New York City Insider: Representative Adriano Espaillat's Annual State of the District Address Draws Unprecedented Crowd.

 

Representative Adriano Espaillat's Annual State of the District Address Draws Unprecedented Crowd.

 

WASHINGTON, DC – Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) held his annual State of the District address Sunday afternoon at The Forum at Columbia University located in his district. 

This year's event drew an unprecedented attendance of constituents from New York's 13th congressional district, notable officials from New York State and New York City that included U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, New York Governor Kathy Hochul, New York City Mayor Eric Adams, and many more. 

"Thank you to everyone who came out during my State of the District presentation to hear updates on my legislative and ongoing activities in New York and Washington, DC," said Rep. Espaillat. "Each year that I've held this annual event, my constituents have turned out and this year's event was no different. We had an unprecedented turnout of guests from my district and I am appreciative to everyone for the support they have shown me and my staff over these years. I look forward to the amazing year ahead and to working with our local partners on behalf of the communities that call New York's 13th congressional district home."

 

New York City Insider: Statement from Representative Adriano Espaillat Recognizing International Holocaust Remembrance Day.

 

PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release January 27, 2023

Statement from Representative Adriano Espaillat Recognizing International Holocaust Remembrance Day.    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) issued the following statement in recognition of International Holocaust Remembrance Day: “On International Holocaust Remembrance Day, we commemorate the liberation of the Nazi death-camp at Auschwitz in 1945 and reflect on the atrocities committed against Jewish people during World War II. Today, we honor the memory of the six million Jews whose lives were taken and the profound contribution that they made to the societies of which they were a part. On this solemn day, we acknowledge the traumatizing memories carried by Holocaust survivors and the lessons they seek to impart through their courage, wisdom, and perseverance. The Holocaust serves as a reminder to never lend ourselves to the dehumanization of others or to the denial of their rights – and to never cease in our fight to defend freedom and ensure equal protections for all,” said Rep. Espaillat. “As a co-chair of the Jewish Latino Caucus, today, I stood in solidarity with my colleagues to introduce the bipartisan Holocaust Education and Antisemitism Lessons (HEAL) Act, and I was proud to help usher in a pilot program at George Washington High School in my district to ensure our young people never underestimate the lessons of the Holocaust, which are relevant still today and must never be forgotten,” Espaillat continued.  “One of the best ways to fight antisemitism is through education. It is critical that our young New Yorkers are taught the history of antisemitism and the Holocaust. I am proud that George Washington High School has brought a holocaust education program to their students on this International Holocaust Remembrance Day. I want to thank Congressman Adriano Espaillat for helping bring it to GW High School and René Plessner for making it possible,” said New York City Councilmember Shaun Abreu.  “On behalf of students and families at the High School for Law and Public Service at the George Washington Educational Campus, we are grateful for the efforts of Congressman Espaillat, Councilman Abreu, and Mr. Plessner for bringing the Holocaust Remembrance pilot program to our school and the community to preserve survivor stories for future generations,” said Paula Lev, principal of the High School for Law and Public Service at the George Washington Educational Campus.  “If history has taught us anything, it is that we must never tolerate anti-Semitism or allow white supremacy to proliferate, and it remains incumbent upon each of us to act against the dangerous ideologies that threaten the foundation of our democracy, our institutions and stability as a nation. ‘Never again’ means never again and reaffirms our commitment and call to action to dismantle hatred, confront injustice, and stand firm against all forms of bigotry,” Rep. Espaillat concluded.

New York City Insider: Statement from Representative Adriano Espaillat on the Death of Tyre Nichols.

 

PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release January 27, 2023

Statement from Representative Adriano Espaillat on the Death of Tyre Nichols.   NEW YORK, NY – Today, Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) issued the following statement on the death of Tyre Nichols:  "If we’re going to make real systemic change in this country, we must fully confront the realities of our criminal justice system. My heart breaks for the Nichols family. No family should ever have to endure this pain and suffering, but unfortunately, far too many here in the U.S. have," said Espaillat. "The behavior of these officers was undoubtedly repulsive and inhumane, and I commend the Memphis authorities for their swift actions to ensure full transparency and accountability in this case. We come together at this difficult time to embrace the Nichols family and ask for healing and peace following this tragedy."

