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Press Releases


“New York City students deserve to have the resources and support they need to excel and thrive in the classroom. The Department of Education (DOE)’s decision to use federal stimulus funding to hold schools harmless from mid-year adjustment enrollment declines and provide additional funds for schools with increased enrollment is a positive step. This use of federal stimulus funds reflects how the Council previously urged the DOE to apply them – to protect the health of our schools in light of decreased enrollment.

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City Hall, NY – Today, the Council passed a legislative package that will improve the diversity, equity and inclusion practices at the Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY). The bills in this package seek to address the historic lack of racial and gender diversity in the FDNY. The package addresses the recruitment and retention of diverse firefighters, confronts exclusionary practices that undermine diversity, and increases transparency about FDNY’s efforts.

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City Hall, NY – The New York City Council applauded a new agreement with the Department of Education (DOE) to resolve delayed reimbursements that have threatened the operations of early childhood education programs citywide. The agreement releases key funding for the programs that more adequately reflect their contracts, and follows sustained advocacy by providers, advocates, and labor unions, with key support from Council Members.

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“The continued deaths and violence on Rikers Island make clear that it remains unsafe for everyone there, and the relentless harm inflicted on detainees and staff alike underscores the seriousness of this crisis.

“I was deeply disturbed and saddened to learn of the death of Gilberto Garcia while in custody on Rikers Island, and offer my condolences to his family, friends and community.

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“Addressing pay inequities that have long impacted our diverse communities and workforce is critical to both our economy and gender and racial justice. As the Salary Transparency Law (Local Law 32) takes effect today, New York City is demonstrating the importance of salary transparency for job seekers and employees alike as a pivotal step towards pay equity. We must narrow stubborn gender and racial pay gaps, especially for Black, Latina, indigenous and Asian women.

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New York, NY – Today, New York City Council Members, led by Civil and Human Rights Committee Chair Nantasha Williams in collaboration with Deputy Speaker Ayala and Council Members De La Rosa and Lee, are holding a Racial Justice Ballot Day of Action across the city aimed at engaging and educating New Yorkers on three ballot proposals developed by the New York City Racial Justice Commission.

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“Our city mourns the passing of Reverend Dr. Calvin O. Butts III, a revered community leader who faithfully served Harlem and the entire State of New York for more than five decades. Dr. Butts led the historic Abyssinian Baptist Church with tremendous passion and care for his community. His leadership of Abyssinian Development Corporation, SUNY Old Westbury, and other educational and community institutions are just part of his enduring legacy of public service.

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Council also passes legislation to expand public bathrooms and greenways

City Hall, NY – Today, the Council passed bills to increase support for survivors of domestic violence, reduce the City’s problem with rats, and to advance planning for the expansion of public bathrooms and greenways. The legislative package increasing services and providing resources for survivors of domestic and gender-based violence, known as the “Support Survivors” package, comes during Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

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Approves bill to support nontraditional employment for women and gender non-conforming workers; Bronx Bruckner rezoning to produce 300+ units of housing, over half affordable

City Hall, NY – Today, the Council passed a historic legislative package making child care services more accessible in New York City. The legislation addresses systemic issues with child care, establishing a provider directory, a pilot grant program, and planning processes to advance access across the City.

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