifications and continued to transmit those illegal robocalls.

The lawsuit alleges that Avid transmitted robocall campaigns in which the telemarketer and/or seller:

Misrepresented material aspects of goods or services,

Misrepresented the seller's or telemarketer's affiliation with corporations or government entities,

Made false or misleading statements to induce any person to pay for goods or services,

Failed to transmit or cause to be transmitted the real telephone number and the name of the telemarketer to caller identification services used by call recipients,

Initiated or caused the initiation of outbound calls to telephone numbers on the National Do Not Call Registry,

Initiated or caused the initiation of outbound telephone calls that delivered prerecorded messages, and

Failed to disclose the identity of the seller of the goods or services truthfully, promptly, and in a clear and conspicuous manner to the person receiving the call.

The lawsuit alleges that Avid violated the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, the Telemarketing Sales Rule, and other federal and state telemarketing and consumer laws. Filed in the U.S. District Court of Arizona, the lawsuit seeks to secure a judgment stopping Avid from making and transmitting illegal calls, and ordering Avid to pay civil penalties, restitution, and damages to the plaintiff states.

The Anti-Robocall Multistate Litigation Task Force is investigating and taking legal action against those responsible for routing significant volumes of illegal robocall traffic into and across the United States. The Federal Trade Commission and the Social Security Administration's Office of the Inspector General provided investigative assistance in this matter.

GROOMER ALLEGEDLY CHOKES DOG TO DEATH: Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced that Lee Yat Sing was arraigned on animal cruelty charges in connection with the death of a 4-year-old Maltese dog that died after being abused during a grooming session.

District Attorney Katz said: "When we entrust our beloved pets to caretakers, they should be returned to us in the same healthy condition. Instead, this pet owner learned his dog had cruelly died during a routine grooming service. We will hold the defendant accountable for his actions."

Sing, 31, of 72nd Road in Flushing, was arraigned on charges of aggravated cruelty to animals and overdriving, torturing and injuring animals. The defendant must return to court on July 26. If convicted, he faces up to 2 years in prison.

According to the charges, on March 2, between 4:50 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., the owner of a Maltese named Kele dropped the dog off at Furry Babies Pet Grooming, at 143-01 45th Avenue in Flushing.

Video surveillance footage of the grooming session shows Sing aggressively and inappropriately manipulating Kele. Sing twice hit the 7-pound dog with a pair of scissors while restraining her head and neck. He also lifted the dog off the grooming table by holding her head and neck and by pulling on Kele's beard. Kele struggled and resisted throughout and exhibited irregular and strained breathing.

When Kele went limp, Sing failed to get help or administer care and instead continued to roughly handle the unresponsive dog for an additional six minutes.

A necropsy done by a forensic veterinarian found that the otherwise healthy Kele died from respiratory failure as a result of being forcefully manipulated and restrained during the grooming session, which caused bruising, pain and distress.

ADDABBO ON GUYANA SCHOOL FIRE: Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. said, "I am saddened to hear of the news of the fire at a school dormitory in Guyana on Sunday which has claimed the lives of 20 people and injured several more. I offer my prayers and condolences to all those that were affected by this tragedy, and to the Guyanese community here in Queens."

RICHARDS, QPL SUPPORT NONPROFITS: To further support his growing Queens Nonprofit Network and its nearly 360 member organizations, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. announced a new partnership with the Queens Public Library to support network members in search of funding sources.

"Queens’ massive network of nonprofit organizations works tirelessly every day to empower our families, serve the historically disenfranchised and create a more just society for us all," said Borough President RICHARDS. "My office is committed to supporting these groups in any way possible, and I’m thrilled to be partnering with the Queens Public Library to ensure our nonprofits can access the funding and resources they need to continue that critical shared mission of service."

"Our partnership with the Borough President's Office to support our local nonprofits goes to the heart of our commitment to offer free access to information and opportunity within and outside our walls," said Queens Public Library President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott. "We look forward to working with these essential organizations to help them get the resources they need to serve Queens communities."

On the first Friday of each month between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. beginning June 2nd, a Queens Public Library expert in nonprofit services will be available for free, in-person consultations at the Queens Borough President's Office within Queens Borough Hall to comprehensively assist nonprofits with identifying and applying for new grant funding sources, among other efforts.

Organizations must be current members of Borough President Richards’ Queens Nonprofit Network in order to be eligible for a consultation, and members will receive invitations to receive a consultation directly from the Queens Borough President's Office. Nonprofit groups that are interested in joining the Queens Nonprofit Network can apply at www.queensbp.org/nonprofits.

