Page 10 - QT Edition #5 01-29-26

PAGE 10 THE QUEENS TIMES THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2026

Gillibrand Secures Major Wins For New York In Recently Major Victory For NYC Delivery
Passed Federal Funding Package Workers: Landmark . . .

Bill Includes Funding for Envi- Investments in Environmental ficiency of their homes and lower (Continued from page 9) pioneering cutting-edge protec-
ronmental Conservation, Science, Conservation, Stewardship, and their energy bills. tions, such as the City’s Consumer
Technology, Research, Economic Remediation • $247 million to support three Samuel A.A. Levine. “Since we Protection Law, Protected Time
Development, and More • $528 million for geographic Federal-State Regional Commis- began enforcing the minimum Off Law, Fair Workweek Law, and
programs that help protect, re- sions that operate in New York: pay rate in 2023, workers have Delivery Worker Laws, includ-
U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, store, and improve New York the Appalachian Regional Com- taken home an additional $1.2 ing the Minimum Pay Rate for
a member of the U.S. Senate watersheds and water bodies. mission, the Northern Border Re- billion in earnings. The laws that delivery workers. While licens-
Appropriations Committee, an- Specifically, this includes: gional Commission, and the Great go into effect today build on that ing more than 45,000 businesses
nounced that several of her pri- • $369 million for the Great Lakes Authority. These agencies success by closing loopholes, end- in over 45 industries, we also
orities were included in the just- Lakes Restoration Initiative support economic development ing design tricks that depressed ensure fair competition and a
passed Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 • $93 million for the Chesapeake in Upstate New York via targeted tips by hundreds of millions, and level playing field for responsible
Energy and Water Development, Bay Program funding and technical assistance guaranteeing grocery workers the small businesses that are integral
Commerce-Justice-Science, and • $40.5 million for the Long for a variety of economic develop- same baseline pay as food delivery to New York City’s vibrant com-
Interior and Environment funding Island Sound ment activities across the state. workers. This is what a worker- munities. DCWP also provides
bills. In addition to the $65 million • $25.5 million for the Lake • $175 million in funding for centered economy looks like.” essential services, such as free tax
in funding Gillibrand personally Champlain Basin Program. Manufacturing Extension Part- The NYC Department of preparation and financial counsel-
secured for New York projects as • Nearly $90 million for the West nerships (MEP) nationwide. New Consumer and Worker Protection ing to ensure New Yorkers keep
congressionally directed spending Valley Demonstration Project to York’s ten MEP centers provide (DCWP) is the nation’s leading more of what they earn and can
items, she secured the following support the clean-up and remedia- crucial technological assistance municipal enforcement agency, plan for their futures. Across our
big wins for federal programs tion of nuclear waste at this site in and support for manufactur- charged with delivering New mission, DCWP is committed to
and agencies that invest directly Western New York. ing in New York, leveraging Yorkers economic justice and making New York City a fairer,
in New York via these appropria- • $67 million for National Oce- federal investment to create or an affordable city. DCWP lever- more affordable place to live. For
tions bills. anic and Atmospheric Adminis- save one manufacturing job for ages its authority to deliver real more information about DCWP
“This funding package is a tration (NOAA) National Marine every $1,490 in federal funding. economic relief to New Yorkers and its work, call 311 or visit
huge win for New Yorkers,” said Sanctuaries, including the newly Gillibrand also secured language and protect them from predatory, DCWP at nyc.gov/dcwp, sign up
Senator Gillibrand. “These federal created Lake Ontario National to barring the Trump administra- deceptive, and unfair practices for its newsletter, or follow on its
dollars will help bolster economic Marine Sanctuary off the coast of tion from defunding New York’s that violate their consumer and social media sites, X, Facebook,
development, aid in efforts to Jefferson, Oswego, Cayuga, and MEP network throughout Fiscal workers’ rights. This includes Instagram, and YouTube.
protect our environment, and Wayne Counties. Year 2026.
preserve our state’s historic sites • $37 million for the U.S. Forest Promoting Historic Preserva- QEDC + AT&T Provide Computers to
for future generations. I was proud Service’s Urban and Commu- tion and National Parks
to deliver these funds despite the nity Forestry Program to support • $36 million increase in fund- Local Students With Support From
Trump administration’s opposi- growing and maintaining urban ing for the Historic Preserva- Borough President Donovan Richards
tion to many of these priorities, forests and green spaces. tion Fund, which provides grant
and I will continue fighting to • $11.75 million for the Delaware funding and technical assistance Jr. + Queens Public Library
bring home critical federal fund- River Basin Restoration Program to preserve and restore historical (Continued from page 3) Jr.
ing for New York.” to support wildlife, improve water and cultural sites like Fort Ticon- Deputy Queens Borough Presi-
Advancing Science, Technol- quality, and enhance recreational deroga and the National Women’s vendors are expected to attend, dent Ebony Young
ogy, and Research access to the basin, which includes Hall of Fame in Seneca Falls. This and the program features every- AT&T Northeast President John
· $8.75 billion for the National parts of New York’s Southern Tier, increase includes a $4.9 million thing from exploration of artificial Emra
Science Foundation, which will Hudson Valley, Mohawk Valley, set-aside for grants to preserve intelligence and tech learning labs AT&T Northeast & Heartland
