News from Assemblyman Goldfeder

June 12, 2015 In This Issue No Laughing Matter Protect Our Community from Future Storms Flood Insurance Fix A Future Leader _________ Office Locations   Howard Beach    162-38 Cross Bay Blvd. Howard Beach, NY 11414718-641-8755 Rockaway Beach 9516 Rockaway Beach Blvd. Rockaway Beach, NY 11693  718-945-9550  Albany LOB 542 Albany, NY 12248 518-455-4292    Quick Links   ______  News   Photos YouTube Restore the Rockaway Beach Rail Line  Sign My Petition to Quiet Airplane Noise    Dear Neighbor,    Two weeks ago, I called on the MTA to investigate the May 27th A-train disruption that stranded thousands of commuters and stopped traffic throughout southern Queens and Rockaway. The response back from at least one MTA official was that the agency doesn't have "flying buses" to transport commuters in emergencies. Making light of our lack of transit options is simply unacceptable. Our families deserve to have the plans in place to get around the community during emergencies. We also have to ensure that our transit lines are secure and that thieves are prevented from stealing copper wiring and other infrastructure. This week I've introduced a bill to make tampering with transit lines and causing mass disruptions like we saw a felony under state law. You can stay up to date with community news and daily updates by following me on Facebook and Twitter.   Stay Strong,   Protecting Families from Future Storms        Families across southern Queens and Rockaway deserve the best possible protection against future storms. That's why I joined Senator Schumer and Congressman Meeks in calling on the Army Corps to install the greatest amount of rock jetties, groins and other protective measures for the Rockaway Peninsula as part of the government's Rockaway Reformulation Study. I'm also pleased to announce that with the support and work of Senator Schumer, this week FEMA has given the green light to Phase II of the Breezy Point Double Dune System and has allocated $2.9 for the work. These efforts will enhance protections against future storms and give families the safety and security we deserve. Speaking Truth to Insurance Companies      Recently, I was invited to speak at the New York Insurance Association's 2015 Annual Conference in Saratoga, NY. I went with a simple message for the hundreds of insurance companies attending the three-day event: There must be accountability! I answered questions regarding my proposal to fix the broken FEMA-NFIP by creating the NY Flood Insurance Association that would reduce premiums and create a flood insurance system that works for our families in our time of greatest need.   VIDEO: Recognizing a Future Leader  After reading the great story about 10-year-old Rockaway resident Charlie Ciliberti and his passion for improving our neighborhood, I knew I had to recognize this future leader. Charlie and his whole family joined me up in Albany this week to receive an award for his tireless community advocacy. Charlie did not let me off the hook too easy...  You can watch his hard-hitting interview by clicking on the video link above!