City Hall – The New York
City Council on Wednesday will vote on a package of bills that aim to improve
the experiences of people seeking support from offices where public benefits
are administered. This package was introduced after an incredibly disturbing
video of one woman’s experience at a Human Resources Administration (HRA)
building in Boerum Hill came to light last December.
The bills represent comprehensive
reform, with one that would require HRA to perform an audit of its operations,
policies and procedures at job and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
(SNAP) centers. Another bill would require HRA to develop and implement a plan
for improving client experience based on that review, with input from
advocates.
Another bill would codify the
Office of Constituent Services within HRA, which would be responsible for the
timely review and response to questions, comments and complaints, and would
develop strategies for communication with benefit recipients.
Other bills would require regular
reporting by HRA on client complaints, enforcement activity within job and SNAP
centers, the termination and reopening of public assistance, as well as on
instances in which public assistance was denied. The proposed legislation would
also require the implementation of changes targeted at improving client
experiences, such as by providing designated space for children in waiting
areas, allowing clients to reschedule appointments by phone, requiring social
work services be available at job centers, and requiring that employees working
in job and SNAP centers be trained on de-escalating conflict and
trauma-informed care.
The Council will also vote on a
resolution calling on the State to develop a policy instituting a grace period
before terminating public assistance or SNAP benefits due to a change in income
or employment, which would provide recipients with time to contest or prepare
for the termination.
In addition to this set of bills
focused on Department of Social Services/HRA job and SNAP centers, the Council
will also vote on legislation that would require the police department to
implement child-sensitive arrest policies that can help minimize trauma and
long-term consequences for kids who many witness an arrest.
The Council will also vote on a
bill that would significantly strengthen the ability of the Department of
Housing Preservation (HPD) to recover relocation expenses in cases where a
building owner has failed to maintain a property and tenants are displaced.
Additionally, the Council will
vote on a resolution calling upon Congress to pass, and the President to sign,
the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2019.
Finally, the Council will vote on
several finance and land use items.
In Relation to Auditing
Department of Social Services/Human Resources Administration Job Centers and
SNAP Centers
Introduction 1382-A, sponsored
by Council Member Helen Rosenthal, would require HRA to perform an audit of
its operations, policies and procedures at job centers and SNAP centers, with
the goal of increasing operational efficiency at such centers. HRA would be
required to perform the audit in consultation with at least five organizations
that work with job and SNAP center visitors. The report would include
recommendations made by such organizations and whether HRA will implement such
recommendations.
“Over the years we have received
many accounts of the poor treatment of New Yorkers who visit City-run public
assistance and SNAP centers in need of assistance. This remains absolutely
unacceptable, and what happened to Jazmine Headley is a stark reminder of the
indignities and injustices that low-income residents are forced to endure. A
full review is needed of client treatment at DSS/HRA centers, and how this
impacts the assistance received. I’m proud to join my colleagues in pushing
forward this package of legislation, including my bill which requires the City
to audit client wait times, staff-to-visitor ratios, and other key metrics. At
the end of the day, Ms. Headley was punished for her need to seek assistance
and for her crime of poverty. As a society, that is our failure, not hers,”
said Council Member Helen Rosenthal.
In Relation to Implementation
of a Plan Based on Findings of the Audit of Department of Social Services/Human
Resources Administration Job Centers and SNAP Centers
Introduction 1350-A, sponsored
by Council Member Vanessa Gibson, would require HRA to implement the plan
to improve the client experience, as developed pursuant to the audit required
in Int. No. 1382-A. HRA would be required to implement such plan by January 1,
2021. HRA would be required to submit to the Council and post on its website an
initial progress report detailing their efforts to improve the client
experience. This report would be due March 1, 2021. HRA would be required to
issue three subsequent progress reports over the next six years. These reports
would be due on March 1, 2023, March 1, 2025, and March 1, 2027.
“I am proud to sponsor Intro.
1350-A, which will require HRA to develop and implement a plan based on DSS/HRA
audit findings on job centers and SNAP centers. This report will reflect center
wait times, staff-to-visitor ratios, access to technology, and much more. This
bill aims to address various concerns around center wait times, understaffing,
and overall clientele satisfaction in receiving vital HRA services. I thank
Speaker Johnson, my Colleagues and the staff for their hard work, and look
forward to the implementation of these necessary changes at our HRA Centers,”
said Council Member Vanessa Gibson.
