I On Politics – Queens Gazette

MALONEY TESTS POSITIVE FOR COVID-19: On April 19, after learning that her latest Covid Home Test was positive and that the results were confirmed by a lab PCR test, Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY) released the following statement:

“I am in good spirits, just feeling a bit like I have a bad cold. But I’m also feeling grateful that testing is now easily and widely available, so I won’t unknowingly spread the virus to friends and family. And I am especially grateful that I have had my COVID vaccine shots and my boosters. I hate to contemplate what I might be facing were that not the case. We’re all in a much better place than we were two years ago at this time.

Per CDC guidance and the advice of the Attending Physician of the Capitol, I am quarantining at home in New York City. Maybe I’ll use the time to read some banned books.”

QBP RICHARDS LAUNCHES OPERATION URBAN SUSTAINABILITY: Standing just feet from where multiple borough residents lost their lives to Hurricane Ida’s historic flooding seven months ago, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. at Flushing’s Kissena Park announced the launch of Operation Urban Sustainability — a working group comprised of borough and city leaders across the spectrum of resiliency and sustainability that will guide Queens’ initiatives in those critical areas.

“Superstorm Sandy and Hurricane Ida were two of the most severe and deadly examples of extreme weather Queens has ever experienced, but what’s just as dangerous is the reluctance to see sustainability in a holistic manner. With Operation Urban Sustainability, we are committed to developing a wide-ranging roadmap toward a more livable, resilient borough for all our families,” said Borough President Richards. “From expanding urban agriculture to promoting more open streets to transforming Rikers Island into a renewable energy hub and beyond, I look forward to the critical work this group will perform in the months ahead.”

Operation Urban Sustainability, which will accept new members continually, will meet monthly, beginning in May, to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the sustainability issues facing the borough and craft tangible solutions centering on resiliency as well as environmental equity.

Members will serve one-year terms and will be tasked with crafting a yearly report that will inform and guide Borough President Richards’ sustainability and resiliency efforts in topics such as urban agriculture, composting, energy-efficient development, environmental justice, education, nature and ecosystems, flood prevention and resiliency, as well as transportation and walkability.

Operation Urban Sustainability members as of April 22, include:

• Alley Pond Environmental Center
• Costa Constantinides, former New York City Council Member
• Guardians of Flushing Bay
• Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy
• New York Lawyers for the Public Interest
• Newtown Creek Alliance
• NYC Department of Environmental Protection (ex-officio)
• PopUP Forest
• Queens Climate Project
• Queens College
• Queens County Farm Museum
• Queens Neighborhood Housing Services
• Queens Solid Waste Advisory Board
• Sierra Club
• Surfrider Foundation NYC
• Transportation Alternatives
• Waterfront Alliance
• Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
• Woodside on the Move

MAYOR LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN TO PROMOTE GREEN BUILDINGS: New York City Mayor Eric Adams launched ‘Building Action NYC,’ a new citywide campaign to promote steps to make New York City’s buildings greener and more resilient while fostering a healthier future for the city and New Yorkers. The city’s more than one million buildings — covering more than five billion square feet — constitute the largest source of the city’s carbon emissions, contributing almost 70 percent of the city’s total emissions. The work to limit building emissions will be a critical component of the city’s work towards reaching carbon neutrality by 2050.

“We must become a carbon-neutral city, but we can only do that if we decarbonize our buildings, and we are going to ‘Get Stuff Done’ and make it happen,” said Mayor Adams. “Buildings are the largest emitters of carbon, so we are investing in bringing renewable energy to them and making New York City a national leader in green buildings — creating tens of thousands of jobs for New Yorkers and delivering environmental justice for our city.”

“Local Law 97 is called the Climate Mobilization Act for a reason: Tackling climate change and protecting New York will require all of us to get moving. For building owners and managers, that means improving energy efficiency, and New York City, in partnership with New York state, offers lots of ways to help,” said Rohit T. Aggarwala, New York City Chief Climate Officer; and commissioner, Department of Environmental Protection. “While energy efficiency may seem difficult at first, the success of the Fairview Co-op in Forest Hills demonstrates that all buildings can make progress if they put in just a bit of effort and realize long-term savings.”

“Ensuring that our buildings don’t contribute to our climate challenges isn’t just about reducing their carbon emissions,” said Kizzy Charles-Guzman, executive director, Mayor’s Office of Climate & Environmental Justice. “It’s about cleaning the air that we breathe, making our city more livable, reducing pollutants in our neighborhoods, creating green jobs for New Yorkers, and making the spaces where we live, work, and play healthier and more resilient. ‘Building Action NYC’ will connect directly with our frontline communities — educating and empowering New Yorkers to help us shape the city we need and deserve.”

Over the next month, New Yorkers will see the ‘Building Action NYC’ campaign throughout the city. The campaign will:

• Raise awareness about ‘NYC Accelerator,’ resources for building decision-makers, and a pledge for any New Yorker to “adopt a building” to facilitate making building upgrades;
• Showcase how this work supports environmental justice communities and affordable housing; and
• Educate New Yorkers on the need for decarbonization, the benefits to buildings and residents, and the health of our city.

New Yorkers will find campaign messaging on storefront windows, broadcast radio, Google and web advertisements, and YouTube and video advertisements, as well as on social media.

Fairview Owners Corporation — the cooperative residence in Forest Hills, that was the site of the announcement — is one of nearly 10,000 buildings that have benefited from ‘NYC Accelerator’ assistance to make energy upgrades, repair damaged solar panels, and access incentive programs and financing, all of which will help the building comply with Local Law 97. The significant flood damage that the Fairview suffered during Hurricane Ida in 2021 underscored the need for upgrades at that site and at buildings across the city.

Local Law 97 — which is part of the historic Climate Mobilization Act passed by the New York City Council in 2019 — is one of the most ambitious mandates for emission reductions in the nation. Under this groundbreaking legislation, most buildings over 25,000 square feet will be required to comply with greenhouse gas emissions limits by 2024, with stricter limits coming into effect in 2030.

More information on ‘NYC Accelerator’ is available online.

“Buildings are the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in New York state and are at the forefront of our efforts to reduce emissions and create opportunities for New Yorkers,” said Basil Seggos, commissioner, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation; and co-chair, State Climate Action Council. “Building decarbonization will help to improve the health and lives of people across the state, particularly in disadvantaged communities, and ensure environmental justice is part of our nation-leading environmental efforts under the leadership of Gov. Kathy Hochul to improve quality of life and protect our planet for generations to come.”

‘WEIGH-IN ON REVISED BUS REDESIGN’: Following a lackluster turnout at the MTA’s first Queens redesign public workshop, Senators John Liu and Leroy Comrie urged the public to participate in any of the MTA’s upcoming 13 public workshops to give feedback about proposed changes to the Queens bus network. The first workshop drew roughly 50 attendees to discuss changes in Astoria, Long Island, and Woodside.

The redesign is the MTA’s second attempt at a systemic overhaul to the borough’s expansive bus network, and it follows a failed first attempt at a redesign in 2020, which was widely criticized as reduction to bus service, rather than an upgrade and expansion.

As part of its initial redesign, the MTA hosted town halls to solicit feedback, however, it neglected to include areas east of Flushing. After elected officials took it upon themselves to organize town halls in northeast Queens that elicited more than 11,000 public comments, the MTA chose to withdraw its original redesign in order to incorporate community feedback.

Prior to this revised plan, Senator Liu penned an oped offering several guiding principles for a fair and effective bus redesign for Queens. First, the bus network changes can not be revenue neutral system wide, and there must be a net gain in areas like Queens and especially northeast Queens, where other transit options such as subways do not exist. Second, the goal of the bus redesign must be to get more people to ride buses, not force people back to driving. Third, express bus service must be increased to offset the congestion pricing penalty.

The Queens officials urged the community to participate and determine if this latest redesign indeed incorporates these suggestions.

Senator John Liu, member of the Senate Transportation Committee, stated, “Two years ago, Queens was severely disappointed in the MTA’s redesign that paid little consideration to the needs of the entire borough, especially transit deserts like northeast Queens. With this revised plan, we have a great opportunity to fully explore how to best ensure our borough’s bus network can fully meet the needs of our community. We strongly encourage all Queens commuters to weigh in at one of these 13 public workshops, so we can be sure the MTA gains perspective from all corners of the borough.”

Senator Leroy Comrie, Chair of the Committee on Corporations, Authorities, and Commissions, the committee that oversees the MTA, stated, “This is a great opportunity for the public to weigh in with their concerns and suggestions about important transportation links throughout Queens. If we are ever to ride our way out of our many transit deserts, riders from every Queens community must be sure to voice their concerns.”

Each workshop will be virtual and requires pre-registration here: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScPM3MyWJGUZn4cEzl7IWQsZv0rwB5RSswjGXptRNAXYT9OLg/viewform

For a full list of public workshops, visit: new.mta.info/project/queens-bus-network-redesign

MALONEY INTRO’S ARMENIAN GENOCIDE EDUCATION ACT: Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY), with Congressman Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), introduced on April 21 the Armenian Genocide Education Act, legislation modeled after her Never Again Education Act that will give teachers across the United States the resources they need to educate our children on the atrocities of the Armenian Genocide and the consequences of intolerance and hate. Congresswoman Maloney and Congressman Bilirakis serve as Co-Chairs of the Bipartisan Hellenic Caucus. The bill was introduced with 49 original cosponsors.

