Page 4 - QT CURRENT EDITION #17

PAGE 4 THE QUEENS TIMES THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2024

Legislators Announce Language
Defining Squatter In State Housing
Law Included In FY25 State Budget
(Continued from page 3) sibly allow for such abuses. I am
proud to stand with my colleagues
Rozic stated, “Today signifies to resolve this matter and hope for
It’s In Queens! an important step forward as we this bill’s swift passage.”
(April 26 to May 2) include language defining ‘squat- State Senator Roxanne J
Persaud stated, “Squatters have
ters’ in the state budget. This mea-
sure will help safeguard property jeopardized the livelihood of
They say that April showers rights and ensure the well-being homeowners far too long. By pass-
bring May flowers. In Queens of our communities. Thank you to ing this legislation in the budget,
this year, late April swing danc- my colleagues for their collective the rights and protections of legal
ing, Irish music, apple blossoms, efforts to address squatting issues renters will be clearly defined and
Pinocchio puppets, Burlesque fun, across New York.” those who take advantage will be
and Doo Wop lead to an exhibition State Senator Toby Ann legally held accountable. This law
on the wild, fascinating relocation Stavisky stated, “I want to thank seeks to protect the hard earned
of a historic house in early May. my colleagues in the legislature assets of property owners and al-
• April 26, Sitting on a Fallen for supporting this bill, which lows them to further secure their
Tree, April 28. Guatemala’s Teatro I cosponsored. A problem was economic stability.”
brought to our attention, and we State Assembly Member Grace
Akabal presents this play about got positive results.” Lee stated, “In this year’s budget,
human rights, social justice, and State Senator Leroy Comrie we are making it clear that if you
immigration with the backdrop of stated, “The state legislature took are illegally occupying someone’s
the 36-year war in Guatemala. The a hard stance against squatters property, you are a squatter, not a
8 pm shows are on April 26 and who twist existing loopholes tenant. Squatters do not have the
27; the 4 pm show is on April 29. through acts that would, by any same rights and protections as
In Spanish and Maya Kaqchikel other circumstance, constitute lawful tenants and by clarifying
with English supertitles. Thalia theft. This change to the law is this distinction, we can better
Spanish Theatre, 41-17 Greenpoint desperately needed, amongst our protect small landlords in our
Ave., Sunnyside. Queens residents, especially our communities. I was proud to be a
• April 26, Swing Dancing at The seniors and homeowners, who prime co-sponsor for this bill and
Castle, 7 pm. Bayside Historical have been living in fear and confu- to fight with my colleagues to get
Society celebrates 60 years with sion as to how the law could pos- it passed in this year’s budget.”
dancing and live music on the QT Pinocchio Photo Credit-Jérémie-Battaglia
newly renovated floors of the Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato Gets
Castle’s ballroom. A Swing Dance Music From The Sole, a tap dance Performing Arts Center, 222-05 Rid of Insulin Co-pays for New Yorkers!
lesson with instructor Paul Capo and live music company, and 56th Ave., Bayside.
kicks off the fun. The Castle, 208 the Flamenco duo Sonia Olla & • April 28, Remember the 1964 (Continued from page 1) woman Pheffer Amato to work on
Totten Ave., Fort Totten. Ismael Fernández. Queens Col- New York World’s Fair, 3 pm. legislation to make insulin afford-
• April 26, Blarney Star Concert lege, LeFrak Concert Hall, 153-49 Author and presenter Trav S.D. New York State Assembly- able for all New Yorkers.
Series, 7 pm. Lúnasa piper Cillian Reeves Ave., Flushing. follows up his 2019 program woman Stacey Pheffer Amato In New York, an estimated 10%
Vallely and award-winning fid- • April 27, Climate Arts Fes- about the 1939 World’s Fair with voted for a revolutionary change of the population, or over 500,000
dler David Doocey celebrate the tival, 11 am. Celebrate the earth a three-part exploration of the in the law for those with diabetes, individuals require insulin every
release of their new album with with family-friendly activities, 1964 Fair. The event features a or anyone who needs insulin, by day. Through this new law which
music. New York Irish Center, 10- food, games, and music. Queens colorful visual history, followed banning cost sharing, or co-pays, was included in the 2024 State
40 Jackson Ave., Long Island City. Botanical Garden, 43-50 Main by recollections from those who for insulin prescriptions. Through budget, Pheffer Amato helped
• April 26, 10 Minute Film St., Flushing. attended and worked there. Audi- Pheffer Amato’s vote, individuals ensure that individuals would not
Festival 2024, April 27. Two days • April 27, Celebrate & Learn: ence members can share their own would have no out-of-pocket cost need to make a choice between
of independent short films from Cinco de Mayo, noon. Sebastian, memories. Queens Theatre Caba- for insulin. Recent reports indicate their healthcare and personal
NYC-based artists, Q&As, and a local artist and recent immigrant ret, 14 United Nations Ave. S., that the average person with Type finances. “This is a tremendous
networking. Both nights at 7 pm. from Mexico, leads a piñata- Flushing Meadows Corona Park. 1 Diabetes incurred annual insulin step forward for our State as we
Jamaica Performing Arts Center, making workshop and talks about • April 28, Open Street, 2 pm to 4 costs of $5,705, with some paying are removing a barrier between
153-01 Jamaica Ave. Cinco de Mayo’s historic signifi- pm. Korea Art Forum spearheads less, and some paying more. It is people and their health. If you
• April 27, Apple Blossom cance. King Manor Museum, 150- an outdoor celebration with dance widely known that when patients need this life-saving medication,
can’t afford insulin, they resort you can get it without a fear of
Children’s Carnival, April 28. 03 Jamaica Ave. from diverse origins, including to rationing the little medication out-of-pocket expenses. By voting
Welcome Spring with a Merry Go • April 27, Cinderella, May 5. St. Jendaya Dash, Thomas Gallagher, they can afford. In fact, one study yes and working on this type of
Round in the orchard and other Mary’s Drama Guild presents this Priscilla Marrero, Sari Nordman, found one in four people with legislation, I’m doing everything
rides, midway games, animals, adaptation of Rodgers + Hammer- Vong Pak, and various community Type 1 Diabetes admitted to not I can to make sure New Yorkers
food, and hayrides. From 11 am stein’s classic musical. It follows a groups. The 62nd Street Cul-de- taking their insulin as prescribed receive the best medical care and
to 6 pm on both days. Queens hilarious and romantic libretto by Sac between Woodside Avenue due to the cost. This shocking and quality of life,” said Assembly-
County Farm Museum, 73-50 Tony-nominated Douglas Carter and the LIRR Station, Woodside. deadly statistic led Assembly- woman Pheffer Amato.
