Rep. Meeks Announces Funding for NY-05 included in House Bills
WASHINGTON – In advance of the House’s consideration of several appropriations bills, Rep. Gregory W. Meeks announced the inclusion of his Community Project Funding Requests in the Appropriations Subcommittee Fiscal Year 2023 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies, and Financial Services and General Government Subcommittee bills.
Members of Congress were limited to submitting 15 total Community Project Funding requests, and all 15 of Rep. Meeks’ requests were included in the bills, totaling $16.3m towards crucial community programs and organizations in New York’s 5th Congressional District.
“It is my honor to fight for New York’s Fifth district in Congress for projects that will improve the socioeconomic conditions in Southeast Queens, the Rockaways, and Nassau County. These 15 projects strengthen our community by addressing health disparities, supporting youth engagement initiatives, providing services for seniors, assisting small businesses, and more,” said Congressman Gregory W. Meeks.
The inclusion of this funding in the Appropriations Committee’s bills is the first step in the funding process. Rep. Meeks will continue to fight for this funding as the bill moves to consideration on the House Floor this month and through negotiations with the Senate.
"Alpha Phi Alpha Senior Center would like to thank Congressman Meeks and all those involved for this approved funding for a Center Mini-Bus. This mini-bus will assist tremendously in transporting our seniors to and from our center, related outings and trips, and other needed services such as shopping and medical appointments. As being one of the only senior centers in Queens without a bus, we are truly grateful and looking forward to making a difference," said Melissa Y. Marcus, Director, Alpha Phi Alpha Senior Center.
"The already tough situations facing our communities have only gotten worse since the pandemic. This funding will ensure that Chhaya continues to be responsive to the growing needs of our community members. We are immensely grateful to Congressman Meeks for supporting Chhaya to continue to do this important work," said Annetta Seecharran, Executive Director, Chhaya Community Development Corporation.
“We are encouraged by the approval of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government for our funding request to create a home for 21st-century manufacturing jobs in Downtown Jamaica, and we are optimistic about the full House’s approval. As the owner/operator of the nearly 19,000-square-foot industrial space, GJDC will nurture the growth of small-batch manufacturers by providing flexible lease terms and rent in a modern production facility. In addition, recruitment for employment at the facility will be laser focused on community residents, particularly among minority populations. Our experience coupled with the Federal government’s support assures this project will have significant positive community impact from every angle,” said Justin Rodgers, president & CEO of the Greater Jamaica Development Corporation.
“The funds that Congressman Meeks and his staff have helped to include in this legislation will be used to purchase and install critically needed surgical robotics systems at Jamaica Hospital. These advanced surgery systems will enable our hospital to successfully perform more complex surgeries on patients whose health is impacted by the inequalities they face in healthcare. These robotic assisted procedures are proven to provide better outcomes in patients including reduced pain, less blood loss, and greatly reduced risk of infection and complications. We thank Congressman Meeks to for his steadfast commitment to advancing health equity in our community,” said Bruce J. Flanz, President & CEO, Jamaica Hospital Medical Center.
“We are so very grateful to Congressman Meeks for helping to bring our Diabetes Wellness Center a step closer to reality. This is a project that is greatly needed in the community as diabetes has now become a chronic health condition for so many across the age spectrum. This center will be something that we know will have a great impact on the lives of so many for generations to come. We thank the Congressman for being so responsive to our needs and to the needs of the community,” said Dr. Miriam Y. Vega, Chief Executive Officer, Joseph P. Addabbo Family Health Center.
“Long Island Cares-The Harry Chapin Food Bank greatly appreciates the support of Congressman Meeks of our efforts to expand the distribution of emergency food assistance within the Valley Stream community. During the first 18 months of the COVID-19 pandemic, Long Island Cares was able to assist thousands of residents on Long Island’s south shore through our temporary emergency food distribution center in North Valley Stream. The community utilized the center to access food, personal care items, household supplies and even pet food. Based upon our experience during COVID, our staff expressed an interest in establishing a more permanent presence in Valley Stream by opening a new hunger assistance satellite center similar to our six satellite locations in Freeport, Lindenhurst, Huntington Station, Hampton Bays and Bethpage. We are extremely grateful to Congressman Meeks for securing funding that will enable us to launch our ninth location on Long Island to support our neighbors that struggle with food insecurity,” said Paule T. Pachter, CEO, Long Island Cares-The Harry Chapin Food Bank.
"Rep. Greg Meeks has always been a friend to our community and this critical funding comes at an absolutely vital time when food security remains a major issue for thousands of families in New York. Met Council is proud to team up with Rep. Meeks as we work to make sure that every family in every community has access to the food they need to feed their families amid an ongoing pandemic," said David G. Greenfield, CEO, Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty.
“The members of the Roxbury Volunteer Fire Department are humbled by the support from Congressman Meeks in our efforts to provide emergency services to our community. We are well aware that he represents many constituents in his district and are grateful that he has chosen to support this worthwhile endeavor. We have served our community for over 110 years and with his help and support we will be able to continue the fight. The purchase of a modern, well-equipped ambulance will permit us to continue this vital service to our community and neighbors well into the future,” said Chief of Department Richard Colleran, Roxbury Volunteer Emergency Services.
"Mental health wellness begins with an environment that is conducive to treatment and the provision of care. Designing a therapeutic space that is welcoming and appealing to the senses promotes better patient outcomes and exudes respect and appreciation for the population we serve. The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services approval for funding of this project avails our patients to a milieu that enhances functionality in an aesthetically pleasing space. We thank Congressman Meeks for his continued support in providing resources that change the way in which we provide care", said Bridget D. Clyburn, MSN, RN, PMHNP-BC Assistant Vice President, Behavioral Health, St. John's Episcopal Hospital.
“We are extremely grateful to Congressman Meeks for prioritizing our Jamaica Y and Rockaway Y Operations’ community project funding request. The last two years have been enormously challenging for our City, and these funds will enable both the Jamaica Y and the Rockaway Y to continue providing critical programs and vital services to our communities. We are hopeful that this important project will be included in the final budget sent to the White House,” said Sharon Greenberger, President & CEO of the YMCA of Greater New York.
“We at York College, CUNY are delighted with the news that the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services has approved two York College requests for funding of the Infrastructure Job Preparation of Geology Students and for a Lab for Pharmaceutical Science Workforce. We look forward to passage in the House and Senate. In the meantime, York thanks Congressman Meeks for his outstanding efforts on our behalf," said Dr. Berenecea Johnson Eanes, President, York College.
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