Priorities Include Enhancing Affordable Housing Laws and Implementing NYCHA Reform, Passing the DREAM Act, Combatting Human Trafficking, Early and Instant Runoff Voting, Paid Family Leave and Legalizing and Decriminalizing Marijuana

Albany, NY —New York City Council Speaker Melissa-Mark-Viverito, State and Federal Legislation Committee Chair Karen Koslowitz , Finance Committee Chair Julissa Ferreras and Council Majority Leader Jimmy Van Bramer today released the New York City Council’s State Budget and Legislative Agenda for the coming year. The priorities range from calling for State support for NYCHA capital funds, increasing youth access to the HPV vaccine, retaining and extending mayoral control of New York City schools, giving New York City the authority to set and enforce labor laws and legalizing and decriminalizing marijuana.

“The New York City Council is dedicated to advocating for policies that will uplift and strengthen all New Yorkers,” said Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito. “Our State Budget and Legislative Agenda reflects the diverse needs of New Yorkers and the Council’s commitment to standing up and fighting for New York City. From calling for State support of NYCHA Capital Funds to supporting paid family leave and advocating for our City’s right to set and enforce labor laws, the priorities outlined in our state agenda will make New York City a more and just place for all who live here.”

“I look forward to travelling to Albany with Speaker Mark-Viverito and my fellow legislators to promote an intelligent, comprehensive plan for the betterment of all residents of New York City,” said State and Federal Legislation Committee Chair Karen Koslowitz. “I especially want to convey to the upstate state legislators what a catastrophe it would be for New York City if rent regulations were allowed to expire.”

“New York City deserves its fair share,” said New York City Council Majority Leader Jimmy Van Bramer. “Working with the State Legislature we can address the inequalities that exist and effectively improve the lives of all residents living in our City. Under the State Budget and Legislative Agenda we are looking to implement we will make New York City more affordable, increase wages for workers, and empower more New Yorkers to lift themselves up into the middle class.”

“My colleagues and I are committed to fighting for the needs of New York City’s most underserved residents,” said Council Member Julissa Ferreras. “Our State Budget and Legislative Agenda is focused on giving everyone a fair chance and equal treatment in an increasingly disparate city. Prioritizing affordable housing, passage of the DREAM Act and paid family leave will ensure individuals of all means are able to lead better work, school and home lives and pursue greater opportunities.”

Detailed NYC Council State Agenda
http://council.nyc.gov/downloads/pdf/state-agenda-updated-final-2015-4pm.pdf

2015 New York City Council Budget and Legislative Priorities Include:

• State Support for NYCHA Capital Funds
• Rent Laws and NYCHA Reform
•  Immigration Reform and Immigration Services
• Reducing the Racial Disparity of Marijuana Arrests
• Legalizing and Decriminalizing Marijuana
• Paid Family Leave
• Retaining and Extending Mayoral Control of New York City Schools and Increasing Municipal Oversight
• Expanding New York City Child Care Credit
• Addressing MTA Funding Gap
• Giving New York City the Authority to Raise the Minimum Wage and Enforce State Labor Laws
• Bail Reform
• Fully Implementing the Campaign for Fiscal Equity Decision
• Opposing Raising the Cap on Charter Schools
• Women’s Equality Act
• Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act
• Instant Runoff Voting, Early Voting and State Level Public Campaign Financing
• Raising the Age of Criminal Responsibility
• Translation of Orders of Protection
• Increase Youth Access to the HPV Vaccine to Reduce Infections and Prevent Cancer
• Limit Rent Increases for Disabled Veterans

Full NYC Council State agenda
http://council.nyc.gov/downloads/pdf/state-agenda-updated-final-2015-4pm.pdf