Little Neck Pkwy., Glen Oaks. Beane and includes “In My Own • April 28, International Cultural
• April 27, Tout à Trac’s Pinoc- Little Corner,” “Impossible/It’s Festival, noon. Cultures collide Pheffer Amato Declares April 21-27
chio, 1 pm + 4 pm. The rebellious Possible” and “Ten Minutes Ago.” in a spectacular display of music, As ‘Crime Victim Rights’ Week’
and careless Pinocchio discov- Times vary. St. Mary’s Audito- dance, and art from around the
ers the meaning of growing up rium, 70-20 47th Ave., Woodside. globe. Steinway Street between Assemblywoman Stacey Phef- parole hearings of their assailants,
through a thousand trials. To • April 27, Noir Nights: Villains, 31st Avenue and Broadway, As- fer Amato voted yes and passed a would obligate district attorneys
become a real boy, he has to face 9 pm. Attendees are encouraged toria. State-wide resolution to declare to inform crime victims of their
the terrible Puppet Master, suffer to wear their most villainous at- • April 30, Poetry Jam, 6:30 the Week of April 21st through right to file a victim impact state-
Mr. Fox’s malice, escape from tire and partake in an immersive pm. Greater Astoria Historical April 27th as “Crime Victim ment and guarantee them the
Toyland, and save his father from burlesque experience. Culture Society board member DeeAnne Rights’ Week.” State resolutions ability to testify at those hearings.
the belly of a giant fish. Queens Club LIC, 5-25 46th Ave., Long Gorman leads an online Open Mic are an extremely coveted and Currently, most crime victims are
Theatre, 14 United Nations Ave. Island City. for poets. honored legislative declaration unaware of decisions, pending
S., Flushing Meadows Corona • April 27, Navigating Grief • May 2, Moving Kingsland, that preserve specific day(s) in parole hearings, or any right they
Park. Holistically, 4 pm. Sweta Vikram, 6:30 pm. The Queens Historical State history. In this case, the have related to testifying.
• April 27, Forest Therapy Walk, author of The Loss that Binds Us, Society presents a gallery exhibit resolution officially solidifies “While we have programs in
New York’s recognition of crime New York that assist victims, I
noon. Certified forest therapy leads a workshop and presenta- about the 1968 relocation of its victims and its firm commitment believe we need to do more. We
guide Linda Lombardo leads a tion on coping with grief and loss, headquarters, Kingsland Home- to helping them. can never forget the victims,”
90-minute wander through the followed by a reception and book stead. To avoid demolition, the The Assemblywoman has been said Pheffer Amato. The Assem-
trails, stopping at a pond and other sales. Maple Grove Cemetery landmark was physically moved an outspoken legislator towards blywoman continued, “I believe
points of interest and offering in- Celebration Hall, 127-15 Kew down Northern Boulevard from helping victims of crimes. In they have a voice, and their ex-
vitations to connect with nature. Gardens Rd. 155th Street to its current loca- addition to the resolution, Phef- perience needs to be amplified in
The walk ends with tea. Alley • April 28, The Doo Wop tion two miles away. The exhibit fer Amato’s bill, A.2724, would all aspects of our criminal justice
Pond Environmental Center, 229- Project, 3 pm. Featuring stars features newspaper articles, docu- dramatically change the notifica- system. Every victim deserves
10 Northern Blvd., Douglaston. of Broadway’s Jersey Boys and ments, a radio report, and never- tion process for crime victims. the opportunity to express how a
• April 27, Music From The Sole, Motown, this high-energy show before-seen color prints developed If passed, the bill would ensure crime has impacted their life - and
8 pm. An evening of percussive takes audiences on a journey from from original Kodachrome slides. that all victims are automatically I’m working to make that change
dance to celebrate CUNY Dance the Crests to Smokey Robinson to Kingsland Homestead, 143-35 notified of the result of a criminal in our State,” said Assembly-
Initiative’s 10th anniversary with the Temptations. Queensborough 37th Ave., Flushing. trial, informed of any upcoming woman Stacey Pheffer Amato.