Tag: grace meng

Posted on

Congresswoman Grace Meng Introduces Resolution to Denounce Anti-Asian Sentiment Caused by Coronavirus

On March 25, 2020, U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY) introduced a resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives that denounces the anti-Asian sentiment caused by the outbreak of the coronavirus.  

“The increased use of anti-Asian rhetoric, particularly from our nation’s leaders such as the President, and their use of terms like ‘Chinese virus,’ ‘Wuhan virus,’ and ‘Kung-flu,’ is not only irresponsible, reckless, and downright disgusting, it threatens the safety of the Asian American community; such language demeans, disparages, and scapegoats Asian Americans,” said Meng. “Asian Americans, like millions of others across the nation, are worried about the coronavirus; however, so many Asian Americans are also living in fear following the dramatic increase of threats and attacks against those of Asian descent. During this time of heightened anxiety and fear surrounding COVID-19, we cannot lose sight of protecting the health and safety of every single person – no matter their race, ethnicity, or background. The House must take a strong stand against the sickening intolerance, bigotry, and violence that is leaving a terrible stain on our nation’s history, especially during this moment of an unprecedented public health crisis. I am grateful to my colleagues who introduced this resolution with me today, and for joining me in saying loud and clear: xenophobia and discrimination is absolutely unacceptable. I strongly urge all of my House of Representatives colleagues, to support this measure, and its passage.”  

The resolution has 124 cosponsors. They include: Reps. Chu, Pressley, Castro, Pascrell, Malinowski, Speier, Watson Coleman, Brown, Takano, Cisneros, Schakowsky, Velázquez, Pingree, Lieu, Napolitano, Correa, Haaland, Huffman, Torres, Blumenauer, Fudge, Cárdenas, Omar, Schrader, Moulton, Suozzi, Lynch, Dingell, Connolly, Case, A. Green, Bonamici, Trone, C. Maloney, Khanna, McGovern, Thompson (CA), Larson, Foster, E. Johnson, Jayapal, Kilmer, Jackson Lee, Lofgren, Porter, Raskin, Lowenthal, DelBene, Castor, Jeffries, Trahan, Smith (WA), Rose, Beyer, Rouda, Costa, Serrano, DeFazio, Krishnamoorthi, Ocasio-Cortez, Cicilline, Kim, Sanchez, Soto, Bustos, McCollum, Pocan, Welch, Sablan, Schiff, Larsen, Higgins, Yarmuth, McEachin, DeLauro, Quigley, Clark, Grijalva, DeGette, Engel, Butterfield, Rush, Deutch, Allred, Eshoo, S. Maloney, Kennedy, D. Davis, Bass, Boyle, Nadler, Lee (CA), Norton, Lewis, Mucarsel-Powell, Bishop, Evans, “Chuy” García, Schneider, Horsford, Carson, Wild, Tlaib, Casten, Craig, Frankel, Meeks, Brownley, Spanberger, Wexton, Vargas, S. Garcia, Hastings, Escobar, Cohen, Vargas, Sherman, Waters, McNerney, Cox, McNerney, Lawrence, Tlaib, and Gallego.  

To learn more and to read the text of the resolution, click here.

Posted on

PRESS RELEASE: MENG, VELÁZQUEZ, CHU BILL WOULD ASSIST SMALL BUSINESSES HARMED BY CORONAVIRUS

SBA Disaster Loans Would be Made Available for Virus-Impacted Firms

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY), the First Vice Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY), the Chairwoman of the House Small Business Committee, and Rep. Judy Chu (D-CA), the Chairwoman of CAPAC, have introduced legislation aimed at assisting small businesses that suffer economic harm from the coronavirus outbreak. 

“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy in Queens and throughout New York City,” said Meng. “They enhance our neighborhoods, bring investment and innovation to local communities, and provide jobs to area residents. But concerns about the coronavirus have hit many small businesses hard. In fact, I have heard from many Asian American-owned small business owners in my district that they are severely struggling. We cannot let them suffer. Government must be a strong partner in helping small businesses succeed and we must not abandon them in their time of need. I call on all my colleagues to immediately pass this legislation so that our entrepreneurs and small businesses can get back on track. When small businesses succeed, America succeeds!”

“Small businesses around the country and in New York City are beginning to feel the economic effects of the coronavirus,” said Velázquez. “Many of our Asian-owned businesses in New York have already experienced a decline in sales due to misinformation, fear and stigma associated with the virus. The bill we’ve authored will help businesses access federal loans if they suffer losses related to the outbreak.”  

“The spread of COVID-19 has nothing to do with race or ethnicity, but that has not stopped dangerous misinformation and xenophobia from spreading faster than the disease itself,” said Chu. “In my district, some Asian-owned businesses are reporting a 50% drop in customers, and that’s the case elsewhere around the country as well. For instance, in New York City, before there was even a single case of COVID-19, some restaurants saw as much as an 80% decline in customers. We have even seen instances of illegal, fraudulent letters that baselessly urge people to avoid Asian-owned businesses. These are serious losses that can have long-lasting impacts on our local economies. We cannot let misinformation and fear ruin communities and businesses. This bill would help by providing necessary assistance to help our Asian-owned businesses continue to operate in the face of a disaster they had no control over.”