New York City Insider: Representative Adriano Espaillat Discusses Debt Ceiling Negotiations.

 

PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release January 25, 2023

Representative Adriano Espaillat Remarks on Debt Ceiling Negotiations.   WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) delivered the following remarks on the U.S. House floor on the continued debt ceiling negotiations. The following are remarks by Rep. Espaillat, as prepared for delivery:  “Last Thursday, America’s outstanding debt hit its limit. Treasury Secretary Yellen has warned leadership of the irreparable harm that will come to the US economy if the debt ceiling is not raised or suspended.  "To avoid defaulting on our loans, the Secretary has been forced to slow investments into the retirement of federal employees and health benefits of postal workers. “Let me remind you, Congress has acted 78 separate times to permanently raise, temporarily extend, or revise the definition of the debt limit – 49 times under Republican presidents and 29 times under Democratic presidents. Congressional leaders in both parties have recognized that this is necessary. "And if the ceiling is not raised, the penalties won’t stop there. For the 66 million Americans that receive Social Security checks every month and the more than 63 million Americans that rely on Medicare for care– their benefits will be cut.  "Interest rates, that have already reached historic heights, will continue to increase, affecting car loans, credit cards, home mortgages, and small business investments. Tax refunds will be delayed and above all, we face a looming recession that will devastate our economy and result in skyrocketing unemployment and homelessness.  "And let’s be clear, that raising the debt ceiling is not giving the green light for new spending. It is simply ensuring that we can pay for the obligations that we have already made. Instead of working to resolve the issue, Republicans continue to hold our economy hostage. To threaten defaulting on our debt to secure spending cuts is dangerous and shows little regard for the American people.  "And we’ve seen how this plays out – we were in this exact situation in 2011. When Republicans tried to pull this stunt, the delay in negotiations resulted in the federal government’s first ever downgrade in credit rating. The Dow Jones fell nearly 2000 points and it is estimated that it raised borrowing costs for the government by $1.3 billion and estimated that if would raise borrowing costs by $18.9 billion over ten years. What good were those budget cuts?  "I want Americans to remember that Republicans are gambling on: Your money. Your benefits. Your livelihood.  "I urge my colleagues to act swiftly and without unnecessary delays or attempts to score political points. Our nation’s financial stability and our constituents depend on it. Thank you, Mister/Madam Speaker. I yield back."

New York City Insider: Espaillat, Grijalva Introduce SPELL Act to Address Dramatic Shortage of Teachers of English Learners.

 

