Velázquez Writes Op-Ed on Sustainability
Yesterday, Representative Nydia Velázquez (D-LES, Brooklyn, Queens) wrote an editorial for The Hill on the relationship between the health of our environment and that of our small businesses.
The op-ed argues that environmental protection doesn’t have to come at the expense of economic development. On the contrary; a healthy environment will make our country more hospitable to small businesses, particularly those in the outdoor recreational industry.
“When you or your family last visited a national park, chances are you encountered and even shopped at several small businesses along the way,” said Velázquez. As chairwoman of the House Small Business Committee, it is my duty to give small businesses a voice in Congress and to shape policies and support industries that promote their long-term viability and success.”
Read the full article here.
Levine Discusses Treatment for Alzheimer’s and Dementia on In Focus
Council Member Mark Levine (D-Manhattan Valley, Manhattanville) appeared on Spectrum New’s “In Focus” yesterday to discuss what the City is doing to care for its Alzheimer’s and dementia patients.
As of now, there are 400,000 New Yorkers living with Alzheimer’s. Levine claimed that, at the moment, we’re not doing nearly enough to cater to their needs.
“Over half of people living with Alzheimer’s don’t yet know it,” said Levine. “They don’t have a diagnosis. They haven’t received the adequate testing, and they’re not able to receive the treatments that we know can alleviate at least some of the symptoms. It is so important that everybody gets a memory test to understand whether they’re vulnerable to this disease, and seek support.”
Maloney, Engel, Schiff Release Statement on New Impeachment Developments
Representatives Carolyn Maloney (D-Manhattan, Brooklyn Queens), Eliot Engel (D-Bronx, Westchester County) and Adam Schiff (D-CA) released a joint statement yesterday on the latest developments in the impeachment inquiry.
Yesterday morning, the House released transcripts of its interviews with former Ambassador Marie Yovanovitch and Michael McKinley, a former top advisor to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo (R). Yovanovitch testified that she lost her position after President Donald Trump (R) pressured the State Department to oust her and conducted a smear campaign against her. After her firing, McKinley resigned in disgust.
“The transcripts of interviews with Ambassadors Yovanovitch and McKinley demonstrate clearly how President Trump approved the removal of a highly respected and effective diplomat based on public falsehoods and smears,” reads the statement. “Ambassadors Yovanovitch and McKinley’s testimony also demonstrates the contamination of U.S. foreign policy by an irregular back channel that sought to advance the President’s personal and political interests.”