In Relation to an Office of
Constituent Services
Introduction 1332-A, sponsored
by Speaker Corey Johnson, would establish a system for DSS to receive comments,
questions and complaints, conduct a review of all inquiries from clients about
cases where any public benefits administered by HRA have been or will be
terminated, establish and maintain policies regarding communication with
clients in a timely manner, and develop strategies and recommendations
regarding such client communication. HRA would be required to post the phone
number for the Office of Constituent Services on its website.
“People receiving public
benefits or looking to the government for support should be able to navigate
the system in a way that doesn’t place an undue burden on them. It’s up to us
as a City to put systems in place that make it possible for people to get the
help they need. All New Yorkers deserve to be treated with respect and dignity,
and the Office of Constituent Services will help to ensure that basic right is
fulfilled for people turning to the Human Resources Administration as well,”
said Speaker Corey Johnson.
Requiring the Department of
Social Services/Human Resources Administration to Report on Termination of
Public Assistance
Introduction 1389-A, sponsored
by Public Advocate Mr. Jumaane Williams, would require HRA to submit to the
Council and post on its website quarterly reports on instances in which public
assistance was terminated and instances in which public assistance was denied.
These reports would provide valuable insight into the various hurdles public
assistance recipients face when applying for or maintaining such assistance.
“Intro 1389-A would provide much
needed transparency for both affected constituents and their elected leaders by
ensuring that public assistance is not summarily terminated without
explanation. Jazmine Headley’s experience clearly demonstrated the need for
reform. We cannot allow people to slip through the flaws in our system and lose
vital benefits without just cause and explanation. I thank Chair Levin, Speaker
Johnson, and all of the Council Members with legislation as part of the Justice
For Jazmine reform package for recognizing the importance of these issues,”
said Mr. Jumaane Williams.
Requiring the Department of
Social Services/Human Resources Administration to Report on Termination of
Public Assistance and Reopening
Introduction 1359-A, sponsored
by Council Member Stephen Levin, would require HRA to submit to the Council
and post on its website quarterly reports on instances in which public
assistance was terminated and subsequently reopened within three months. The
purpose of such reports would be to identify how often technical glitches
within the state welfare management system cause benefits to be wrongfully
terminated. Such reports would also include the number of instances in which a
case had experienced a lapse in public assistance due to such technical
glitches.
“The abuse Jazmine Headley
experienced was abhorrent. Jazmine should never have had her child taken from
her. She never should have been at Rikers. And she should never have had to
wait hours for her benefits to be reinstated after being wrongly terminated. In
response to what Ms. Headley faced, the Council advanced a comprehensive
package, including Int. 1359, a bill I am sponsoring to require DSS to issue a
public report on instances in which public assistance for a recipient was
terminated and the recipient reapplied for such public assistance. Transparency
is key in identifying issues and enacting systems-wide change at DSS. What
occurred to Jazmine did not take place in a vacuum – and today we are taking
concrete steps to improve our City’s social services system. This change is
long overdue and I thank the Speaker, Corey Johnson, my Council colleagues, and
the advocates who fight for New Yorkers like Jazmine Headley every day,” said Council
Member Stephen Levin.
In Relation to Reporting on
Arrests, Summonses, Removals, Escorts and Use of Force Incidents Occurring in
Department of Social Services/Human Resources Administration Job Centers and
SNAP Centers
Introduction 1333-A, sponsored
by Council Member Adrienne Adams, would require HRA to submit quarterly
reports on enforcement activity within job centers and SNAP centers. Such
reports would include arrests, summonses, removals, escorts and use of force
incidents. The reports would be submitted to the Council and posted on HRA’s
website.
“After the unfortunate escalation
at an HRA center in the case of Jazmine Headley and so many others, I am proud
to join my colleagues in this package of legislation to ensure that incidents
like these do not happen again. Vulnerable New Yorkers go to HRA offices for help
and should not have to second guess how they will be treated. I am proud to
have passed Introduction 1333 which will increase transparency for this
agency,” said Council Member Adrienne Adams.
Requiring the Department of
Social Services/Human Resources Administration to Report Annually on Complaints
by Clients
Introduction 1403-A, sponsored
by Council Member Chaim Deutsch, would require HRA to report annually on
the number of comments, questions and complaints by clients, including where
inquiries have been resolved, as well as the most frequent categories of
inquiries. Each year, HRA would provide this information to the Speaker of the
Council and post it online on its website.
