Councilmember Brad Lander · [email protected]

July 30, 2020 at 2:20 PM

COVID-19: No "right" time and place

NYPD officers chose that time, place, and tactics precisely to mimic the behavior of federal agents in Portland who have been seizing and detaining protesters without identification. Dear John, On Tuesday night, a frightening video circulated on social media, showing plainclothed NYPD officer…

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  Brad Lander · [email protected]

July 29, 2020 at 2:33 PM

SIGN ON: Let NYC Schools Use Outdoor Space

Teachers, parents, health experts, and school administrators are coalescing behind an out-of-the-box idea: Moving school outdoors. Dear John: We are hurtling toward the beginning of the school year, and NYC parents still don’t have clear answers about how classes are going to work and how we …

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  Councilmember Brad Lander · [email protected]

July 25, 2020 at 2:30 PM

COVID-19: Making Brooklyn Count for more than 50%.

New York City, and Brooklyn in particular, is lagging well behind where we need to be in the once-a-decade count of our population. Dear John, 50%.  That is the proportion of people in Brooklyn who have filled out their Census so far this year. Here in District 39, we are doing a little bette…

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  Councilmember Brad Lander · [email protected]

July 22, 2020 at 9:01 PM

COVID-19: Social isolation endangers seniors’ lives. You can help.

Social isolation can be deadly. In positive terms, social connection can be lifesaving. Dear John, I hope you and your loved ones are finding (safe, socially distant) ways to beat the heat. Heatwaves, like the one NYC experienced over the past few days, can be dangerous, especially for senio…

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  Councilmember Brad Lander · [email protected]

July 20, 2020 at 1:05 PM

COVID-19: Excluded Workers Are Fighting for Their Lives, and Our Democracy

For tens of thousands of immigrant New Yorkers, there has been no relief at all. Dear John, Like many of you, I am looking anxiously towards July 25, when the additional $600 monthly in federal unemployment payments is set to expire. More than 1 in 5 New Yorkers is currently unemployed, and bi…

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  Councilmember Brad Lander · [email protected]

July 15, 2020 at 1:17 PM

Back-to-school has to work for working families

Without a plan for child care and workplace accommodations for parents, there’s no way that the DOE’s plan will work. Dear John, Parents, teachers and students are looking anxiously towards September, wondering how they will cope with whatever iteration of school will be available to them. None…

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  Councilmember Brad Lander · [email protected]

July 13, 2020 at 9:59 PM

COVID-19: Resilience in the face of the COVID and climate crises

These last few months have highlighted how unprepared we were for a crisis we did not see coming. And also that it’s only by taking action together that we might keep each other safe.  Dear John, This past Saturday was the first day since March when no one died from COVID-19 in New York City, …

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  Brad Lander · [email protected]

July 11, 2020 at 10:56 PM

Before midnight

Dear John: I’m reaching out one last time before midnight. With just a few hours before our campaign’s most important deadline yet, we are still $623 short of our grassroots goal. Please, if you’re able, chip in $10 or any amount to fuel this progressive movement before midnight. Every $1 you …

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  Alessandra Biaggi · [email protected]

July 11, 2020 at 4:13 PM

Why I'm standing with Brad Lander

When I launched my campaign against the head of the IDC, most observers said I had no chance. But Brad was with me from Day One -- not because of a backroom deal, but because he knew that together, we could make real, tangible, positive change in the lives of millions of New Yorkers. "Brad wa…

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  Team Lander · [email protected]

July 11, 2020 at 1:00 PM

Yes, the match is real. Yes, the deadline is real.

Your donation to our campaign is honestly, really, actually matched 8-to-1 by public financing. Dear John: We’ve gotten the same political emails you have, promising a "double match," "triple match," or "quadruple match!!!!!" And we’ve rolled our eyes too. But thanks to the work of Brad Lander …

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  Councilmember Brad Lander · [email protected]

July 10, 2020 at 6:00 PM

COVID-19: NYC Needs a Plan for Working Families

Under the proposed DOE plan, you can have a kid, or you can have a job, but you can’t really have both.  Dear John, The NYC Department of Education has put forward the outline of its plan for our public schools next fall. They call it “blended learning.” But to many parents, it sounds more lik…

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  Ady Barkan · [email protected]

July 10, 2020 at 2:46 PM

New York City has a tremendous opportunity

I'm reaching out today because my dear friend Brad Lander has a big fundraising deadline this week. I've seen his compassion, selflessness, and effectiveness up close. New York City will benefit tremendously from his leadership as Comptroller. Dear John: I’m reaching out today because my dear f…

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  Team Lander · [email protected]

July 9, 2020 at 6:17 PM

Two new endorsements from the people who make NYC run

This couldn't have come at a more important time. Dear John: Yesterday was Brad’s birthday, and our campaign received wonderful birthday gifts from two of New York’s most hardworking unions. We’re proud to announce that Communications Workers of American (CWA) District 1 and United Auto Worker …

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  Team Lander · [email protected]

July 7, 2020 at 9:00 PM

TOMORROW: Tiffany Cabán is joining our party!