“As the saying goes, if we do not learn from history, we are doomed to repeat it,” said Congresswoman Maloney. “That is why I am proud to introduce the Armenian Genocide Education Act to teach the horrors and lessons of the Armenian Genocide accurately and effectively. Both chambers of Congress voted with overwhelming bipartisan majorities to officially recognize the Armenian Genocide, and last year President Biden made it clear that it is the official position of the United States that these systematic killings were genocide. It is imperative that we now ensure Americans have access to the resources they need to learn and teach about this atrocity.”

“Our darkest moments as a human race have come during times when those who knew better stood silently, making excuses for passivity and allowing injustice and persecution to reign. We must acknowledge the atrocities of the past so that we might hopefully prevent them in the future,” said Congressman Bilirakis. “One of the best ways to achieve this goal is through education and awareness, which is why I am proud to co-introduce the Armenian Genocide Education Act with Carolyn Maloney.”

“The ANCA welcomes this landmark launch of the Armenian Genocide Education Act,” remarked Armenian National Committee of America Chairman Raffi Hamparian. “With White House and Congressional recognition of the Armenian Genocide secured – we must now ensure that America’s school children are taught about the historical lessons and present-day consequences of this crime against Armenians, Greeks, Assyrians, Chaldeans, Syriacs, Arameans, Maronites, and other Christians. The ANCA looks forward to working with Congresswoman Maloney, Congressman Bilirakis, and their growing bipartisan list of Congressional cosponsors to advance this timely measure. We are committed to challenging genocide denial at every turn, with the clear goal of securing a just resolution for all the victims of Turkey’s crimes – past and present,”

“We commend Representatives Maloney and Bilirakis for their continued efforts to further the cause of genocide education and prevention,” said Armenian Assembly of America Congressional Relations Director Mariam Khaloyan. “This legislation seeks to enhance education and awareness about the first genocide of the 20th century, which was officially recognized by President Biden last April 24, 2021 following the passage of legislation in the House and Senate affirming the U.S. record on the Armenian Genocide.”

The Armenian Genocide Education Act will:

• Empower the Library of Congress to support Armenian Genocide education
• Provide for the development and national dissemination of accurate, relevant, and accessible resources to promote understanding about how and why the Armenian Genocide happened, including digital resources
• Allocate $2 million every year for five years to the Library of Congress to carry out these duties

Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day is a public holiday in Armenia and the Republic of Artsakh and is observed by the Armenian diaspora on 24 April. It is held annually to commemorate the victims of the Armenian genocide of 1915.

TOXIC HEAVY METALS IN BABY FOOD: Following a congressional investigation that found that many top-brand baby foods contain dangerous levels of toxic heavy metals, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is announcing her support of the Baby Food Safety Act. Exposure to toxic heavy metals endangers infant neurological development and may cause a variety of health issues, including permanent decreases in IQ, disruptive behavior, or socialization challenges in growing children. The Baby Food Safety Act would limit the amount of lead, mercury, arsenic, and cadmium contained in baby food by imposing strict requirements on manufacturers to regularly test and verify that their baby foods are under new, lowered limits for these substances. The legislation would also require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to further lower limits for toxic metals within two years, to put regulations in place within three years, and to review the regulatory limits every five years.

“It is outrageous that trusted brands are knowingly selling toxic baby food to unsuspecting parents,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Lead and other heavy metals cause serious and permanent damage to our children’s health. We must act now to keep our kids safe and I’m proud to be introducing this bill that will do just that.”

A recent investigative report from Politico found serious deficiencies in the FDA’s efforts to keep toxic elements out of baby food. The baby food industry currently self-regulates and often disregards its own standards for toxic heavy metals. Many brands of juice, candy, and water have also been found to contain high levels of lead and cadmium.

MALONEY: ‘SAVE THE MANHATTAN VA’: On April 18, Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (NY-12) was joined by Councilmember Keith Powers and the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) calling on the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to keep the Manhattan VA Hospital open, which is currently at risk of closing due to recommendations laid out in the recently released Asset and Infrastructure Review (AIR) Report.

“I am a daughter, sister, and wife of veterans. My brother served in the Vietnam War. The experience left him forever changed and made it crystal clear to me that our veterans need access to health care and services tailored just for them. The expectation we have of our VA system remains: to provide lifelong healthcare services to our military veterans. The Margaret Cochran Corbin VA Campus here in my district continues to care for veterans under that sacred charge and has done so through one of the worst public health crises in our history: the COVID-19 pandemic. Knowing how exceptional this Campus and its staff have been at providing for veterans, I was shocked by the VA’s AIR Report recommendation to close this campus. Their report asks for a strategic collaboration between the VA and academic or healthcare providers, which means they want to break up the services that the Margaret Cochran Corbin Center currently provides on this campus. This is outrageous. Our veterans should be able to seek healthcare and services at one location and not be burdened by travel to various locations to receive care,” said Rep. Maloney.

“It’s time for our government to live up to the promise to “provide the best care possible” for our Veterans. Closing hospitals and reducing services is not the answer. Improving the existing facilities, increasing services, and bringing employee pay to competitive levels is the only answer our Veterans deserve,” Kevin Lapham, National Health & Safety Representative, AFGE – National VA Council.

GIANARIS RECOGNIZED AS NAT’L CHAMPION FOR ANIMALS: Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris received the prestigious “Champion for Animals” award from the ASPCA, in recognition of his work to end the puppy mill-to-pet store pipeline in New York State. He received the award alongside the bill’s Assembly sponsor, Assembly Member Linda Rosenthal, of Manhattan.

“With so many good animals in need of rescue, there is no need for puppy mills that abuse animals to supply pet stores. Our four-legged companions should be treated with respect, not like commodities,” said Senate Deputy Leader Gianaris. “I thank the ASPCA for this award and their ongoing support in passing this important law.”

Senator Gianaris’ legislation passed the State Senate in 2020 and 2021. It is awaiting a vote in the State Assembly. It is supported by the ASPCA, the Humane Society of New York State, New York State Animal Protection Federation, Voters for Animal Rights, and the New York City Bar Association Animal Welfare section.

Many of the animals available for sale in pet stores come from notorious dog, cat and bunny mills, which are known to be inhumane. Offspring of mill animals often have congenital issues resulting from poor breeding and can cost families thousands of dollars in veterinary care.

Pet breeders and stores are loosely regulated under the Animal Welfare Act by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Recent investigations revealed, however, that under the Trump administration, USDA inspectors have been less aggressive in enforcing these regulations. In addition, the USDA is issuing fewer serious violations that would ordinarily trigger swift follow-up by the agency.

According to the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, the state agency tasked with regulating pet dealers, there are approximately 80 pet stores registered throughout the state.

MALONEY INVESTIGATES ELECTION DISINFO: On April 20, Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney, Chair of the Committee on Oversight and Reform, and Rep. Zoe Lofgren, Chair of the Committee on House Administration, sent letters to state organizations of election officials in Arizona, Florida, Ohio, and Texas requesting information relating to their efforts to counter election disinformation and misinformation and protect the integrity of federal elections in their states.

“The Committees are seeking to understand the scope and scale of election misinformation in your state, the impact that this flood of false information has had on election administration, the risks it poses for upcoming federal elections, and the steps that your organization and local election administrators have taken in response,” the Chairs wrote. “Our investigation also aims to identify steps that federal, state, and local governments can take to counter misinformation and prevent these lies from being used to undermine the legitimate vote count in future elections.”

The Committee on House Administration has held hearings and roundtables investigating the impact of disinformation and misinformation on federal elections. The Oversight Committee began investigating election disinformation following a destructive election “audit” last year in Maricopa County, Arizona and a similar effort in Otero County, New Mexico. The Oversight Committee’s investigation found that misinformation after the 2020 election in Arizona led to dangerous conspiracy theories, threats against local election administrators, and partisan efforts funded by dark money organizations to cast doubt on election outcomes.

Over the past year, several states have passed laws that unnecessarily involve partisan actors in election administration and could lead to the overturning of legitimate election results. Arizona, Florida, Ohio, and Texas have taken steps that interfere with election administration and restrict Americans’ right to vote and have their votes counted fairly and accurately, the Chairs said.

Local and state election officials across the country are playing an increasingly important role in countering false election information, including from partisan politicians and from foreign actors seeking to interfere in American elections. One recent media report noted that election officials “are no longer just running elections,” and instead have “become full-time myth-busters, contending with information threats coming from the other side of the globe—and their own ranks.”

“Americans’ right to vote is guaranteed by the Constitution, and protecting the integrity of our elections is crucial to the survival of our democracy,” the Chairs added. “To prevent bad-faith partisan actors from subverting election results, it is critical to develop a comprehensive, federal, state, and local strategy to counter misinformation. Information from your organization will be essential to assist the Committees to conduct robust oversight of efforts to counter election misinformation.”

The Chairs requested information by May 4, 2022, regarding election disinformation and misinformation efforts experienced by each state, the impact this has had on the state’s elections, and what additional support is needed to counter election misinformation.