The partnership with the Queens Public Library supplements the work already being done by Borough President Richards’ Department of Nonprofit Opportunities, which works to assist, support, empower and respond to the needs of nonprofits that serve Queens communities.

One effort to do that was the creation of the Queens Nonprofit Network in April 2021 to serve as a clearinghouse of information for groups across the borough. In the two years since the network's formation, member organizations have been connected to more than $500,000 in public and private funding in the form of micro-grants, foundation awards and corporate sponsorships among others.

Each network member organization is a 501c that serves Queens residents, while most predominantly serve historically marginalized communities and two-thirds have budgets of less than $500,000 — making the work of the network critical in support of the key services that those groups offer.

Additional initiatives put forth by Borough President Richards’ Queens Nonprofit Network will be announced in the coming months.

BILL ALLOWS SNAP TO COVER HOT & PREPARED FOODS: U.S. Reps. Grace Meng (D-NY), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Andrew Garbarino (R-NY), and Abigail Spanberger (D-VA) announced the introduction of their bipartisan Hot Foods Act.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) contains an outdated provision that limits SNAP purchases to foods designed for take-home preparation and consumption, or cold prepared foods. The bipartisan Hot Foods Act would remove this prohibition allowing families to use SNAP benefits to purchase hot foods such as prepared rotisserie chickens, hot sandwiches, and soups.

"Families throughout America rely on SNAP benefits to make sure they have enough food for their children. Restricting a working mom by only allowing her to buy a frozen rotisserie chicken, but not a hot prepared one, is nonsensical and wrong," said Rep. Meng. "The Hot Foods Act simply removes the prohibition from purchasing hot foods in SNAP. This reform will provide recipients the flexibility they need to provide the most nutritious meal possible to their family. I look forward to streamlining this program for the more than millions of SNAP recipients in the United States."

"Millions in the United States rely on SNAP to supplement their purchase of healthy and nutritious foods, and those families deserve greater flexibility with how they are able to utilize their benefits," said Rep. Fitzpatrick. "Especially for our workers and families on-the-go, prepared foods are a good and readily available source of nutrition. I am proud to partner with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in introducing the Hot Foods Act to reasonably expand food options and continue to strengthen the impact of SNAP for those who deal with food insecurity each day."

"Right now, a working mom struggling to feed her family is permitted to purchase a cold sandwich for her kids using SNAP benefits but prohibited from buying soup or a rotisserie chicken to ensure they get a hot meal," said Rep. Garbarino. "It makes little sense to continue to impose an arbitrary and outdated restriction on the use of SNAP benefits to purchase hot foods when the ability to do so could make a significant difference to so many families. I am proud to co-lead the Hot Foods Act to implement common sense reforms to the SNAP Program that will ensure Long Island children are able to receive healthy, hot meals using these benefits."

"Right now, working Virginians can't use SNAP benefits to buy warm chicken or prepared soup from a grocery store. That means a single parent on their way home from work can't swing by the store and pick up a rotisserie chicken using SNAP dollars," said Rep. Spanberger. "Allowing SNAP recipients to use the dollars already afforded to them by this program to put hot food on the table is an economical way to spend these dollars. I’m proud to join my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in recognizing how these increased flexibilities both benefit our neighbors and strengthen SNAP — a program that feeds millions of families, children, seniors, Veterans, and Americans with disabilities in Virginia and across our country."

Of the more than 42 million SNAP participants, almost 70 percent of participants are children, elderly, or those with disabilities. The ability to purchase hot foods or hot foods ready for immediate consumption would provide enormous flexibility to those who rely on this program to supplement their nutrition and dietary needs.

SPECIAL EDUCATION FAMILY FORUM: Families are invited to join the free virtual Special Education Family Forum taking place on Tuesday, June 13, at 6:00 – 9:00PM ET.

Families will learn about a variety of special education topics from experts, hear from parent leaders, and get tools that can be used to support participation in the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process. Workshops will meet the diverse learning needs of families who are new to special education, those with children who are preparing for life after high school, and everything in between. The New York City Public Schools staff will also share timely information about summer learning and what to expect next school year.

REGISTER NOW at www.techlearningevents.com/familyforum23/home?ref=prereg

Why Attend?

