New York, NY – Today, New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin issued the following statement after an immigration judge ordered the removal of City Council employee Rafael Rubio from the United States. Rubio was detained more than two months ago during a routine immigration check-in despite having legal authorization to remain in the country.
“Today, Judge Conroy ordered the removal of Rafael Rubio, our City Council employee, from the United States.
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New York, NY – At today’s New York City Council Preliminary Budget hearing for the Committee on Governmental Operations, State & Federal Legislation, Speaker Julie Menin secured a commitment from Corporation Counsel Steve Banks that the City’s Law Department will create a public online portal to release documents related to post-9/11 air quality and health risks.
During questioning at the hearing, Banks confirmed that following Speaker Menin’s questioning during his February 4 confirmation hearing, he directed the Law Department to review the issue and begin preparing documents for public release.
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NEW YORK, NY – Today, New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin and Council Member Linda Lee, Chair of the Committee on Finance, issued the following statement on Moody’s Ratings revising New York City’s outlook to “negative:”
“Moody’s revised outlook is a clear warning sign that New York City must take its long-term fiscal challenges seriously.
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NEW YORK, NY – New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin today announced several senior staff appointments to strengthen the Council’s work on economic development, strategic partnerships, and compliance.
“These appointments help bolster our efforts to take the Council in a new, more proactive direction to deliver results for every resident of the five boroughs,” said Speaker Julie Menin.
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Council also passes legislation requiring convening of quadrennial commission to review elected officials’ salaries
City Hall, NY – Today, the New York City Council voted to establish a pilot program aimed at improving street cleanliness and ensuring timely removal of snow or ice at bus shelters, bike share stations, and other public spaces. The legislation comes after the city saw two major snowstorms that left hundreds of bus shelters and stops snowed in for days.
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Findings suggest the City can avoid tapping the Rainy Day Fund
Separate Council forecast shows relatively stronger revenue outlook than the Office of Management and Budget for FY 26 & 27
City Hall, NY – Speaker Julie Menin and Finance Chair Linda Lee today released the New York City Council’s March 2026 Economic and Tax Revenue Forecast, alongside an initial analysis identifying nearly $1.7 billion in potential savings and additional revenue for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026, which ends June 30.
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City Hall, NY – Today, New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin issued the following statement on the federal court’s decision to delay the release of City Council employee Rafael Rubio, who has been in federal detention since January 12, 2026:
“We are deeply disappointed and outraged that our City Council colleague Rafael Rubio remains in federal custody.
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Legislation strengthens protections for New Yorkers of all faiths, safeguarding Freedom of Religion and Freedom of Speech
NEW YORK, NY – New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin and Council Member Yusef Salaam, Chair of the Committee to Combat Hate, held an interfaith rally today with elected officials, faith leaders, educators, and advocates from across New York City at City Hall ahead of a Council hearing on a package of bills aimed at combatting antisemitism, Islamophobia, anti-Christian hate, and protecting New Yorkers’ access to houses of worship and schools.
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Council also voted to require reporting on payments to early childhood care and education providers
Council passes resolution condemning the killings of Renée Nicole Good and Alex Jeffrey Pretti by ICE
City Hall, NY – Today, the New York City Council voted to limit the terms of emergency contracts to 90 days, unless the City Comptroller and Corporation Counsel approve terms for a longer period.
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Conversation on eve of Ramadan addressed enhancements to hate crime reporting systems, barriers facing halal food pantries, and the Council’s broader commitment to Muslim New Yorkers’ safety and dignity
City Hall, NY – This afternoon, on the eve of Ramadan, New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin convened a group of Muslim leaders from across the city for a roundtable discussion on combating Islamophobia and expanding access to halal food, two issues that are central to the dignity, safety, and daily lives of the city’s vibrant Muslim community. Council Member Shahana Hanif also joined the conversation.
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