In response to the New York Court of Appeals’ ruling to uphold the legality of Local Law 66 of 2020, prohibiting the use of chokeholds and other actions that restrict the flow of air or blood by compressing the diaphragm while attempting an arrest, the New York City Council issued the following statement from a spokesperson, Rendy Desamours:

“Today’s decision from the New York Court of Appeals, affirming the Council’s enactment of legislation banning chokeholds and other forms of restraints during attempted arrests, is consistent with our goal to advance public safety.

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“The Council recognizes that the city’s budget has serious forthcoming gaps from the expiration of federal COVID stimulus funds, economic impacts of the pandemic, and additional spending. This includes expenditures on services in response to an increased number of asylum seekers arriving in the city, but those did not create our budget gaps and are not the only factor contributing to our fiscal reality.

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“The signing of the Clean Slate Act into law is a monumental step for our state that will improve our communities, public safety, and New York’s economy. Each year, it is estimated that the state leaves $7 billion in earnings on the table by excluding millions of New Yorkers from our workforce. By removing barriers to employment, housing, education, and other economic opportunities for the more than 2 million New Yorkers with an old conviction record, this new law will empower individuals and families to access pathways to opportunity, stability, and success.

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City Hall, NY – Today, in response to the New York City Council passing the Speaker’s Fair Housing Framework legislation to require the City to establish targeted housing production goals for each Community District to ensure each New York City neighborhood plays an equitable role in addressing the city’s housing crisis, while accounting for unique community needs, Council Members, labor unions, and housing advocacy organizations issued the following statements:

“Safe and permanent housing, and especially affordable housing, is foundational to the well-being of our city,” said Deputy Speaker Diana Ayala.

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Legislation to require creation of Industrial Development Plan, redesign truck routes, streamline bike lane construction process, and address delays in city contracting process also passed

City Hall, NY – Today, the New York City Council voted to require the City to establish targeted housing production goals for each Community District to ensure each New York City neighborhood plays an equitable role in addressing the city’s housing crisis, while accounting for unique community needs.

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“For too long, students from New York’s Hindu, Sikh, and Jain communities have had to choose between their faith and their education on Diwali. With the signing of legislation to make Diwali an official school holiday, families across the city can finally celebrate the Festival of Lights without interruption. I’m proud to be a longtime supporter of making Diwali a school holiday, including co-sponsoring a resolution by former Council Member Danny Dromm in support of this goal during the last Council session.

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The Council also voted to educate and inform immigrant New Yorkers of their workplace rights

City Hall, NY – Today, the New York City Council voted to require the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, in consultation with New York City Health and Hospitals, to create guidance to educate medical professionals and the public on the detection of the sickle cell trait through pre- and post-conception genetic screening and on the management and treatment of sickle cell disease.

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Kicking off National Veterans and Military Families Month, the bills aim to raise awareness of the mental health services available throughout the city

City Hall, NY – Today, New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams and Mental Health Committee Chair Linda Lee, together with Council Members Robert Holden, Mercedes Narcisse, and Eric Dinowitz and Public Advocate Jumanne Williams, announced a package of bills aimed at addressing the mental health needs of veterans.

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On Monday, October 30, the Department of City Planning kicked off the public review process for Mayor Adams’ City of Yes for Economic Opportunity citywide text amendment. In response, Speaker Adams, Land Use Committee Chair Rafael Salamanca, Zoning and Franchises Subcommittee Chair Kevin Riley, and Economic Development Committee Chair Amanda Farias released the following joint statement:

“Expanding access to equitable economic opportunities is critical to our communities being healthy and safe, and will facilitate the city’s long-term recovery and success.

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City Hall, NY – Today, New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, Council Member Linda Lee, and Queens Public Library (QPL) President Dennis Walcott spoke at the Glen Oaks Branch about funding for the city’s libraries and enrichment programs, like City’s First Readers (CFR), to support the needs of communities and literacy development of children.

In the Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) budget, $135 million in operating funds were allocated to QPL, including $12 million in proposed spending cuts that the Council successfully advocated to restore.

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