$11M FOR NEW STREET CLEANING INITIATIVES: New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch announced an $11 million investment in cleaner streets and improved mobility for DSNY. As part of an effort to make New York City streets cleaner, alternate side parking will be fully restored beginning July 5, 2022, and in an effort to reduce New York City’s carbon footprint, funding for year-round protected bike lane cleaning will make biking an even more reliable mode of transportation for New Yorkers. This $11 million commitment will appear in the Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23) executive budget to be released later this month.

“We’re no longer just going to talk about cleaning up our streets or taking steps to fight climate change, but we’re going to actually put really money behind these initiatives and lead by example here in New York City,” said Mayor Adams. “To begin Earth Week, we’re committing $11 million to cleanliness and expanded mobility so that our city can come back stronger than ever. This announcement includes items that have been talked about for years, but we’re finally ‘Getting Stuff Done’ for our neighborhoods.”

“Environmental justice begins at the street level, and clean streets are vital to vibrant neighborhoods and our city’s economic recovery,” said DSNY Commissioner Tisch. “The nearly 10,000 DSNY employees — and I’m proud to count myself as one of them — are excited to be getting more of the tools we need to do our job of keeping the city healthy, safe, and clean.”

“Today’s announcement is a great way to kick off Earth Week by delivering cleaner and more efficient streets to New Yorkers,” said New York City Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. “I thank Mayor Eric Adams for his leadership on climate and sustainability matters and look forward to New Yorkers enjoying clear bike lanes and cleaner streets. And I welcome new Sanitation Commissioner Jessica Tisch as DOT continues our partnership with DSNY.”

The $11 million investment includes:

A full restoration of alternate side parking (ASP), to allow DSNY’s mechanical brooms to do their jobs. Mechanical brooms are the city’s most effective tools for street cleaning — sweeping litter from along the curb on thousands of miles of New York City streets. ASP had been partially suspended as a COVID-19 pandemic measure, and this restoration is not only part of a return to normal, but to the high level of street cleanliness New Yorkers expect and deserve.

Funding for both equipment and personnel to perform year-round street cleaning on protected bike lanes and other narrow infrastructure. DSNY will begin piloting sweeping operations this summer using a fleet of 10 Micromobility Operations Machines (MOMs), similar to the ones used to plow bike lanes effectively during winter 2021-2022. DSNY will have several dozen of these units in two different sizes by the end of next year.

Each of these initiatives builds on existing work by DSNY, and takes services for New Yorkers to a new level. During the partial ASP suspension, DSNY and the City Cleanup Corps continued to sweep the streets as effectively and as fully as possible. This announcement will facilitate that work further. Similarly, the MOMs street sweeping program follows a successful implementation of these devices for plowing — often simultaneous with car-lane clearance.

NEW TRANSPO, CLIMATE INVESTMENTS HEADED TO NY: On April 21, Rep. Nydia Velazquez announced that New York will receive $257,806,980 in funding under the historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to provide New Yorkers with more transportation options, ease congestion in local communities and reduce carbon pollution across the state.

“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is delivering historic investments in cleaner, more convenient transportation options for New Yorkers,” said Velázquez. “This much needed funding will slash commute times, lower costs for working families, combat harmful carbon pollution and support good-paying, union jobs. I’m proud to have voted for this legislation, and I will continue partnering with our state and local leaders to put these game-changing investments to work.”

The investments total more than $6.4 billion across the country and are administered under the Federal Highway Administration’s Carbon Reduction Program, a new initiative established by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. As working families grapple with Putin’s Price Hike at the pump, this funding will allow New York to deliver more transportation alternatives and reduce commute times. These funds can be invested in a range of eligible projects, including:

• Public transit services
• Electric vehicle charging infrastructure
• Traffic flow improvements
• Congestion management technology
• Pedestrian and cycle trails

“By strengthening New York’s clean transportation infrastructure, this funding will help reduce our reliance on foreign energy and protect working families from rising costs,” said Velazquez. “As these investments reach New York communities, I will continue to remain focused on fighting to lower costs, grow paychecks, and creating jobs for working families.

BILL TO BAN SINGLE-USE PLASTIC WATER BOTTLES: New York has started to move away from single-use plastics in recent years, as seen in the state bans on plastic bags and plastic toiletry bottles in hotels. To keep the momentum going, Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas introduced a bill this week, A.9932/Prevent Plastics in the Port Authority of NY (PPPANY), that would prohibit the sale of single-use plastic water bottles under 21 ounces in the state’s port authority facilities. The bill would also require those facilities to install water fountains within one year of the effective date of the new provision.

Specifically, the Assembly Member’s new bill amends the laws of 1921 relating to the port authorities of New York and New Jersey with the addition of the following subparagraph:

“Establish a policy requiring all transportation facilities, terminal facilities, and all other facilities of the port authority located in the state of New York to prohibit the sale of single-use plastic water bottles that hold twenty-one ounces of water or less and install water fountains within one year of the effective date of this subparagraph.”

According to the Container Recycling Institute (CRI), “each day in the US more than 60 million plastic water bottles are thrown away. Most end up in landfills or incinerators, and millions litter America’s streets, parks, and waterways.” Americans and New Yorkers are some of the biggest contributors to the ongoing crisis of climate change.

The Assembly Member introduced this bill in honor of Earth Day, 2022.

“New York cannot wait to take action to address the climate crisis. Reducing our use of single-use plastics, which pollute our land, air, and water, and require the production of fossil fuels, will have a positive impact on the environment. In honor of Earth Week, I urge my colleagues in the Assembly to support the bill and call on us to move it to the floor for a vote. I look forward to continuing to work with my constituent advocates and colleagues in Albany for a plastic-free future in New York,” said Assembly Member González-Rojas, a member of the Environmental Conservation Committee.

FREE COMPUTER TABLETS FOR OLDER NY’ERS: New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Department for the Aging (DFTA) Commissioner Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez announced the distribution of 1,000 free Wi-Fi equipped computer tablets to older New Yorkers in an effort to bridge the digital divide and help connect them with city services. This tablet distribution was held at Borinquen Court in the Bronx and is part of an initial 10,000-tablet distribution initiative that DFTA began last October.

“Having access to the internet and so many of the services our city offers is not a luxury, but a necessity, and today’s delivery of 1,000 tablets to older New Yorkers will finally help make it a reality for our seniors,” said Mayor Adams. “These tablets will help close the digital divide, deliver crucial services to New Yorkers, and limit social isolation by allowing our seniors to stay connected and engaged with their friends and family. Age should not stand in the way of staying in contact with loved ones or connecting with key services, and so I applaud the Department for the Aging in working to keep the quality of life a priority for our older adults.”

The tablet distribution is a continuation of the Department for the Aging’s long-term efforts to keep older New Yorkers connected, engaged, and help them limit social isolation through virtual programming and online services. The program provides free Wi-Fi equipped tablets to older New Yorkers who do not have an internet-enabled electronic device and reside within a Taskforce on Racial Inclusion and Equity (TRIE) neighborhood. To date, 9,000 tablets have been distributed by DFTA’s network of providers. The remaining 1,000 will provide the agency with the opportunity to reach older adults who are not connected to DFTA services or programs.

Each tablet comes with free internet service through December 31st, provided by T-Mobile, and is preloaded with applications, including Zoom, Gmail, and the NYC COVID Safe app. Older adults will also be provided with free training on their new tablets at local senior centers, and learn how to connect to DFTA virtual programs. During the distribution event, DFTA is referring tablet recipients to the nearest senior center that offers the training.

In addition to keeping older adults engaged and digitally connected, the initiative also achieves one of the goals outlined in DFTA’s Community Care Plan — a five-year plan to expand aging support services and help older adults age in their homes and avoid institutionalization. The Community Care Plan builds upon the success and lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as the expansion of virtual services that kept many older adults active and engaged while mitigating social isolation.

When the pandemic caused the physical closure of older adult centers, older adult center services transitioned to virtual programming and over-the-phone services. These virtual programs included fitness classes, art workshops, and social events that were attended by about 40,000 individuals. Providing older New Yorkers with the technological equipment they need will build on the success of virtual programming and help make it available to even more older adults.

SUMMER BOOST NYC TO SUPPORT 25,000 NYC STUDENTS: New York City Mayor Eric Adams and former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced the launch of ‘Summer Boost NYC‘ — a new Bloomberg Philanthropies program that will support summer learning at public charter schools in New York City for approximately 25,000 K-8 students who have fallen behind and face significant learning gaps that have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. For two years, in-person learning disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic and the accompanying social- and health-related effects have resulted in significant learning loss, particularly for students of color from low-income families.

“Whether at a district school or a charter school, every young person should be invested in, and this $50 million investment will do just that,” said Mayor Adams. “Many of our sons and daughters had disrupted learning during the past two years because of the pandemic and deserve an opportunity to learn during the summer. This investment will give young New Yorkers in the program the chance to grow, to learn, and to explore their talents and imagination. I want to thank Michael Bloomberg and Bloomberg Philanthropies for creating the Summer Boost NYC program, continuing to make massive investments in our children, and showing an entire nation how to make our schools work for everyone. With their support, we are ensuring no young person is left behind.”

