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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City Hall, 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 Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s Preliminary Budget Proposal:

“The Mayor’s Preliminary Budget marks the beginning of a critical conversation about how we safeguard New York City’s fiscal future while protecting New Yorkers.

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Council also passes resolution calling for respect of history at National Park Sites, including Stonewall National Monument

City Hall, NY – Today, the New York City Council voted to reform the city contract procurement system, strengthening protections against false information on the qualifications of bidders for city contracts and increasing accessibility of critical information for vendors.

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ALBANY, NY – Today, New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin delivered testimony during a joint legislative public hearing on the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 Executive State Budget. The hearing was streamed live here.

Read Speaker Menin’s oral testimony as prepared for delivery:

Good afternoon, Chairs Krueger, Pretlow, Bottcher, and Burke;

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In a letter to National Parks Service, Council leaders urge Trump Administration to immediately return Pride flag where it belongs 

NEW YORK, NY – Today, New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin, along with the Co-Chairs of the Council’s LGBTQIA+ Caucus, Council Members Chi Ossé and Justin Sanchez, denounced the removal of the Pride flag at the Stonewall National Monument in New York City.

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Manhattan, NY – Today, New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin outlined top policy priorities at A Better New York’s (ABNY) Power Breakfast. Below is a rush transcript of her remarks.  

This event was livestreamed. Photos available here. 

I want to thank Steven and ABNY for everything you do. 

I have to tell you, I’ve been involved with ABNY for almost 25 years — at this point, I’m basically a fangirl of ABNY. 

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Legislative package includes the Schools and Houses of Worship Access and Safety Act to establish a safe perimeter around entrances and exits of houses of worship and schools

NEW YORK, NY – Today, New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin introduced a package of legislation as part of the Council-led five-point action plan to combat antisemitism, strengthen protections for schools and all houses of worship, and expand Holocaust education citywide.

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Council also overrode veto of legislation to create a legal framework for city’s gender-motivated violence survivors to seek accountability 

City Hall, NY – Today, the New York City Council voted to override 17 mayoral vetoes by former Mayor Eric Adams of bills that strengthen worker protections, increase housing affordability and opportunities for homeownership, and create a legal framework for survivors to seek accountability for gender-motivated violence.

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