Press Releases

City Hall, NY – Today, Speaker Adrienne Adams chaired and delivered opening remarks at the Council’s Committee on Criminal Justice Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 preliminary budget hearing. In her remarks, the Speaker reiterated the need to close Rikers Island by 2027, as mandated by law, and steps the City must take to ensure its closure. Speaker Adams also outlined the importance of the Department of Correction (DOC) addressing existing challenges in the jail system and preparing for a more effective jail system in the future that does not replicate the problems on Rikers.

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Speaker Adams released the following statement in response to the Queens District Attorney and NYPD’s announcement that 33 individuals have been indicted for more than 22 shootings in Southeast Queens:

“The devastating toll of gun violence disproportionately impacts families and communities, like mine in Southeast Queens, which have experienced far too many losses to bear. While we must never forget Aamir Griffin, Sean Vance, and countless others whose lives were cut short by violence, it is critical that we also not forget the surviving families and communities and ensuring their recovery and well-being.

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Council also votes on citywide plan to reduce diabetes, improvements to homeless & foster care services, clarifying building codes & improving Green Building Law implementation, cleaning marine debris from city shores/waters, and recognizing Ramadan

City Hall, NY – Today, the New York City Council voted on legislation to expand resources for the City’s high school students by codifying discount ferry rides and increasing access to IDNYC.

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“New York City is required by law to close Rikers by 2027, and the City Council remains committed to ensuring this Administration adheres to that deadline. We know there’s been significant progress in the procurement of contracts for borough-based jails, and physical work began at each site in early 2022. Any borough-based jail contract must align with the 2027 mandate for Rikers’ closure.

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Council Speaker unveils agenda to expand workforce development and entrepreneurship, increase affordable housing, and improve health and safety with a focus on underserved communities

The Bronx, NY – New York City Council Speaker Adrienne E. Adams delivered her State of the City address today at Justice Sonia Sotomayor Houses and Community Center in the Bronx, outlining her vision to invest in the City’s workers, expand opportunities for entrepreneurship, prioritize affordable housing, and improve the health and safety of neighborhoods.

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The Bronx, NY – New York City Council Speaker Adrienne E. Adams delivered her State of the City address today at Justice Sonia Sotomayor Houses and Community Center in the Bronx. 

Below are the Speaker’s full remarks as prepared for delivery:

Wow, just incredible. Thank you, Karina. I’m honored to be introduced by you.

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City Hall, NY – Today, Speaker Adrienne Adams delivered opening remarks at the Council’s Committee on Finance hearing to examine the Mayor’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Preliminary Budget. Today’s hearing is the first of the Council’s series of FY 24 Preliminary Budget hearings, where respective Committees will analyze agency budgets and receive testimony from agency leadership, as well as the public.

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Analysis shows $5.2 billion more in revenues than OMB’s FY ‘23 and ‘24 estimates, as labor contract costs are expected to absorb significant resources

City Hall, NY – Today, the New York City Council unveiled its Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Preliminary Budget Tax and Economic Forecast, with key findings on the national and local economies, as well as tax revenue projections.

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“The Mayor’s announcement today addressing our city’s mental health crises is a welcome one. The isolation and stressors of the pandemic continue to exacerbate the multiple mental health crises already facing our communities, and they require evidence-based solutions and sustained investment.

“People experiencing substance abuse challenges require treatment, not years spent cycling through courts and jails. Instead of criminalization, we must invest in health-based programs that divert people from the justice system and towards treatment, with a focus on racial equity.

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Council also votes to strengthen violence prevention programs, provide mental healthcare in homeless shelters for families with children, require performance evaluation of criminal justice programs, and create board to advise city on juvenile detention issues

City Hall, NY – Today, the New York City Council voted on a legislative package strengthening fire safety of e-bikes and scooters, and the lithium-ion batteries that power such devices.

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