Brewer Talks Sexual Harassment and the Importance of Consent
Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer will be hosting an interactive discussion on sexual harassment and consent next Wednesday, in partnership with the STEPS to End Family Violence Program.
The discussion will inform attendees about what does and doesn’t constitute consent. The event is titled, “Would You Like FRIES with That?”, with FRIES being an acronym for the five characteristics of legitimate consent – Freely Given, Reversible, Informed, Enthusiastic and Specific.
The event is slated for Wednesday, Feb. 13, at the Manhattan Borough President’s Office at 431 West 125th St.
Hoylman Sponsors Bill Legalizing Commercial Gestational Surrogacy
State Senator Brad Hoylman is currently co-sponsoring a bill that, if passed, will make it legal to pay a woman to be a surrogate mother for a child that’s not biologically hers.
The practice, while controversial, is legal – or at least not explicitly illegal – in every state except for Michigan, Louisiana and New York. Hoylman hopes to change that, claiming that commercial gestational surrogacy can help infertile and LGBT couples start their own families.
In fact, Hoylman and his husband have fathered two children via surrogate mothers in California.
“We’re seeing a lot of momentum around the bill thanks to the governor’s support,” said Hoylman. “I’m hopeful it will pass this year.”
O’Donnell Pledges to Visit All 59 CBs Each Year
Assemblymember Daniel O’Donnell, one of the frontrunners in the Public Advocate race, recently promised that he will visit all 59 community boards each year if he’s elected
The pledge was made during a televised debate on NY1. During the debate, O’Donnell also pledged to appoint a Community Board Liaison, stressing the importance of fostering strong relationships with each CB.
“This is a citywide position and it’s critical that our next Public Advocate engages with every community,” said O’Donnell. “Many parts of our city feel left behind or voiceless, and that must change. As Public Advocate, I will visit each community board every year. From the Rockaways to Bushwick to Tottenville to Riverdale to the Upper West Side, all New Yorkers deserve to have their voices and concerns heard. I am committed to being accessible to all communities, and my Community Board Liaison will give Community Boards a direct line to my office. I look forward to getting to travel across our beautiful city.”
Johnson, Dromm, Gibson Weigh In on De Blasio’s Budget
City Council Speaker Corey Johnson, Finance Chair Daniel Dromm and Capital Budget Chair Vanessa Gibson released a joint statement yesterday regarding Mayor Bill de Blasio’s recently announced preliminary budget.
De Blasio’s spending plan for 2020 involves significant cuts to city agencies’ budgets, as well as the expansion of a hiring freeze that began two years ago.
On the subject, Johnson, Dromm and Gibson had this to say:
“It is critical the City adopts a secure and balanced budget that is fair for all New Yorkers and their families. The Fiscal Year 2020 Preliminary Budget marks the beginning of the budget negotiation process, our second with the de Blasio Administration.
“Going into this process we know that the Council, as always, is committed to helping all New Yorkers succeed and support the institutions and programs that uplift this City.
“We know there are challenges presented by the economy, as well as funding shortfalls from the state, particularly in education and social services. We will work with the Administration to get our fair share from Albany.
“But even while recognizing the challenges, we also know this City’s economy is strong and we will fight for a fiscally responsible plan that protects the social safety net. The Council will detail our priorities, ways to save money and ensure that critical past investments are not diminished.
“That means fighting for programs like Fair Fares and vital services to the most vulnerable, prioritizing our children’s education, and helping immigrant families. The Council will also fight to prioritize permanent housing for those who need it most.
“These are our values and we will never walk away from them.”
