Maloney Congratulates Virginia for Ratifying ERA
Representative Carolyn Maloney (D-Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens) congratulated Virginia for ratifying the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) on the House floor on Monday.
“I rise to congratulate leaders in Virginia for their historic vote to become the 38th state to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment today,” said Maloney. “For decades, ERA advocates across the country have been fighting so that equality for women and men is Constitutionally protected. The momentum behind the effort has never been stronger. I have sponsored the Equal Rights Amendment for many years because I believe that it is the only way to make lasting progress on the goals we consistently fight for, like equal pay for equal work, ending pregnancy discrimination, and combatting gender-based violence.
“The ERA is a legal foundation that can withstand changing political whims of legislators, judges, or occupants of the White House. Women are long past due equal treatment under the law. We will persist until it is firmly guaranteed.”
Velázquez, Nadler Call for Federal Assistance After Chinatown Fire
Yesterday, Representatives Nydia Velázquez (D-LES, Brooklyn, Queens) and Jerrold Nadler (D-Manhattan, Brooklyn) are calling for federal assistance following a five-alarm fire at the Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA).
The fire began in a nearby former school that housed several community organizations. It later spread to the museum, destroying more than 85,000 artifacts. Nadler and Velázquez have written the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), asking the agency for federal assistance in the recovery effort.
“Community institutions like MOCA are crucial in enhancing our understanding of the full history of America and the lives of immigrants that have shaped our country,” said Nadler. “I’m hopeful that the NEH can help support the essential work of preserving and restoring the museum’s collection.”
“MOCA’s collection is a true community gem and while we don’t yet know the full extent of the damage, we must do everything possible to preserve these artifacts, which are so important to our City’s and our nation’s heritage,” said Velázquez. “We stand ready to work with NEH and all other appropriate agencies to channel federal assistance to the community.”
Benjamin, Taylor to Co-Host Press Conference Condeming Transphobic Hate Attack
State Senator Brian Benjamin (D-Harlem, East Harlem, Upper West Side) and Assemblyman Al Taylor (D-Hamilton Heights, Harlem, Washington Heights) will be appearing at a press conference this Friday to condemn the assault of New York trans woman Serena Daniari.
Last Friday night, Daniari, a journalist and trans activist, was attacked on the subway by a young couple; the assailants called her transphobic slurs and spat on her while they assaulted her. Benjamin and Taylor will be joining the Black & Latino LGTBQ Coalition to condemn the attack.
The event will take places on Friday, Jan. 31 at 1 p.m. at the 155th Street Station.
Rosenthal Endorses Bernie Sanders
Yesterday, Council Member Helen Rosenthal (D-Central Park, Lincoln Square) officially endorsed Senator Bernie Sanders (D-VT) for President.
Rosenthal endorsed him on the basis of his extensive experience, claiming that he’s spent his entire career addressing the most pertinent issues of our time.
“More than any other candidate, Bernie Sanders has spent his career forcefully addressing the most critical issues of our time,” said Rosenthal. “Income inequality; the trend towards oligarchy and excessive concentrations of power; racial and gender injustice; the corrosive influence of big money in politics; and endless wars. As such, he’s the most credible candidate to take on Donald Trump; to win in November; and as president, to implement the changes our country so urgently needs.”
