Always Working For Our Community
As an elected official and an activist, Hiram has been fighting for Queens residents from the beginning.
These are just a few examples of Hiram’s work over the decades.
In the Community
Voting Rights
When the Board of Elections attempted to close voting sites in LeFrak City, Hiram took immediate action, staunchly opposing voter disenfranchisement. Teaming up with the Black Institute and the then-President of LeFrak Tenants Association, Malikah K. Shabazz, they successfully navigated the legal system, securing a ruling to reinstate voting machines at the Continental room and Library.
While others merely observed, Hiram delivered tangible results that directly impacted the community.
Park Revitalization
Recognizing the importance of recreational parks and green spaces for our families and children, Hiram has actively advocated for funding to breathe new life into our parks.
His efforts have resulted in the successful revitalization of P.S. 127 and Hinton Parks, creating vibrant and welcoming spaces for community members.
Funding Libraries
Libraries play a crucial role for students lacking access to technology, serving as educational hubs.
Hiram has successfully secured funding to enhance services at the East Elmhurst, Langston Hughes, and Corona libraries, ensuring that these vital community resources continue to thrive.
Senior Centers
In times of pandemic-induced challenges, allocating resources to senior citizen centers and nursing homes becomes paramount.
Hiram has been a dedicated advocate, working to secure the necessary funding for senior citizen centers, ensuring they have the support needed to thrive and provide essential services to our elderly community members.
For the Greater Good
Education
Hiram spearheaded the passage of the Education Equity Act, a landmark achievement that expanded translation services to ensure inclusivity in our schools. Committed to addressing overcrowding in our local school district, he has consistently advocated for the establishment of new schools.
Hiram supports school choice and is a strong advocate for gifted and talented school programs.
Parking Meters
As a dedicated consumer advocate, Hiram fought for truth-in-pricing, holding retail stores accountable for fair practices.
Leading the charge, he ensured that parking meters are free on Sundays, providing a tangible benefit to the community.
Veteran Centers
Recognizing the neglect of our veterans by the Federal Government, Hiram took action to create a program in collaboration with the mayor, establishing veteran resource centers throughout the city.
His commitment to leaving no soldier behind underscores his dedication to supporting those who have served our nation.
Living Standards
Hiram has been a leader in advocating for the working class, successfully guiding the passage of living wage legislation for hard-working residents and families. Additionally, he fought against attempts to cut funding for programs combating infant mortality and HIV/AIDS.
Prioritizing the well-being of our community.
Lead Poisoning
Housing Advocate for Safety
A staunch housing advocate, Hiram fought against real estate interests to support lead paint poisoning legislation.
He believes that everyone deserves the opportunity to live and work in a safe home without the threat of lead exposure
Immigration Rights
Defender of Civil and Immigration Rights
As a fervent advocate for civil and immigration rights, Hiram led a successful fight to protect immigrants from ICE, USCIS, and other federal authorities.
His collaboration with the Mayor resulted in the establishment of a "Don't ask, Don't tell" policy, safeguarding the rights of immigrants.
Discrimination
Trailblazer Against Discrimination
During his tenure at the NYPD, Hiram led one of the largest class action lawsuits against the department for discrimination and disparate treatment. This landmark effort led to the largest settlement of its time.
Brought long-term changes to the Department's disciplinary system.
Street Renaming
Preserving Cultural History
He has led the initiative for street renaming, commemorating significant figures such as Malcolm X, Louis Armstrong, Calle Colombia, and Quisqueya, contributing to the cultural vibrancy of our neighborhoods.
Understanding the importance of preserving and honoring our communities' rich, diverse cultural history, Hiram has allocated millions for our cultural institutions.
Rockefeller Drug Laws
This historic vote required 32 votes to pass.
Every single one of those 32 votes were needed to end the disastrous policy, known as the Rockefeller Drug Laws that had ruined lives, torn apart families and caused enormous racial inequities
On April 2, 2009, the New York State Senate, in a 32-30 vote passed legislation that finally reformed Rockefeller Drug Laws.
The reform eliminated mandatory minimum sentences after 36 years. It also restored the judicial authority to send drug offenders to treatment rather than prison.
Opposing Regressive Taxes
There is taxing the wealthy, and then there is taxing the poor. Hiram opposed the NYC Sales Tax that hurt local businesses in New York by driving consumers away from local shops here at home to larger outlets in New Jersey.
Regressive taxation is wrong, it is unacceptable and it means that the poor stay poor.
I will push to cut down on government waste and ensure a lean, efficient and effective government.
Holding CitiBike Accountable
CitiBike has installed these bike racks primarily in residential areas with 1-2 family homes. Meanwhile, homeowners have expressed no interest or no need for the bikes or the service. As a result, homeowners in East Elmhurst community are calling for a local boycott of Citibikes and its namesake, Citibank, which happens to be the 3rd largest bank in the United States in terms of assets.
“The placement of these racks throughout this community was poor planning - to say the least, not to mention Citibike’s tone deaf approach to place one of the bike racks at Malcom X Place on the block of the home of slain Civil rights Icon in East Elmhurst.” said District Leader Hiram Monserrate who lives in East Elmhurst and was the Councilmember that introduced the legislation for the street renaming.
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