Meng Seeks Snow Shoveling Volunteers

Concerned that seniors in her district cannot shovel snow away from their homes and thus are left with an unsafe situation, Assemblymember Grace Meng (D-Flushing) is seeking volunteers to join a “Snow Angel” brigade to come to their elderly neighbors’ aid.

Meng said her new program will be aimed at helping low income senior citizens and those with disabilities with their snow removal process.

In addition to removing snow and creating pathways to enable themselves to maneuver around their property, those seniors who are homeowners are responsible for removing snow from their property and abutting sidewalk or they will be liable for a fine or possible lawsuits should someone slip and fall and sustain an injury, Meng pointed out.

The lawmaker added: “In direct response to the many phone calls we have received from seniors and the disabled, it is our civic duty to try to help those who are most vulnerable. Many of these neighbors have no other options.”

Anyone interested should call Meng at 718-939-0195 or email her at meng@assembly.state.ny.us.

Koo Extends Best Wishes For 2011 Lunar New Year

Councilmember Peter Koo (R-Flushing), noting that the Lunar New Year is an important celebration and a time when all New Yorkers of all backgrounds join the Asian community and celebrate its contribution through entertainment, music, art and delicious food, extended his wishes to everyone for a happy, healthy and prosperous Lunar New Year 2011.

Koo said in a statement that the Lunar New Year tradition is to reconcile, forget all grudges, and sincerely wish peace and happiness to everyone. Additionally, it provides a chance for a clean slate, fresh start and new opportunities for progress.

“Therefore, let us pledge that this Lunar New Year we will tirelessly work together to solve the problems facing our city and community,” Koo said. “Let us commit that each day we will do our part to assist our neighbors, mentor our youth, respect our seniors and strive to improve the quality of life of all residents of our great city.”

In turn, we at the Gazette add our wishes for a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year to all!!!

Reminder From Koslowitz

Councilmember Karen Koslowitz (D–Forest Hills) put out a reminder to her constituents last week saying to be sure to claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) if you’re entitled to it.

EITC is a federal income tax credit for people who work, but do not earn high incomes, she explained, and it helps eligible taxpayers to lower their taxes or receive tax refunds. Income and family size determine a taxpayer’s eligibility, and EITC amount a taxpayer can receive.

“During these tough economic times,” she says, “with increasingly high tax burdens, this tax credit can go a long way in easing day-to-day living expenses, allowing families to stay in their homes, and assisting in paying bills. EITC can also provide a major boost to our local economy during tax refund season.”

Koslowitz says the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) estimates that 20 percent of qualifying workers miss out on thousands of dollars each year because they fail to claim EITC.

To learn about eligibility for EITC, go to the federal IRS online at www.irs.gov and to learn about free tax preparation sites and assistance call 1-800-906-9887. For information on the state EITC, visit www.tax.state.ny.us.