Network:

Learn:

Participate:

Early-Bird Question Opportunity – Register before May 30

Those who register before May 30 will have the opportunity to ask the panel a question about one of topics during their registration process. The panel will do their best to answer all questions depending on timing. If you would like to ask a question about one of the session topics in the agenda, be sure to include this when you register.

SCHULMAN, QCH SUPPORT YOUNG WOMEN: On May 20, over 100 Queens residents were in attendance for Queens Community House's (QCH) 24th Annual Youth Leadership Conference at QCH's Forest Hills Community Center. The event was hosted by the Access for Young Women (AFYW) program of QCH, one of the borough's largest social service organizations.

Families, neighbors, elected officials, QCH board members, and QCH staff were in attendance to learn about and support the program, have a social lunch, and enjoy dance performances and informative presentations from AFYW's young women.

During the conference, NYC Councilmember Lynn Schulman provided words of encouragement to the young women as future leaders in Queens. "For those who may want to get involved, we have a Young Women's Initiative in the City Council that was recently resurrected by Speaker Adrienne Adams," said Councilmember Schulman. "It's so exciting to see all of the young women here at this conference, and I want to do anything I can to support having women in office."

"Councilmember Schulman has worked in our community and city-wide to support social services in a variety of ways for many years, and she has the distinction of being a member of the first women majority City Council to represent the city of New York, so it's very fitting to have her here to speak with the young women of our leadership program," said QCH Executive Director Ben Thomases.

AFYW offers young women from different religious, cultural and economic backgrounds the tools to grow their confidence, learn important skills, and build meaningful pathways for opportunities in a variety of successful careers and leadership roles, such as STEM careers, community services, politics, and arts. The program culminates with the annual Youth Leadership Conference organized and facilitated by the young women themselves.

Participants were responsible for selecting a theme, booking keynote speakers and panelists, and designing and leading workshops on issues important to them and their peers, such as gender bias, economic inequality, and mental health.

"QCH is such an open and welcoming space for young women to have honest dialogue about challenges and issues that they are facing, and that's important for driving change," said Maggie Arvedlund, CEO and Managing Partner of Turning Rock, who was selected as this year's keynote speaker. "The topics of the workshops the young women are leading today show how brave they are and how AFYW provides an environment for them to be courageous and use their voices."

The workshops led by AFYW's young women participants throughout the conference included: Understanding the Emotions within the Mind; An Investigation into Immigration; Rape Culture & Sexual Assault; Inequalities in the Workplace; Decolonization of Africa; Corruption of the School System; Discrimination in Healthcare, and more.

Additional supporters of QCH's AFYW program and the culminating conference include Con Edison, NYC Department of Youth and Community Development, Ridgewood Savings Bank, Washington Square Fund, Starbucks, Goodera, The Estee Lauder Companies, Dentsu Creative, and more.

AFYW was the recipient of Algorhythm's HI Impact Award in the award's inaugural year (2018). AFYW scored in the top 5% of programs nationwide using Algorhythm's Hello Insight tool, which assesses growth in the social and emotional learning (SEL) skills that have been strongly linked to future success in school, and personal and professional development.

Queens Community House (QCH) is a multi-service settlement house committed to serving the diverse neighborhoods of Queens. QCH serves more than 25,000 children, youth, adults, and older adults every year. Our mission is to provide individuals and families with the tools to enrich their lives and build healthy, inclusive communities. Through a broad network of programs operating out of 39 sites in 15 neighborhoods, we offer Queens residents a needed support system at every stage of life, helping them to develop the knowledge, confidence, and skills to change their lives for the better and become active participants in their larger community.

$47M FOR SUMMER JOBS FOR DISADVANTAGED YOUTH: Governor Kathy Hochul announced that more than $47.1 million will be available to support New York State's Summer Youth Employment Program this year, helping an estimated 18,500 young New Yorkers gain valuable experience in the workforce. Administered by the State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, this program introduces young people from low-income families into the labor market so they can develop useful skills that will help them improve educational performance and become responsible adults.

"For so many young people, having a summer job is a rite of passage that helps them gain valuable skills and their first experiences in the workplace," Governor Hochul said. "The Summer Youth Employment Program provides invaluable experiences for young people from low-income households, teaching them responsibilities that can help them excel in careers later in life."

"With this investment, we’re ensuring our teens and young adults have equitable access to job opportunities, training, and workforce experience," said Lieutenant Governor Delgado. "We must support historically underserved communities, provide resources for families statewide, and put our kids on the path to success."

