“For decades, affirmative action has empowered educational institutions to address systemic inequities that have long-prevented Black communities, and people of color more broadly, from accessing the same opportunities as their peers. Today’s Supreme Court decision to strike affirmative action is a loss for our civil rights and the long-standing struggle for justice and equity. It prevents our institutions of higher learning from promoting racial diversity and inclusivity in our classrooms – values that benefit all students.

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The on-time $107 billion budget ensures investments in essential City services, health and safety, education, and quality of life

City Hall, NY – Speaker Adrienne Adams, Finance Committee Chair Justin Brannan, and Council Members joined Mayor Eric Adams to announce an agreement on a $107 billion budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2024. The FY 2024 budget outlines the Council’s commitment to protect New Yorkers from many interruptions and cuts to essential services needed to keep the City safe, healthy, and successful.

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“Improving public safety in our communities means our city must invest in effective community-based solutions that prevent violence before it occurs. The Crisis Management System’s trusted, credible violence interrupters are on the ground and know their communities best. I’m proud that my district is home to several CMS organizations whose work has been invaluable in stemming gun violence in Southeast Queens.

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“Our entire city is mourning the loss of former Lieutenant Governor and MTA Chairman Richard Ravitch. Dick dedicated his life to strengthening New York during times of crisis as a civic leader, public servant, and an engaged citizen. He will always be remembered for his immeasurable contributions and generous spirit. I send my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and community.

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“Students should not have to choose between their faith, culture, and education. As a longtime supporter of making Diwali an official school holiday, I am thrilled that our Hindu, Jain, and Sikh families in New York observing the Festival of Lights can finally celebrate without interruption. This moment marks the culmination of many years of effort. I congratulate my colleagues in government, as well as our faith leaders and community partners, for this long-awaited victory.”

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Veto of bills to help New Yorkers prolongs enactment of solutions to record homelessness and fuels worsening eviction crisis in city

City Hall, NY – In response to Mayor Adams’ veto of housing voucher bills overwhelmingly passed by the Council, the New York City Council, homeless services providers, and advocates condemned the mayor’s action as a harmful act of useless political theater that delays solutions to homelessness and fuels a worsening eviction crisis.

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Council also votes to authorize City support of guaranteed income programs for low-income families, increase enforcement against commercial spaces unlawfully selling marijuana, include financial literacy education in youth programs, and honor New Yorkers through street co-namings and public database of biographies

City Hall, NY – Today, the New York City Council passed several legislative actions from the Council’s previously unveiled mental health roadmap.

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“The Rent Guidelines Board’s vote to authorize rent increases, while on the lower end of the proposed ranges, will only further exacerbate the homelessness and housing crisis in our communities at a time when New Yorkers can least afford it. As our city grapples with a record-high shelter population, an affordable housing shortage that remains unabated, and rising costs, New York City tenants increasingly struggle to make ends meet.

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City Hall, NY – Ahead of the Rent Guidelines Board vote on proposed rent increases to the city’s nearly one million rent-stabilized units, New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams sent the Board a letter calling on them to recognize the affordable housing and homelessness crises the city is facing. New York City’s rent-stabilized units account for almost half of the city’s rental apartments, making it a crucial piece of the city’s affordable housing stock.

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Re: Mayor Adams’ rule change on 90-day rule also adding new counterproductive work requirements that Council bill would eliminate

“For months as New York City’s shelter population grew, the Council raised the alarm around the need to remove barriers to CityFHEPS vouchers to help individuals and families leave shelter and transition to permanent housing. In response to inaction from the Administration, we introduced a comprehensive package of legislative solutions in January to not only address our homelessness crisis but a growing eviction crisis as well.

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