“Intro 1403, part of the
#JusticeForJazmine package of bills, will require public reporting of the
number and nature of complaints, comments, and questions by HRA and DSS
customers. This information will aid us, as legislators, in identifying the
most common issues faced by those seeking assistance from these City agencies.
What happened to Jazmine Headley must never happen to another New Yorker, and
this bill, as well as the others included in this package, will make great
strides toward avoiding another preventable trauma,” said Council Member
Chaim Deutsch.
Requiring Social Workers at
Department of Social Services/Human Resources Administration Job Centers
Introduction 1335-A, sponsored
by Council Member Alicka Ampry-Samuel, would establish a pilot program for
the design, development implementation and provision of full-time social worker
services at one job center per borough and would require DSS to report the
findings of the pilot program by January 2020. The bill would require the
provision of full-time social work services at every job center by January
2021.
“I would like to thank my
colleagues and the Speaker for responding to the needs and issues that led to
the horrifying treatment of Jazmine Headley and her child. Providing social
work services, trauma-informed de-escalation training, and much needed safe
spaces for children at job centers, social services, and SNAP centers are
wellness solutions that should have been provided to New Yorkers who come to
the City for aid long ago. This package of reform bills acknowledges the human
element involved in the services provided at these sites. Additionally, by
having improved training and transparency on the conduct and policies of our
public service agencies, we can deliver solutions driven by numbers and more
importantly, empathy to New Yorkers in need.” said Council Member Alicka
Ampry-Samuel.
In Relation to De-Escalation
and Trauma-Informed Training
Introduction 1336-A, sponsored
by Council Member Alicka Ampry-Samuel, would build upon Local Law 15 of
2018 by requiring HRA to conduct trainings on de-escalating conflict and
trauma-informed care for all employees that work in job centers or SNAP
Centers, including contracted security staff.
Requiring Space for Children at
Department of Social Services/Human Resources Administration Job Centers and
SNAP Centers
Introduction 1337-A, sponsored
by Council Member Alicka Ampry-Samuel, would require HRA to provide a
designated space for children in every job and SNAP Center. The space would
include comfortable seating and age-appropriate and educational materials. The
bill would require HRA to create a poster containing information on the
availability of such space and report to the Council on the list of locations
where such spaces are available.
Requiring the Department of
Social Services/Human Resources Administration to Maintain Systems in which
Clients May Reschedule Appointments over the Phone
Introduction 1347-A, sponsored
by Council Member Laurie Cumbo, would require HRA to maintain systems that
allow clients to reschedule in-person appointments over the phone. The written
appointment notice that clients receive in the mail would notify clients of
their ability to reschedule their appointment over the phone.
“Today’s legislative package is
long overdue, and brings us one-step closer to slowly closing our city’s
institutional racist system. I will continue to reject the criminalization of
poverty and I will always use my voice to create change. I believe that all
people seeking services should be entitled to professional, compassionate and
efficient care; no one ever should be treated in a manner that is verbally,
physically abusive or cruel. Equally, our municipal workforce must receive the
same level of respect, and be paid fairly for their experiences and education
in their field of service. I am proud to pass Introduction 1347, which creates
an innovative approach to allow clients access to alter appointments over the
phone. In addition, I will pass a resolution calling on the State Legislature
to provide a grace period before terminating public assistance or Supplemental
Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits due to a change in income and or
employment,” said Council Member Laurie Cumbo.
Resolution calling on the
State Legislature to pass and the Governor to sign legislation that would
provide a grace period before terminating public assistance or SNAP benefits
due to a change in income and/or employment to allow time to contest the
termination of benefits or prepare for the termination.
Resolution 721, sponsored
by Council Member Laurie Cumbo.
Requiring the Police
Department to Implement Child Sensitive Arrest Policies
Introduction 1349, sponsored
by Council Member Daniel Dromm, would require the police department to
develop guidance and train its officers on an updated policy for making arrests
in the presence of child bystanders. The guidelines would specify that, among
other steps, an officer should promptly ascertain whether a child is present,
reasonably avoid the use of force and handcuffs in front of the child, allow
caregivers an opportunity to arrange for alternate care, offer assistance of a
partner organization that can help minimize the trauma of having an
incarcerated parent, and notify the administration for children’s services in
appropriate circumstances.