help counter the Trump adminis- and Capital Region. historic sites like the many in New to special presentations by AT&T States Director of Public Affairs
tration’s proposed cuts, providing • $2.55 million for the National York that are related to the nation’s to onsite demos. Michael Hartigan
support for nearly 10,000 new Estuary Program to protect and semiquincentennial anniversary WHAT: Giveaway of 100 Com- QEDC Executive Director Ben
competitive research awards and restore some of New York’s most in 2026. $4 million for memorial puter Laptops to Queens Youths Guttmann
more than 250,000 scientists, tech- significant estuaries, including: sites that honor the victims of the WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 31, from Queens Public Library officials
nicians, teachers, and students. • $850,000 for the Long Island September 11th terrorist attacks. 10 am to 2 pm New York Hall of Science Execu-
· $157.85 million for the con- Sound • $2.2 million for New York’s WHERE: New York Hall tive Director Lisa Gugenheim
struction of a world-leading Elec- • $850,000 for the New York- four National Heritage Areas, of Science, 47-01 111th St., Corona For more information, con-
tron Ion Collider at Brookhaven New Jersey Harbor Estuary Pro- including: WHO: Queens Bor- tact Rob MacKay at rmackay@
National Laboratory on Long gram • $709,000 for the Erie Canalway ough President Donovan Richards queensny.org
Island. • $850,000 for the Peconic Estu- National Heritage Corridor
· $111 million for the Laboratory ary Partnership. • $500,000 for the Champlain Governor Hochul Celebrates Radical
for Laser Energetics Omega facil- Promoting Economic Develop- Valley National Heritage Part-
ity at the University of Rochester. ment and Energy Affordability nership AI Establishing New York’s First Fully
· $80 million for the National Sea • $329 million for the Weath- • $500,000 for the Maurice D. Autonomous Materials Science Labs At
Grant College Program, which erization Assistance Program, of Hinchey Hudson River Valley
will contribute to the research, which approximately $28 million National Heritage Area The Brooklyn Navy Yard
outreach, and educational work is expected to help New York • $500,000 for the Niagara Falls
of New York Sea Grant. households increase the energy ef- National Heritage Area. (Continued from page 6) turing, and it is already a partner
in federal initiatives including the
NYC Mayor’s Office Of Immigrant Affairs Issues a and research.” White House Genesis Mission and
Statement On The Federal Administration’s Decision to Radical AI’s new headquarters an Air Force AFWERX contract.
will include specialized tools, State officials say the project
End Haitian Temporary Protected Status robotics systems, upgraded safety strengthens New York’s broader
infrastructure, and a fully autono-
strategy to grow next-generation
Statement affirms New York protections puts tens of thousands ute more than $3.4 billion to our mous lab dedicated to discovering industries, expand high-wage
City’s commitment to supporting of New York families at risk of nation’s economy. When we defend new inorganic materials. The job opportunities, and cement
Temporary Protected Status for separation and economic hard- these protections, we strengthen company’s work has applications the state’s role in the future of
Haitian Nationals living across ship. TPS is a vital humanitarian our city and our country. New across aerospace, energy, trans- AI-driven research and advanced
the United States. protection that allows Haitian im- York City is home to one of the portation, defense, and manufac- manufacturing.
migrants to live and work legally largest Haitian communities in the
The NYC Mayor’s Office of while conditions in Haiti remain world. Haitian New Yorkers are New York State Landmarks Glow . . .
Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) Com- unsafe. our neighbors, small business own-
missioner Manuel Castro issued a We call on federal leaders to ers, caregivers, essential workers, (Continued from page 9) • MTA LIRR East End Gateway
statement opposing the February redesignate TPS for Haiti and and faith leaders who power the at Penn Station
3rd termination of Temporary Pro- provide clear, timely guidance so economic and cultural heartbeat Bridge • Fairport Lift Bridge over the
tected Status for Haitian nationals families can plan for their futures of our City and State every day.” • Kosciuszko Bridge Erie Canal
living in the United States. without fear. TPS brings stability The Mayor, MOIA Commis- • Carl McCall SUNY Building • Moynihan Train Hall
“The Trump administration’s not only to Haitian families, but to sioner and the City of New York • State Education Building • Roosevelt Island Lighthouse
decision to terminate Haitian New York’s economy and cultural will always stand by and support • Alfred E. Smith State Office The coordinated display joined
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) life. Haitian TPS holders contrib- Haitian New Yorkers.” Building global observances honoring
Council Member Phil Wong is hosting a “DOB in Your • Empire State Plaza victims and survivors of the Ho-
• State Fairgrounds Main Gate locaust while underscoring New
District” event at my Maspeth office & Expo Center York’s ongoing efforts to combat
• Niagara Falls
antisemitism.
Council Member Phil Wong is 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, represen- on-one with a DOB representative • Franklin D. Roosevelt Mid- State officials encouraged
hosting a “DOB in Your District” tatives from the New York City to get help with: Hudson Bridge residents to reflect on the lessons
event at my Maspeth office to Department of Buildings will be • Building violations • Grand Central Terminal’s of history and reaffirm their com-
bring DOB staff directly to you. at my district office at 58-38 69th • Permits and applications Pershing Square Viaduct mitment to tolerance, education,
Street, Maspeth, NY 11378. • Albany International Airport and vigilance against hate in all
On Thursday, February 5, from You’ll be able to sit down one- (Continued on page 11) Gateway forms.