State money has dried up to support nonprofits that educate and enlighten residents all over New York. This is the third year that state money, which is taxpayer money, has been unavailable to enable many valuable organizations to function effectively.
In northeast Queens, organizations like the Alley Pond Environmental Center, the Poppenhusen Institute, the Bayside Historical Society, the Queens Historical Society, the Queens Botanical Garden and the Queens Farm Museum — among other nonprofits — fight to survive so they may continue to serve and educate the community at large. Depending on the organization, they teach us all about our history and environment.
An idea has been floated by community leader and activist James Trent that would bring financial assistance to these and other groups. Money generated by the racino in southeast Queens is taxed at a high rate. This money is supposed to be used in part for educational purposes, as is the money brought in by the state lottery.
Since these nonprofits educate the public through school visits and other programs, shouldn’t they be entitled to a portion of the money brought in through gambling venues?
If you agree with this point of view, please contact Gov. Andrew Cuomo at 518-474-8390, state Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos (R-Rockville Centre) at 518-455-3171, state Assembly Majority Leader Sheldon Silver (D-Manhattan) at 518-455-3791 and your local senator and Assembly member to urge them to move forward to use this source of state funds to support our nonprofits, which contribute so much to our quality of life.
The future of many of these organizations is at stake and some may close down if they are unable to receive financial support.
Henry Euler
Bayside