“After two years of school closures and inadequate remote instruction, students across the U.S. have suffered unprecedented learning loss,” said Michael R. Bloomberg, founder, Bloomberg Philanthropies and Bloomberg LP; and 108th Mayor of New York City. “The harm has fallen heaviest on the children who were already too far behind, especially low-income Black and Latino students. That could have devastating effects on their chances for graduating high school and going to college or beginning a career. Mayor Adams and Chancellor Banks deserve credit for recognizing the crisis and taking immediate action by expanding Summer Rising across the city. The private sector and philanthropic groups also have a duty to step in and do what they can to help get kids back on track. This is an all-hands-on-deck moment. This summer is a valuable opportunity to make up for lost ground, and we’re not going to let it slip by.”

“It is essential that every child in New York City has a safe and supportive place to grow this summer,” said New York City Department of Education Chancellor David C. Banks. “I thank Mayor Bloomberg and Bloomberg Philanthropies for their generosity and for helping to lift up our youngest New Yorkers.”

A private study from McKinsey found that the pandemic fed the ongoing educational crisis already facing many students of color from low-income families in New York City. Unless urgent action is taken, some of these students may never catch up and their future higher education, employment, and wage-earning opportunities will be severely impacted. Recently, New York City expanded its Summer Rising program for 2022 and now serves 110,000 students in grades K-8 — up more than 10 percent from last year. Summer Boost NYC builds on the city’s Summer Rising initiative by aiming to support students at charter schools — which 14 percent of New York City public school students attend — expanding much-needed summer school programs to more than 135,000 students.

‘MAKE GREATER INVESTMENTS IN AFFORDABLE HOUSING’: On April 21, Council leaders were joined by housing advocates to call for the Mayor’s Executive Budget to incorporate the housing priorities of the Council’s Preliminary Budget Response to increase investments in affordable housing, expand specific homeless services as key solutions to housing insecurity and homelessness, and create safer neighborhoods. The press conference, led by Speaker Adrienne Adams, Deputy Speaker and General Welfare Committee Chair Diana Ayala, Housing & Buildings Committee Chair Pierina Sanchez, and Progressive Caucus Co-Chairs Lincoln Restler and Shahana Hanif, specifically called for investing more in affordable and supportive housing, while expanding funds for effective housing and homelessness solutions.

“Housing is New Yorkers’ top priority for creating safe and healthy neighborhoods,” said Speaker Adrienne Adams. “We know the pathway to addressing homelessness is through affordable housing. Effective and thoughtful policies that help people remain housed and stable are in front of us; we just have to implement them. The Council is focused on addressing this crisis with sound investments and strong solutions that will help unhoused New Yorkers find permanent homes and ease the mounting pressure that all New Yorkers are feeling on housing.”

In its Fiscal Year 2023 Preliminary Budget Response, the Council’s housing investments include:

• Expanding capital budget investments in affordable and supportive housing to $4 billion.
• Investing over $300 million to increase the most effective homeless services and housing solutions that promote housing stability and prevent and transition people from homelessness, and $90 million to support homeownership stability.

o Investing $114 million for over 2,300 new safe haven and stabilization beds and additional drop-in centers, which are more effective solutions because of their smaller, more personalized settings and thus more frequently accepted. The Mayor’s Subway Safety Plan included 140 new Safe Haven Beds, 350 new Stabilization Beds and new Drop-in Centers. Yet, this falls short of what is needed and the Mayor’s Preliminary Budget lacked funding for even this amount. The Council’s budget response aligns more with the number of unsheltered New Yorkers being 2,376, as indicated by the Preliminary Mayor’s Management Report.

o Accurately fund CityFHEPS rental vouchers that help people transition into permanent housing or avoid eviction. For the past several fiscal years, actual spending on rental assistance voucher programs has been considerably higher than the baseline budget with money added throughout the year. Council-passed legislation increased CityFHEPS voucher rates to match Section 8 levels but funding for the increase was only added for Fiscal Year 2022. The baseline budget should be increased to a level that more accurately reflects the full need and fully funds the voucher rate increase.

o Investing over $28 million to expand supporting housing for people who are justice system-involved so people leaving jail, prison or long-term hospital stays aren’t excluded from supportive housing, making them more likely to face homelessness.

o Investing over $49 million to convert previous hotel shelters to affordable housing units for families to avoid homelessness.

o Fully funding single room occupancy emergency shelter units for New Yorkers living with HIV/AIDS at $47.9 million.

o Increasing the baseline budget for domestic violence shelter beds by $41.6 million to meet the actual need for domestic violence survivors by adding 800 units, ensuring adequate options for LGBTQ+ individuals and families.

o Investing over $3 million to increase the number of beds for Runaway and Homeless Youth ages 21-24 years old.

o Providing a Property Tax Rebate for Homeowners in Need. The City should provide a property tax rebate to certain households receiving the basic and enhanced STAR tax breaks with authorization from the state. Over the last 10 years, property tax bills for the City’s homeowners grew faster than household incomes, meaning homeowners commit a growing proportion of their incomes to property taxes each year. Providing property tax relief to homeowners will help alleviate some of the pressure caused by increased property values. The City can piggy-back on the State’s program to provide expanded tax relief. The Council estimates the rebate would cost the City $90 million in Fiscal 2023.

Additionally, the Council also urged Mayor Adams’ Administration to fix the bureaucratic issues at the New York City Department of Social Services that are reducing the ability to transition people out of homelessness or prevent them from falling into it.

• In recent months, the vast majority of New Yorkers eligible to receive CityFHEPS housing vouchers have not received them – some months have seen upwards of 80% of eligible New Yorkers unable to access these vouchers.
• Over 2,000 supportive housing apartments have been left empty because of agency issues with placing eligible New Yorkers in apartments.

NEW PROTECTIONS FOR FOOD DELIVERERS: New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) Commissioner Vilda Vera Mayuga announced that delivery workers who deliver restaurant orders for third-party food delivery apps in New York City now have first-of-their-kind new protections to promote better working conditions in the food delivery industry. Workers will get to choose how far they’ll travel and what routes they’ll take, receive more information about deliveries before accepting them, get paid at least once a week, and be provided with a free insulated delivery bag after six deliveries. These worker protection laws are the second part of a suite of new sweeping legislation regulating online third-party food delivery apps and enforcing brand new labor standards for delivery workers. The first part of the legislation, which requires third party food delivery apps to be licensed to operate in New York City, went into effect in January 2022.

“As a blue-collar mayor, I am committed to ensuring every worker in this city has fair, equitable, and safe working conditions,” said Mayor Adams. “Delivery workers brave difficult conditions year-round, often for meager pay, simply to do their jobs. These hard-won protections are critically important to advancing worker justice and giving the more than 65,000 delivery workers across this city the dignity they deserve.”

“Delivery workers are an integral part of New York City’s economy, and their labor deserves recognition,” said DCWP Commissioner Vilda Vera Mayuga. “With these new worker protection laws, we are taking a step towards advancing working conditions for everyone across the city and supporting our essential workers who keep this city running. I want to remind delivery workers that they are covered by these new laws they fought so hard for, regardless of their immigration status, and that we are a resource for enforcement of those protections.”

As of April 22, third-party food delivery apps must:

• Allow food delivery workers to set limitations on distances they will travel from restaurants and which bridges or tunnels they are unwilling to use;
• Provide upfront disclosure to food delivery workers about route, pay, and gratuities;
• Pay food delivery workers at least once a week;
• Offer payment options to food delivery workers that are free of charge; and
• Provide a free insulated delivery bag to a food delivery worker after six deliveries.

In addition to the new worker protection laws, the January regulations require certain third-party food delivery apps to:

• Have a DCWP license;
• Tell workers how much the customer tips for each delivery;
• Tell workers their total pay and tips for the previous day; and
• Have written agreements with restaurants, list the phone number of the restaurant on the app if a phone number is provided, and, in some cases, provide restaurants with customer data if available. Agreements entered on or after January 24, 2022 must contain a provision requiring the restaurant to allow bathroom access to delivery workers, with limited exceptions for health and safety reasons.

Starting January 1, 2023, apps will also be required to pay workers the new minimum pay rate that the City will set. The rate will not include tips. DCWP is currently conducting a study on working conditions in order to determine the new minimum rate. As part of this effort, DCWP will host a public hearing in June to hear testimonies directly from delivery workers and other stakeholders.

To educate delivery workers about their new rights, DCWP has been working closely with organizations to conduct presentations to workers in Spanish, English, Chinese, and Bengali. DCWP has partnered with worker organizations on over 25 events with over 1,700 workers to answer questions and distribute information on the laws. DCWP will also soon be launching a citywide, multilingual public awareness campaign to educate delivery workers about their rights. DCWP also sent a mailing to eligible third-party apps outlining their new obligations under the law. DCWP has visited over 130 restaurants during corridor walks and sent a notice to more than 30,000 restaurants, as well as restaurant associations and trade groups to share information about their rights and obligations under the law.

Delivery workers, apps, restaurants and consumers can visit nyc.gov/DeliveryApps for multilingual resources and information about these new regulations, including the newly required Notice of Delivery Worker Rights (additional languages coming soon), a video (additional languages coming soon), a full list of the new requirements under the laws, restaurant rights and responsibilities, and the Third-Party Food Delivery Service License Application Checklist. Workers can also call 311 and ask for “delivery worker” or email [email protected] for more information.