Economists recently lowered the global forecasts for major economies from 2.6 percent to 2.4 percent. Much of the recent slowing of the economy is linked to the coronavirus, which has weakened demand in travel and tourism. Besides the decline in foot traffic for many retailers and restaurants, particularly those in Chinese communities, small firms have experienced challenges related to their supply chains. Companies sourcing products and services from China have had delays or complete cancellations of orders, resulting in lower profits for the company. Besides these challenges, small firms must start the process of preparing their companies for the potential to have employees become infected and remain home or telework. In many instances, a small employer may be unable to absorb the additional workforce reductions without a coinciding loss in productivity.

Under the bill, the “Small Business Relief from Communicable Disease Induced Economic Hardship Act,” small businesses would be able to access Economic Injury Disaster Loans of up $2 million to help meet financial obligations and operating expenses, which would otherwise have been met if it were not for the virus’ spread. The bill specifies that the loans would be interest free. Companies that are major employers could be potentially eligible for larger loans.

“Properly preparing for the impact of the coronavirus requires a multi-front strategy and that includes being ready to address the very real economic fallout we may see,” Velázquez added. “This legislation would be a good first step to help our small firms in New York and around the nation who sustain economic injury from COVID-19. I look forward to working with my colleagues to advance this measure.”

A copy of the bill is online here and a bill summary is available here.

Posted on

Press Release: Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer and AABANY to Host Panel Discussion with Acting US Attorney Joon Kim, Judge Denny Chin, and Congresswoman Grace Meng

Press Release: Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer and AABANY to Host Panel Discussion with Acting US Attorney Joon Kim, Judge Denny Chin, and Congresswoman Grace Meng

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 26, 2017

Contact: Yang Chen, Executive Director
(212) 332-2478

NEW YORK – May 26, 2017 – The Asian American Bar Association of New York (“AABANY”) is proud to partner with Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer for an important discussion celebrating Asian Pacific American (APA) Heritage Month on Tuesday, May 30, 2017 at the New York offices of Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer. Susan L. Shin, Immediate Past President of AABANY and Partner at Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer, moderates a discussion from three prominent APAs serving in the Federal government, in the executive, judicial and legislative branches. Hear from these trailblazers what they do, how they got there and how they exemplify AABANY’s theme of “Take Charge; Lead Change” by working for the public good.

“For the Public Good: APA Lawyers Taking Charge and Leading Change” features Acting U.S. Attorney Joon Kim (Southern District of New York), the Honorable Denny Chin (Second Circuit Court of Appeals), and Representative Grace Meng (6th District of New York and Vice Chair of the Democratic National Committee). We anticipate a large turnout as over 200 people have registered for this event.

“We are excited to be hosting Acting U.S. Attorney Joon Kim, Judge Denny Chin and Congresswoman Grace Meng for this stellar panel discussion during APA Heritage Month,” says AABANY Executive Director Yang Chen. “These APA leaders are trailblazers and role models and serve as inspirations to countless attorneys. We look forward to hearing their stories and their insights into public service. We believe that new generations of lawyers will be inspired and moved by them to Take Charge and Lead Change.”

For more information, please contact Yang Chen, AABANY Executive Director, at (212) 332-2478, or direct any inquiries to [email protected].

The Asian American Bar Association of New York is a professional membership organization of attorneys concerned with issues affecting the Asian Pacific American community. Incorporated in 1989, AABANY seeks not only to encourage the professional growth of its members but also to advocate for the Asian Pacific American community as a whole. AABANY is the New York regional affiliate of the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA).

###

Additional information about AABANY is available at www.aabany.org

Follow our blog at www.blog.aabany.org

Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/aabany

Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/aabany

Find us on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/aabany

Posted on

Congratulations to Grace Meng

After a historic Democratic National Convention in which Hillary Clinton became the first woman to be nominated for President by a major political party, more history was made when Congresswoman Grace Meng (D-NY) was elected Vice Chair of the Democratic National Committee.

“I will bring to this role the same commitment to elevating diverse voices that has driven so much of my public service,” said Congresswoman Meng. “I will work tirelessly to elect leaders who will take on vital issues like immigration reform and gun safety. I will bring our energy and passion to work within the DNC to ensure it represents Democrats from all walks of life and all corners of our party.”

Before she was elected to public office, she was an attorney and a member of AABANY. Please join us in congratulating Congresswoman Meng on her election to the leadership of the Democratic National Committee.

Posted on

Register now for Tri-state Regional Leadership Academy (New York – New Jersey – Connecticut)

The APAICS Regional Leadership Academy is a two-day leadership training and policy summit for Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community stake holders and those seeking to run for elected office at all levels across the country. 

October 2-3, 2015
Google
75 Ninth Avenue
New York, NY 10011

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Schedule of Events

*subject to change

Friday, October 2
8:00am – 6:00pm

  • Keynote Speaker: Congresswoman Grace Meng (NY-06)
  • Leadership training will include:
    • Campaign Planning: Getting Ready to Run
    • Stump Speech: Telling Your Story
    • Fundraising 101
    • Basebuilding & Networking
  • Networking reception (6:00pm – 8:00pm)

Saturday, October 3
9:00am – 3:00pm

  • Policy Roundtable Discussions:
    • Topics covered will be health, education and economic development. Policy roundtables bring together leaders in government, corporate sector and the community to discuss current issues impacting the AAPI community in the local region.

Registration is complimentary. Breakfast and lunch will be provided both days.
Airfare and accommodation not included.

For questions, please contact Amy Watanabe
at [email protected] or 202-296-9200.

Proudly powered by WordPress