MANH Lawmakers on the Move, Oct. 17, 2019

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Stringer, Ramos Make the Case for Their “NYC Under 3” Bill

NYC Comptroller Scott Stringer
NYC Comptroller Scott Stringer

Earlier this week, New York City Comptroller Scott Stringer (D) and State Senator Jessica Ramos (D-Queens) released an opinion piece on Medium explaining the rationale behind their “NYC Under 3” childcare bill.

The bill would provide graduated subsidies to working families who earn up to $100,000 a year. If passed, it would provide relief to families by slashing childcare costs and triple the number of children under 3 in City-backed care.

But expanding quality, affordable child care to tens of thousands isn’t just the right thing to do for our kids and families,” reads the article. “It’s smart for our economy. With the unemployment rate at a record low, many employers are struggling to fill vacancies. But with our plan, we estimate that some 20,000 parents — mostly single mothers with lower incomes — would be able to fill the gap by entering or re-entering the labor force.

Those new employees would earn $540 million a year — money they need, and money that would be invested back into the economy in the form of spending and taxes. Beyond that, with a quality child care system in place, businesses would gain a more stable workforce, as parents would not be forced to cut back hours or leave their jobs when they have a child.”

Read the full article here.


Brewer to Host “Make Manhattan Mine” Event for Seniors

Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer
Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer

Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer (D) will be hosting a “Make Manhattan Mine” senior resource event next week.

“Make Manhattan Mine” is Brewer’s new initiative to make the borough more accommodating to seniors. The event will feature presentations, panels and exhibits all relating to the topic of aging in the City.

The event will take place on Sunday, Oct. 27 at John Jay College, 524 West 59th St. Doors open at 11 a.m.


Chin to Host Homeowners and Tenants Enrollment Event

Council Member Margaret Chin
Council Member Margaret Chin

Council Member Margaret Chin (D-Battery Park City, Chinatown) will be sponsoring a homeowners and tenants enrollment event this Friday.

At the event, homeowners will get the opportunity to apply for exemptions and lower their property tax bill. Meanwhile, tenants will get the chance to apply for SCRIE or DRIE to keep their rent from increasing.

The event will take place on Friday, Oct. 18 from 2-4 p.m. at the Manny Cantor Center, 197 East Broadway.


Tish James Celebrates Signage of Her Double Jeopardy Bill

Attorney General of NY Letitia James
Attorney General of NY Letitia James

Yesterday, New York Attorney General Letitia James (D) applauded the signing of her bill to close New York’s “double jeopardy” loophole.

Prior to the bill’s passage, there was a loophole in New York’s double jeopardy protections that prevented the state from pursuing justice in cases where the president has used his pardon power corruptly. The new law, which James introduced, goes into effect immediately.

“We have a responsibility to ensure that individuals who commit crimes under New York state law are held accountable for those crimes,” said James. “No one is above the law, and this commonsense measure will provide a reasonable and necessary check on presidential power today and for all presidents to come.”