Press Releases

“It is unconscionable that because of Trump’s Muslim ban, families are being ripped apart and communities are suffering. As the United States Supreme Court hears oral arguments on this racist policy, we want to be clear that the Muslim ban in its intent and effect is Islamophobic, it is illogical and it must be deemed unconstitutional.  As part of our duties as elected officials, the Council will continue to speak out and reject the targeting of Muslim sisters and brothers solely based on their faith, and we will never shut our doors to the vulnerable and refugees who need our help. READ MORE

In honor of Earth Day, Council votes on package confirming New York City’s status as leader in combating climate change

City Hall – Today, the New York City Council will vote on an environmental protection bill package implementing wind power and energy efficiency measures. In addition, the Council will vote on a bill amending parts of the recently passed “Stop Sexual Harassment in NYC Act.” Finally, the Council will vote on a number of land use items. READ MORE

Speaker Corey Johnson and Mayor Bill de Blasio today sent the letter below to MTA Chairman Joseph Lhota regarding New York City’s $418 commitment to the MTA’s Subway Action Plan.

Joseph J. Lhota

Chairman

Metropolitan Transportation Authority

2 Broadway

New York, NY 10004

Dear Chairman Lhota:

We write to you today regarding the crisis in the subway system and the dramatic impact it is having on the lives of millions of New Yorkers. READ MORE

“I am disgusted and saddened by the vicious attack that occurred on Saturday in Crown Heights, which is being investigated as a potential hate crime. The victim was Jewish and reportedly subjected to anti-Semitic slurs. Unfortunately, Saturday’s attack follows another unprovoked incident of violence on April 13, also in Brooklyn and also towards a Jewish man. This is not what our city is about, and my heart breaks that New Yorkers have endured this kind of abuse and violence. READ MORE

“Almost four years after the death of Eric Garner, no one has been held accountable for this senseless loss. This is outrageous. Nothing will bring Mr. Garner back, but this city and, most importantly, his family and friends deserve to see justice. According to a new report out today in the New York Times, prosecutors at the Justice Department are calling for civil rights charges to be filed in the case. READ MORE

“Today I join in celebrating Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day.  For 70 years the State of Israel has stood as a beacon of hope and opportunity, overcoming seemingly insurmountable challenges.  I am honored to be in Israel to mark this historic occasion with my Council colleagues on a mission to learn more about Israeli culture and economic opportunities, as well as to meet with civic, government, and business leaders. READ MORE

City Hall, NY – Speaker Corey Johnson and Oversight and Investigations Committee Chair Ritchie Torres announced the hiring of Steve Pilnyak as Chief of the new Oversight and Investigations Unit. Pilnyak brings nearly fifteen years of experience in and out of government, including as a prosecutor in the New York County District Attorney’s Office investigating and prosecuting highly sensitive and complex white-collar conduct in the Major Economic Crimes Bureau and as a supervisor of the Financial Intelligence Unit. READ MORE

“This evening we stand with communities around the world to remember the millions of Jewish men, women, and children, as well as countless others, whose lives were taken during the Shoah, one of the darkest times of human history. Yom HaShoah, or Holocaust Remembrance Day, teaches us to remember and honor not only the millions we lost, but the bravery and strength of those who survived such senseless acts of brutality.  READ MORE

The Council’s “Stop Sexual Harassment in NYC Act” would be among the strictest anti-sexual harassment legislation in the country

City Hall – Today, the New York City Council will vote on its “Stop Sexual Harassment in NYC Act,” a comprehensive package of legislation strengthening New York City’s anti-sexual harassment policies and combating sexual harassment in the workplace. READ MORE

Under New Council Leadership, Council Budget Doubles Down on Accountability and Efforts to Provide Resources for all New Yorkers

City Hall, NY- Council Speaker Corey Johnson, Council Finance Chair Daniel Dromm, Capital Budget Subcommittee Chair Vanessa L. Gibson and the New York City Council released the Council’s Fiscal Year 2019 Preliminary Budget Response. This is the first budget response under the leadership of Speaker Johnson, newly appointed Finance Chair Daniel Dromm and Capital Budget Subcommittee Chair Vanessa L. READ MORE