“My legislation will reduce the
trauma of arrests on both parents and their children by requiring the creation
of guidance the NYPD must follow. Such guidance will minimize the more
traumatizing aspects of parental arrests and provide such parents the
opportunity to ensure that their children are in safe hands. Notably, the NYPD
will be required to work with partner organizations to offer assistance to
arrested parents. Last year’s unfortunate incident involving Jazmine Headley
demonstrated that this effort is sorely needed. Together with my Council
colleagues and the advocates, including Tanya Krupat of the Osborne
Association, I look forward to continuing to examine ways in which we can
mitigate the harmful collateral impacts of the criminal justice system,” said Council
Member Daniel Dromm.
Resolution calling upon Congress to pass, and the
President to sign, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2019
Resolution 978, sponsored by Council Member Farah
Louis, would call upon Congress to pass, and the President to sign, the
Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2019, or “VAWA.” This legislation,
which has been reauthorized three times since its original enactment in 1994,
lapsed earlier this year after it was not extended by Congress and despite the
U.S. House passing the bill with strong bipartisan support. As the U.S. Senate
has yet to consider the bill, the Council of
the City of New York calls upon Congress to take action and pass, and the
President to sign, the VAWA Reauthorization Act of 2019.
“As a survivor of domestic abuse,
I can tell you that resources tailored to survivors — such as NYC’s Family
Justice Centers — are more than just public services — they are a lifeline in a
situation that often feels utterly hopeless. Every year, the needs around
domestic and gender-based violence become more and more apparent as we continue
to give space to survivors to speak and heal. In New York City, those needs are
urgent. It is an honor to advocate for survivors of domestic and gender-based
violence, especially if it means we can equip them, as well as the general
public, with tools to ensure that we see a reduction of domestic abuse, sexual
harassment, and all gender-based violence in our lifetime,” said Council
Member Farah Louis.
In Relation to the Recovery of
Relocation Expenses Incurred by the Department of Housing Preservation and Development
Pursuant to a Vacate Order
Introduction 30-A, sponsored
by Council Member Margaret Chin, would significantly strengthen the ability
of HPD to recover relocation expenses incurred while housing displaced tenants
following the issuance of certain vacate orders. It would do this by assessing
such expenses against a building as a high-priority tax lien, through which HPD
could more effectively pursue repayment of such expenses. The recovery of these
expenses is currently attempted through a low-priority mechanics lien.
“No landlord should be able to
get away with forcing their tenants to pay the cost of their negligence. But
far too often, we have seen predatory landlords create unlivable conditions
that lead to emergency evacuations that not only uproot tenants’ lives – but
also force them into a revolving door to the shelter system. My bill, Intro 30,
tells these landlords that the buck finally stops here. By requiring HPD to
create a first-of-its-kind system to recover relocation expenses, we are
putting the City’s worst landlords on the hook for the enormous hardship and
trauma that tenants have to endure during a vacate order. This bill creates a
strong incentive for landlords to make necessary repairs faster so that tenants
can come back home sooner, and sends a message that vacate orders should never
be weaponized as a tool for displacement,” said Council Member Margaret Chin.
The Council will also vote on the
following Article XI property tax exemptions approved by the Committee on
Finance:
340 South 3rd
Street, in Council Member Antonio Reynoso’s district in Brooklyn, will
receive a full, 40-year property tax exemption to preserve 41 units of
affordable housing.
Harlem House, in Council
Member Perkins’ district in Manhattan, will receive a partial, 40-year property
tax exemption to preserve 212 units of affordable housing.
Olinville Manor, in
Council Member Ritchie Torres’s district in the Bronx, will receive a full,
32-year property tax exemption to preserve 46 units of affordable housing.
Finally, the Council will also
vote on the following land use items:
306-seat Universal Pre-K Center
in Council Member Francisco Moya’s district in Queens.
East New York North NCP in
Council Member Raphael Espinal’s district in Brooklyn, will facilitate the
development of 41 units of affordable housing.
201-207
7th Avenue in Speaker Corey Johnson’s
district in Manhattan, will facilitate the development of a new nine-story,
mixed-use residential building with 26 affordable homeownership units and
ground floor retail space
515
West 18th Street Garage Special Permit in
Speaker Corey Johnson’s district in Manhattan, will facilitate the development
of a garage in the cellar of an as-of-right mixed-use development. The Council
is modifying this application to reduce the number of spaces even further, to a
total of 100 spaces.
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