The Summer Youth Employment program supports communities across the state in creating summer jobs for youth from low-income families. Participants work in entry-level jobs at places such parks, summer camps, child care organizations, cultural centers, educational facilities, and community-based organizations, among others.

To be eligible for the 2023 program, young people must be between ages 14 to 20 and have a household income below 200 percent of the federal poverty level or $49,720 for a family of three. The program served more than 18,500 youth in 2022, providing them with valuable workforce experience, and often results in improved academic performance afterward.

Young people interested in participating should contact their local department of social services. Program funding available by county this year includes $24,454,907 for NYC.

EXCELSIOR SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION OPENS: Governor Kathy Hochul announced that the application for the Excelsior Scholarship for new applicants for the 2023 – 2024 academic year is now open at webapps.hesc.ny.gov/questionnaire/page.hesc?questionnaireId=58&versionNumber=4. The Excelsior Scholarship allows eligible full-time students to attend a SUNY or CUNY two-year or four-year college tuition-free. The scholarship is administered by the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation.

"The Excelsior Scholarship is one of the most promising programs in New York State, providing access to an affordable college education for thousands of middle and lower-income New Yorkers," Governor Hochul said. "At a time when economic disparities are widening, it is more important than ever that every student has access to the resources they need to succeed. I encourage all who are interested to apply to this critical program that will help countless New Yorkers climb the ladder of success."

Students from households with federal adjusted gross incomes up to $125,000 are eligible for an Excelsior Scholarship award. Students must also:

New York State Higher Education Services Corporation President Dr. Guillermo Linares said, "The Excelsior Scholarship is a testament to New York's commitment to making college more accessible to all students, regardless of their economic backgrounds. Enabling more New Yorkers the opportunity to pursue a college degree is an important step towards ensuring that every student has an opportunity to succeed. I thank Governor Hochul for her commitment to helping students reach their potential through this program."

SUNY Chancellor John B. King, Jr. said, "New York State's Tuition Assistance Program, Excelsior Scholarship, and other financial aid play a vital role in keeping college affordable and making SUNY such an extraordinarily value proposition. It is this ongoing commitment from our Governor and our legislators that ensures that 53% of full-time in-state students attend tuition free. Last year alone, over 20,000 students benefited from the Excelsior Scholarship, and we encourage New Yorkers with dreams of completing a higher education to apply and find out if they are eligible."

CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez said, "The Excelsior Scholarship program has opened the doors of education and opportunity for thousands of CUNY students. By enabling qualifying students to attend college tuition-free, Excelsior has become an important part of CUNY's mission of providing pathways to career success and ultimately to upward economic and social mobility. We thank Governor Hochul for her continued recognition of the unmatched value and importance of higher education for all New Yorkers."

The Excelsior Scholarship is just one of the many ways New York State makes college affordable and accessible. Thanks to New York State's generous higher education funding programs, in 2021-22, more than 263,000 students received state financial aid, including approximately 30,000 students who attended a SUNY or CUNY college tuition-free because of the Excelsior Scholarship. Visit the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation website to explore other options available to help pay for college.

For more information about the Excelsior Scholarship Program, please visit www.hesc.ny.gov/excelsior.

The 2023-2024 Excelsior Scholarship application is open to first-time students entering college in the Fall 2023 term and current college students who have never received the Excelsior Scholarship. Students currently receiving an Excelsior Scholarship do not need to complete this application to receive continued award payments. Students eligible for the Excelsior Scholarship under the Senator José Peralta New York State DREAM Act can apply at nysdream.applyists.net/Account/LogOn?ReturnUrl=%2f.

Applications will be accepted through August 31, 2023.

TAX-FREE DEBT FORGIVENESS ACT PASSES: Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris announced the Senate passed his Tax-Free Debt Forgiveness Act (S.143), ensuring student loan forgiveness programs are exempt from state income taxes.

"Relieving student debt is critical for so many across New York," said Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris. "It should not turn into a cash grab by the state. This is an important step in making it easier to access the higher education and career training New Yorkers need and deserve."

Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal said, "New York State shouldn't receive a windfall on the backs of low and middle-income student borrowers. Student loan debt is crushing an entire generation of students, and New York must do its part in combating this crippling crisis. I’m grateful to Majority Leader Stewart Cousins, Senate Deputy Leader Gianaris and Senator Thomas for shepherding this life-changing bill through the Senate today."

