Nydia Velázquez

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Rosa Figueroa as she retires after 18 remarkable years as the Director of the LaGuardia Community College Small Business Development Center (SBDC). In this vital position, Rosa oversaw the Center's small business services and spearheaded economic development initiatives that has left a lasting legacy. Her tireless dedication and leadership have been instrumental in ensuring the success and growth of small businesses, particularly those in the Sunnyside, Woodside, and neighboring Queens communities. Rosa's commitment to fostering small business development has had a profound impact on Queens and New York City as a whole. Notably, she has been a staunch advocate for minority and women-owned entrepreneurs, providing them with the resources and support needed to thrive in a competitive market. The LaGuardia SBDC assists approximately 3,000 small businesses across Queens, New York each year through its comprehensive advising and education programs. Recognizing the crucial role these small businesses play in New York City's economy, Rosa ensured that the SBDC was an accessible and valuable resource for all small business owners. Her years of dedicated service have positioned the LaGuardia SBDC to continue its mission of supporting small businesses well into the future. In addition to her outstanding role at the SBDC, Rosa has served on numerous boards and as a member of various business, trade, and civic organizations. Through these roles, she has tirelessly promoted small business and community partnerships, fostering local economic vitality. Rosa has received numerous accolades for her exceptional service and unwavering commitment to our state and community. On behalf of the small business community in Queens, I extend my deepest gratitude to Rosa Figueroa for her unwavering dedication and significant contributions. Her efforts have made our city a better place to live, work, and launch a business. I am honored to recognize and congratulate Rosa on her well-deserved retirement and wish her the best of luck in her future endeavors.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of the Honorable Gerald E. Loehr, a public servant who served with distinction and dedicated his life to the pursuit of justice. Hon. Gerald E. Loehr was born into a Yonkers family with a longstanding tradition of politics and public service on May 19, 1943. His great-grandfather, John J. Loehr, served as a Yonkers Alderman (Councilman); his grandfather, Joseph F. Loehr, was the Mayor of Yonkers from 1932 to 1939; his mother, Gertrude Sweetman, was a civil servant; and his father, John F. Loehr, was an attorney and an Administrative Law Judge. With passion and principle, he proudly followed the family tradition. He graduated from Manhattan College in 1965 and Fordham Law School in 1969. He began his distinguished career as a New York City Assistant District Attorney under the legendary Frank Hogan from 1969 to 1973. He then moved into private practice at the firm of Nobile and Magarian from 1973 to 1975. Returning to the public sector in Yonkers, Loehr served two terms as the Third Ward Councilman from 1975 to 1979 and one term as Mayor from 1979 to 1981. Upon leaving the Mayor's office, he returned to private practice as a founding partner of the law firm Ecker, Loehr, & Ecker, LLP, where he worked until 2004. In 2005, he was elected as Judge in the Westchester County Court. In 2006, he was appointed as an Acting State Supreme Court Justice, and in 2012, he was elected to serve as a State Supreme Court Justice in the 9th Judicial District. Loehr was a devoted husband and father, survived by his beloved wife, Susan Newman Loehr, also a public servant and retired Westchester County Commissioner of Jurors. He is also survived by his older brother, John Loehr, and six children from two marriages: Peter, Janine (Barbanell), Melissa, Jonathan (Newman), Cariana (Bulman), and Gerald E., II. He also leaves behind 15 grandchildren, who will miss him dearly. Today, Yonkers, the State of New York and our Nation, have lost a dedicated protector of justice. It is my hope that his wife, children, and grandchildren can draw strength and comfort from his many contributions. I ask my colleagues to join me in paying homage to a lifetime of service and in remembering the Honorable Gerald E. Loehr.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.R. 7198, the Prove It Act. Part of the role of the Small Business Committee is to recognize the impact regulations have on small businesses and work to find ways to balance the shared goal of minimizing the burdens and achieving the intended effects of regulations. Throughout our committee hearings, we have heard that agencies have been better about considering the impact of their rules on small entities since the passage of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. Another tool at our disposal is the ability of advocacy to convene SBREFA panels to give small businesses an opportunity to provide input at the beginning of the rulemaking process and when it is most important. The Office of Advocacy has been working diligently to educate