New York City Council

New York, NY –  “I agree with the recommendations of the Standard and Ethics Committee. Council Member King should be expelled from office. This is not a decision to be made lightly, but Council Member King has given us no alternative. This is the third time this Committee has had to discipline the Council Member, and yet he continues to show a blatant disregard for the rules and policies put in place to protect staff and the integrity of this body, including undermining the monitor who was imposed to try and correct his egregious behavior.  

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“Tonight, Jewish people across our beloved city will join together for the Kol Nidre service to mark the start of their holiest day of the year, Yom Kippur. I am grateful for the opportunity to wish all who observe an easy and meaningful fast on behalf of the entire New York City Council.  May all of us see a better year than the last, and may all our Jewish families be inscribed and sealed in the Book of Life. G’mar Chatimah Tovah.”

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New York, NY – “¡Victoria para nuestra ciudad! Today U.S. District Court Judge Lucy Koh ordered the Census Bureau to keep conducting the census count until October 31. This is a win for New York and gives us another month to get a complete count in the City. We have seen the Trump Administration try and fail, again and again, to exclude immigrants from the census count and diminish the power of big cities like New York.

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The Council will also vote to enact protections for hotel workers

City Hall, NY – The New York City Council will vote on legislation extending protections for commercial tenants who have been impacted by COVID-19. Businesses throughout the City have been financially hurt by the pandemic, and it has forced closures or reductions in capacity.

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“As the sun sets and Jewish people across our great City come together to observe Rosh Hashanah, I want to take this opportunity to wish all who celebrate a happy, healthy and sweet New Year 5781.

“May this new year be better than the last and filled with good health and happiness. May all who honor the High Holy Days be inscribed and sealed in the Book of Life. L’shana tovah u’metukah.”

The Council will also vote to allow restaurants to charge a COVID-19 fee

City Hall, NY – The New York City Council on Wednesday will vote on legislation that stops affordable housing providers who receive city funds from using an applicant’s credit score and debt (if less than $12,000) to determine eligibility for housing.

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“September 11th is always a painful day for our City and for our nation, but it is also a reminder of New York’s resiliency. Instead of destroying our city, the attacks strengthened and united us. Too many of our neighbors, including first responders, died on that day but their heroism will never be forgotten. 

“As our city battles another crisis, one that has killed more than 23,000 New Yorkers and continues to infect people, we must remember that by working together we can overcome the unthinkable and come back even stronger.” 

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“As the proud son of a union family, Labor Day is always special for me, but this year is particularly important because of everything working women and men have done to help this city and country battle the pandemic. It is critical that we thank and honor them for their hard work. 

“New York City is the birthplace of the American labor movement, and the contributions those women and men have made our city and our country stronger.

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“It’s time to allow indoor dining in New York City with reduced capacity and clear guidance to ensure social distancing and safety. 

“This is crucial for restaurant owners, who have been particularly hard hit by the pandemic and the resulting drop in tourism. Summer is winding down, and they need to begin planning for the colder months. Of course, we will continue to monitor the City’s COVID-19 rates, just as we must for all of our businesses. 

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“The Mayor’s decision to delay school re-openings to September 21st is a step in the right direction. Nothing is more important than safety, and I am glad we are prioritizing the health of students, teachers and school staff. Sadly, this common-sense measure should have been announced sooner to better allow school staff and families to plan properly for the academic year, something I and many of my colleagues urged the Administration to do in August.

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