Senator Kevin Thomas said, "I’m proud to co-sponsor this legislation to ensure anticipated Federal student loan debt relief is not considered taxable income in New York State. Codifying exemptions that clarify forgiven loans are not subject to State taxes prevents confusion and will protect eligible borrowers from being penalized for receiving this needed – and important relief from the U.S. Department of Education."

The Biden administration announced last year that the federal government will forgive billions of dollars in student loan debt for low- to middle-income borrowers. The federal program is currently making its way through a series of legal challenges. This legislation will allow New York State to be ready if and when the program is implemented.

New York boasts over 300 colleges and universities, the second highest in the country, and serves well over 1 million students. More than half those students graduate with a student loan debt of over $30,000.

Federal support for college has not kept up with the rising cost of college, which has nearly tripled in the last forty years. This has required many low- and middle-income students to borrow to cover the ballooning costs of an education. The effects of the debt can be crushing, causing many students to not be able to afford to finish their degree, and makes it harder for lower- and middle- income borrowers to build wealth.

Under President Biden's plan, for borrowers whose income is less than $125,000, the Department of Education will provide up to $20,000 in debt relief to Pell Grant recipients and up to $10,000 for non-Pell Grant recipients. The American Rescue plan stipulates that this debt relief will not be treated as taxable income for federal income tax purposes. Current New York State law only exempts student loan forgiveness relief awarded by the state. This bill will amend the tax law to ensure that federal student loan debt forgiveness will also be included, and that New York State's law conforms with the American Rescue Plan Act.

TEACHERS UNION ENDORSES KATZ: Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz continues to build widespread support for re-election with a new endorsement from influential United Federation of Teachers (UFT) union, representing nearly 200,000 members. The union emphasized DA Katz’ ongoing work to enhance school safety for the hundreds of thousands of teachers, students, and school staff throughout the borough.

"From her time in the NY State Assembly, throughout her tenure in the City Council and Queen Borough President's office, and to this day as Queens District Attorney, Melinda Katz has been a strong advocate for UFT members – investing millions of dollars in public schools, fighting tirelessly to prevent school closings, and championing the educators of Queens. We look forward to supporting her in this election campaign," said UFT President Michael Mulgrew.

"Teachers go above and beyond to make sure that our children have the knowledge they need to navigate their futures. Our educators need to know they are safe and supported as they shape the young minds of this borough – something my office will continue to ensure. I thank President Mulgrew and the UFT for the support," said Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz.

Melinda Katz was elected District Attorney in 2019 and inaugurated in 2020. Despite taking office during the most turbulent of times, she's provided a steady hand as she's worked to keep Queens families safe. She's led the effort to take illegal weapons and ghost guns off the streets and held human traffickers and domestic abusers accountable. At the same time, she has launched Queens’ first-ever Conviction Integrity Unit to ensure justice for those wrongfully convicted. DA Katz has taken a community-centered approach to public safety, creating special advisory boards and hosting cultural events so that each of the diverse neighborhoods of this borough is seen and heard.

ADDABBO, COLLEAGUES 7TH IN QUEENS POWER 100: Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. said, "It is an honor to once again be named to City & State's Queens Power 100 this year. I am privileged to join my colleagues, State Senators Leroy Comrie, Kristen Gonzalez, John Liu, Jessica Ramos, James Sanders Jr. and Toby Ann Stavisky at the Number 7 spot on the list. I am thankful to be given an opportunity to work for our constituents every day that grants us this chance to be recognized. I look forward to continuing my work to help improve our state for all New Yorkers."

$1.8M IN GRANTS FOR STATE PARKS, MORE: Governor Kathy Hochul announced $1.8 million in grants to support 28 not-for-profit organizations involved with stewardship of state parks, trails, historic sites and public lands, the highest amount awarded in the Park and Trail Partnership Grants program history. The grants support partner group efforts to raise private funds for capital projects, engage in maintenance and beautification projects, provide educational programming, and host special events that promote public use of the parks.

"We are proud to support the work of the incredible grassroots partner organizations that elevates the stewardship and programming of our state parks, historic sites, trails and public lands," Governor Hochul said. "With the largest investment in the Park and Trail Partnership Grants program history, New York State is sending a message that we are deeply committed to protecting and funding our public lands as we continue to embark on nation-leading climate resiliency initiatives."