and train rule-writing staff about their responsibilities, and we have seen the fruits of their labor. The analysis agencies are conducting has improved significantly. Yet, this bill ignores the current process. Instead of strengthening it to serve the interests of small employers, the bill we are considering today would bring our rulemaking process to a grinding halt. It will also give big corporations a powerful new tool to delay and weaken rules, causing uncertainty and harm to small employers. By creating an unworkable quasi-judicial process within the SBA's Office of Advocacy for reviewing agency certifications, it allows any group that claims to represent small businesses to petition Advocacy to block rules that it doesn't like. The Prove It Act also requires agencies to conduct retrospective reviews based on the indirect costs identified in the initial analysis, without recognizing that agencies may have modified the rule during the rulemaking process. Most concerning is the broad and unchecked authority of the chief counsel to announce that a rule is no longer effective if an agency fails to conduct a retrospective review. This means a small employer that came into compliance with an existing rule could see it eliminated and then possibly reinstated sometime in the future. This is counterproductive to what my colleagues state they are trying to achieve. Finally, today's bill implements another lengthy process without providing additional assistance to an under-resourced Office of Advocacy. If enacted, Advocacy will need to double its staff and, no surprise, this bill provides no additional resources. CBO estimates that agencies and Advocacy will need an additional $40 million over the next 5 years to implement this act, and that doesn't include the $17 million added to the Federal deficit. Small employers need certainty, and this bill fails to provide it. It would only serve to cause undue chaos and confusion while achieving very little to help and support our Nation's small employers. That is why I urge my colleagues to vote ``no.''

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I have an amendment at the desk.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, let me begin by reiterating that as the ranking member of the Small Business Committee, I recognize the impact of regulations, and I have worked to find ways to balance the shared goal of minimizing the burdens while achieving the intended effects of regulations. The Prove It Act doesn't strike that appropriate balance. It allows big corporations to block, delay, and weaken rules. Yes, the Chamber of Commerce or NFIB could file a petition and doesn't have to identify the business that they are representing, causing uncertainty and harm to small employers. It also gives unchecked authority to the SBA's chief counsel and tasks an understaffed and under-resourced Office of Advocacy with a cumbersome and lengthy review process. That is why I am offering a commonsense solution. My amendment will require the Office of Advocacy to train agencies on how to comply with their Regulatory Flexibility Act. Key personnel at every rule-writing agency would be required to undergo RFA training once every 4 years. We have heard from Advocacy that when agencies have a better understanding of the RFA, it leads to more meaningful consideration of small businesses throughout the rulemaking process. Advocacy has been working diligently to train staff, and we have seen the fruits of their labor year after year. Their training programs have made a significant difference in the rule-writing process, and requiring ongoing training will only lead to more success. Agencies have shared draft documents with Advocacy early in the rulemaking process, and Advocacy has worked to help agencies obtain reliable small business data. Their training program has led to much better analysis, and in many instances enhanced the factual basis for agency certifications or led to modifications to reduce the impact to small firms. Mr. Speaker, we need to foster a constructive working relationship between Advocacy and Federal agencies rather than create an adversarial one. This amendment will ensure that Advocacy reaches all agencies on RFA compliance on a regular basis. Mr. Speaker, I urge Members to support my amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Dianne Jackson. Dianne Jackson was a lifetime public housing resident, leader and activist dedicated to improving living conditions and advocating for tenant rights. She had firsthand experience with the injustices faced by public housing residents and their communities and dedicated her life to fixing them. As a member and graduate of the National Congress of Neighborhood Women (NCNW) college program, Dianne used her voice to bring attention to issues such as substandard housing conditions, lack of access to resources and opportunities, and discrimination residents face. She served as President of Cooper Park Resident Council for a decade and on the board of NYCHA's Citywide Council of Presidents. Dianne worked with NCNW and helped organize women in the fight for healthcare services, daycare, and community services for young