Sunday, June 30, 2019

JUNE NEWSLETTER FROM STATE SENATOR ALESSANDRA BIAGGI



Senator Alessandra Biaggi

Dear Neighbor,
June was one of the hardest and most exciting months of my life. Finishing the last few weeks of session was exhausting, but ending with the passage of dozens of laws that will make positive change in our community was well worth the fight. Be on the look out for a full legislative update soon detailing what has been described as the most productive and progressive legislative session in New York’s history!

This month has also been exciting for the district, filled with productive community events, special graduations, and the start of summer activities. Now that session is over, I am happy to be home in the district, and look forward to getting more accomplished for our community!
With Gratitude,
State Senator Alessandra Biaggi

NYPD 45th Precinct Council Meeting – June 6th, 2019
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This month I had the pleasure of joining the NYPD 45th Precinct Council meeting, which serves the Throggs Neck community. Hearing the concerns of my constituents and discussing potential solutions to meet the needs of the community was an important opportunity to connect and be present.
Roundtable and Launch of the Healthy Terminals Act with 32BJ – June 7th, 2019
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This month I sat down with members of 32BJ SEIU and launched the Healthy Terminals Act, a bill that would raise wages and require employer provided healthcare for airport and terminal workers. The purpose of this bill is to ensure that transportation terminal jobs are good jobs that actually prioritize the well being of their workers’ by paying a living wage and providing benefits that support the health of workers and their families. I owe an immense amount of gratitude to 32BJ – they are my family and I will always fight tooth and nail to to protect their health and safety.
District Housing Resource Fair – June 7th, 2019
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This month #TeamBiaggi held a district housing resource fair featuring 30+ city and state agencies and local organizations committed to providing tenant and homeowner resources to support D34 families. Thank you to Roadmap 2 Health for providing healthy snacks and offering free health screenings in their mobile clinic!
2019 Riverfest – June 8th/9th
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I had the privilege of spending a beautiful weekend at the 2019 Riverfest produced by the Kingsbridge Riverdale Van Cortlandt Development Corporation (KRVC), hosted at the College of Mount Saint Vincent. I was joined by Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz and Council Member Andrew Cohen, and really enjoyed listening to local music, participating in outdoor activities, and relaxing with our families. Truly a District 34 summer staple – sunset sail included! 
Principals and PTA Presidents Breakfast – June 10th, 2019
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This month I held a Principals & PTA Presidents Breakfast to celebrate the incredible educators and parents dedicating their time to the students of our district. This was great to hold conversation about next steps to improve our education system and the well being of students across New York state. Thank you to our host, The Woolworth Chapel at Woodlawn Cemetery, and our special guest former New York Ranger and hockey great Ron Duguay!
Civic Associations Roundtable – June 10th, 2019
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This month we held a Civic Associations Roundtable with members of District 34 at Bronx House. This was an important opportunity for me to listen to ideas and concerns from the community and find ways that we can partner on building solutions together.
TIME’S UP New York Agenda Meeting – June 13th, 2019
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Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and I, as well as Assemblymember Aravella Simotas, sat down with TIME’S UP Activists to discuss the New York State Women’s Equality Agenda with Carmen LoBue, Leslie Ann Silva, Mira Sorvino, and Jen Klein, as well as Co-Founder of the TIME’S UP Legal Defense Fund, Roberta A. Kaplan. These extraordinary women came to Albany to advocate for the passage of legislation that serves to protect workers across all sectors from sexual harassment and discrimination, including #BiaggiBill S3817A to eliminate the “severe or pervasive” standard for sexual harassment and #BiaggiBill S6574 to extend the statute of limitations for survivors of second and third degree rape.
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Event – June 13th, 2019
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#TeamBiaggi joined Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., Bronx District Attorney's Office, NYC Department for the Aging, and the NYPD in advance of World Elder Abuse AwarenessDay to promote resources available to senior citizens in the Bronx, and condemn the recent violent incidents against elder residents.
Summer Solstice and Wellness Celebration – June 22nd, 2019
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This month I was excited to sponsor the Summer Solstice and Wellness Celebration at the New York Botanical Gardens, which featured live music, gardening activities, cooking demonstrations, and yoga. Thank you to everyone who came out and spent their day basking in the natural beauty of the Bronx!
Bronx Pride Parade – June 23rd, 2019
#TeamBiaggi participated at the first Bronx Pride parade of such a large scale, starting off with a rally outside the borough courthouse, then marching down Grand Concourse, and ending with a block party on 3rd Avenue! 
The Bronx High School for the Visual Arts Graduation – June 26th, 2019
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It was an honor to be the keynote speaker at the Bronx High School for the Visual Arts graduation. Thank you for the beautiful artwork that I will proudly display in my office. Congratulations to the class of 2019, and a special shoutout to former intern and graduating senior Laura!
Lunch with Women of Serbian Parliament – June 26th, 2019
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Sat down for lunch with several female members of the Serbian Parliament, facilitated by the U.S. Embassy of Belgrade, including Aleksandra Maletic, Dusica Stojkovic, Milena Bicanin, Natasa Vuckovic, Jelena Vujic-Obradovic. It’s so exciting to have the opportunity to share ideas and learn from global women in leadership roles, dedicated to making positive change in their communities.
Herbert H. Lehman High School Graduation – June 26th, 2019
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I had the privilege of delivering the keynote speech at the Herbert H. Lehman High School graduation this year. Principal Powers asked the entire class of 2019 to stand and say "I am a leader" before passing out the diplomas and it was truly a powerful moment to witness. Thank you for allowing me to share in this special day – go Lehman Lions!

The items listed have been left out intentionally, because the title "Press Clips" is used in the Bronx Chronicle by the Bronx Chronicle political reporter Robert Press.



Due to the Senate closure on July 5th in observance of the holiday weekend, our First Friday event is cancelled for the month of July. Looking forward to seeing everyone in August at our new office space, details to come!


EDITOR'S NOTE:

As we went down this Newsletter from Senator Biaggi, it only covers the month of June. What was Senator Biaggi doing for the first five months? We wonder if Senator Biaggi's Chief of Staff (who quit May 15th) and Deputy Chief of Staff (who was fired May 31st) have been replaced and by whom? 

We see small crowds at community events that Senator Biaggi did attend, and of course we see the union 32BJ prominently displayed, but wonder what Airport or Airport Terminal is in the 34th State Senate District. We are sure the answer will be there are workers, but how many and where? We question the placement of an outdated June Bus Redesign Plan, and have not listed other upcoming events.

We will say that the PS 83 District Housing Resource Fair was very successful, and go to https://thebronxchronicle.com/2019/06/09/senator-biaggi-holds-housing-resource-fair/  for a photo of Senator Biaggi inside talking to members of the Bronx District Attorney's office.

Finally, we are disturbed that Senator Biaggi was not original in the idea to use the name 'Press Clips', which is used in the Bronx Chronicle by the Bronx Chronicle political reporter Robert Press. 

1 comment:

TN Rider said...

Boy, someone needs more Press. Robert?

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