The Park and Trail Partnership Grants program is funded through the state Environmental Protection Fund. Grants are administered in partnership with the not-for-profit advocacy group Parks & Trails New York. This eighth round of awards will be matched by over $625,000 in private funds. Recipients must raise outside funding of at least 10 percent of the grant amount received.

The NYC awardee: Friends of Gantry Plaza State Park ($25,011) for tables and umbrellas that will provide additional seating and shaded comfort to address the park's significant increased visitation.

The Fiscal Year 2024 Budget provides $2 million for the next round of Park and Trail Partnership grant funds, as part of a record $400 million Environmental Protection Fund to support climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts, improve agricultural resources to promote sustainable agriculture, protect our water sources, advance conservation efforts, and provide recreational opportunities for New Yorkers. In addition, the budget included $200 million for State Parks for capital improvement projects. This substantial level of funding will aid the ongoing transformation of New York's flagship parks and support critical infrastructure projects throughout the park system.

Parks & Trails New York is the leading statewide advocate for New York's parks and trails, working with grassroots groups for 35 years to strengthen public-private partnerships and improve New Yorker's health, economy, and quality of life through the use and enjoyment of green space. For more information, visit www.ptny.org.

BROAD CHANNEL PROJECT RECEIVES SUSTAINABILITY AWARD: NYC Department of Design and Construction (DDC) Commissioner Thomas Foley announced on May 23 that Phase II of an infrastructure project in Broad Channel, Queens, which is raising streets and adding new storm sewers to reduce flooding in an area that is frequently inundated by Jamaica Bay during high tides and storms has been selected to receive an "Envision Verified Award" for sustainability from the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure (ISI).

Phase II of work will provide upgrades to residents on West 14th Road, West 15th Road, West 16th Road and West 17th Road. Construction includes the installation of new bulkheads at the end of each street to address eave attenuation and flood mitigation; rising each street's centerline; shared streets; signage and striping that that will enhance safety by providing pedestrians the right of way; and the addition of new storm sewers and replacement of sanitary sewers and water mains. The project, which began in summer 2023, is anticipated to be completed in summer 2024.

"DDC is seeking a long-term sustainable solution to the flooding that Broad Channel residents have long dealt with the aftermath of rain events and even during high tides," said NYC Department of Design and Construction Commissioner Thomas Foley. "It's very gratifying for the DDC team when those efforts are recognized by a group such as the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure."

"We are pleased to announce an Envision Verified Award for the Broad Channel Phase II Project," said Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure Managing Director Melissa Peneycad. "This project represents a successful collaboration — a model for how to plan and design for reconstruction and resilience while proactively taking into account the interests of the local community."

The Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure developed and manages Envision, a framework that encourages systemic changes in the planning, design and delivery of sustainable and resilient infrastructure through education, training and third-party project verification. The Envision sustainable infrastructure framework assesses project sustainability across five categories: Quality of Life, Leadership, Resource Allocation, Natural World and Climate and Resilience. To earn an Envision Verified award, a project must achieve a range of sustainability and resilience outcomes. Broad Channel Phase II was cited by ISI for improving quality of life, stakeholder relations, teamwork and collaboration, evaluating climate resilience and enhanced infrastructure integration.

DDC's East Side Coastal Resiliency project and Starlight Park projects have both previously received an Envision Gold Award.

KATZ RAISES OVER $1.2M FOR RE-ELECTION: Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz demonstrated the powerful momentum of her re-election campaign by announcing $1.2 million currently on hand to help her secure a second term in office. The strong figure includes the latest financial filing of nearly $422,000 in new funds raised since her previous filing in January.

"I have devoted my entire career to fighting for Queens families and I am proud of the work we’ve achieved in partnership with community members, elected officials, faith-based leaders, and law enforcement officials. The trust that the people of Queens have placed in me is never taken lightly. Over the past three years, we have kept residents safe by taking thousands of guns off our streets, dismantling deadly drug rings, and holding accountable those responsible for violent crimes in our neighborhoods. These fundraising numbers are a reflection of the depth of support for that work, and a recognition of our success in modernizing this office and making our borough safer. I look forward to continuing the work towards a safer, fairer Queens when re-elected," said Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz.

JAVA WITH JOE: NYS Senator Joseph Addabbo Jr. invites everyone to grab a cup of coffee with him and talk about any issues you wish to bring up on Saturday, June 24, at 66-14 Myrtle Ave, Glendale, from 10 AM to . For more info, call his office at 718-738-1111.

—With contributions by Annette Hanze Alberts

This column was originated by John A. Toscano

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