Rodriguez Dissatisfied with Fare Hike Postponement
Councilmember Ydanis Rodriguez (D-Washington Heights, Inwood) posted a tweet yesterday in response to the MTA’s announcement that they will be postponing their planned fare hike for several months.
According to MTA Chairman Pat Foye, the company had been considering raising the fare on single rides from $2.75 to $3.00, in order to help the struggling agency survive. However, he announced yesterday that the company will postpone the fare hike, out of consideration for the millions of New Yorkers suffering from the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic effects.
“Postponement is not canceling,” said Rodriguez. “It should not take ‘people suffering[ to know that New Yorkers do not need another fare hike. As I have said many times before, public transportation should be FREE; any fare hike is a step in the wrong direction.”
Espaillat Urges Incoming Biden Admin to Keep Its Promise of Immigration Reform
U.S. Rep. Adriano Espaillat (D) released a statement on Sunday urging President-Elect Joe Biden (D) to prioritize immigration reform during his first 100 days.
On the campaign trail, Biden pledged that upon taking office, one of his first priorities will be providing a path to citizenship for 11 million undocumented immigrants.
“There is a real opportunity to set back our nation on a course that helps communities build back better, but also allows us to reverse the targeted attacks we have witnessed the last four years directed at immigrant communities around the nation,” said Espaillat. “Promoting new policies that will improve our immigration system and protect immigrants from further harm will be critical to our future success, and I urge the incoming Biden administration to keep its promise to those who are seeking the dream of becoming American citizens, a dream that I hold dear, know too well, and cherish greatly.”
James Denounces NYPD for Interactions with MLK Day Protesters
New York Attorney General Letitia James (D) released a statement yesterday, following reports of clashes between the NYPD and protesters marching in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
The march started out peaceful, but violence broke out after the protesters crossed the Brooklyn Bridge and approached City Hall. 29 marchers were arrested by the end of the night.
“Once again, we are seeing and hearing accounts of NYPD officers infringing on the rights of New Yorkers,” said James. “The images of officers using excessive force against peaceful protesters is alarming and cause for deep concern. Less than a week after I filed a lawsuit against the NYPD over these very exact issues, we saw officers exhibit the same behavior. As we laid out in our lawsuit, this is a longstanding pattern that must stop. These New Yorkers were marching in the spirit of Dr. King, who taught us that peaceful protest is the most powerful force in the fight for freedom, equality, and justice for all. I will continue to fight to protect these most basic rights.”
Rosenthal Appointed Chair of Subcommittee on Capital Budget
At the 2021 charter meeting, the City Council appointed Helen Rosenthal (D-Central Park, Lincoln Square) as Chair of the Subcommittee on Capital Budget.
The subcommittee plays a key role in overseeing New York’s long-term capital investments. The City’s capital budget covers major investments in infrastructure projects, such as construction and renovation. In the coming months, the Subcommittee plans to hold oversight hearings on expediting infrastructure spending, connecting land use planning to capital spending, and growing M/WBE capacity.
“I’m grateful for this opportunity to work with Council Member Dromm and the Speaker’s Office to hold the Administration’s feet to the fire and ensure that precious taxpayer capital dollars are spent efficiently and effectively,” said Rosenthal.
