A historic week in the Council

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Dear John
* Our team is currently searching for a new office in our updated district lines! For the time being, we are unable to offer in-person appointments with extremely limited exceptions. If you need help, call us at (718) 499-1090 or send us an email at [email protected].
* 3-K and Pre-K applications are now open for fall 2024 and are due 3/1! You can apply in one of three ways, online with MySchools.nyc ([link removed]) , over the phone at 718-935-2009 Monday-Friday between 8 AM and 6 PM, or contact a Family Welcome Center ([link removed]) . If you have questions about the process or need help applying, please contact our office at [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) .

Legislative Update

At this week’s Stated Meeting, the Council successfully overrode the Mayor’s vetoes on the How Many Stops Act and Solitary Confinement Ban. Passing with an even larger majority on their second time through the Council than their first, these new laws will end torture in our jail system and provide important data to the City on how police work is conducted. Despite the universal consensus on the effectiveness of these policies, our Mayor ran a campaign of lies and deceit against these critical bills. Both of these new laws were negotiated with the Department of Correction and NYPD in good faith to incorporate their feedback, ensure the safety of officers, and make sure no one is unnecessarily burdened by reporting requirements. In the face of misguided propaganda, our Council successfully voted to overturn those vetoes and will bring much-needed and urgent reforms to our City.

These essential pieces of criminal justice reform have been priorities of the Progressive Caucus during my first term as Co-Chair. Just having been reelected by my colleagues to lead the Caucus in my second term, I was deeply proud to be able to help lead this Caucus to a milestone it has been fighting to win for so long. The passage of these bills was the culmination of years of work by progressives in City Hall and because of the advocacy of those impacted by police violence and solitary confinement. We would not have arrived here without the firm leadership of our Speaker, Adrienne Adams, Public Advocate Jumaane Willians, the Jails Action Coalition, #HALTsolitary Campaign, and countless advocates, survivors, and families.

I was deeply moved by many of the personal accounts my colleagues shared on the floor of the Council of their experiences with the police or the criminal justice system and was proud to vote alongside them. Listen to my remarks here ([link removed]) .

EBT Theft

There has been a notable rise in EBT/SNAP theft in New York City and across the country. If you or someone you know has had their identity stolen and fallen victim to EBT theft, there are city resources ([link removed]) to help out. You can check out this link ([link removed]) from New York City’s Human Resources Administration (HRA) to help you recover your benefits. Additionally, to report your card stolen, request a new card, and change your PIN, please call EBT Customer Service at 888-328-6399, or do so online ([link removed].) .

Community Bulletin
* Senator Gillibrand is hosting a virtual briefing on 2/6 at 11 AM ([link removed]) on nonprofit federal mental health violence disruption grant funding. There will be presentations by representatives from the U.S. Department of Justice and Local Initiatives Support Corporation on various grant programs to provide nonprofits with resources to support mental health violence disruption work. Registration for this event is required and please register ([link removed]) by 2/2!
* Are you a caregiver of someone aged 60+? Join Heights and Hills on 2/5 at 6:30 PM to learn essential caregiving techniques, tips for self-care, and strategies for managing common challenges. Connect with fellow caregivers and gain valuable insights to enhance your journey. Register now! ([link removed])
* The Council of New York Cooperatives & Condominiums has developed a new series of classes to help co-op and condo board members get access to professional answers to their questions and learn best practices for resolving their issues. The first session will be held on 2/8 at 6 PM on Zoom and is free. RSVP today ([link removed]) !
* Join Brooklyn Children’s Museum as they usher in the Year of the Dragon on Sunday, 2/11. Learn about the festival and traditions of the Lunar New Year through storytelling, live music, calligraphy workshops, kung fu lessons, and a rooftop lion dance parade led by the Chinatown Community Young Lions.
* Community boards ensure that local voices are included in major decisions affecting local communities! Help us build a better borough by applying ([link removed]) to join your local Community Board before the deadline on 2/19.
* Our office is planning a job and volunteer fair for high school students in March! If you are a local employer that will be looking to fill summer jobs, internships, or volunteer opportunities, please fill out our interest form ([link removed]) . Let us know if you have any questions or if you need support with the application.

In Solidarity,

Shahana
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