For Immediate Release January 24, 2023

Espaillat, Grijalva Introduce SPELL Act to Address Dramatic Shortage of Teachers of English Learners. The Supporting Providers of English Language Learning (SPELL) Act Increases Loan Forgiveness for Teachers of English Learners (ELs) to Address National Multi-lingual Teacher Shortage. WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Representatives Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) and Raúl M. Grijalva (AZ-07) reintroduced the Supporting Providers of English Language Learning (SPELL) Act to address the national multi-lingual teacher shortage by increasing loan forgiveness for teachers of English learners (ELs). About 5 million students, or 10 percent of all public-school students, are ELs, and educating these students requires unique teaching strategies. However, the Department of Education has reported that 32 states have a shortage of teachers for EL students, making them unable to meet students’ needs and resulting in a discouraging academic achievement gap for this growing population. The cost of teacher preparation programs can be an obstacle for many to enter the profession, but data shows an association between teachers’ preparation level and their teaching effectiveness and retention. Research demonstrates that loan forgiveness programs are successful at encouraging teachers to take positions in fields and at locations where they are most needed, and forgiveness programs also help to support retention. “When we first began talking about the need to support English Learners (ELs) across the country, many did not see or understand the urgency behind our call to action. Today, there is an increased momentum and awareness about the need to support high-quality education for ELs and dedicated teachers at all stages of educating these students. While teacher shortages are not unique, the needs of ELs are,” said Congressman Adriano Espaillat. “I am proud to join my colleague, Congressman Grijalva, once again to introduce the Supporting Providers of English Language Learning (SPELL) Act to allow EL teachers up to $17,500 in student loan forgiveness so they may better continue to provide high-quality education to the next generation of American students. By adding this incentive and assisting EL teachers in repaying their student loans, we can address the teacher shortage and ensure our nation’s ELs have the opportunity to succeed.” “As a former English learner student, I know firsthand the critical role teachers of ELs play in the development of students. Without them, I would not be where I am today,” said Rep. Grijalva. “In Arizona, we face an immense teacher shortage that has hindered the effectiveness of dual language programs and the development of students learning the English language. With nearly 10 percent or 75,000 students as English language learners in Arizona, we need to pass the SPELL Act to incentivize the creation of additional EL teaching jobs, improve the quality of education for ELs, and increase resources for EL teachers in our state and nationwide.” Under current law, if a highly-qualified teacher is employed for five years in a high-need elementary or secondary school, they are eligible for up to $5,000 in student loan forgiveness. Historically, math, science, and special education teachers have been in highest demand, so to achieve higher recruitment and retention rates, teachers in these subject areas are eligible for an increased benefit of $17,500 in loan forgiveness. Today, EL teachers join them among most in-demand subjects, and to address this latest trend, the SPELL Act would add teachers of English learners to this category, making them eligible for up to $17,500 in student loan forgiveness as well.

New York City Insider: Statement from Representative Adriano Espaillat on the 50th Anniversary of Roe v. Wade.

 

PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release January 22, 2023

Statement from Representative Adriano Espaillat on the 50th Anniversary of Roe v. Wade.   NEW YORK, NY – Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) issued the following statement today to mark what would have been the 50th year since the Supreme Court first decided Roe v. Wade: “This date marks 50 years since the Supreme Court first decided Roe v. Wade in January of 1973, guaranteeing the right to privacy and to abortion in the United States,” said Rep. Espaillat. “However, on June 24, 2022, we witnessed the Supreme Court strip away that right and overturned Roe in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. Since then, these rights have been banned in at least 13 states and counting. In others, reproductive rights and care are severely restricted. “It is no secret that extreme MAGA Republicans have launched new attacks on women’s reproductive freedom as part of House Republicans’ commitment to criminalizing abortion nationwide with no exceptions," Espaillat continued.  "Many Americans are already suffering under the horrifying consequences of Republicans’ agenda: women denied lifesaving care, health care providers under attack, and new laws that punish women and those who help them. “While House Republicans try to criminalize abortion, I reintroduced my resolution to reaffirm that access to abortion constitutes access to health care and is a fundamental liberty. This fight is long from over, and I stand with my colleagues and my constituents to urge true reproductive freedom and protections to access for all.”

New York City Insider: I'll see you next Sunday, January 29th at 2PM!

 

For Immediate Release January 22, 2023

Representative Adriano Espaillat to Host Annual State of the District Address. Sunday, January 29th at 2:00 p.m. Espaillat Will Highlight Legislative Victories and Present His Legislative Overview for the 118th Congress. WASHINGTON, DC – Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) will host his annual State of the District address Sunday, January 29th at 2:00 p.m. EST at The Forum at Columbia University, 601 W 125th Street, New York, NY 10027. During this year's in-person event, Rep. Espaillat will highlight his legislative accomplishments for New York's 13th congressional district and present an overview of his legislative priorities for the 2023 calendar year and start of the 118th Congress. WHO: Rep. Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) WHAT: 2023 State of the District Address WHEN: Sunday, January 29, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. (doors open at 1:00 p.m.) WHERE: The Forum at Columbia University, 601 W 125th Street, New York, NY 10027.

