Press Releases

New York, NY – Council Speaker Corey Johnson and Council Member Francisco Moya released the below statements in response to the de Blasio Administration’s initiative to increase funds to pay for final resting arrangements for low-income COVID-19 victims. The Administration has expanded eligibility to all New Yorkers, regardless of immigration status. Speaker Johnson and Council Member Moya had last month called for an emergency fund for low-income New Yorkers who couldn’t afford final arrangement costs, and for the fund to be open to all.

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New York, NY – “It is time for Samaritan’s Purse to leave New York City. This group, which is led by the notoriously bigoted, hate-spewing Franklin Graham, came at a time when our city couldn’t in good conscience turn away any offer of help. That time has passed. Their continued presence here is an affront to our values of inclusion, and is painful for all New Yorkers who care deeply about the LGBTQ community. 

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Over seven miles in all five boroughs; Streets will be open each day to pedestrians and cyclists — with limited vehicle traffic — from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. starting Monday

NEW YORK—In response to the COVID-19 crisis, Speaker Corey Johnson and Mayor Bill de Blasio today announced the first group of streets that would be opened to pedestrians and cyclists every day starting next week, when spring temperatures are forecasted to arrive. The streets, spanning over seven miles and reaching all five boroughs, are part of the Open Streets initiative designed to provide greater social distancing among New Yorkers.

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Council’s campaign #BeingSafeCANTWait will provide support and resources to domestic violence survivors and runs from May 1st-May 5th

NEW YORK— Speaker Corey Johnson, Women & Gender Equity Committee Chair Helen Rosenthal and Public Safety Committee Chair Donovan Richards announced the launch of the New York City Council’s #BeingSafeCANTWait social media campaign to spread awareness of domestic violence amid COVID-19 and amplifies the message that help is available.

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By the end of next week, New Yorkers will be able to obtain marriage licenses online from the City Clerk

NEW YORK— Speaker Corey Johnson and Mayor Bill de Blasio today announced “Project Cupid,” a joint effort between the Office of the City Clerk and the New York City Department of Information Technology and Telecommunications (DoITT) to transition the marriage licensing process fully online. 

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NEW YORK – As the weather gets warmer and New York City’s fight against COVID-19 stretches into the summer, Speaker Corey Johnson and Mayor Bill de Blasio today announced plans to implement at least 40 miles of street closures, sidewalk widening, and additional bike lanes over the next month – with a goal of implementing 100 miles, focusing on communities hardest hit by the pandemic.  

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Council action impacts more than 2,100 affordable housing units

City Hall – The New York City Council on Wednesday will vote on several land use items to preserve and expand affordable housing across New York City. This will be the first vote since all hearings and stated meetings were postponed because of the coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic.

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Package of bills include a NYC Essential Workers Bill of Rights

NEW YORK, NY – The New York City Council will introduce a COVID-19 relief package that aims to protect tenants, help small businesses survive, and find creative ways to address the public health crisis brought on by the virus. Highlights include a bill that extends time for COVID-impacted tenants to repay rent and pay back debts, as well as new protections from harassment for all renters, including the City’s small businesses.  

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NEW YORK, NY – New York City Council Speaker Corey Johnson and Council Member Carlina Rivera will introduce legislation to open city streets to pedestrians and cyclists during the coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic to allow New Yorkers more room for social distancing. The legislation, which has widespread Council support, will be introduced at the Council’s April 22 Stated Meeting. The bill will require the city to allocate more street space to pedestrians and cyclists in neighborhoods throughout the five boroughs, with a citywide target of 75 miles of streets.  

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New York, NY – Council Speaker Corey Johnson, Council Finance Committee Chair Daniel Dromm, Capital Budget Subcommittee Chair Vanessa Gibson and the City Council issued today the following statement on the Fiscal Year 21 Executive Budget.

“These are unprecedented times, and we begin budget negotiations facing challenges we have never faced before. We know that in these difficult times we will be forced to make tough decisions.

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