“As New Yorkers rely more on food delivery, it’s past time that delivery workers who play such a critical role in our city’s economy are afforded basic, commonsense workplace protections,” said Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams. “I was proud to stand with workers as they fought for passage of this legislation, and I hope they’re able to celebrate today after years of organizing to make this law a reality.”

“Today marks a monumental day for deliverista rights here in New York, and these newly enacted standards should be the model across the country,” said Comptroller Brad Lander. “Because of their courageous organizing, delivery workers won critical information, supplies, and timely pay needed to make these jobs more sustainable. Shortened and straightforward delivery routes, weekly payments, and access to insulated food bags are now guaranteed, and alongside DCWP, we will ensure delivery workers’ rights remain protected.”

“New York City’s delivery workers continue to work hard every day to bring food to our homes and offices,” said City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams. “Their safety and well-being are important, which is why the City Council enacted groundbreaking protections for our city’s deliveristas and look forward to seeing its successful implementation. With new protections and labor standards set to take effect, the City must ensure that delivery workers know their rights and third-party apps understand their responsibility to follow the law. I look forward to continued partnerships with all stakeholders to improve pay and conditions for workers, support our city’s restaurants, and strengthen protections in the food delivery industry.”

ADAMS WELCOMES EQUITABLE CANNABIS ECONOMY: New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced on April 20 major new steps to welcome the cannabis industry to New York City, with an emphasis on promoting equity. Mayor Adams is proposing a $4.8 million investment in the Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23) executive budget to promote the growth of the industry, which will fund a multiagency community outreach effort, as well as technical assistance for businesses navigating the licensing process. The new investments — which will focus on the communities most impacted by the ‘war on drugs’ — come as the city prepares for an influx of new licensed dispensaries and other businesses.

“The cannabis industry could be a major boon to our economic recovery — creating new jobs, building wealth in historically underserved communities, and increasing state and local tax revenue,” said Mayor Adams. “With a new regulated adult-use cannabis market on the immediate horizon, now is the time for our city to make proactive investments to ensure the people disproportionately impacted by the criminalization of these substances can reap the benefits of the new industry.”

The new investments deliver on a plank of Mayor Adams’ “Renew, Rebuild, Reinvent: A Blueprint for New York City’s Economic Recovery,” which calls for a partnership with state and local leaders to build the nation’s most equitable cannabis industry. The adult-use cannabis industry is expected to generate nearly $1.3 billion in sales in its first year and support between 19,000 and 24,000 jobs within three years. This presents a major opportunity to jumpstart New York City’s economic recovery, while addressing some of the longstanding inequities exacerbated during the pandemic.

The multiagency effort will include targeted outreach and resources from the New York City Department of Small Business Services (SBS), the New York City Economic Development Corporation (EDC), and the Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice (MOCJ). In the coming months, these agencies will work in partnership to begin identifying stakeholders in impacted communities, launching a public education tour to educate people about the new process, promoting an educational media campaign, and assessing the needs of interested parties so they can better tailor their services and programs to assist those interested in participating in the industry. Additionally, EDC is prepared to offer assistance to entrepreneurs seeking to access the financing and real estate required to start and grow their businesses.

“We have a real opportunity to develop a thriving and truly equitable cannabis industry in the five boroughs,” said Deputy Mayor for Economic and Workforce Development Maria Torres-Springer. “As we work in close partnership with our city and state partners to design programming and policy, we will make sure that qualifying entrepreneurs interested in entering this industry have the supports and technical assistance they need to navigate the licensing process and launch successful businesses.”

New York State officially legalized the sale and consumption of adult-use cannabis in March 2021 through the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA). After the passage of the law, Governor Kathy Hochul created the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) and appointed members to the Cannabis Control Board (CCB), both of which oversee the promulgation of regulations relating to the cannabis industry, and the issuance of licenses for those looking to participate in the industry. Recognizing the disproportionate harm the criminalization of cannabis has inflicted on Black and Brown communities, the MRTA has set a goal of awarding half of all licenses to social and economic equity applicants.

JAMES, MAYOR FIGHT OPIOID CRISIS WITH $256M: New York Attorney General Letitia James and New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced the first of up to $256 million going to New York City, beginning this week, to combat the opioid crisis that continues to ravage communities across the city. The funds are the first round of payments from the $1.5 billion that Attorney General James has secured for the state from the historic settlements with manufacturers and distributors of opioids. New York City will receive up to $256 million in total over the years as part of these settlements for opioid abatement. To address record overdose rates, New York City will receive $88.9 million this year — $11.5 million this week alone — to fund opioid prevention and treatment programs in all five boroughs.

“Pharmaceutical companies that flooded New York communities with opioids are finally paying for the harm and devastation they caused,” said Attorney General James. “For far too long, opioid makers and distributors created more pain and suffering than they claimed to cure. The settlements my office secured from these companies are a result of our unwavering commitment to hold the powerful accountable and protect New Yorkers. Mayor Adams has been a dedicated partner in this fight, and we will not rest until our communities are free from the scourge of opioids. The money distributed today will help us turn the tide on the opioid crisis and ensure that every New Yorker struggling with addiction gets the help they need.”

“Big Pharma raked in billions of dollars while people’s lives were lost and destroyed from opioids,” said New York City Mayor Adams. “One New Yorker dies from an opioid overdose every four hours. Too many New Yorkers have suffered from death and addiction and too many families and communities have been torn apart. It’s time to end this public health crisis, and the $256 million New York City will be receiving thanks to Attorney General James’ good work will be critical in funding opioid treatment programs, education efforts, and other support programs across all five boroughs. This money will help us save lives and I thank Attorney General James for her partnership in fighting to end the opioid crisis.”

The April 21 payments are the first of many to New York City to tackle the opioid crisis. The first payments come from settlements with opioid distributors — AmerisourceBergen Corporation, Cardinal Health, Inc., and McKesson Corporation. Later this year, New York City will receive additional payments from the settlements with Endo Health Solutions, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, and Allergan.

As a result of Attorney General James’ historic opioid settlements, New York City will receive $88,943,457.57 in 2022 and up to $256,458,972.37 over the course of the payout of the different settlements. More funds could possibly be awarded from a trial victory against Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, where a dollar figure has not yet been determined.

The announcement also goes hand-in-hand with an announcement made by U.S. President Joseph Biden, where he reiterated his commitment to fighting the opioid epidemic. The new strategy tackles two major drivers of overdoses — untreated addiction and drug trafficking — and seeks to remove barriers to effective treatment, as well as to harm reduction services. At the same time, the president’s strategy lays out actions that will disrupt drug traffickers’ financial networks, supply chains, and delivery routes.

In March 2019, Attorney General James filed the nation’s most extensive lawsuit to hold accountable the various manufacturers and distributors responsible for the opioid epidemic. The manufacturers named in the complaint included Purdue Pharma and its affiliates, as well as members of the Sackler Family (owners of Purdue) and trusts they control; Janssen Pharmaceuticals and its affiliates (including its parent company Johnson & Johnson); Mallinckrodt LLC and its affiliates; Endo Health Solutions and its affiliates; and Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc. and its affiliates. The distributors named in the complaint were McKesson Corporation, Cardinal Health Inc., Amerisource Bergen Drug Corporation, and Rochester Drug Cooperative Inc.

BIDEN-HARRIS ADMIN’S DRUG CONTROL STRATEGY: Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney, Chairwoman of the Committee on Oversight and Reform, issued the following statement regarding the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy’s 2022 National Drug Control Strategy:

“The 2022 National Drug Control Strategy reflects the Biden-Harris Administration’s deep commitment to overcoming our nation’s overdose crisis and ensuring that every person who experiences addiction can achieve and sustain recovery.

I applaud the Office of National Drug Control Policy for its work to expand access to high-quality treatment and harm reduction services, disrupt the flow of dangerous substances into the United States, and advance equity in the federal government’s response to overdose and addiction. I look forward to hearing directly from Director Gupta about the National Drug Control Strategy and the Administration’s progress in overcoming this public health crisis.”

ADAMS’ ON REFORMING RIKERS ISLAND: New York City Mayor Eric Adams released the following statement on reforming Rikers Island: “This administration took control of Rikers Island amidst historic challenges, including deliberate disinvestment in the jail complex, an ongoing COVID-19 crisis, and huge staffing challenges. Since Commissioner Molina assumed office, in conjunction with the federal monitor, we’ve seen reductions in use of force and assaults on staff, increased searches for weapons and contraband, and sick leave that has dropped to levels not seen since before last summer’s horrendous shortages.

“On the first day of my administration, I appointed Commissioner Molina to lead this work, and he is laying the groundwork for long-term change. As a corrections professional with a proven track record who worked successfully with a monitor and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District to reform the Westchester County Jail, I know he is the right person to take on this extraordinarily difficult work. Fixing Rikers is critically important, a moral imperative, and we need to get it right. But to do that, we need the opportunity to implement our plan. These are generational challenges, deeply ingrained, and no administration can solve them in less than four months. We look forward to continuing our close collaboration with the federal monitor and all other stakeholders.”

HOCHUL VETOES 33 LEGISLATIVE ADDITIONS: Governor Kathy Hochul announced the submission of 33 vetoes in accordance with Article VII of the State Constitution.

