By Naeisha Rose
Just 26 years old, the newly elected state Assemblyman Daniel Rosenthal (D-Flushing) announced Tuesday he will jump right into tackling issues plaguing his community by joining five committees in the 2018 legislative session. He will join the Aging, Insurance, the Labor, Real Property Taxation and Social Services committees.
“It is truly exciting to be able to serve on committees that will help deliver essential services to my district and better the lives of all New Yorkers,” he said. “I look forward to getting to work on these committees and getting results for my constituents.”
Rosenthal, who represents the 27th Assembly District for residents in Kew Garden Hills, Kew Gardens, Electchester, Pomonok, College Point, Whitestone, Briarwood, Richmond Hill and Forest Hills, was sworn in as the new assemblyman on Nov. 16 after winning a special election on Nov. 7 to replace Michael Simanowitz, who died two months earlier.
Days after being sworn in he had announced the focus of his administration and legislation from his office would be on ensuring fair wages for working families, funding community schools and increasing public heath awareness, according to his office.
“I am honored to serve the people of the 27th Assembly District,” Rosenthal said. “Whether it is advocating for constituent needs, fighting to fund essential services, or sponsoring legislation to help families, my office will be on the front lines assisting our community. I look forward to hitting the ground running and getting to work for my constituents.”
Rosenthal’s office said he wants to use his membership in those committees to be a voice for minority and women-owned businesses, to help seniors in his district, discuss property tax reform and to make sure New Yorkers are insured and have the social services they need.
His office said it would be advocating for the increase of minority and women-owned enterprises in College Point and Kew Gardens as well as finding a fair and equitable solution to property tax reform throughout the city and maintaining protections for middle class families in the Electchester Houses.
With the senior population growing and becoming more diverse, he wants senior centers in his district to not only reflect diversity, but also to make sure the elderly are well cared for at these spots and at Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities.
He will be joining the fight to fully fund NORCs, a building or neighborhood where a substantial number of the residents happen to be 60 years old or more, according to nyc.gov. He also wants to make sure the aging community receives the essential services they need.
With the impending Congressional Tax Plan targeting the Affordable Care Act’s Individual Mandate, which he believes could possibly leave New York state with a $4 billion deficit in the upcoming budget, he hopes to fight and make sure New Yorkers receive the social services and proper medical coverage to which are entitled.
Reach reporter Naeisha Rose by e-mail at nrose
