One month ago, a draft Supreme Court decision leaked that, if final, would overturn Roe v. Wade. This document shocked the nation and ignited a wave of protests and organizing to defend abortion rights. At this week’s City Council Stated meeting, I was proud to introduce legislation alongside my colleagues to protect reproductive rights across the country. My first bill, Intro 475, will allow a private right of action for obtaining abortions in New York City for people facing civil lawsuits in anti-choice states. While conservative states are introducing legislation to allow individuals and malicious institutions to bring lawsuits against people seeking legal abortions, our City is providing a lifeline. My bill will allow people facing these lawsuits to countersue in City court, giving them strong legal protections against these heinous legal actions. 
 
My second bill, Intro 474, will mandate the City conduct an extensive public outreach campaign around three of our City’s critical human rights laws regarding abortion rights. This will help educate New Yorkers that… 
1. They cannot be discriminated against for seeking reproductive care 
2. They have the right to enter an abortion clinic without harassment 
3. If any of these rights are violated, they can sue in court
 
When abortion was legalized in New York in 1970, our State became a refuge for people around the country seeking critical reproductive care. In the post-Roe world, we must be ready to be that beacon of hope once more. This will be a long and arduous fight, but it is one we must all take on. 

If you want to get involved with organizing right here in our City, check out Girls For Gender Equity, The Brigid Alliance, Planned Parenthood New York, and the National Institute For Reproductive Health.
 
Smith Street Construction
Over the past few weeks, we’ve received dozens of complaints regarding the unannounced construction on Smith Street. Our office was caught completely off guard. Like many of you, we, other Gowanus elected, and the Environmental Protection Agency received no notice of this construction and quickly coordinated with City agencies and other elected officials to get much-needed answers. This is unacceptable and in response, our office and other Gowanus city, state, and federal representatives have written to the NYS Department of Environmental Conversation, NYC Department of Buildings, and NYC Department of Environmental Protection to obtain answers on the insufficient oversight and response provided by these agencies in advance of the planned work.

We have learned that the Department of Buildings (DOB) was notified about the new construction and issued excavation and foundation permits. The Mayor's Office of Environmental Remediation (OER) issued a notice of no objection to the planned work, which DOB required before issuing permits to these sites. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation was also notified of this work.
 
As of now, the DOB has revoked the after-hours permits so late night and weekend construction should be halted for now. If you hear construction going on during this time, please notify our office by emailing Mia on my team [email protected] so we can promptly investigate. We’re learning more each day and promise to keep the community updated.
 
COVID-19
We’re still at the high alert level in the City with high rates of hospitalizations and a very high caseload. However, we’re also seeing rates slightly decline but that in part might be due to a shift in testing strategies. For the entirety of the pandemic, our City has relied on dozens of free testing sites across the City to not only keep track of COVID-19 numbers but also to keep New Yorkers safe. The City has recently shifted to focusing more on at-home testing and in the coming weeks, the City will shift more aggressively. There will still be free testing sites throughout the City, but at-home testing kits are a low-cost and effective way for us to stay safe while COVID-19 is still a threat. 

One last note. Our City’s vaccination and booster rate have been stagnant for months. I know I sound like a broken record, but if you are not up to date on your shots yet, you are not fully protected against COVID-19. The side effects of the shot aren’t fun, but they’re far better than coming down with COVID-19. So please, get up to date on your vaccinations if you aren’t!

Community Bulletin

• We demanded more hearings from the Rent Guidelines Board, and we got them! Thanks to the hard work and advocacy of the tenant movement, we have two virtual hearings this week before the RGB’s final vote. We need tenants of all backgrounds to sign and tell their stories to avoid a disastrous rent hike. Sign up using this link.
• On Sunday, June 12th, I'll be joining the Park Slope Civic Council and a host of District 39 organizations for our first community town hall! As we celebrate  six months in office, I'm excited to share the work I've been doing in the Council and introduce several members of my team. This event will be at the Old Stone House lawn, and we're asking people to RSVP in advance so we know how many people to expect.
• On Wednesday, June 15th, our bill for universal residential composting will be up for a hearing at the Committee on Sanitation! Our office is holding a training on Monday, June 13th at 7 PM to talk about how to testify and strategize on messaging. If you want to show your support before the hearing, use our short social toolkit to help build momentum!
• Are you a landlord or a broker? Learn about Emergency Housing Vouchers at Fifth Avenue Committee's Webinar on Thursday, June 16th at 6 PM.
• The Department of State is currently considering the possible expansion of a real estate cease and desist zone covering all or parts of Brooklyn, as per legislation signed by Governor Hochul last year. If established, homeowners in Brooklyn who register with the State will receive some protections from unwanted solicitation. Between now and June 30th, homeowners can share their stories and submit evidence, including flyers, mailers, and call logs, into the public record using this mail-in form or online here. Homeowners have the opportunity to testify and submit evidence in person on June 9th from 6 PM - 8  PM at Brooklyn Borough Hall. Homeowners who would like to testify should email [email protected]. 
• Get yourself ready to vote this summer! 
  • Check your voter registration status here. 
    • Register to vote ONLINE at this link. 
    • Register to vote by MAIL. Download the form to register or change registration.
    • The deadline to register for the June 28 primaries has passed but you have until July 29 to register for the August 23 primary. 
  • This year, we will have two primaries: June 28 and August 23.
    • We will vote for Governor and other statewide candidates, and for New York State Assembly on June 28; early voting on June 18-26.
    • We will vote for Congress and New York State Senate on August 23; early voting on August 13-21.
  • If you are away this summer or cannot vote in person, please request an absentee ballot.

Before I go, June isn’t just Pride Month - it’s also budget season! Before the end of the month, the Council will be voting on the City’s budget, and I’m working hard to ensure our community's priorities are fully funded. Be on the lookout for more updates on the process and negotiations in the next few newsletters. 
 
Happy Pride! 
Shahana