Pauls’ Law Passed In NY State, 4th Of July Parades, Free Summer Meals For All Kids, Movies Under The Stars: Asm. Fall
Editor’s note: Below are updates from Asm. Charles Fall’s office, covering the passage of a new law which he championed, Paul’s Law, which will give families the right to be informed about congenital heart defects when they are leaving the hospital with a new baby. Children around New York City can once again receive free summer meals at participating schools. This has been tried in previous years, including during the summer of the pandemic, when everyone, regardless of income or age, could pick up a free meal at their local school. We also covered a recent poll by No Kid Hungry that showed that most New Yorkers support free school lunches for all kids.
Born with Love, Remembered with Purpose
One child’s story helped shape a law that now reaches families across New York State. I was proud to help pass legislation known as Paul’s Law, named in memory of Paulie, a child who faced congenital heart defects from birth. His story is one of courage, heartbreak, and an unwavering family that turned their pain into purpose.
Paul’s Law ensures that hospitals and birth centers in New York will now provide new parents with information about congenital heart defects as part of the educational materials they receive at birth. This includes facts about what CHD is, potential treatments, and any other relevant information the Health Commissioner determines important.
For many parents, receiving a CHD diagnosis can be overwhelming. Too often, they’re handed life-altering news with little guidance or context. Paulie’s family experienced this firsthand. In the face of uncertainty, they became determined advocates, working to make sure other families wouldn’t have to navigate the same confusion alone. Paul’s Law is a direct result of their efforts and their willingness to share Paulie’s story to help others.
This legislation is simple in design but deeply impactful. When new parents are better informed about CHD and what it could mean for their child, they are more prepared to seek care, ask the right questions, and act early. Information can’t prevent every challenge, but it can make a hard road just a little easier to walk.
I had the privilege of standing with Paulie’s family to mark the passage of this law. It was a powerful moment, filled with emotion and meaning. Their strength, and the memory of their son, have now helped shape policy that will inform and comfort families for years to come. Paulie’s life, though short, continues to inspire real change. Through this law, his legacy will live on in every conversation sparked, every parent better prepared, and every child whose path is made clearer because their family had the information they needed from the start.
Paulie’s photo with the bill he inspired. Image Credit – Asm. Fall
Asm. Fall with Paulie’s family. Image Credit – Asm. Fall
Asm. Fall with Paulie’s family. Image Credit – Asm. Fall
10th Annual Lower Manhattan Independence Day Parade
It was a privilege to march as Grand Marshal in the 10th Annual Independence Day Parade through Lower Manhattan. Thank you to the Lower Manhattan Historical Association, performers, veterans, local leaders, and everyone who made this celebration so special.
Asm. Fall marches in Lower Manhattan Independence Day Parade. Image Credit – Asm. Fall
Asm. Fall marches in Lower Manhattan Independence Day Parade. Image Credit – Asm. Fall
115th Annual Travis 4th of July Parade
Honored to take part in the 115th Travis 4th of July Parade. Every year, it brings the best of Staten Island together. Thank you to the organizers and everyone who made it another great celebration.
Travis 4th of July Parade. Image Credit – Asm. Fall
Travis 4th of July Parade. Image Credit – Asm. Fall
Free Summer Meals
The #FreeSummerMeals Program provides free breakfast and lunch across all five boroughs to anyone ages 18 and younger.
No application is required!
For a full list of dates, times and locations, visit: http://on.nyc.gov/SummerMeals
Movies Under The Stars
Movies Under The Stars. Image Credit – Asm. Fall
Pack up the picnic chair, and watch a flick in the great outdoors! Through Movies Under the Stars, the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment and NYC Parks bring more than 150 film screenings to parks throughout the five boroughs. Enjoy family-friendly entertainment in the city’s parks and playgrounds, ranging from great new movies to all-time classics.
Banner Image: Travis 4th of July Parade. Image Credit – Asm. Fall
Assemblyman Charles D. Fall
Assemblymember Charles Fall represents New York’s 61st Assembly District covering the North Shore of Staten Island, where he has resided his whole life. Fall is the first Muslim and African-American Assemblymember elected from Staten Island. He comes from a working-class family of six. His parents immigrated to Staten Island from Guinea, West Africa, and displayed a commitment to improving the lives of those around them. Fall’s legislative priorities revolve around comprehensive strategies to ensure stable and healthier communities. This includes expanding resources for teachers, parents and students to resolve academic disparities, creating affordable housing options, ensuring individuals and families have sufficient health coverage and access to vital services, improving transportation infrastructure and other long-standing community concerns on the North Shore.