Tag: robert-holden

Holden slams Charter Revision Commission proposals as ‘City of Yes on steroids’

commission

Jul. 10, 2025 By Shane O’Brien Council Member Robert Holden has strongly criticized the city’s Charter Revision Commission (CRC) after the commission outlined a series of proposals that would “fast track” affordable housing across the city and “simplify” reviews of housing and infrastructure projects in an interim report released at the beginning of July.…

Queens lawmakers condemn Trump’s ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ as dangerous and unjust

Big Beautiful Bill

Jul. 7, 2025 By Shane O’Brien Elected officials across Queens have criticized the Trump Administration and Republican lawmakers for passing the “One Big Beautiful Bill” last week, stating that the federal budget bill will have “dangerous and rippling effects” across New York City and State. President Donald Trump signed the bill into law on…

Holden: Council failed veterans in NYC budget while increasing immigration spending

veteran

Jul. 2, 2025 By Shane O’Brien Council Member Robert Holden has criticized Council Speaker Adrienne Adams and Council Finance Chair Justin Brannan for “neglecting” veterans in the recently passed FY2026 Budget. Holden, Chair of the City’s Committee on Veterans, criticized the budget for not allocating a “single dollar in additional investment” to veterans services…

Holden accuses Council of ‘crying wolf’ on e-bike dangers while blocking safety bill

e-bike

Jun. 3, 2025 By Czarinna Andres Council Member Robert Holden sharply criticized fellow City Council members on Thursday, May 29 following the Public Safety Executive Budget hearing, accusing them of hypocrisy for voicing concerns about the city’s e-bike crisis while refusing to back proposed legislation he says would directly address the issue. Holden’s comments…

Common Sense Caucus backs NYC retirees in Medicare Advantage legal fight

common sense caucus medicare

Apr. 17, 2025 By Colum Motherway The City Council’s bipartisan Common Sense Caucus has filed an amicus brief with the New York State Court of Appeals in support of municipal retirees fighting to maintain their traditional Medicare supplemental health insurance. The brief, submitted in a closely watched class action lawsuit, marks the third time…

Newtown Historical Society unveils rare maps of old Queens in Maspeth exhibit

Newtown Historical Society exhibit in Maspeth

Apr. 16, 2025 By Colum Motherway The Newtown Historical Society, in collaboration with Council Member Robert Holden, has unveiled its latest exhibit, ‘Historic Maps of Newtown.’  It is now open to the public at Holden’s district office, located at 58-38 69 St., 2nd Floor. The exhibit is available for viewing during regular business hours…

Council Member Robert Holden praises Mayor Adams for reopening ICE Office on Rikers Island

border czar

Feb. 17, 2025 By Colum Motherway Council Member Robert Holden has praised Mayor Eric Adams for reopening the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office at the Rikers Island jail complex.  Holden, who represents the District 30 neighborhoods of Ridgewood, Maspeth, Middle Village, Glendale, Elmhurst, and Rego Park, has consistently pushed for this action to be taken. “This is a…

Queens lawmakers rally against Con Edison’s 14% rate hike proposal

con edison

Feb. 13, 2025 By Colum Motherway Several Queens elected officials are voicing their opposition to Con Edison’s proposed rate hikes for electricity and gas, urging the New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) to reject the increases and address ongoing concerns about utility affordability. The proposal, which could raise rates by up to 14%,…

Rajkumar gains strong endorsements from Queens officials in Public Advocate race

rajkumar

Feb. 4, 2025 By Colum Motherway Several elected officials in Queens have come together to support Assembly Member Jenifer Rajkumar in her bid to become NYC Public Advocate. Council Member Robert Holden, State Senator Joseph Addabbo, and Assembly Members David Weprin, Nily Rozic, and Sam Berger have all endorsed Rajkumar for Public Advocate, lauding…