The vetoes include 23 appropriations that are fully expended and three that have minimal spending authority remaining. One appropriation is duplicative of another appropriation for the same purpose, and another appropriation has been previously vetoed. Five appropriations are vetoed on the grounds of being unconstitutional alterations.

The full list of vetoes is available at www.governor.ny.gov/sites/default/files/2022-04/FY_2023_Enacted_Budget_Vetoes_0.pdf

JAMES, CFPB SUE MONEYGRAM: New York Attorney General Letitia James and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) filed a lawsuit against one of the largest international money transfer providers in the nation — MoneyGram International, Inc. and MoneyGram Payment Systems, Inc. (MoneyGram) — for repeatedly violating consumer protection laws. MoneyGram failed to deliver funds to recipients in a timely manner or refund consumers when transfers were delayed. MoneyGram’s unfair practices largely impacted immigrant communities who relied on the company to send money back home to loved ones. The lawsuit alleges that MoneyGram did not accurately notify consumers when their transfers would be available to recipients abroad and failed to implement required policies and procedures designed to help protect consumers, essentially leaving consumers in the dark about their money transfers when something went wrong. Attorney General James and the CFPB’s lawsuit seeks to protect consumers by stopping MoneyGram from continuing its unfair and unlawful practices.

“Our immigrant communities trusted MoneyGram to send their hard-earned money back home to loved ones but MoneyGram let them down,” said Attorney General James. “Consumers deserve to know where their money went. Companies have an obligation to be transparent with consumers, treat them fairly, and follow the law, but MoneyGram repeatedly failed to do so. Today we are suing MoneyGram to correct their unlawful practices and prevent them from further harming consumers. New Yorkers can trust that my office will always protect them from unscrupulous companies.”

“MoneyGram spent years failing its customers and failing to follow the law, ignoring customer complaints and government warnings in the process,” said CFPB Director Rohit Chopra. “MoneyGram’s long pattern of misconduct must be halted.”

MoneyGram is a non-bank financial services company that enables consumers to send money, known as remittances, from the United States to more than 200 countries and territories. The company has 430,000 locations in the U.S. and worldwide, and also operates through a digital platform. A significant portion of the company’s money-transfer transactions are initiated by immigrants or refugees in the U.S. sending money back to their native countries. Hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers use MoneyGram every year for millions of transactions. For example, in 2020, more than 600,000 individuals sent and received money at MoneyGram locations in New York over 3.8 million times. People who send remittances are often low-income or facing other financial constraints and are less likely to have extra money to replace delayed money intended for family or other recipients abroad.

MoneyGram violated federal and state consumer protection laws. Specifically, the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) and the CFPB allege that MoneyGram:

• Left its customers empty handed when funds were not made available to recipients on time: As a money transfer provider, MoneyGram has to comply with the Bank Secrecy Act and anti-money laundering laws and therefore has to conduct screening before transactions are complete. But even after completing the necessary screenings, MoneyGram held remittance transfers in limbo after they were cleared, which in some instances resulted in needless delays of days or even weeks before it completed the transfers or refunded the money to the sender.
• Failed to accurately disclose the date of availability of funds: MoneyGram repeatedly failed to provide fund availability dates that were accurate. Dates disclosed to consumers, repeatedly, were wrong such that there were delays in making funds available to recipients.
• Failed to follow error-resolutions requirements: MoneyGram failed to promptly investigate errors, to make a determination of whether an error occurred within a required time period, to report the result of an error investigation to the consumer within a required time period, to provide a sufficient written explanation of findings or provide required notice of the sender’s right to request documents related to the investigation, and to provide fee refunds to remedy certain errors.
• Failed to develop and maintain policies and procedures: MoneyGram failed to put in place policies and procedures designed to ensure compliance with the law, including error-resolution requirements and document retention obligations. And, accordingly, MoneyGram failed to retain certain evidence.

MoneyGram is a repeat offender of consumer protection and anti-fraud laws. In 2009, the company agreed to pay $18 million to settle fraud charges brought by the Federal Trade Commission, and was required to implement a comprehensive anti-fraud and agent-monitoring program. In 2012, MoneyGram agreed to forfeit $100 million and enter into a deferred prosecution agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice, admitting it criminally aided and abetted wire fraud and failed to maintain an effective anti-money laundering program. In 2016, MoneyGram agreed to pay $13 million to 48 states, including New York, and the District of Columbia, to compensate defrauded consumers and resolve a multi-state investigation into MoneyGram’s anti-fraud practices. In 2018, MoneyGram agreed to pay $125 million, again to the FTC, to settle allegations that it failed to take steps required under the agency’s 2009 order. According to the FTC, that payment was also part of a global settlement that resolved allegations that MoneyGram violated the 2012 deferred prosecution agreement with the DOJ. In March of 2022, MoneyGram agreed to pay $8.25 million for failing to adequately monitor agents engaging in suspicious transactions to China.

Attorney General James and the CFPB’s lawsuit seeks monetary relief for impacted consumers, an injunction to stop future violations, and imposition of civil money penalties.

FLUSHING HATE FREE ZONE: Assemblymember Ron Kim and the Minkwon Center for Community Action announced that Kim had secured $100,000 from this year’s state budget for the MinKwon Center to help fund the center’s new initiative: the Flushing Hate Free Zone. The planning for this program began as a response to the overwhelming increase in Asian hate crimes since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. In early February of 2022, the Minkwon Center partnered with the Greater Flushing Chamber of Commerce and other community organizations to first announce this new initiative.

The program will utilize a multifaceted community-based approach to root out all forms of hate. It will include “Know Your Rights” canvassing around cross-cultural solidarity and safety for immigrant families, a hotline providing limited victim assistance services to people directly impacted by hate violence, and a new safe-space for LGBTQIA+ high school youth based in Flushing, along with multilingual upstander/bystander instructional information. Other organizations participating in this initiative include the Flushing Chamber of Commerce, Flushing Interfaith Council, Macedonia AME Church, and the Flushing Free Synagogue.

Assemblyman Ron Kim: “I am honored to support this extremely important work that the Minkwon Center and its partners are doing for our community. There is nothing more powerful than joining arms to root out bigotry and hate. With this funding, we hope that we are one step closer to realizing these goals through the Hate Free Zone in Flushing, and ensuring that our neighborhoods remain inclusive, tolerant and welcoming.”

‘TRANSDIGM MUST REPAY DEFENSE DEPT’: Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney, Chairwoman of the House Committee on Oversight and Reform, and Sen. Chuck Grassley, Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, sent a letter to defense contractor TransDigm Group Inc. (TransDigm) demanding that the company immediately repay the $20.8 million in taxpayer funds it received by charging the Department of Defense (DOD) excessive prices on spare parts contracts.

“The excess profits TransDigm received must be returned to taxpayers so these funds can be used to ensure our military has needed supplies, such as military equipment that DOD is transferring to the Ukrainian military to help them defend their country from Russian aggression,” the Members wrote.

According to DOD, “TransDigm has not repaid DOD a single dollar or indicated that it intends to do so.”

The lawmakers asked TransDigm to inform them by April 25 if they will repay the $20.8 million. If not, the lawmakers called on TransDigm to produce a range of documents no later than April 29.

On January 19, 2022, the House Oversight Committee held a hearing to examine TransDigm’s practice of charging DOD excessive prices on mission-critical spare parts for aircraft. At that hearing, Committee Members called on TransDigm to repay the excess profit. In advance of the hearing, DOD sent letters to TransDigm and its subsidiaries asking that the excess profit be repaid.

In December 2021, the DOD Office of Inspector General (OIG) issued a report on TransDigm’s pricing practices. The DOD OIG determined that TransDigm earned at least $20.8 million in excess profits on 105 of the 106 types of spare parts reviewed and concluded that these parts “were not obtained at fair and reasonable prices.”

On May 15, 2019, the House Oversight Committee held a bipartisan hearing examining a previous DOD OIG report that found TransDigm received $16.1 million in excess profits. After Committee Members called on the company to refund the money during the hearing, TransDigm repaid the full $16.1 million to DOD.

In the Senate, Senator Grassley pushed for accountability from the Pentagon amid reported price gouging by DOD contractors, including TransDigm, and welcomed the contractor’s plan to repay the Pentagon for the overcharges identified in 2019. Since then, he’s continued to press DOD for transparency on other TransDigm contracts.

LONGER LIGHTS FOR PEDESTRIANS NEEDED: Assembly Member Andrew Hevesi (AD 28); Council Member Lynn Schulman (CD 29); Sherry Algredo, Queens Community Board 9 Chair; Heather Beers-Dimitriadis, Queens Community Board 6 Chair; and Frank Gulluscio, District Manager Queens Community Board 6 sent the following letter on April 19 to Ydanis Rodriguez, Commissioner of the Department of Transportation: “We write as representatives of the Kew Gardens / Forest Hills constituencies regarding ongoing concerns with the intersection at Union Tpke and Park Lane North on the border of these neighborhoods. This is specifically submitted as follow up to correspondence from Community Board 9 to Department of Transportation, requesting that DOT implement longer periods of time for pedestrians to cross the long intersection – spanning two Union Tpke Service Roads, a highway, and a consistently high volume of traffic – which DOT determined was unfeasible.

