“The United States citizens living in Puerto Rico deserve better and today’s news is a reminder that this humanitarian crisis will only worsen without action.
Congress must take the lead on Puerto Rico and without delay. Every day that goes by means more public services are shut down and that the health care crisis will continue to deepen.
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“The FY 2017 Executive Budget incorporates many of the recommendations and priorities outlined by the Council in our Preliminary Budget Response, including greatly building New York City’s reserves and increasing the City’s capital investments, which will help safeguard our City’s continued financial security.
However, while we commend Mayor de Blasio for investing in Beacon Centers, strengthening support for homeless families and better ensuring that incarcerated New Yorkers are treated with dignity, the Council remains concerned that the Administration’s proposed plan to close the Health and Hospitals operating gap is contingent on substantial State and Federal cooperation which has not yet been assured.
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“Earlier this month, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck Ecuador, the largest to hit the nation since last century. Authorities are reporting more than 650 casualties so far, as well as thousands of displaced residents and $2 billion in economic loss.
New York City is home to more than 228,000 Ecuadorian residents who make up a vital part of our diverse community.
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Council will also vote on modified plan for East New York Rezoning
City Hall – Today the City Council will vote on legislation making defibrillators available to youth baseball teams and requiring defibrillators at games and practices. The Council will also vote on a modified rezoning plan for East New York. Additionally, the Council will vote on legislation to better provide social services throughout the City.
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“Today, the Supreme Court will hear oral arguments about one of the most consequential cases of our lifetime. At stake is the immigration status of millions of undocumented immigrants who pay taxes, contribute to our economy and who help our city and country run. Undocumented New Yorkers are part of the New York family.
For too long, undocumented immigrants and families have lived in the shadows with the fear of deportation looming.
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Council will also vote on reforms to the City’s For-Hire Vehicle and Taxi Industries
City Hall, NY – Today the City Council will vote on legislation authorizing the Department of Transportation to create rules governing pedestrian plazas in New York City. The Council will also vote on a legislative package reforming the City’s for-hire vehicle and taxi industries.
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“True governance is by the people, for the people. We must ensure that our institutions are accountable to the full diversity of our society – regardless of voter eligibility. Here in New York City, our IDNYC program and participatory budgeting process have made historic strides to enfranchise New Yorkers who for too long have been excluded from civic and public life.
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Council Budget Tackles Inequality Through Responsible Budgeting and Builds City’s Reserves While Expanding Services to All New Yorkers
City Hall — New York City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, Council Finance Chair Julissa Ferreras-Copeland and the New York City Council today released the Council’s Fiscal Year 2017 Preliminary Budget Response. Focused on tackling inequality through responsible budgeting and expanding opportunities to all New Yorkers while also building up the City’s reserves, the Council’s recommendations for the upcoming fiscal year prioritize essential services and include:
• Ensuring Opportunities for New York City’s Youth
• Supporting New York City’s Immigrants
• Budgeting for a More Equitable City
• Building for New York City’s Future
• Safeguarding the City’s Programs and Services through Budget Stability
• Baselining City Priorities
• Expanding and Enhancing Vital City Services
• Tracking the City’s Progress
“The Council’s budget recommendations are the culmination of dozens of comprehensive budget hearings and reflect the needs of all New Yorkers while also planning for our City’s future,” said Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito.
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“I congratulate Governor Cuomo, Majority Leader Flanagan and Speaker Heastie on negotiating a budget that will support working families and will uplift communities across New York. Raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour is an historic victory and an important step and I thank Governor Cuomo for his leadership in getting it done. In addition, New York now has strong paid family leave –
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