On October 12, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited QCH's Forest Hills Community Center. QCH Executive Director Ben Thomases provided a tour of the newly renovated space to Pelosi and other elected officials, followed by a roundtable discussion on the Inflation Reduction Act, which was passed by Congress and signed into law in August.
“It was such a pleasure hosting House Speaker Pelosi and showing her why community centers are so essential to the work we do for our neighbors,” said Thomases. “Families, immigrants, older adults, teens, and children from all different backgrounds and walks of life come here to improve their lives and that of their families, to interact with their neighbors, and make a difference in their communities.”
“Ben, thank you for your leadership and for making this a place so welcoming and respectful, meeting the needs of the people of the community,” said Pelosi. “It truly is a model for the nation.”
Other elected officials in attendance included Representative Grace Meng, State Senators Jessica Ramos and Leroy Comrie, Assemblymember Nily Rozic, and Queens Borough President Donovan Richards.
The roundtable discussion featured Thomases, Speaker Pelosi, Rep. Meng, Marcelle Dinnall of 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East, and Joanna Solmonsohn and Rose Green of the NYS Nurses Association. “Across the nation, House Democrats are holding a Day of Action to highlight how our Inflation Reduction Act is slashing prescription drug costs for Medicare beneficiaries, while locking in lower insurance premiums for America's working families,” said Speaker Pelosi.
“We appreciate having elected officials here who are truly invested in how community-based organizations reach individuals and families in need because that’s how we can make services like Medicare more accessible to the diverse communities in Queens,” said Thomases.
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