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Williams, Lander Support Ban the Box Legislation
City Council Member Jumaane D. Williams yesterday led a rally in support of proposed legislation he co-sponsored that would ban the box on employment applications in which perspective employees have to disclose if they were ever convicted of felony crime.
Proponents of the legislation say it fits into a national trend of expanding access to employment as a way to lower recidivism and ensure employers consider all qualified applicants and not overlook the candidate who might become their best employee. To date, 13 states and nearly 90 cities and counties have adopted fair-chance ordinances, including Philadelphia, Washington D.C., Buffalo, and Rochester.
“Once enacted into law, this bill will ensure that all New Yorkers, including those with convictions for previous mistakes, will have an equal opportunity to compete for jobs they are qualified for,” said Williams. “Though the legislation does not require employers to hire any particular applicant, it delays the background check, thus supplementing preexisting law that says employers cannot deny a job because of a record unless there is a direct relationship to the job. Not only does employment strengthen communities and lower recidivism, but employers will have access to a broader range of qualified candidates to consider.”
Park Slope City Council Member Brad Lander is also a strong supporter of the measure.
“New Yorkers believe in the power of a second chance. Having started a prisoner re-entry program when I ran the Fifth Avenue Committee, I’ve long witnessed the barriers that formerly incarcerated individuals face when trying to get back on their feet,” said Lander. “The Fair Chance Act will remove a key barrier, make sure we stop punishing those who have already served their time, and offer the chance at a fresh start to New Yorkers who need it most.”
Greenfield, Maisel Hail Opening of Social Services Building
City Council Members David Greenfield and Alan Maisel joined City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito Wednesday in the groundbreaking and ribbon cutting ceremony of OHEL Children’s Home and Family Services’ massive new building at 1268 East 14th Street in Brooklyn, JPUpdates reported. .
The $8.45 million project, which the City Council partly funded with $2 million, will serve as OHEL’s main campus and allow families and residents greater access to OHEL’s community services—including support for domestic violence survivors, services for New Yorkers living with disabilities, and mental health treatment.
Of the $2 million in public money, Greenfield allocated $1 million and Mark-Viverito matched that grant with $1 million with the support of the New York City Council Jewish Caucus.
“One of the best parts of my job as a Councilman is to provide the help that enables our local non-profits to grow and succeed. I am proud to have helped fund the purchase of Ohel’s new home with a one million dollar grant, and deeply thankful to Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito for matching that grant and making this project a priority, ” said Greenfield at the groundbreaking.
“Ohel is an invaluable asset to our community and their expansion will allow them to continue to be a resource and source of strength to thousands of families,” said Maisel.
Today Scheduled Events:
11:30 a.m. – New York City Comptroller Scott Stringer delivers remarks at Church Business and Community Conference M/WBE Workshop, Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Plaza, 1368 Fulton St.
