Page 6 - qt edition #52

PAGE 6 THE QUEENS TIMES THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2025

Council Member Nantasha Williams Pushes Forward
New Legislation to Support City Workers And

Community Board Members

At a recent Stated meeting, the
last of the year for City Council,
Council Member Nantasha Wil-
liams’ two bills, designed to
strengthen the people and sys-
tems that keep New York City
government running, passed the
Council vote, ensuring both are
prepared for the challenges of a
fast-changing world.
The first bill, Int.1066, es-
tablishes an interagency task
force to examine how artificial
intelligence and algorithmic tools
are being introduced across city
agencies and how these systems
are affecting civil service em-
ployees. AI is already shaping
workflows, decision-making, and safely, respectfully, and effective- side it are informed, supported,
job responsibilities in ways that ly, reflecting the standards New and clearly accounted for. They
are not always visible or consis- Yorkers expect from government. set clear expectations, listen to
tent. The task force would meet “As our city evolves, we have those doing the work, and build
at least twice a year and create a a responsibility to be thoughtful systems and spaces where people
formal mechanism for employees about how our institutions operate can serve and engage safely and
to share their experiences, giving and how people experience them. responsibly, fostering respectful
the City the ability to address Whether we’re talking about new interactions, fairness, transpar- Park Side Restaurant
impacts proactively rather than technology in city agencies or the ency, and inclusive participation.”
reactively. everyday work of our commu- With this legislation, Council
Int. 0472 focuses on commu- nity boards, clear standards and Member Williams aims to ensure Queens’Finest Italian Restaurant
nity boards, a critical entry point consistent support matter. These that city systems not only keep
for civic engagement and local bills are about building systems pace with technological and so-
decision-making. The legislation that are responsive, accountable, cietal change but also cultivate
requires borough presidents to and grounded in real experience, the kind of civic environment
provide equal employment op- so as our city changes, the people New Yorkers deserve. She looks
portunity training to community who keep it running aren’t left forward to working with her col-
board members, including anti- behind,” said Council Member leagues, city agencies, labor part-
harassment and anti-discrimina- Williams. “Both bills reflect the ners, and community stakeholders
tion standards. These trainings simple principle that government to advance these bills through the
ensure that civic spaces operate works best when the people in- legislative process.
St. Mary’s Healthcare System For Children Hosts

Legislative Breakfast To Advocate For Essential
Medicaid Funding For Medically Fragile Children About Park Side Restaurant - An Italian Landmark in the heart of Corona,
Queens, Park Side Restaurant is truly a destination that is worth the trip.
Amid Federal Cuts After one visit, you will be sure to be back again and again for one the
city’s Best Italian restaurants. Bring your appetite and enjoy authentic
and always delicious dishes using the freshest ingredients and attention to
The event was in partnership with detail served by our professional staff. Park Side is also happy to host your
New York State Assemblyman next function with our private dining area and flexible banquet packages.
Edward C. Braunstein and New
York State Senator Toby Ann 107-01 Corona Ave. Corona Heights, NY
Stavisky (718) 271-9274 • (718) 271-9871
On December 10th, St. Mary’s - Reservations Suggested -
Healthcare System for Children,
New York State Assemblyman
Edward C. Braunstein and New
York State Senator Toby Ann
Stavisky hosted a legislative
breakfast to discuss the need to
safeguard Medicaid funding,
which is critical for the medically with cognitive hyperinsulinism, young adults with serious medi-
fragile children and young adults which requires round-the-clock cal complexities. The families
receiving care at St. Mary’s. As- care and vital services from St. they and other medically fragile
semblywoman Nily Rozic and Mary’s. Ptak shared that when providers serve depend on Med-
Assemblyman David Weprin private insurance denied coverage icaid to access the 24/7 care their
attended and staff representing for an urgently needed wheelchair, loved ones require. I was proud
Senator Leroy Comrie, Senator Medicaid ensured Skylar received to convene with my legislative
John Liu, Assemblyman Sam it. Swati Kim, mother of 18-year- colleagues, St. Mary’s leadership
Berger, Senator Monica R. Marti- old Joshua, was supported by St. and patient families at the facility
nez, and Assemblywoman Alicia Mary’s early on through Home for an important conversation on
Hyndman also attended the event. Care when her son was born at 23 the vital work St. Mary’s does and
Participants discussed the serious weeks and later suffered a stroke. how we can work in Albany to
consequences that recently en- Kim explained how Medicaid protect access to Medicaid.”
acted Medicaid cuts could have for consistently covers critical needs “Two weeks ago, the kids
St. Mary’s and the families who for her son to remain at home that and I had a great time visiting
depend on its services. private insurance does not. their playground. It is essential
Families and community “Medicaid is a critical life- for policymakers to understand
advocates joined for this impor- line for children with complex the daily realities faced by New
tant discussion and parents with health needs and we must fight to York’s most medically fragile
children in St. Mary’s Home Care protect New York families from children and young adults,” said
program shared powerful personal the devastating federal cuts that New York State Senator Toby Ann
experiences of navigating the threaten to disrupt the Medicaid Stavisky. “St. Mary’s provides
challenges of raising medically program,” said Assemblyman extraordinary care that through
fragile children. Edward Braunstein. “St. Mary’s Medicaid, and hearing directly
Mireille Ptak, mother of Hospital for Children in Bayside is from their staff and families help
13-year-old Skylar, described one of the leading pediatric health-
what it’s like caring for her son care systems serving children and (Continued on page 8)