MANH Lawmakers on the Move, Aug. 2, 2019

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Krueger Commends Cuomo for Banning 3D Printed Guns

State Senator Liz Krueger
State Senator Liz Krueger

State Senator Liz Krueger (D-Upper East Side, Lenox Hill) complimented Governor Andrew Cuomo (D) for signing legislation that bans the 3D printing of guns.

Bill S.1414-A, which Krueger co-sponsored, bans the manufacture, sale and possession of firearms that can bypass a metal detector- including 3D printed guns.

“Our primary responsibility in government is to keep New York families safe,” said Krueger. “It’s simply common sense that young children should not have unsupervised access to dangerous weapons, and no responsible gun owner would disagree. Too many times we’ve seen the tragic results when kids get their hands on guns. These tragedies are preventable. I thank Governor Cuomo for signing this bill today and taking this important step that will save lives and keep New York families whole.”


Seawright to Host Discussion on Anti-Semitism

Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright (D-Upper East Side, Yorkville) will be hosting a discussion on the recent resurgence in anti-Semitism.

The discussion will feature a panel of experts on the subject, including Rabbi Joseph Potasnik, Executive Vice President of the New York Board of Rabbis, and Melissa Weiss, National Campus Outreach Director for the Simon Wiesenthal Center.

The event is slated for Wednesday, Aug. 7, from 6:15-8:30 p.m. at the Lenox Hill Neighborhood House, 331 East 70th St.


Chin, Johnson, Brewer Celebrate Judge Engoron’s Ruling

Council Member Margaret Chin
Council Member Margaret Chin

City Council Member Margaret Chin (D-Battery Park City, Chinatown), Speaker Corey Johnson (D-Chelsea, Hell’s Kitchen) and Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer (D) were elated to hear of Judge Arthur Engoron’s ruling on their lawsuit concerning the Two Bridges tower development.

Chin, Jonhson and Brewer’s suit contended that the proposed mega tower developments in the Two Bridges neighborhood must go through the public review process before construction begins. Yesterday, Judge Engoron ruled in their favor, dismissing the Department of City Planning’s claim that the project would only constitute “minor modifications” to existing structures.

“Judge Engoron’s ruling is a victory for the Two Bridges community and demonstrates the power of every day New Yorkers when they come together and fight,” said Chin. “For three years, we have rallied and petitioned. As a final step, we sued the City to trigger the public review process that the proposed mega towers in Two Bridges demanded.  Through it all, I was motivated by a single goal—ensuring that the residents of Two Bridges have a say in the future of their neighborhood. Judge Engoron’s decision vindicates our efforts and, just as importantly, empowers the voices of those most impacted by the displacement and gentrification of the proposed mega towers.”


Espaillat, Markey Introduce Jumpstart on College Act

U.S. Rep. Adriano Espaillat
U.S. Rep. Adriano Espaillat

Representative Adriano Espaillat (D-Washington Heights, Sugar Hill) and Senator Edward J. Markey (D-MA) introduced a new bicameral bill yesterday, designed to improve and expand access to early college programs for high school students.

The bill, entitled the Jumpstart on College Act, has garnered the support of several organizations, including the JFF, Advance CTE, and the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships, 

“For many students – especially traditionally underserved students – the path to success in higher education and economic mobility includes the ability to get a head-start on college course,” said Espaillat. “Dual-enrollment and early college programs are a proven success, and they should be available to more kids. That’s why I am introducing the Jumpstart on College Act. The bill will invest in critical dual enrollment and early college programs to help close the higher education gap for low-income and underserved students.”