New York City is dependent on its public transit system. It is the lifeblood of our economy and a critical factor in the future livability of our borough and city. It is essential that we keep confidence high in our subways and buses--which means that riders must feel safe.

In an op-ed piece in the New York Daily News a few days ago, I proposed that assaults against riders on our public transit system be elevated from misdemeanor to Class D felony status--the same as assaults against public transit workers.

Extending to riders the same protections as transit workers sends a clear signal: Our subways, buses, platforms and bus stops are safe spaces for everyone. It also gives prosecutors the leverage needed to hold offenders fully accountable.

The city's long-term economic and social vitality are in jeopardy if we fail to make our public transit system safe for the millions of New Yorkers who depend on it.

My top priority will always be keeping you and your loved ones safe.

In Friendship,

If you have any information about the death of Rosario Prestigiacomo, let authorities know. It is not too late for justice to be done.

Our Youth Empowerment Unit hosted an Inspired to Learn giveaway, with NYPD Community Affairs and NYC 100 Strong, for the children of PS 201, The Discovery School for Inquiry & Research. Through our effort, nearly 400 students were presented with STEAM-related gadgets and learning tools.

I attended a recent meeting of the Astoria Homeowners, Tenants and Business Civic Association to hear neighborhood concerns, answer questions and share information about the work of our office. I was joined by officers from the 114th Precinct.

It is impossible to tell the story of our country, its challenges and advances, without the voices of the African American community. Queens has a rich legacy of African American achievement, in the arts, science, politics and more, whose outsized impacts extend well beyond our borough. I hope you will join our office later this month for a special program commemorating those achievements. Check for details soon.