Don’t miss this event -- join Tiffany Cabán and the rest of our incredible special guests for a celebration and discussion tomorrow night at 6:30 PM →   Dear John, Great news! Tiffany Cabán, game-changing 2019 candidate for Queens District Attorney and National Political Organizer for the Worki…

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  Councilmember Brad Lander · [email protected]

July 7, 2020 at 2:15 PM

COVID-19: The test of Phase 3

The next six weeks represent a critical test for NYC.  Dear John, Phase 3 of NYC’s reopening began yesterday. Nail salons and other personal services are open at 50% capacity. Some low-contact sports can start up again (the Parks Department is working diligently to get the basketball hoops bac…

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  Jumaane Williams · [email protected]

July 6, 2020 at 2:57 PM

My partner-in-safety, Brad Lander

I hope you can join me, State Senator Alessandra Biaggi, Minneapolis City Council President Lisa Bender, Dr. Rachael Bedard (a geriatrician on Rikers Island), and hundreds of grassroots supporters across New York City for Brad Lander’s Virtual Birthday Party on Wednesday night. Dear John, I hop…

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  Team Lander · [email protected]

July 2, 2020 at 4:10 PM

Will we see you next Wednesday?

Dear John: We hope you can join us NEXT WEDNESDAY for Brad’s virtual birthday party! With special guests like Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, Senator Alessandra Biaggi, Minneapolis City Council President Lisa Bender, and more to be announced, this is one virtual event you won’t want to miss.…

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  Councilmember Brad Lander · [email protected]

June 30, 2020 at 10:01 PM

Why I’m voting NO on the budget today

The budget that the City Council is being asked to approve today does not meaningfully shrink the NYPD’s budget. Dear John, A few weeks ago, I wrote to you with a set of principles for how I would be approaching the City budget this year, during this time of public health pandemic, economic cr…

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  Team Lander · [email protected]

June 29, 2020 at 8:08 PM

The first big deadline of 2020

Send a clear message that NYC needs proven, progressive leadership that puts people first. Dear John, did you see Brad's message? We have just a few days left before the first public reporting deadline of 2020 (see below). Donate today and send a clear message that NYC needs proven, progressive…

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  Brad Lander · [email protected]

June 27, 2020 at 3:01 PM

14 days

Two weeks from today, July 11, is our first public reporting deadline of 2020. This is the biggest chance we have so far to show the strength of our movement to bring proven progressive leadership to the NYC Comptroller’s office.  Dear John: Two weeks from today, July 11, is our first public re…

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  Councilmember Brad Lander · [email protected]

June 26, 2020 at 12:31 PM

COVID-19: From the school year into the summer

Dear John, Congratulations to all the students, educators, and parents who made it through remote learning this semester! I know it was not easy. This may have been some of the hardest learning, teaching, and parenting in human history. But dedicated teachers, resilient students, and infinite…

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  Team Lander · [email protected]

June 24, 2020 at 3:42 PM

With results still coming in, progressives are on the rise

Dear John: While they are still counting the votes from yesterday’s Democratic primary (and will be for at least another week), one thing is clear: Progressive ideas and leaders are on the rise across the state, throughout the city, and up and down the ballot.  We couldn't be more excited abou…

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  Councilmember Brad Lander · [email protected]

June 23, 2020 at 10:04 AM

Primary Election Day is here

Polls are open from 6 am to 9 pm today. Dear John, Today is Primary Election Day in NYC.  If you already voted early or sent in your absentee ballot, thank you! If you haven’t yet and are able, today is the day to vote.  Polls are open from 6 am to 9 pm today. Find your poll site here. Soc…

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  Councilmember Brad Lander · [email protected]

June 22, 2020 at 6:20 PM

COVID-19: Welcome to Phase 2. Let’s be smart about it together.

While we all are looking forward to enjoying a little more flexibility, we have to be even more vigilant. Dear John, I hope everyone was able to enjoy the beautiful weekend, celebrating fathers in your lives and taking part, in person or remotely, in the Juneteenth celebrations and demonstra…

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  Brad Lander · [email protected]

June 21, 2020 at 5:04 PM

It's Father's Day -- and almost Election Day!

