City Hall, NY – Today, Speaker Adrienne Adams delivered opening remarks at the Council’s Committee on Immigration oversight hearing to examine the status of resources and services for newly arrived people seeking asylum. In her remarks, the Speaker addressed her concerns on the current migrant crisis and questioned the Administration’s handling of shelter and assistance for families affected and in need.
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“I am heartbroken by the loss of 25-year EMS Lieutenant Alison Russo, who was tragically killed today in Astoria. My condolences are with her family, loved ones, and community. Our city is mourning her loss. As the mother of an FDNY paramedic, I know firsthand the critical work our EMTs do every day. The safety of these dedicated public servants who heroically save lives is critically important.”
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City Hall, NY – Today, the Council voted on legislation to ensure transparency and equal access at New York City’s 311 Customer Service Center, operated by the New York City Department of Information Technology and Telecommunications (DOITT). From long wait times to lack of language access, New Yorkers commonly face problems while attempting to get assistance. The Council’s legislation seeks to improve 311 by increasing transparency on wait times, efficiently identifying languages spoken by callers, and ensuring that the 311 Customer Service Center is proactively informed and equipped to address the need for new and updated service request/complaint types.
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“Yesterday’s City Council hearing on legislation regarding solitary confinement was an important moment for our city. While the hearing was conducted professionally, what transpired at City Hall before the hearing was deeply troubling. The footage and reports of disrespectful actions, some directed at members of this body, are unacceptable and I am disappointed that this situation unfolded in the way it did.
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City Hall, NY – Today, Speaker Adrienne Adams delivered opening remarks at the Council’s Committee on Criminal Justice hearing on Introduction 549, which would ban the use of solitary confinement in city jails.
Below are the Speaker’s full remarks as prepared for delivery:
“Good morning, I am Speaker Adrienne Adams, and I’d like to thank Chair Rivera for convening this hearing today on Introduction 549, which would ban solitary confinement in city jails.
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City Hall, NY – New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams and the Council’s members of Puerto Rican descent — Deputy Speaker Diana Ayala, Council Member Rafael Salamanca, Council Member Carlina Rivera, Council Member Marjorie Velázquez, Council Member Amanda Farías, Council Member Tiffany Cabán, and Council Member Alexa Avilés — called for the federal government to provide a waiver to the Jones Act for Puerto Rico in order to help the island recover from the aftermath of Hurricane Fiona.
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“I would like to wish all those celebrating Rosh Hashanah throughout New York City best wishes for a shana tova u’metukah, a happy sweet new year. In these challenging times may we use this New Year as an opportunity to rebuild our communities through empathy, acts of kindness and compassion. May the year 5783 be a year of peace, prosperity, and health.”
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Council’s 2022 Pay Equity Report finds pay inequities remain, particularly among women, Black and Latino municipal workers
City Hall, NY – Speaker Adrienne Adams and the New York City Council today released its annual report on pay inequities within New York City’s municipal workforce, showing continued inequities. In conjunction with the release of the 2022 Pay Equity report, the Council also is holding a hearing on pay inequities in the City’s workforce and legislation to address them.
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“Five years after Hurricane Maria, the people on the island of Puerto Rico have once again been devastated by another hurricane in Fiona that has only reopened the wounds of multiple past disasters and unfulfilled commitments to recovery from them. Our city shares a unique and close relationship with Puerto Rico, and it’s critical that commitments to relief efforts on the island are fulfilled.
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“Pay disparities for women and people of color remain a persistent issue in our city and country, hampering economic opportunities. The inequities for Black women are particularly striking, with our making 58 cents for every dollar earned by a white man. These disparities are not just unfair, but also harmful to our economy and communities. As a majority-women Council, we remain committed to achieving pay equity for Black women and all New Yorkers.
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