Page 1 - QT CURRENT EDITION #30

TI MES

QUEENS

Published for the Borough of Queens

VOLUME 29, NO. 30 THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2024 25 CENTS

Suozzi Fights For Quiet Skies; Battles
NYC Mayor Adams Community
Op Ed: Protecting New Yorkers FAA To Stop Aircraft Noise

From Unsafe Batteries

New York is the safest big city in America, and we are work-
ing hard every day to keep New Yorkers safe from all kinds of
dangers — including those posed by lithium-ion battery fires.
While the rise of battery-powered mobility devices has had
many positive effects, too many of these devices contain uncer-
tified lithium-ion batteries that do not meet safety standards.
Many people are storing these faulty batteries in their homes
and in some cases, businesses are charging hundreds of batteries
at once, leading to explosions, fires, and death.
Since 2019, these batteries have started more than 700 fires,
killing 29 of our fellow New Yorkers, injuring nearly 450 more,
and causing tens of millions of dollars in damage. In addition,
these fires are increasing the risks faced by our brave FDNY
members, who often have to battle dangerous conditions and
toxic gases when they respond to these fires.
Unsafe lithium-ion batteries are a clear and present danger
to our city, and our administration is doing everything we can
to address this crisis. Working with the FDNY and Commis-
sioner Laura Kavanagh, we have supercharged our safety efforts,
stepping up enforcement against high-risk charging “hot spots”

(Continued on page 2)
“It’s summertime, and the fed up,” declared Congressman bances have increased during the
Annual Bishop Catanello Memorial relentless noise from airplanes Tom Suozzi (D - Long Island, last few months.
Bamonte’s Giglio Thomas More approaching JFK makes what Queens). Last week, Suozzi, joined by
should be the nicest time of
Repeated reports of low-flying Sen. Jack Martins, Ed Scott from
Award Event the year unbearable. Residents planes, loud air traffic noise, and
are rightfully concerned and other airplane-related distur- (Continued on page 2)

Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato’s

Legislation To Increase Benefits To

Widows/Widowers Signed Into Law

New York State Assembly-
woman Stacey Pheffer Amato
recently brought a monumental
victory to the family members
of governmental employees who
were killed in the line of duty. Her
bill, A.10111, often referred to as
the “Widows COLA Bill,” was
signed into law and will provide a
3% cost of living (COLA) increase
for those receiving the special acci-
dental death benefit (SADB). Due
to Pheffer Amato’s work, the bill
will provide financial assistance
to those receiving SADB dating
The Bishop Catanello Memorial Brooklyn since 1887. Pictured left back to before 1970, and as recent
Commission Organization held its to right Tom Principe Chairman as 2023.
Eighth Annual Bamonte’s Giglio of the Bishop Catanello Memorial In NYC, this law impacts the
Mt Carmel Mario DeStefano Me- Commission Organization, Queens families of fallen members of the
morial Luncheon on Wednesday County Supreme Court Justice NYPD, FDNY, along with the
July 17th during the afternoon of Cassandra A. Johnson the Thomas Department of Sanitation, Housing ough Bridge and Tunnel Authority. line of duty, including families
the Giglio night lift. This is a ben- More Honoree and Commission Authority, Transit Authority, De- Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato’s from the community. One woman
efit for Mt Carmel Parish in tribute Humanitarian Chairman Angelo partment of Correction, Health and work will help over 1,300 families
to the Giglio lifters a tradition in DiGangi. Hospitals Corporation, or Tribor- who have lost a loved one in the (Continued on page 2)
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