people. She served on numerous anti-poverty boards, including the first NYC Area Policy Board, comprised of community leaders charged with helping to secure local funding for communities. She was a member of the NYPD Community Council and a voice against police abuse, while supporting public safety measures to keep neighborhoods safe. Dianne organized residents to join the fight against environmental degradation, local waste companies, and polluting manufacturers. Cooper Park Houses, a predominately Black and Latino community, has been impacted by environmental injustices that hurt the health and wellness of residents. Dianne Jackson became a recognized and respected leader of influence. She has been featured in community documentaries and recognized by the City, State and Federal leaders for her advocacy. Dianne touched so many lives through her work, and our city is undoubtedly a better place because of her. She will be sorely missed, but I'm heartened to know that her legacy will inspire young people looking to stand up against injustice in our great city. My thoughts are with her family and all the New Yorkers who had the pleasure to know her. May she rest in peace and may we all honor her memory.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the Forest Park Carousel and the Seuffert Bandshell in Woodhaven, Queens. For generations, these landmarks have served as treasured symbols of nostalgia, community spirit, and historical importance. They each hold a special place in New York's history and in our hearts. It is with immense pride that we celebrate their centennial anniversary. The Forest Park Carousel, with its rich history dating back to 1903, represents a bygone era of unparalleled craftsmanship. Designed by German immigrant Daniel Carl Muller, the carousel stands as a masterpiece of artistry and has been a beloved attraction since it first opened in 1924, The carousel's 52 masterfully carved figures and timeless music have captivated visitors young and old, serving as a cherished backdrop for countless family gatherings and childhood memories. Its enduring presence is a testament to the resilience of tradition and the importance of preservation. Similarly, the Seuffert Bandshell has been a cornerstone of cultural life in Forest Park. Named after the esteemed conductor and composer Dr. George Seuffert, Sr., for one hundred years the bandshell has hosted countless music performances, and community events. It has echoed the sounds of music, laughter, and celebration, bringing together the community. As the Forest Park Community celebrates this remarkable milestone, I would like to extend my sincerest gratitude to the Forest Park Trust, NYC Department of Parks and Recreation, Woodhaven Historical Society, elected officials and many more who have worked tirelessly to preserve these landmarks. Throughout its lifespan, the Woodhaven community has continually advocated for restoration efforts and ongoing conservation, underscoring their commitment to preserving historical treasures for future generations. Mr Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Forest Park Carousel and the Seuffert Bandshell. May these iconic landmarks continue to inspire and bring joy to our community for many years to come.

Ms VELAZQUEZ

Ms VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate Maria Antonia ``Tonita'' Cay and the 50th year anniversary of the Caribbean Social Club, which stands as the oldest Puerto Rican-owned Latino social club in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. She has been featured in numerous media outlets, publications, and a documentary. In the past years, notable artists, filmmakers, and musicians have visited Tonita's Caribbean Social Club to experience the unique essence of the rich Latino heritage it now represents. Tonita, as she is affectionately known, was born on May 10, 1940, in Junco, Puerto Rico. She is the second oldest of nine siblings. In 1956, during the significant migration of Puerto Ricans to New York City, her family settled in the Lower East Side when she was fifteen years old. Several years later, she moved to Williamsburg, where there was an established and growing Puerto Rican community and employment opportunities in the needlework factories that were part of New York's bustling garment industry. In addition to working as factory seamstress, Tonita began designing, sewing, and selling dresses from her home. This home-based business showcased her skills and helped support her and fulfill her dream of owning the building she lived in as a tenant. This established a foothold in her community and laid the foundation for the incorporation of her Caribbean baseball team and club in 1973 at 244 Grand Street in Brooklyn. Her courage and perseverance defied the societal norms of the time. Today, Tonita is one of Los Sures Williamsburg's Puerto Rican `Pioneras' and the last women-owned social club. At a time when Puerto Ricans and Latinos were politically invisible in Williamsburg, Tonita helped elevate our presence and cultural identity by establishing the Caribbean Baseball teams, which gathered hundreds of players and their families weekly. Players and