Dear John, First of all, Meg and Marek and Rosa and I want to wish you a happy and healthy Father’s Day!  My kids (who I’ve had the great good-fortune to march with in recent days), and especially my dad (together with my mom, he’s found some safe ways to join #BlackLivesMatter marches in St.…

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  Councilmember Brad Lander · [email protected]

June 19, 2020 at 12:39 PM

COVID-19: Juneteenth

This year, Juneteenth comes amid a national uprising against police violence and systemic racism unlike any time in decades.  Dear John, As some of you are likely observing for the first time, today is Juneteenth, which Black communities have long celebrated as the day the last slaves learned …

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  Team Lander · [email protected]

June 18, 2020 at 4:54 PM

5 days left to elect Jamaal Bowman →

Progressives are uniting around Jamaal because he represents a new and hopeful future -- one that puts people first. Dear John: A few days ago, Brad wrote to you about Jamaal Bowman, an educator and progressive leader in the Bronx who is running to unseat 30-year incumbent Rep. Eliot Engel.  Th…

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  Councilmember Brad Lander · [email protected]

June 17, 2020 at 10:01 PM

COVID-19: Budgeting for the pandemic, for justice, and for the future

The City Council is currently in the middle of negotiating the fiscal year 2021 budget with the mayor’s administration, in order to reach an agreement by July 1.  Dear John, There's no way around it: this year’s City budget must be different. NYC is facing an estimated $9 billion dollar defici…

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  Team Lander · [email protected]

June 16, 2020 at 3:28 PM

[SAVE THE DATE] Brad’s (Virtual) Birthday Party on July 8

No shuffleboard this year, but so many more friends can fit onto Zoom than in one room, and we’ll have some exciting guests too! Dear John: You’re invited: Please join us in celebrating Brad Lander's birthday and support his run for NYC Comptroller! WHEN: Wednesday, July 8th at 6:30PM. WHERE: …

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  Councilmember Brad Lander · [email protected]

June 15, 2020 at 10:45 PM

COVID-19: What will the fall look like for our students?

The DOE is soliciting feedback from families and students on plans for the Fall Dear John, At this time of year, I’m usually running around the district, trying to make it to as many public school graduations as I possibly can. I’ve said it many times: to me, that there’s no better celebratio…

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  Brad Lander · [email protected]

June 13, 2020 at 3:53 PM

I'm with Jamaal Bowman. Because "we need political imagination."

I'm incredibly proud to endorse Jamaal Bowman for Congress in New York's 16th District. Dear John: I’m incredibly proud to endorse Jamaal Bowman for Congress in New York’s 16th District! If you’re able, I urge you to please chip in to support Jamaal and my campaign for new leadership with the p…

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  Councilmember Brad Lander · [email protected]

June 12, 2020 at 8:02 PM

COVID-19: Treasuring our parks (carry in, carry out)

Our parks belong to all of us, and right now we all have to share the responsibility of keeping them clean, safe, and welcoming.  Dear John, As a kid, I have a very strong memory of my early trips to U.S. National Parks. I learned from my parents and camp counselors that the parks are a sha…

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  Colvin Grannum & Cea Weaver · [email protected]

June 11, 2020 at 12:31 PM

TONIGHT: Join us for a discussion with Brad Lander about housing justice in this moment

We're so excited to co-host tonight's virtual fundraiser and conversation with Brad Lander about housing and tenant's rights! Dear John: We're so excited to co-host tonight's virtual fundraiser and conversation with Brad Lander about the affordable housing & tenants rights challenges facing…

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  Councilmember Brad Lander · [email protected]

June 8, 2020 at 9:21 PM

COVID-19: Phase 1, Day 1

Dear John, After 100 days, some of the hardest our city has seen, with ERs overflowing with dying loved ones, with the constant sound of sirens, with our favorite small businesses closed, with hundreds of thousands of people losing their jobs, we are starting, at last, to open back up. About …

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  Brad Lander · [email protected]

June 7, 2020 at 9:55 PM

Join us Tuesday for a community forum on taking action for Black Lives

There are many ways to be taking action right now in support of the Movement for Black Lives, from home, in the streets, and on the phones. But we also have long-term work to do in our own families and communities.  Dear John, The masses of people in the streets in response to the killing of G…

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  Councilmember Brad Lander · [email protected]

June 5, 2020 at 6:04 PM

COVID-19: How will New Yorkers go back to work without childcare?

New York simply cannot reopen our economy and begin to recover from the #COVID crisis without affordable, high-quality child care for working families. Dear John, At long last, NYC is scheduled to start Phase 1 of our reopening process on Monday, June 8. I know that so many of you are, like me…

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  Team Lander · [email protected]

June 4, 2020 at 9:01 PM

Can you join us (virtually) to talk about housing justice?