New York City Insider: Study: Congestion Pricing Tax Would Hurt Black and Brown New Yorkers Most.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: STUDY: CONGESTION PRICING TAX WOULD HIT MINORITY COMMUNITIES HARDEST.

‘Just Call It a Black and Brown Toll’ Released by The Black Institute.

New York-Jan. 17…An 85-page study on New York’s planned $9-$23 Congestion Pricing Tax, showing that Congestion Pricing would disproportionately affect New Yorkers of color, has just been released by The Black Institute, the group Keep NYC Congestion Tax Free today noted. 

“This study reinforces much of what we’ve been saying for years: Governor Kathy Hochul’s Congestion Pricing scheme picks on communities of color economically and environmentally,” said Keep NYC Congestion Tax Free spokesman Joshua Bienstock. “Congestion Pricing wouldn’t just divert carbon-belching truck traffic into lower-income communities already suffering some of the highest youth asthma rates in America, it would predominantly target Black and Brown drivers for revenue, be they for-hire vehicle drivers or commuters to Manhattan living in New York transit deserts. The plan is as unfair to communities of color as it is counterproductive to New York’s efforts to get workers back into Manhattan offices, following Covid-driven workplace habit changes. The more one looks at this plan, the more one realizes what a mess it really is.” 

The planned Congestion Pricing Tax would erect a paywall to enter Manhattan south of 60th Street by vehicle - the very area of the City to which officials want businesses and workers to return. Both Mayor Eric Adams and State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli have lamented the massive loss of State and City tax revenue from Manhattan’s core business districts in recent years. A Congestion Pricing Tax paywall would almost certainly make things worse. 

Keep NYC Congestion Tax Free, a diverse coalition of civic, business, and labor organizations and businesses throughout New York City, argues that implementing a tax on vehicles traveling south of 6oth Street in Manhattan will, among other things, permanently damage efforts to revitalize the two districts.  

New York City Insider: Representative Adriano Espaillat Announces National Endowment for the Arts First Round of Fiscal Year 2023 Grants.

 

PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release January 10, 2023

Representative Adriano Espaillat Announces National Endowment for the Arts  First Round of Fiscal Year 2023 Grants. A Total of $630,000 Grants Awarded to 25 Recipients in New York's 13th Congressional District.   WASHINGTON, DC – Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), in collaboration with the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), announced today the first round of recommended awards for fiscal year 2023, with more than $34 million in funding to support the arts nationwide, including $630,000 to New York's 13th Congressional District.  This is the first of the NEA’s two major grant announcements each fiscal year and includes grants to organizations through the NEA’s Grants for Arts Projects, Challenge America, and Research Awards categories. This announcement also includes grants to individuals for Literature Fellowships in creative writing (poetry) and translation.  "I am delighted to join the NEA in today's announcement highlighting the extraordinary artistic and creative talent and programs in my district," said Rep. Espaillat. "I look forward to continuing my work with each of the recipient organizations and to witnessing how this federal funding will be utilized through the innovative programs and projects they plan this year."    “Together, these grants show the NEA’s support nationwide for strengthening our arts and cultural ecosystems, providing equitable opportunities for arts participation and practice, and contributing to the health of our communities and our economy,” said NEA Chair Maria Rosario Jackson, PhD. “I encourage everyone to explore these projects and the ways they help provide inspiration, understanding, and opportunities for us to live more artful lives.” The full list of recommended grants is available in a state-by-state listing and organized by grant category/discipline. Additional information about the projects can be found using the NEA’s Grant Search.  As part of the application review process, the NEA worked with more than 340 expert reviewers with relevant knowledge and experience who reviewed the applications and rated them in accordance with published review criteria. Recommendations were presented to the National Council on the Arts. The council made its recommendations to the NEA Chair, who made the final decision on all grant awards.  Learn more about the grant review process or volunteer to be a panelist.   Grantees for New York's 13th Congressional District:  American Composers Alliance Inc. Funding amount: $10,000 Grants for Arts Projects  Music Purpose: To support the editing and publishing of new scores by composer Dorothy Rudd Moore. Apollo Theatre Foundation Funding amount: $55,000 Grants for Arts Projects Presenting & Multidisciplinary Works To support a multidisciplinary arts festival.   BalletCollective Inc. Funding amount: $10,000 Grants for Arts Projects  Dance Purpose: To support the development and production of a new work, "The Night Falls." Barnard College Funding amount: $10,000 Grants for Arts Projects  Media Arts Purpose: To support technical staff and equipment rental costs for the 2023 Athena Film Festival and related public programming.   Born Dancing, Inc. Funding amount: $10,000 Grants for Arts Projects  Arts Education Purpose: To support a dance and production apprenticeship program.   Classical Theatre of Harlem Funding amount: $45,000 Grants for Arts Projects Theater Purpose: To support artist fees for the production of Malvolio by Betty Shamieh, as part of the Uptown Shakespeare in the Park program. Columbia University in the City of New York Funding amount: $15,000 Grants for Arts Projects Music Purpose: To support artist fees for concert presentations at Miller Theatre.   Dances For A Variable Population Funding amount: $10,000 Grants for Arts Projects Dance Purpose: To support dance workshops and free public performances.   Bernard Ferguson Funding amount: $25,000 Literature Fellowships: Creative Writing  Literary Arts Purpose: To support a creative writing fellowship.   Futuro Media Group Funding amount: $25,000 Grants for Arts Projects Media Arts Purpose: To support two animated documentary shorts about Harlem Renaissance artists, sculptor Augusta Savage and singer Bessie Smith, and related educational materials. Groove With Me, Inc. Funding amount: $10,000 Grants for Arts Projects  Dance Purpose: To support free dance classes for youth in Harlem and the Bronx. Harlem Chamber Players, Inc. Funding amount: $10,000 Grants for Arts Projects  Music Purpose: To support a concert at Miller Theatre at Columbia University. Harlem Presents, Inc. Funding amount: $10,000 Grants for Arts Projects  Opera Purpose: To support the Harlem Opera Festival 2023. Harlem Stage, Inc. Funding amount: $35,000 Grants for Arts Projects  Presenting & Multidisciplinary Works To support the commissioning and presentation of new multidisciplinary works. Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Funding amount: $150,000 Research Labs Research Purpose: To support a research agenda and associated studies that will be designed and implemented by the Assessment of Music Experiences in Navigating Depression (AMEND) lab at Mount Sinai Health System's Louis Armstrong Center for Music and Medicine.   Inheiritance Project Ltd. Funding amount: $20,000 Grants for Arts Projects Theater Purpose: To support staff salaries and artistic fees for the development and production of Exodus: Memphis, a community-devised work.   JACK Music Inc. Funding amount: $15,000 Grants for Arts Projects  Music Purpose: To support the creation, performance, and recording of new works for string quartet.   Korean Art Forum Funding amount: $20,000 Grants for Arts Projects  Visual Arts Purpose: To support the commissioning of temporary outdoor community-based artworks at Inwood Hill Park in New York, with an accompanying catalogue and public programming. Laundromat Project, Inc. Funding amount: $25,000 Grants for Arts Projects Visual Arts Purpose: To support an artist fellowship program and an intensive training institute for artists working in New York City.   Museum of the City of New York Funding amount: $25,000 Grants for Arts Projects  Museums Purpose: To support an inaugural photography triennial exhibition. Musical Mentors Collaborative, Inc. Funding amount: $10,000 Challenge America  Challenge America Purpose: To support private music instruction to children and adults experiencing homelessness. National Dance Institute, Inc. Funding amount: $30,000 Grants for Arts Projects  Arts Education Purpose: To support an in-school dance residency project. Opus 118 Harlem School of Music Funding amount: $10,000 Grants for Arts Projects  Music Purpose: To support the Harlem Center for Strings After-School Program for music education. SoHarlem, Inc. Funding amount: $35,000 Grants for Arts Projects  Design Purpose: To support the Designers' Studio for emerging fashion designers.   Stefanie Nelson Dance Group Funding amount: $10,000 Challenge America  Challenge America Purpose: To support dance workshops and performances by artists with disabilities.