their families were proud of Roberto Clemente and wanted to emanate his game. Tonita's grit contributed to more Latino, and women owned social clubs and baseball leagues. During the 1970's and 1980's, the Southside of Williamsburg was flushed with gathering social clubs for baseball and dominoes. In the 1990's, the rising cost of rent and excessive demand on licensing by the city imposed significant hardship for many social clubs including Tonita's. However, she demonstrated remarkable resilience. Her determination was particularly evident when she took on City Hall and won, securing the club's place in the community even as Mayor Rudy Giuliani's administration cracked down on various venues. Tonita's victory was an achievement. Today, her continued legacy of community support remains steadfast. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she utilized the Caribbean Social Club to provide no cost essential assistance and home cooked meals to her neighbors and all who visited. The Caribbean Social Club is not only home to Puerto Ricans, but also welcoming place for a melting pot of different backgrounds, cultures and professions, reflecting Tonita's inclusive and welcoming spirit. Maria Antonia Cay and the Caribbean Social Club is the embodiment of the American dream. Her business acumen and sense of community has contributed greatly to the social and cultural fabric of the Los Sures community in Williamsburg. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in congratulating Maria Antonia Cay and the Caribbean Social Club on this special 50th Year Anniversary.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Today, we are considering H.R. 7988, which requires SBA to consider new small business government contractors when grading a Federal agency's performance toward meeting its small business goals. The government has roughly 40 percent fewer small businesses in the ecosystem than it did just a decade ago. This has been an ongoing challenge the committee has identified and sought solutions to reverse because the industrial base decline has produced negative consequences for both the government and small firms alike. Small firms lose out on the stability government contracting can provide, and the government loses out on the innovation and competition that a larger base of small businesses provides. Yet, despite this decline, Federal agencies award a record amount of contracting dollars to small businesses each year. This means fewer small businesses are getting larger contracts, and since contracts are getting larger, fewer smalls are willing and able to compete for them. This legislation is a productive step that will help break that cycle. I commend Mr. Stauber and Ms. Perez for their work to craft a solution to this challenge. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time for closing. Madam Speaker, at the Department of Defense, GAO found that, over a 10-year period, the number of small businesses participating in the defense industrial base declined by over 40 percent. The civilian agencies are seeing a similar decline. As a result, questions have been raised about how to accurately measure the health of the industrial base and the scorecard's effectiveness for tracking small business contracting. The scorecard's current criteria include a year-over-year prime contract comparison goal, but it fails to count the award of a contract for the first time. This bill is intended to measure and include in the SBA's methodology for calculating an agency's score for small business goals the number of small businesses who are becoming Federal Government contractors for the first time. By requiring a year-over-year comparison of new entrants rather than a single target, Federal agencies will be compelled to continuously focus on bringing in new companies and addressing the barriers, like contract size, that prevent greater small business participation. I again applaud the work put into this legislation. It is a thoughtful product of bipartisan work. Madam Speaker, I thank Mr. Stauber and Ms. Perez, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from Washington (Ms. Perez), the cosponsor of the legislation.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I thank Representatives Molinaro and Pappas for introducing the ThinkDIFFERENTLY About Disability Employment Act. Earlier in the year, our committee heard testimony about the importance of supporting individuals with disabilities. Not only do they have the skills and desire to work, but hiring people with disabilities directly benefits the company they work for and the overall economy. Through this bipartisan legislation, the SBA can collaborate with the National Council on Disability to help employers hire people with disabilities and provide much-needed support to these entrepreneurs. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from New Hampshire (Mr. Pappas), the cosponsor of the legislation.