Dear John: Before Brad joined the City Council, he worked on affordable housing issues for 15 years as a nonprofit director, urban planner, and community organizer -- and he understands that housing is directly tied to the systemic racism that millions of Americans are protesting right now. On…

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  Brad Lander · [email protected]

June 3, 2020 at 7:47 PM

My pledge: I won't vote for a budget that does not meaningfully cut the NYPD

Tell the Mayor: Cut the NYPD’s Budget! .@NYCMayor, the NYPD’s budget should not go unscathed while they are brutalizing protesters and we’re losing teachers and youth jobs. I support @changetheNYPD’s call for #NYCBudgetJustice and cuts to the NYPD! TWEET AT @NYCMAYOR >> Dear John: New …

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  Brad Lander · [email protected]

June 2, 2020 at 7:23 PM

She was pepper-sprayed by police. We need her in the Assembly.

My friend Diana Richardson, a member of the New York Assembly and a powerful progressive voice for racial and economic justice, was pepper-sprayed by police this weekend while protesting peacefully in Brooklyn. Dear John: My friend Diana Richardson, a member of the New York Assembly and a power…

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  Councilmember Brad Lander · [email protected]

June 1, 2020 at 5:30 PM

COVID-19: The housing crisis is a public health crisis. And a racial justice one, too.

June rent is due today, a sharp reminder of our affordable housing crisis, and of the ways housing is inextricably tied to public health, economic opportunity, and racial justice.  Dear John, Amidst the public health and economic crises of COVID-19, and the crisis of systemic racism wrenching …

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  Councilmember Brad Lander · [email protected]

May 31, 2020 at 4:46 PM

De-escalate the police.

This is the most anxious time for our city and country that I can remember. Some thoughts and commitments going forward. Dear John, This is the most anxious time for our city and country that I can remember. I hope you all are safe, taking care of yourselves and each other. I’m writing today w…

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  Councilmember Brad Lander · [email protected]

May 29, 2020 at 12:37 PM

COVID-19: Black Lives Matter

This is no time to let our outrage turn into despair and apathy. Dear John, Sometimes crises can bring us together across lines of difference, as we see in mutual aid groups and support for essential workers. But COVID-19 is also cracking open the deep fault lines in our society fostered by ce…

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  Councilmember Brad Lander · [email protected]

May 26, 2020 at 4:05 PM

COVID-19: Time to request your absentee ballot

Dear John, The right to vote has rarely seemed so precious, or so precarious.  Showing up to vote in person sure doesn’t sound like a great idea during a public health crisis caused by an extremely transmissible virus. While the Board of Elections is working on protocols to make the polls saf…

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  Councilmember Brad Lander · [email protected]

May 22, 2020 at 1:05 PM

COVID-19: The hard but hopeful path ahead

Dear John, One big challenge of this crisis is keeping up with the shifting collective actions it demands of us. So I want to take a minute today to let you know where we are at the moment with testing, contact tracing, and social distancing -- and what we need to do in the days ahead. At the…

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  Team Lander · [email protected]

May 20, 2020 at 8:19 PM

Don’t let the Senate block the support our small businesses need (SIGN ON)

We need to make sure the voices of our small business owners (and small business customers!) are heard loud and clear. Dear John, As part of the just-passed HEROES Act, the House of Representatives voted to give small businesses more time and flexibility to use their stimulus loans to rehire wo…

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  Councilmember Brad Lander · [email protected]

May 19, 2020 at 11:15 PM

COVID-19: A relentless force for good meets a global pandemic

Dear John, In our cheers each evening, it’s easy (and important, of course) to focus on doctors and nurses providing essential, lifesaving services in our ERs. We also cheer for many workers we’ve come to recognize as essential, even if we failed to see that before: food chain, transit, sanit…

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  Brad Lander · [email protected]

May 17, 2020 at 2:50 PM

What does the pandemic teach us about school segregation?

Today is the anniversary of the landmark Supreme Court decision Brown v. Board Dear John, Today is the anniversary of the landmark Supreme Court decision Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka which prohibited school segregation based on race. What can we learn about school segregation during …

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  Councilmember Brad Lander · [email protected]

May 14, 2020 at 8:59 PM

COVID-19: Supporting our local businesses

Dear John, One of the heartbreaking parts of this crisis is walking down the street and seeing our favorite neighborhood businesses dark. Already some beloved “mom & pops” around the city have announced they will be closing permanently. So many more fear that they will soon face the same …

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  Brad Lander · [email protected]

May 13, 2020 at 2:05 PM

Amazon is loud. We have to get louder.

Corporations and their lobbyists have mounted a noisy public relations assault against Essential Workers Bill of Rights. We need to hear your stories and share them far and wide to show them why so many New Yorkers support these rights for workers. Right now, the best way you can support the E…

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  Councilmember Brad Lander · [email protected]

May 12, 2020 at 10:35 PM

COVID-19: Reducing risk, managing the pandemic

Dear John, I find that I’m losing track of time a lot these days. One Zoom call fades into the next. The weather changes a little, but each day looks basically the same. February feels like years ago. Our daughter Rosa learned yesterday that camp (where she was set to be a counselor-in-traini…

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