MANH Lawmakers on the Move, Dec. 16, 2019

Manhattan Lawmakers on the Move bannner

Rodriguez to Rally for Increased Protections for Cyclists

Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez
Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez

Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez (D-Washington Heights, Inwood) will be rallying at City Hall today for increased protections for pedestrians and cyclists.

The rally comes on the heels of a tragic accident last Monday, in which a pickup truck struck and killed a three-year-old child while making a turn at an intersection. Rodriguez will be addressing that incident, as well as several new bills slated for discussion at an upcoming Transportation Committee hearing.

The event will take place today at 12 p.m. on the steps of City Hall.


Velázquez Denounces FDIC for Weakening Community Reinvestment Act

Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez
Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez

Representative Nydia Velázquez (D-LES, Brooklyn, Queens) released a statement yesterday criticizing a recent vote from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) Board.

Last week, the FDIC voted to adopt a proposal that would overhaul the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA). The CRA, enacted in 1977, requires the Federal Reserve to ensure that public banks cater to the needs of borrowers in their neighborhoods – including low- and middle-income neighborhoods. The new proposal, said Velázquez, would undermine that goal by weakening the CRA’s provisions.

“Simply put, the Trump Administration is letting banks off the hook and diluting a program that is vital to preventing racist discrimination in the financial services sector,” said Velázquez. “Should this proposal be implemented, I will explore all available options with my colleagues on the Financial Services Committee to remedy the impact. We cannot reverse the progress we’ve made and go back to the bad old days when people of color and underserved communities were consistently denied economic opportunity and access to credit, due to racism in the industry.”


Brewer to Host Meeting of Manhattan Complete Count Committee

Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer
Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer

Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer (D) will be hosting a meeting of her Manhattan Complete Count Committee today.

At the meeting, Brewer and the Committee will hear from U.S. Census Bureau Regional Director Jeff T. Behler and continue planning for the 2020 Census. Behler will provide an overview of 2020 operations and identify existing Census resources.

The event will take place today from 3-5 p.m. at 1 Centre St., 19th Floor South.


Johnson, Ayala to Announce Funding for Metropolitan Hospital

Council Member Corey Johnson
Council Member Corey Johnson (Credit: Jeff Reed)

Today, City Council Speaker Corey Johnson (D-Chelsea, Hell’s Kitchen) and Council Member Diana Ayala (D-East Harlem, Mott Haven) will be announcing a $3.75 million City Council allocation to buy new MRI equipment for the Metropolitan Hospital.

The new MRI system will expand access to radiology services and improve the image quality for patients in East Harlem. Johnson and Ayala will be joined by Metropolitan Hospital CEO Alina Moran, who will explain the details of the allocation.

The event will take place today at 1:30 p.m. at the Metropolitan Hospital, 1901 First Ave.