By hannover-web.com On October 14, State Senator Jin-Yi Qu made a visit to the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association in New York to discuss her achievements over the past two years and to seek support from voters ahead of the upcoming elections.
Senator Qu emphasized that the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association has long been a representative hub for the Chinese community in New York, making it the optimal venue for engaging with constituents. The meeting was attended by notable community leaders, including Association Chairman Chao-Juan Zhu, Chairman of the New York Taishan Ningyang Association Jian-Shi Wu, President of the New York Anliang Business Association Yi-Min Chen, Chair of the Chinatown United Democratic Party Chung-Ching Situ, and Executive Director of the Prosperous Chinatown Federation Shi-Rui Tian.
During her address, Senator Qu outlined her key legislative priorities, which she summarized into three main pillars. The first priority is to ensure Asian and specifically Chinese representation, ensuring that the voices of the Chinese community are heard and that they receive the resources they deserve. She shared that during her tenure, she has championed legislation that secured $30 million annually for Asian community organizations in New York, and launched an Asian Leadership Training Program at SUNY to help Asian academic talents ascend to leadership roles in universities and become representatives within the mainstream elite society.
The second key focus is community safety, particularly combating theft and robbery and promoting motorcycle safety. Senator Qu highlighted that her proposed legislation aimed at crackdowns on retail theft and stricter regulations on lithium batteries has been passed. Current proposals she is advocating include harsher penalties for reckless riders and enhanced protections for delivery workers. She stressed that community safety encompasses various dimensions and goes beyond merely supporting the police; it involves allocating resources where they are most needed to ensure everyone has a hopeful future.
The third pillar of her agenda is investing in education. Senator Qu announced that she has secured $6 million in funding for elementary and middle schools in her district, and is currently preparing proposals for universities and graduate schools.
Reflecting on her journey as a new immigrant, Senator Qu shared her experiences starting as an international student, becoming a community newspaper reporter, and then entering politics. She expressed a deep understanding of the challenges faced by new Chinese immigrants and emphasized the importance of being part of the system to effect real change. This drives her passion and commitment as the first Asian American woman in the New York State Senate.
