New office will address refusals of service by taxis and FHVs that affect people of color and outer borough residents in New York
NEW YORK – City Council Speaker Corey Johnson and Mayor Bill de Blasio today announced the creation of a new office within the NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission, the sole purpose of which is to ensure that all passengers receive the service they expect, and to which they are legally entitled. READ MORE
“I am sick to my stomach that Republicans in the State Senate are really about to let lifesaving speed cameras shut down because of politics. This should be a no brainer – we’re talking about the safety of children. Senate Republicans need to immediately return to Albany, do their jobs, and extend and expand the school zone speed camera program. READ MORE
“Finally – some good news! Tonight a federal judge ordered the release of Pablo Villavicencio from Immigration and Customs Enforcement Detention (ICE) detention, which will pave the way for him to secure valid immigration status. I am so happy for his family, especially his wife Sandra and his daughters Luciana and Antonia. I know this has been beyond painful for all of them. READ MORE
“It’s always important to remember those who came before you, and today the City Council remembers one of our own, Council Member James Davis. James was taken from us 15 years ago today in a shooting inside City Hall. His death is tragic for so many reasons, and the fact that it happened inside our city’s seat of government is a reminder that senseless gun violence can occur anywhere. READ MORE
“The New York Daily News’ latest round of layoffs is a huge loss to New York City. It has a special place in my heart ‒ and the hearts of my Council colleagues ‒ because it shines a light on city government in a way that appeals to all New Yorkers, including those who are impacted by our policies but often shut out of power. READ MORE
Council will also vote on bills reporting the use of Department of Corrections’ staff administering electric shock and regulating short term residential rentals
City Hall – Today, the New York City Council will vote on providing no-cost telephone services for incarcerated individuals. The Council will also vote to require the Department of Correction to report when Correction Officers administering an electric shock to inmates and detainees. READ MORE
The 14-member body will advise the City Council and the Mayor on issues affecting the nightlife industry
CITY HALL — Speaker Corey Johnson, Council Member Rafael Espinal and Mayor Bill de Blasio today announced the appointment of the 14 members of the City’s first-ever Nightlife Advisory Board. As a complement to the newly formed Office of Nightlife, the all-volunteer board is charged with making recommendations to the City Council and the Mayor on ways to improve regulations and policies that impact nightlife establishments. READ MORE
Council will also vote on several bills establishing penalties for littering
City Hall — Today, the Council will vote on legislation that will make affordable housing fairer for all New Yorkers. The Council will also vote to co-name 95 thoroughfares and public places, based on requests of Council Members whose district includes the location, and on several bills establishing penalties for littering. READ MORE
“The New York State Senate failed the City of New York by not extending and expanding speed cameras in school zones. Playing political games with the safety of children is completely unacceptable and I urge Republicans in the Senate to follow the Assembly’s lead and fix this before heading home for the year. We need to protect our children. We need to extend and expand school zone speed cameras.”
“Pablo Villavicencio did not deserve to be detained by ICE – he deserves to be with his family. I fully support his wife Sandra in her call to immediately free Pablo from this unjust, unfair, and unnecessary detainment.
I have no idea how detaining a hardworking family man just for doing his job makes this country any safer, but I do know that until there is change in Washington DC, New York City will continue to fight against an overzealous ICE and against any federal policies that unjustly break families apart. READ MORE
New York City Council