New York City Insider: Representative Adriano Espaillat to Host Annual State of the District Address (Sunday, January 29th at 2 PM).

 

For Immediate Release January 9, 2023

Representative Adriano Espaillat to Host Annual State of the District Address/ Sunday, January 29th at 2:00 p.m. Espaillat Will Highlight Legislative Victories and Present His Legislative Overview for the 118th Congress. WASHINGTON, DC – Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) will host his annual State of the District address Sunday, January 29th at 2:00 p.m. EST at The Forum at Columbia University, 601 W 125th Street, New York, NY 10027. During this year's in-person event, Rep. Espaillat will highlight his legislative accomplishments for New York's 13th congressional district and present an overview of his legislative priorities for the 2023 calendar year and start of the 118th Congress. WHO: Rep. Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) Special Guests to be announced soon! WHAT: 2023 State of the District Address WHEN: Sunday, January 29, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. (doors open at 1:00 p.m.) WHERE: The Forum at Columbia University, 601 W 125th Street, New York, NY 10027.

New York City Insider: Representative Adriano Espaillat Sworn-In to U.S. House of Representatives During the 118th Congress.

 

PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release January 7, 2023

Representative Adriano Espaillat Sworn-In to U.S. House of Representatives During the 118th Congress. Commits to Putting People Over Politics, Delivering for Families of New York’s 13th Congressional District.   WASHINGTON, DC – Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) was officially sworn in as United States Representative for New York’s 13th Congressional District today in the 118th Congress. “I am honored that the people of New York’s 13th Congressional District have entrusted me with the responsibility of representing them in Congress. My House Democratic colleagues and I are united and ready to get to work for everyday Americans,” Representative Espaillat said. “Together, we will build on our track record of getting things done. We will put people over politics, working to lower costs, create better-paying jobs, and make our communities safer.” Representative Espaillat is the first Dominican American to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives and his congressional district includes Harlem, East Harlem, West Harlem, Hamilton Heights, Washington Heights, Inwood, Marble Hill, and the north-west Bronx.  First elected to Congress in 2016, Representative Espaillat was sworn into office on January 3, 2017, during the 115th Congress and is serving his fourth term in Congress.  Representative Espaillat is Deputy Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) and Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI). He is a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, where he serves as Deputy Whip and serves as a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. Through his committee assignments and caucus leadership positions, Representative Espaillat vows to continue his work to help advance and amplify legislative priorities and accomplishments that aim to improve the lives of families around the nation during his tenure in the 118th Congress.     Representative Espaillat is the first Dominican American to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives and his congressional district includes Harlem, East Harlem, West Harlem, Hamilton Heights, Washington Heights, Inwood, Marble Hill and the north-west Bronx. First elected to Congress in 2016, Representative Espaillat is serving his third term in Congress. Representative Espaillat currently serves as a member of the influential U.S. House Committee on Appropriations responsible for funding the federal government’s vital activities. He is also a member of the House Committee on Education and Labor and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), where he serves in a leadership role as the Second Vice Chair and is a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, where he serves as Deputy Whip. Representative Espaillat also currently serves as a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. To find out more about Rep. Espaillat, visit online at https://espaillat.house.gov/.

New York City Insider: Statement from Representative Adriano Espaillat on the Election of House Speaker.

