NEWS
González-Rojas heralds inclusion of universal school meals in budget win
Source: QNS
Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas has welcomed the inclusion of universal school meals in the recently-approved state budget, stating that every New York student will now have access to free breakfast and lunch regardless of their family’s income.
Asambleísta González-Rojas logra almuerzo escolar gratis para todos
Source: Queens Latino
La asambleísta González-Rojas celebra la decisión de la gobernadora Hochul de financiar completamente las comidas escolares universales en el presupuesto del estado de Nueva York después de defender la legislación desde mayo de 2022.
‘The Moped Crisis’: Bill Doubling Fines For Unauthorized Dealers Passes Senate
Source: Empire State Streets Blog
Fines against unauthorized moped dealers would be doubled under a just-passed state Senate bill that is expected to also pass the Assembly and make its way to the Governor's desk before the end of the legislative session at the end of the month.
Queens Pride Parade celebrated in Jackson Heights
Source: QNS
Thousands gathered to celebrate this parade. Founded in 1993 by Daniel Dromm and Maritza Martinez, this parade is the second-oldest and biggest in all of New York City. It highlights the borough of Queens as a major hub for members of the LGBTQ+ and transgender communities.
Lawmakers considering commission to review N.Y. COVID-19 response
Source: Spectrum News
A bill in play the final week of the state's legislative session would create a commission with the power to subpoena witnesses to probe New York's decisions during the COVID-19 pandemic as a $4.3 million state-contracted review continues to be delayed.
Egyptian Expatriates Call for Better Representation of MENA Communities in US
Source: See News
New York Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas, State Senator Michael Gianaris, and leaders from groups such as the New York Immigration Coalition and Malikah rallied support for a bill aimed at revamping demographic data collection for Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) residents in New York at the state Capitol.
Learning the truth about COVID in N.Y.
Source: NY Daily News
In Congress next month, Republicans will question former Gov. Andrew Cuomo and other officials on how New York’s leaders responded to the COVID-19 pandemic. The result will likely be a display of grandstanding and exaggeration, as political opportunists use the hearing to push their own agendas.
A bill to correct inequities in state data
Source: WENY
A bill in Albany would take apart Middle Eastern and North African groups from white categories on state data forms.
Clock ticking for bill to expand healthcare to NY's undocumented immigrants
Source: Gothamist
A new version of a bill that aims to expand public health coverage to undocumented migrants is racing against time as health and immigrant organizations push lawmakers to get it to Gov. Kathy Hochul’s desk.
NY lawmakers seek to cap investors' profits from foreign debt
Source: Times Union
ALBANY — Lawmakers seeking to tackle a complex legal process that dictates the deals investors can make with cash-strapped countries have expressed their intent to usher through legislation on the issue in the final days of New York’s legislative session.
Queens lawmakers rally for legislation to improve representation of Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) communities
Source: QNS
At the state Capitol on Wednesday, Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas, State Senator Michael Gianaris, and leaders from groups such as the New York Immigration Coalition and Malikah rallied support for a bill that seeks to overhaul demographic data collection for Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) residents in New York.
New York's 'Mom Squad' sees victories and challenges in state budget
Source: Spectrum News
From a Foundation Aid scare to a relentless drive for universal free school meals, this session kept the New York state Legislature's "Mom Squad" busy. It’s a group of lawmakers in the state Senate and Assembly who are mothers and advocate for family issues.
Queens lawmakers demand more MTA bus service to Manhattan before $15 congestion toll begins
Source: NY Post
Queens lawmakers who voted for the unpopular $15 “congestion” toll to enter parts of Manhattan are demanding that the MTA increase express bus service to their neighboring borough before the new fee is imposed.
16 funcionarios electos boricuas de Nueva York abogan por la inclusión de Puerto Rico en el SNAP
Source: El Nuevo Día
Doce legisladores estatales de Nueva York y cuatro concejalas municipales de la ciudad neoyorquina, todos de origen puertorriqueño, enviaron una carta al líder de la mayoría demócrata del Senado, Charles Schumer, en respaldo de la integración de Puerto Rico al Programa de Asistencia Nutricional Suplementaria (SNAP).
New York continues to invest in abortion access
Source: Capitol Pressroom
May 9, 2024 – Assemblymember Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas, a Queens Democrat, talks about a $25 million state commitment to expand access to abortion services, including for women from outside New York.
Parents and pols protest illegal smoke shop in Jackson Heights
Source: Queens Chronicle
Haze Land, an illegal smoke shop located at 37-07 82 St. in Jackson Heights, drew a crowd of people on Wednesday, May 1. However, instead of buying cannabis, lawmakers, local parents and educators were there to protest illegal smoke shops in their neighborhood.
Sammy’s Law passed: Queens leaders hail new legislation enabling NYC to lower speed limits for safer streets
Source: QNS
Queens Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas and State Senator John Liu joined community advocates Tuesday to celebrate the passage of Sammy’s Law, a legislation that allows for New York City to determine its own speed limits, in the latest New York State budget.
Neighborhoods That Most Need Basement Apartment Legalization Left Out of State Pilot
Source: The City
Gov. Kathy Hochul has a plan to bring New York City’s illegal basement and cellar apartments above board — but it won’t apply to homeowners and tenants in many neighborhoods where the need for legalization is most dire because of gridlock during Albany budget negotiations, sources say.
Here’s what New York elected officials are saying about the Columbia University protests
Source: City & State
Progressives have criticized the school for bringing in the NYPD to clear the encampment, while Republicans have called for the National Guard.
Assemblymember González-Rojas praises 2025 fiscal budget for investments in Queens communities
Source: QNS
Queens Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas (D-34) celebrated the passing of the New York State budget for the 2025 fiscal year, highlighting its inclusion of investments in numerous Queens neighborhoods.