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Madam Speaker, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, approximately 44.1 million Americans are individuals with disabilities. It is important to ensure that all Americans are included and accommodated in the workplace and business community. However, only 26 percent of people with disabilities participate in America's labor force. One such way to improve these numbers is through entrepreneurship. There are about 1.8 million small businesses owned by people with disabilities in the U.S. Owning a small business is a major pathway for all Americans, especially people with disabilities, to achieve self- sufficiency. Today's legislation would require the SBA to enter an MOU with the National Council on Disability to promote entrepreneurship and employment opportunities for people with disabilities. Madam Speaker, I thank Mr. Molinaro and Mr. Pappas for their collaboration, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, today we are considering H.R. 7984, which will require the SBA to close out the GAO recommendation, ensuring that individuals in rural areas where a disaster declaration has been made have full access to assistance, including targeted outreach and marketing materials. The SBA will have 1 year to close out the recommendation. On February 22, 2024, the GAO issued a report examining how the SBA's disaster loan program assists communities after disasters, disaster loan trends in rural and urban areas for fiscal years 2017 to 2022, challenges rural communities face after disasters, and the SBA's actions that address challenges. The GAO found that rural areas have characteristics that make recovery difficult, and they face challenges in seeking SBA disaster assistance. While the SBA has taken steps to address challenges to recovery, including portable outreach centers, virtual outreach, and a whole-of-SBA approach, this bill prioritizes the SBA's efforts to close out this GAO recommendation and focus on our Nation's rural communities. Madam Speaker, I commend Mr. Pappas and Mr. Bean for their work on this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from New Hampshire (Mr. Pappas), the sponsor of the legislation.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Madam Speaker, as witnessed over recent years, the number and cost of weather and climate disasters, such as tornadoes and wildfires, have been increasing across the United States. Approximately 20 percent of the U.S. population lives in rural areas, representing 97 percent of land area, according to the 2020 Census. GAO has recommended the SBA distinguish between rural and urban communities in its outreach and marketing to disaster areas. Such targeted outreach and marketing to rural communities can make a significant difference. I thank Mr. Pappas and Mr. Bean for putting crazy town partisan antics aside and coming together to craft a bill that truly makes a difference for rural America. Madam Speaker, I urge Members to support the bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise today to support H.R. 8014, the Transparency and Predictability in Small Business Opportunities Act introduced by Mr. Mfume and Mr. Alford. This legislation requires the government to provide information to small business contractors when they cancel solicitations. The government has flexibility to change requirements and solicitations as needed when their circumstances change. While this flexibility is necessary, the small businesses take on the risk and can incur losses when it happens. Requiring an agency to disclose the reasons behind a cancellation and any plans for the work will provide small contractors with a little more information to adjust their business plans and operations accordingly. This is a commonsense strategy to provide some relief to small contractors, and that is why I support this bill. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Mfume), the ranking member of the Oversight, Investigations, and Regulations Subcommittee.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Madam Speaker, I am in support of this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize June as Immigrant Heritage Month. This month, we celebrate the invaluable contributions of immigrants and the positive impact that they have on our country. In that spirit, I would like to share the stories of one of my constituents. Gerald Michaud is a temporary protected status recipient from Haiti who received TPS after the devastating 2010 earthquake. Gerald was in Florida on a business trip when he learned that his home country had been devastated by the catastrophic earthquake and that he would be unable to return home safely. However, with his TPS status, he has been able to live and work in the U.S. and support his family in Haiti. Gerald is a 32BJ-SEIU member who works as a security officer and wheelchair attendant at LaGuardia International Airport and, on the weekends, serves as a martial arts instructor with the dream to one day have his own studio. TPS has allowed Gerald to contribute so much to our community in Brooklyn. TPS holders like Gerald across the country contribute some $31 billion annually to the U.S. economy. This Immigrant Heritage Month, I recognize the contributions of immigrants like Gerald to communities across the country.