 

PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release January 6, 2023

Statement from Representative Adriano Espaillat on the Election of House Speaker.   WASHINGTON, DC – Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) issued the following statement on the election of House Speaker Kevin McCarthy during the 118th Congress.  “For the first time in 100 years, the House of Representatives has been unable to organize for multiple days due to the inability of House Republicans to form a union and govern,” said Rep. Espaillat. “Over these past few days, Kevin McCarthy has shown all of us that he is a selfish leader, only concerned with himself and not the American people. As we move forward with the official start of the 118th Congress, House Democrats are ready, willing, and able to get to work on behalf of the American people. But it has been made obvious that we do not have a partner on the other side of the aisle because the Republican Conference has been taken over by Extreme MAGAites who have been allowed to play political games at the risk of families around the nation.  “The American people deserve a Congress that works and delivers for them, not one that is mired in endless chaos, confusion, and crisis. Democrats are stronger and more united than ever, and we are ready to take on the challenges that lie ahead in this new year.”     Representative Espaillat is the first Dominican American to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives and his congressional district includes Harlem, East Harlem, West Harlem, Hamilton Heights, Washington Heights, Inwood, Marble Hill and the north-west Bronx. First elected to Congress in 2016, Representative Espaillat is serving his third term in Congress. Representative Espaillat currently serves as a member of the influential U.S. House Committee on Appropriations responsible for funding the federal government’s vital activities. He is also a member of the House Committee on Education and Labor and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), where he serves in a leadership role as the Second Vice Chair and is a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, where he serves as Deputy Whip. Representative Espaillat also currently serves as a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. To find out more about Rep. Espaillat, visit online at https://espaillat.house.gov/.

New York City Insider: Study: Uber, Lyft, et al. Cause 44% of Midtown Traffic; Low-Income New Yorkers to be Stuck Paying for It.

 Keep NYC Congestion Tax Free 

UBER/LYFT CAUSE MANHATTAN TRAFFIC JAMS: EXPERT STUDY .

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Working Class New Yorkers to be Punished with 

$23 Congestion Pricing Tax to Support Wealthier Riders.   

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“The ivory-tower geniuses who came up with Congestion Pricing Tax never considered the effects it would have on lower-income New York families.”

New York-Jan. 6…For-hire ride service companies, including Uber and Lyft, cause nearly half of all vehicle congestion in midtown Manhattan, a study by former New York City Department of Transportation Commissioner Lucius Riccio has revealed. 

As a result, working class New Yorkers, who will have to pay $23 to drive in Manhattan south of 60th Street under Governor Kathy Hochul’s Congestion Pricing Tax plan, would be punished for a service few of them can afford to use. 

“When you boil it down, the Congestion Pricing Tax is a way to make working class folks pay for traffic jams caused by wealthier New Yorkers,” said Keep NYC Congestion Tax Free spokesman Joshua Bienstock. “Most New Yorkers would never take a Lyft or an Uber — they don’t have the money — so why should they have to pay a $23 fine for the habits of others? The dirty little answer is that New Yorkers of means want them off the road so they’re for-hire vehicle might be able to move a little bit faster. That’s wrong and elitist anyway you look at it.” 

The study by former Commissioner Riccio, an adjunct professor at New York University’s Stern School of Business, shows that app-based, for-hire vehicles constitute 43.9% of all Midtown Manhattan traffic — more than yellow cabs and personal vehicles combined. Mr. Riccio says that any additional fee should be paid by Uber and Lyft passengers rather than by working class New Yorkers who rarely use those services. It has also been shown that a Congestion Pricing Tax would divert carbon-belching vehicles into low-income New York City communities, especially in the Bronx, that already suffer some of the highest youth asthma rates in America. 

“The ivory-tower geniuses who came up with this Congestion Pricing Tax plan never considered the effects it would have on lower-income New York families,” Mr. Bienstock added. “Those effects are becoming clearer by the day, and neither the city nor state can ignore them. The Congestion Pricing Tax plan should be permanently garaged.”  

Keep NYC Congestion Tax Free, a diverse coalition of civic, business, and labor organizations and businesses throughout New York City, argues that implementing a tax on vehicles traveling south of 6oth Street in Manhattan will, among other things, permanently damage efforts to revitalize the two districts.