Tag: robert-holden

Queens lawmakers condemn Trump’s ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ as dangerous and unjust

Big Beautiful Bill

Jul. 7, 2025 By Shane O’Brien Elected officials across Queens have criticized the Trump Administration and Republican lawmakers for passing the “One Big Beautiful Bill” last week, stating that the federal budget bill will have “dangerous and rippling effects” across New York City and State. President Donald Trump signed the bill into law on…

Holden accuses Council of ‘crying wolf’ on e-bike dangers while blocking safety bill

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Jun. 3, 2025 By Czarinna Andres Council Member Robert Holden sharply criticized fellow City Council members on Thursday, May 29 following the Public Safety Executive Budget hearing, accusing them of hypocrisy for voicing concerns about the city’s e-bike crisis while refusing to back proposed legislation he says would directly address the issue. Holden’s comments…

Common Sense Caucus backs NYC retirees in Medicare Advantage legal fight

common sense caucus medicare

Apr. 17, 2025 By Colum Motherway The City Council’s bipartisan Common Sense Caucus has filed an amicus brief with the New York State Court of Appeals in support of municipal retirees fighting to maintain their traditional Medicare supplemental health insurance. The brief, submitted in a closely watched class action lawsuit, marks the third time…

Aviation High School in LIC celebrates its legacy of excellence in aviation education during Holden’s visit

Mar. 10, 2025 By cmotherway March 10, 2025 By Colum Motherway Council Member Robert Holden visited Aviation High School to observe the exceptional programs that are preparing students for successful careers in the aviation industry.  During his visit on Feb. 28, Holden expressed his enthusiasm about the school’s dedication to giving students the tools…

Queens lawmakers rally against Con Edison’s 14% rate hike proposal

con edison

Feb. 13, 2025 By Colum Motherway Several Queens elected officials are voicing their opposition to Con Edison’s proposed rate hikes for electricity and gas, urging the New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) to reject the increases and address ongoing concerns about utility affordability. The proposal, which could raise rates by up to 14%,…

New York officials and organizations denounce reports of Trump move to stop congestion pricing

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Jan. 30, 2025 By Shane O’Brien New York officials and organizations have hit out at reports that the Trump Administration is considering a move to halt the congestion pricing toll for motorists entering Manhattan south of 60th Street. The New York Times reported Thursday afternoon that the Department of Transportation is considering a move…

Queens leaders divided over Daniel Penny acquittal, sparking heated reactions and call for improved mental health services

penny

Dec. 10, 2024 By Shane O’Brien Several Queens politicians issued statements following the acquittal of Daniel Penny Monday, with comments from the likes of Astoria Council Member Tiffany Cabán generating enormous controversy. Cabán, in the wake of Penny being found not guilty in the May 2023 chokehold death of Jordan Neely, posted a statement…

City of yes for housing faces fierce pushback in Queens ahead of vote

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Nov. 27, 2024 By Athena Dawson As the City Council’s voting deadline on the City of Yes for Housing Opportunity steadily approaches, residents, civic groups, and local elected officials throughout Queens have voiced their stance on the monumental rezoning proposal.  The City Council is expected to hold a final vote on Dec. 5 regarding…

Mixed reactions in Queens over Gov. Hochul’s revised congestion pricing plan

Motorists crossing the Queensboro Bridge may soon have to pay a $9 congestion pricing toll if they are traveling below 60th Street in Manhattan (Photo via Shutterstock)

Nov. 15, 2024 By Shane O’Brien Elected officials and local leaders across Queens expressed mixed reactions to Gov. Kathy Hochul’s decision to bring back congestion pricing for motorists entering Manhattan below 60th street. Hochul announced Thursday that the toll, which is now set to go into effect in January, will be reduced to a…

Queens pols call on Adams to resign, others stay quiet after historic corruption charges

resign

Sep. 26, 2024 By Iryna Shkurhan After Eric Adams became the first sitting mayor to be indicted with federal crimes on Wednesday evening, Queens elected officials from all ranks called for his resignation. From city council members to Albany representatives and one notable congresswoman, officials added to existing calls for Adams to step down…