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Boricua College on the special occasion of its 50th aniversary and in appreciation for decades of higher education. Boricua College was the first private, not-for-profit post-secondary educational institution established in the United States specifically designed to meet the academic needs of Puerto Ricans and other Spanish-speaking people. Today, it is a diverse institution for learning and professional development. Boricua College inspired educated and passionate advocates for the Puerto Rican Disapora during the 1960's and 70's in New York City. Visionaries like Dr. Antonia Pantoja, founder of Universidad Boricua and the precursor of Boricua College, founded by Dr. Victor Alicea, believed that higher education and cultural pride were crucial to addressing poverty and creating economic empowerment. The significant migration of Puerto Ricans to New York City warranted a grassroots response to navigate the socio-economic opportunities and challenges of plantando bandera in a new environment. Thus, Boricua College was created and became a beacon of hope for the Latino community in Brooklyn. Since its founding in 1974, Boricua College has grown from its humble beginnings on a single-floor storefront in Williamsburg to a multi- campus institution spanning Brooklyn, Manhattan, and the Bronx. The first Boricua College class had just 26 students. When it opened its doors, it broke all barriers to higher learning with a cadre of Puerto Rican bilingual professionals in New York City. Today, Boricua College has an enrollment of thousands of students pursuing an Associate, Bachelor or Master's degree in the field of Human Services, Business, Liberal Arts, Childhood Education and inter-American Studies to list a few. It is also a designated Hispanic Serving Institution by the U.S. Department of Education. The growth of Boricua College exemplifies the growth of Latinos' economic and political empowerment across the country. The college may not have millions in endowments, if at all. However, it does have an unwavering commitment to educational advancement. By 2060, nearly 1 in 4 Americans are likely to be Latinos'. Thanks to vital institutions like Boricua College, we are making even greater contributions in every sector of society--education, politics, business, the arts, and sciences. This fine institution is as successful as the administration and leadership. Therefore, I would also like to salute Founder and President Dr. Victor G. Alicea for a lifetime of public service, Board of Trustees Chair Benito R. Fernandez, the deans, faculty, staff, and graduates. Mr. Speaker, please join us in recognizing Boricua College on the occasion of its 50th anniversary and offering our best wishes for another 50 years of serving the community.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Maria Jaya's retirement and public service. Maria is a dedicated parent and community activist whose tireless efforts have profoundly impacted Cypress Hills, Brooklyn, and beyond. For nearly 30 years, Maria has been a driving force behind educational initiatives and community advocacy, leaving an unparalleled mark on the landscape of her neighborhood. Maria Jaya's journey as an activist began with a simple goal: to improve the educational opportunities for her children and those in her community. Unsatisfied with the status quo, Maria started organizing with fellow parents to address issues such as academic achievement, school safety, and overcrowding in local schools. Her early efforts laid the groundwork for lasting change and set her on a path of advocacy that would define her legacy. One of Maria's crowning achievements is the establishment of the Cypress Hills Community School/P.S. 89, a beacon of bilingual education and community engagement. Maria's vision and relentless advocacy were instrumental in creating this innovative dual-language public school in 1997. Her work culminated in constructing a new school building, which opened its doors in 2010. The new building, equipped with state-of-the- art facilities and a 50-50 Spanish/English dual language model, stands as a testament to Maria's unwavering dedication to educational excellence and community engagement. Through her leadership as Parent Co-Director for over 27 years, Maria cultivated a culture of collaboration and empowerment, ensuring that the voices of parents, educators, and students were heard and valued. Maria's advocacy extends beyond the classroom walls, encompassing broader community issues such as housing justice and immigrant rights. She mobilized her neighbors and fellow parents to demand better living conditions and to defend the rights of immigrants in Cypress Hills. Maria's commitment to social justice and equity was a guiding light for her community, inspiring others to join her in the fight for a better future for all. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Maria Jaya, a visionary leader, tireless advocate, and a devoted parent whose legacy will endure for generations to come. May she have a wonderful and fruitful retirement. She can now take a step back and admire the decades of work she leaves behind that has undoubtedly elevated the quality of life and education in Cypress Hills.