“This exclusively residential area is home to a large number of seniors, young families, young children/infants, school-aged children, and people from all walks of life who deserve to traverse our neighborhoods safely. With controls as currently set, there is simply not enough time for people to cross the three sections of road needed to carry about their daily lives, particularly with rushed drivers often racing to beat traffic lights and blocking intersections.

“We also ask that DOT conduct a comprehensive traffic safety study of Union Turnpike between Queens Blvd and Woodhaven Blvd. to address the several other similar issues found at other intersections, better handle the flow of traffic at the intersection of Union Tpke and Metropolitan Avenue and provide for safer pedestrian and bicyclist access along the corridor and in particular to Forest Park.

“We appreciate all of the agency’s efforts to protect residents throughout our communities, but must emphasize that more support is needed in this particular area. Thus, we request DOT remain in communication on the issue, and our collective offices remain available for ongoing correspondence/site visits at the agency’s convenience, in order to immediately work towards a resolution.”

GILLIBRAND SECURES FUNDS FOR 9/11 MEMORIAL MUSEUM: U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced she secured funds for the National September 11 Memorial & Museum from the National Endowment for the Humanities. Gillibrand secured $472,549 that will go toward supporting the museum’s educational programming, which focuses on teaching the history of 9/11 to elementary and secondary level students.

Funds will also go toward a digital platform that provides online learners with foundational information about the attacks using archival video and audio and other interactive tools, such as Inside the Collection, a digital, searchable catalog of nearly 3,200 artifacts that expands access to the collection far beyond the roughly 900 objects exhibited in the Museum itself; and live virtual programs including virtual field trips and “Ask an Educator” programs.

“It is deeply important that our young people understand the events of 9/11 and how it changed the world we live in today,” said Sen. Gillibrand. “This funding will allow the National September 11 Memorial & Museum to continue its efforts to challenge students to think critically about a wide range of topics related to the events of 9/11.”

MENG ANNOUNCES CONGRESSIONAL ART CONTEST: U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens) encouraged local high school students to enter her annual congressional district art contest, a competition where teens compete to have their artwork displayed in the U.S. Capitol.

Meng’s contest, which consists of entries from students in her congressional district in Queens, is part of “An Artistic Discovery,” which is the national art contest held each year by the House of Representatives to showcase the artwork of all congressional district art contest winners from across the nation.

The winning artwork of Meng’s competition – along with the winning pieces from art contests in Congressional districts throughout the United States – will be displayed for one year in the halls of the U.S. Capitol for all to see including visitors to Capitol Hill, House Members, Senators and maybe even the President.

The winner of Meng’s competition, as well as second and third place runners-up, will be announced during a reception that the Congresswoman will host for students and their families, art teachers, principals and school administrators.

“Each year, students from throughout Queens submit exceptional pieces of art for the competition, and I am always impressed by their outstanding talent and creativity,” said Meng. “I encourage students to participate in this year’s contest, and look forward to congratulating the winner whose artwork will represent our congressional district in Washington, D.C. I wish the best of luck to all who enter.”

The judges will consist of outside individuals. Entries must be two-dimensional and no larger than 26 inches high, 26 inches wide, and 4 inches deep. Accepted mediums include paintings, drawings, collages, prints, mixed media, computer-generated art and photographs. They must not violate U.S. copyright laws.

The deadline to submit entries to Meng’s office is May 2.

The Artistic Discovery contest was launched in 1982 for Members of Congress to highlight the artistic work of high school students from around the nation. Since it began, hundreds of thousands of high school students from throughout the United States have participated in the competition.

UNPRECEDENTED INVESTMENTS IN SAFE HAVEN BEDS: New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced unprecedented investments in high-quality services and resources dedicated to helping unsheltered New Yorkers transition off the streets and out of the subway system and move into more stable housing. As part of his focus to help those experiencing homelessness, Mayor Adams will be allocating an additional $171 million a year, beginning in Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23), to aggressively expand and enhance outreach efforts and specialized resources, including Safe Havens, stabilization beds, and Drop-in Centers (DICs). This is the largest investment made by any city administration in street outreach and targeted low-barrier programs to support some of our most vulnerable New Yorkers experiencing homelessness on the streets and in the subways.

“Too many of our fellow New Yorkers are experiencing unsheltered homelessness — but we cannot and will not abandon them,” said Mayor Adams. “We are making the largest investment in street outreach and low-barrier beds that a city administration ever has, in an effort to almost double the number of Safe Haven and stabilization beds available to New Yorkers. These resources will encourage people to come inside and will pave a way toward permanent housing and the stability that every New Yorker deserves.”

Mayor Adams has already made significant progress on his commitment to increase the capacity of low-barrier beds dedicated to serving New Yorkers experiencing homelessness as part of his Subway Safety Plan introduced in February. As of today, the city has opened new high-quality sites, which will offer dedicated supports to more than 400 New Yorkers, as part of nearly 500 specialized beds announced in the plan earlier this year. More than 100 additional beds are expected to come online in the coming months, exceeding the goal originally announced in the plan.

With this most recent announcement, the city will also open nearly 900 more beds, bringing the total new capacity funded by this investment to more than 1,400 beds. Further, 570 specialized beds are expected to come online by the end of this year, with another 325 by mid-2023. Once online, the city will have over 4,000 specialized beds to serve and support some of the most vulnerable New Yorkers.

In addition to funding for beds, the announcement includes $19 million that will be allocated to creating three additional DICs, as well as providing enhanced medical and behavioral health services at city DICs, including funding for specialized staff such as nurses, psychiatrists, and social workers. Finally, $12 million of the funds will be allocated towards DSS’s enhanced and expanded comprehensive outreach program that:

• Increases dedicated outreach staff to further intensify DSS’s subway outreach and placement efforts.
• Adds transportation services and other resources, which will help further streamline the process of connecting clients to suitable placement opportunities.

The city’s low-barrier programs — including Safe Havens, stabilization beds, and DICs — are often the first step towards helping New Yorkers experiencing homelessness accept services and transition off the streets and out of the subways. Safe Havens and stabilization beds are small-scale, low-barrier programs specifically tailored for unsheltered individuals who may be resistant to accepting, or who may not be best served by, other services, including traditional transitional housing settings. These sites are equipped with on-site services and compassionate staff who work closely with these New Yorkers to build trust, stabilize lives, and encourage further transition off the streets and out of the subways, and help them ultimately transition into permanent housing. DICs provide baseline services with the goal of meeting the immediate needs of unsheltered New Yorkers, such as showers, meals, and connections to health care, while also offering on-site case management services and staff — providing an immediate option for individuals who want to transition off the streets and out of the subways.

NY-PRESBYTERIAN AGREEMENT WITH WTC HEALTH PROGRAM: Reps. Carolyn B. Maloney (NY-12), Jerrold Nadler (NY-10), and Andrew Garbarino (NY-2), sponsors of the 9/11 Responder and Survivor Health Funding Correction Act, H.R. 4965, thanked NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital for agreeing to sign a “Master Agreement” with the World Trade Center Health Program.

This will stop the delays in getting care and remove bureaucratic hurdles and the out-of-pocket costs that so many 9/11 responders and survivors have experienced in getting care from NewYork-Presbyterian, many of whom have the most severe conditions. The Representatives first called on the Hospital to sign the Master Agreement in a March 2021 letter. Reps. Maloney, Nadler, and Garbarino released the following statement,

“We are glad to hear that NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital has finally changed direction and will finally give the same access to its medical facilities to the World Trade Center Health Programs 9/11 responders and survivors that all the major New York medical institutions have agreed to and will be signing a ‘Master Agreement’ with the World Trade Center Health Program.

“Also, we are very gratified to hear that NewYork-Presbyterian has committed to reimburse and make whole any of those responders and survivors who ended up having co-pays charged to them personally. Those charges should never have occurred.

“We are glad that 9/11 responders and survivors will now have ease of access to NewYork-Presbyterian’s excellent medical services, now that this bureaucratic mistake is being admitted to and corrected.”

In 2010, the enactment of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act established the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) and reopened the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF). In 2015, the WTCHP was made effectively permanent with passage of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Reauthorization Act. This bill also extended the VCF through 2020.In 2019, the VCF was made effectively permanent with the passage of the Never Forget the Heroes: James Zadroga, Ray Pfeifer, and Luis Alvarez Permanent Authorization of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund Act.

On August 6, 2021, Congressmembers Maloney, Nadler, and Garbarino, Senator Gillibrand, and Leader Schumer introduced the 9/11 Responder and Survivor Health Funding Correction Act. The bill currently has 86 bipartisan co-sponsors in the House and 10 co-sponsors in the Senate, including the entire bipartisan New York delegation.

SCHUMER: NEW OPPORTUNITY TO STOP GAS PRICE GOUGING: Citing, in part, a new report that details how the nation’s biggest oil and gas companies have “significantly increased stock buybacks and dividends since Russia invaded Ukraine,” U.S. Senator Charles Schumer announced that he intends to fill a now vacant seat on the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) this upcoming week. Schumer explained that the FTC has oversight over big oil and that it is high time for the Commission to take a hard look at gas pricing issues and policy. Schumer said that gas price gouging, wherever it might be, should be something that spurs investigation. Schumer also said stock buybacks, financial engineering by ‘big oil,’ and surging profits –—all while consumers suffer— should be a foundation for serious and further inquiry into big oil.

