Mayor Adams reappoints Palma as human rights commission head
New York City Mayor Eric Adams today yesterday announced the reappointment of Annabel Palma to head city’s Commission on Human Rights (CCHR).
Palma will continue to lead the enforcement of New York City’s human rights law — one of the most comprehensive civil rights laws in the nation. Under her leadership, CCHR has expanded current protections to include domestic workers and additional salary transparency safeguards, as well as developed new trainings to combat antisemitism in New York City.
“The work that Annabel Palma has done at the New York City Commission on human rights speaks to the commitment and dedication she has for the well-being of all New Yorkers,” said Adams. “Through her leadership, the commission is working hard to enforce our human rights law, combat discrimination and harassment in their many forms, and be a resource to our residents no matter how they identify in the diversity of our great city. New Yorkers are lucky to have Annabel as an advocate in this important role.”
Heastie, Assembly increase number of state judges
Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie (D-Bronx) and Judiciary Committee Chair Charles D. Lavine (D-LI) last week announced that the Assembly has passed legislation to increase the number of supreme court judges and family court judges (A.10505, Lavine).
This legislation would increase the number of New York State Supreme Court justices statewide. It would also increase the number of family court judges in New York City, Saratoga County and Nassau County.
This expanded number of judges will help meet the needs of New York State’s judicial system and New Yorkers with business before the court. The positions will be filled in the November 8, 2022 election and for a term to begin on January 1, 2023.
Assemblywoman Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn (D-Brooklyn) said expanding the number of judges on the Supreme Court and Family Court will clear backlogs for New Yorkers who depend on those courts.
“This is especially critical in Family Court, which has to consider some of the most difficult issues for some of the most vulnerable litigants seeking that justice. I salute Speaker Heastie, Judiciary Chair Lavine and my colleagues for acting to increase the judges on these critical courts,” said Bichotte Hermelyn.
Carroll “Right to Know” bill passes Assembly
Assemblymember Robert Carroll (D-Brooklyn) yesterday announced that his bill, A7876-A / S5472-A, establishing a flood risk “right to know” for renters passed the Assembly.
In the last ten years, there have been flood disaster declarations in every county in New York State and flooding events are also the most common climate-related hazard in New York. When enacted into law this legislation, which has also passed the Senate, will require residential leases to include notice of the flood risk and flood history of a leased premises, as well as a notice to tenants of flood insurance available to renters.
“As flooding becomes more frequent and intense due to climate change we need to be sure New Yorkers have the information they need so that they can protect their property and their families,” said Carroll. “New York State has lagged behind other states when it comes to flood risk foreclosure and this legislation is an important step forward. It was my privilege to partner with State Senator Brad Hoylman and the Rise to Resilience Coalition to secure the passage of this legislation.”
State Senator Brad Hoylman (D-Manhattan) said: “Even though most renters’ insurances do not cover flood damages, New York landlords are not legally obligated to inform their tenants if their home is in a flood zone or had previous flood damage. This bill changes that. Our flood disclosure legislation requires landlords to disclose flood risk information to their renters and save New Yorkers potentially thousands in damages. Today, we are on the road to giving New York tenants more information to make more informed decisions about where they choose to call home. I am grateful to the efforts of Assemblymember Carroll for making this two-house passage possible, and I look forward to Governor Hochul making it law in the coming days.”
Espaillat introduce Opportunities in the Americas Act
U.S. Reps. Adriano Espaillat (D-Manhattan, Bronx) and Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL) announced they introduced legislation to promote clean energy infrastructure and advance strategic investments throughout Latin America and the Caribbean.
“As our nation launches the Ninth Summit of the Americas, it remains critical that we advance legislation that reaffirms our commitment to supporting our partners in the Western Hemisphere, while also advancing our national security,” said Espaillat.
The Opportunities in the Americas Act will reinforce commercial relationships with Latin American and Caribbean partners as well as expand supply chains throughout the Americas. Additionally, the bill will:
- improve grid and energy efficiency in the Western Hemisphere to encourage investment, enhance living conditions, and develop clean energy;
- advance our national security by increasing supply chain resiliency;
- grant low-interest loans to businesses already engaged in Latin America or the Caribbean, to expand their operations; and
- provide low-interest loans to businesses that relocate from the People’s Republic of China to a Latin American or Caribbean country that is a party to a free trade agreement with the United States.
“Bolstering economic integration and supporting energy infrastructure in the Americas will lower shipping costs, further commercial ties, increase investment opportunities, and expand opportunities in the region, which are crucial for our continued growth and development,” said Espaillat.
