José Peralta's posts related to Children

Senator Peralta Calls on City To Preserve After-School and Youth Programs

Posted by José Peralta on Wednesday, May 23rd, 2012

State Senator Jose Peralta is urging the Bloomberg Administration "to consider alternatives" to the proposed cuts to after-school and youth programs in Queens.

"I understand the need to be fiscally prudent during these tough economic times," Senator Peralta writes.  "But the costs of cutting day care slots and programs that supplement children's education and provide youth an alternative to the streets will, in the long run, far exceed any savings achieved in the near term."

He adds that, "In light of the hardship to working families throughout my district that these proposed cuts pose, and the potential damage they will do to children and communities, I urge the City to consider alternatives to these proposed cuts."

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Local Politicians Show Support For NY Family Leave Act

Posted by José Peralta on Thursday, July 19th, 2012

As reported by NY1:

“State Senator Jose Peralta and Assemblywoman Aravella Simotas rallied with community members in Astoria on Monday in support of the New York Family Leave Act, which would extend unpaid, job-protected maternity leave.”

For video click here.

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Senator Peralta Calls DOT’s Attention To Dangerous Queens Intersection

Posted by José Peralta on Wednesday, March 20th, 2013

State Senator Jose Peralta is urging the city’s Department of Transportation to ensure the safety of children who must cross a dangerous Queens intersection to get to and from school without the help of a crossing guard.

“I am writing to urge you to take a close look at the intersection of Junction Blvd. and Horace Harding Expressway in Queens with an eye toward improving pedestrian safety, particularly that of the children of nearby P.S. 206,” wrote Senator Peralta in a letter to Transportation Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan, whom he is calling upon after learning that neither of the local precincts is assigning a crossing to the intersection.

“This is a very dangerous intersection for students and it is imperative that we have proper supervision at this corner,” wrote P.S. 206 Principal Joan Thomas last summer in requesting the reinstatement of a school crossing guard at the location.  “As the principal of P.S. 206, I am very concerned about the safety of my children.”

"We applaud Senator Peralta for his leadership on street safety. Every neighborhood needs safe streets to thrive—that’s why Junction Boulevard and Horace Harding Expressway in Queens need to be made safe for local children, families, and seniors," said Paul Steely White, Executive Director of Transportation Alternatives.

In the letter to the transportation department, Senator Peralta recommends that the intersection be among the locations at which the proposed speed camera program is piloted.  He also asks the commissioner to do whatever else she thinks is needed to protect the children of P.S. 206, many of whom navigate the intersection to get to and from Lefrak City, where they live, and school.

“There is no substitute for the direct, hands-on traffic control and help that a crossing guard can provide to children,” said Senator Peralta.  “In the absence of a crossing guard, however, any measures you deem necessary and can launch promptly to ensure the safety of the P.S. 206 children will be most welcome.”

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