“Last year, the top twenty-five oil and gas companies reported a combined $205 billion, with a ‘B’, in profits, and instead of giving Americans a break at the gas pump, they’ve used their gushing profits to reward shareholders with stock buybacks, which demands answers and inquiry,” said U.S. Senator Charles Schumer. “We know that Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine has contributed to higher prices at the pump, the same with COVID-related supply issues, but big oil, in my opinion, is using both these issues to pull to wool over all our eyes as it cashes in more and more. It’s time for inquiry at the FTC level, and beyond. I intend to fill the current FTC vacant seat this week, installing Alvaro Bedoya. An equipped FTC can help address the issues of gouging, tacit collusion and so many more.”

Schumer said that with a new democratic majority of three poised for the FTC, the federal Commission will finally have the will and the way to act on a variety of energy-related issues that impact consumers every single day, at the pump and beyond. Schumer made the case that with big oil pumping out profits as consumers struggle, a closer look by the FTC is warranted.

Citing the report, Schumer explained:

• In January and February, seven companies’ boards authorized their corporate treasuries to buy back and retire $24.35 billion in stock — a 15 percent increase over all of the buybacks authorized in 2021. Six of those decisions came in February, after fears of Russian aggression against Ukraine lifted stock prices. In total, the 20 companies announced $45.6 billion in stock buybacks since the start of 2021.
• More than half of the companies boosted their dividends in January and February. Of the 11 companies raising their dividends, nine were increases of more than 15 percent and four were increases of more than 40 percent.
• Six companies have started paying additional dividends on top of their routine quarterly payments, including by implementing new “variable dividends” based on company earnings

Schumer, citing AAA, said the current gas price average is $4.12. A month ago, it was $4.23. A year ago, it was $2.88.

“President Biden’s actions to help lower prices at the pump on behalf of consumers have worked, if you compare the prices from a month ago, but the administration can only do so much on its own,” added Schumer. “An equipped FTC can help do more by ensuring that explicit communication and implicit coordination by Big Oil does not undermine consumers at the pump. The feds can —and must— do more to hold this industry accountable on behalf of consumers.”

On February 24th, 2022, the first day of the Russian invasion, the price for a barrel of oil closed at $92.77, according to the report. It spiked more than 35% just ten days later, before dropping back below $100 over the ensuing weeks. The first months of 2022, according to the report, tell a remarkable story about what happens to the dollars consumers spend on runaway energy prices. The clearest narrators, the report contends, are the oil companies themselves.

“The bottom line here is that with Big Oil pumping out profits as consumers struggle, a closer look by the FTC is warranted, and with the addition of Mr. Bedoya to the FTC, that can happen,” said Schumer.

OVER $2M TO HELP UKRAINIANS IN USA: New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) Commissioner Manuel Castro today announced that the New York City will provide more than $2 million in funding to help currently residing and newly arrived Ukrainian New Yorkers get access to immigration legal assistance, translation services, social services, and other resources. The funds will go towards expanding personnel and increasing access to the robust resources that are available for all currently residing and new arrived Ukrainians. New York city will also offer an expanded suite of resources in the coming weeks.

“New York City remains home to the largest Ukrainian population in America and we stand in solidarity with everyone affected, both here and abroad,” said Mayor Adams. “We are a city of immigrants and will be ready with open arms to provide as much support as needed. This newly proposed funding will ensure that these resources are available to currently residing and newly arrived Ukrainians, and will also allow us to tailor our offerings in the future as new refugees arrive.”

“This dedicated funding for legal services, language access, and resettlement costs will be coordinated through city agencies and Ukrainian community-based organizations,” said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Anne Williams-Isom. “The Ukrainian community has long been a vibrant part of New York City, and we are prepared to support our Ukrainian brothers and sisters during this difficult time and will welcome all new arrivals to New York City.”

“Today’s announcement shows our city’s continued and relentless commitment to the Ukrainian community during this difficult time,” said MOIA Commissioner Manuel Castro. “From the very beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the mayor and I called on our federal partners to extend Temporary Protective Status for Ukrainians already living here and to streamline the process to help refugees and asylum seekers come to the United States, particularly those with family here. I’m committed to ensuring all immigrant New Yorkers know that their city has their back.”

The Biden administration has announced that the United States will welcome up to 100,000 Ukrainians and others fleeing Russia’s aggression through the established resettlement pathways, as well as the newly announced Uniting for Ukraine process.

The city is implementing an initiative to provide key services and support to Ukrainian New Yorkers impacted by the Russian-Ukrainian war. The initiative will include immigration legal assistance to help residing and newly-arriving members take advantage of available forms of relief and resettlement pathways, including Temporary Protected Status, humanitarian parole through Uniting for Ukraine , and more. The initiative will also include a public information and education campaign, case management, interpretation and translation, and direct assistance for displaced Ukrainian families resettling in New York City. The initiative will be carried out by a coalition of city agencies, citywide service providers, and Ukrainian-serving community-based organizations.

Ukrainian New Yorkers can go online for more information or call MOIA’s Immigration Legal Services Hotline at 800-354-0365 for connections to city-funded, free, and safe immigration legal help, including help in applying for Temporary Protected Status.

SUOZZI AND WILLIAMS CALL FOR STATEWIDE DEBATES: Democratic candidates for Governor Congressman Tom Suozzi and NYC Public Advocate Jumaane Williams sent a joint letter to broadcast television stations across the state yesterday encouraging them to hold televised debates ahead of the June 28th Democratic primary. Both candidates challenge Governor Kathy Hochul to participate in the debates with them.

“Our state is at a crossroads with an important primary election coming up in just nine weeks,” said Suozzi and Williams in the letter. “These are unprecedented times for New Yorkers and voters need and deserve the opportunity to hear directly from all candidates in a transparent manner.”

Currently, Suozzi and Williams have confirmed their participation in two scheduled debates, including the recently announced June 16th debate hosted by NBC 4 New York/WNBC and Telemundo and the Albany Times Union. Hochul’s campaign has said she is “weighing whether to participate in the debate.”

There have been numerous virtual candidate forums that have been held by Democratic clubs, civic clubs and advocacy groups, since January. Suozzi and Williams have participated in nearly all, while Hochul has not participated in any of them, sending her former Lieutenant Governor instead.

“Democracy is about a competition of ideas,” stated Suozzi and Williams in their letter. “With no shortage of challenges facing New York, we believe that news organizations play an integral role in facilitating a rigorous discussion of the issues that voters expect of those entrusted to serve the public.”

Both candidates have pledged that they will debate anywhere at any time and believe it is incumbent upon good government groups and the media to not allow Hochul to duck debates when there is so much at stake in these elections. Suozzi and Williams both say they would like a minimum of six debates across the state as early as the beginning of May.

TEAMSTERS LOCAL 237 ENDORSES MALONEY FOR RE-ELECTION: Teamsters Local 237 endorsed Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney for re-election to represent New Yorkʼs 12th Congressional District in Congress.

“Carolyn Maloney has been a hardworking and effective member of Congress. She knows how to get things done in Washington. She has ushered into law countless bills and spearheaded policy initiatives and committee investigations and oversights that have demonstrated not only her responsiveness and understanding of the needs of her constituents, but the needs of all New Yorkers. Whether it was bringing free Covid testing and vaccinations to residents of Queensbridge and Astoria Houses or her fight for the passage of the 9-11 Heroes and Victims Act, Congresswoman Maloney stands up for working families and our union brothers and sisters. Her experience, her drive, her know-how and her compassion make her the right person for this tough job in these troubling times. Teamsters Local 237 strongly endorses Carolyn Maloney for reelection,” said Gregory Floyd, President, Teamsters Local 237 and Vice President at-Large on the General Board of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters.

“Teamsters Local 237 has always stood firmly beside the American worker in supporting their efforts to be treated fairly and equitably, and I am grateful for their support in my re-election. I am proud to represent them and to have been the Teamsters partner at the federal level, passing legislation like the PRO Act and introducing my Pandemic Heroes Compensation Act. These measures will not only help our recovery from the COVID-19 crisis but will solidify treatment of labor union members for generations to come,” said Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney.

RAIN BARREL GIVEAWAY: Sponsored by NYS Senator Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Assemblyman Andrew Hevesi and NYC Dept. of Envrionmental Protection on Saturday, may 7, 10 am-1 pm at Yeshiva Godolah Seminary, 74-10 88th Street, Glendale. *Rain or Shine* For more info or to register to receive a free rain barrel, call Addabbo’s office at 718-738-1111.

FREE ELECTRONIC WASTE RECYCLING EVENT: On Sunday, May 22, from 10 am to 2 pm *Rain or Shine* at the Forest Park Bandshell Parking Lot, in Woodhaven. Sponsored by NYS Senator Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar, Councilman Robert Holden and Lower East Side Ecology Center.

Items that will be accepted are: computers, monitors, handheld devices, network devices, peripheral, components such as hard drives and power supplies, printers; TVs, VCRs, DVD players etc, digital converter boxes, audio-visual equipment, video games, stereos, landline phones, extension cords.

Not being accepted are: batteries of any kind, smoke detectors, any hazardous materials, medication, household appliances, air conditioners, paint and tires.

—With contributions by Annette Hanze Alberts

This column was originated by John A. Toscano