First Responder CPR-AED Training Will Save Lives

CITY HALL―Today, the New York City Council is expected to pass legislation that will increase transparency about life-saving training for first responders in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED).

Council Member Levin introduced the legislation in honor of 11-year-old Briana Ojeda, who passed away after suffering an asthma attack near her home in Brooklyn. The police officer who accompanied Briana to the hospital did not perform potentially life-saving CPR because he said he did not feel qualified to do so.

“In order to save lives, New York’s finest must receive the highest quality training in life-saving CPR and AED skills,” said Council Member Stephen Levin. “These are commonsense measures that would help to improve the chance of survival for victims of cardiac arrest. They ensure that first responders are well-equipped to respond with speed and skill so that they can continue to protect and serve New Yorkers.”

In January, the NYPD instituted a new basic life support curriculum, which includes such training as infant and adult CPR, AED use, overdose treatment, and hemorrhage control.  Introduction 83 will require the New York Police Department to publish an annual report on the number of officers and school safety agents who receive high-quality CPR and AED certification to ensure this critical training is ongoing. Recently, NYPD police officers in the Bronx demonstrated the lifesaving power of CPR when they used the skill to rescue an unconscious baby.

“How would you feel if an officer told a frantic mother that she would have to wait for EMS in order to start saving her child’s life, while her child is dying in front of her,” said Carmen Torres, Briana’s mother. “Briana was an 11-year-old baby girl who happened to run into a police officer who couldn’t do CPR. Losing Briana has been a life sentence of depression, anxiety, and a broken heart. By passing this legislation it would make sure that no other family would have to endure this pain that will never go away.”

 The Council is also expected to adopt Resolution 1181, calling on the state legislature to pass and the Governor to sign Briana’s Law (A. 4364-A/S.6717), a bill that would require that police officers are re-trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation every two years and demonstrate satisfactory completion of such training. Briana’s Law has passed the Assembly for four years, but the Senate has failed to move this bipartisan bill forward.

 "It is imperative that police officers are adequately trained in the administration of CPR,” said Assistant Speaker Felix W Ortiz. “This easy to learn procedure has been proven to save lives in emergency situations and could have helped save the life of Briana Ojeda and others. The fact that the Police Academy had to reassign a CPR instructor after an officer recently testified he didn't feel confident in his CPR abilities proves the point that NYPD CPR training is inadequate."

“Briana's Law is all about saving lives,”said Senator Jack M. Martins, Senate sponsor of the legislation. “Police officers guard our safety and are often the first ones on scene whenever trouble occurs. Ensuring that the basic first aid training they already receive in the police academy is enhanced and periodically reinforced will help give them greater tools to save lives in situations where every second counts.”

“October is a significant month for me,” said Melinda Murray, member of the NYC Advocacy Committee for the American Heart Association.  “It’s Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month.  It also marks the angel day anniversary of the day I lost my only child, my son Dominic, to cardiac arrest. I can think of no better time than now to help improve CPR response in our city. We are also looking forward to the day the Ojeda family finally secures the passage of Briana’s Law. Our hearts beat in unity for our children who were taken far too soon.”

More than 350,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur at home every year in the United States, with almost 90% resulting in death. However, if CPR is performed within the first few minutes of cardiac arrest, an individual’s chance of survival can be double or even tripled. As such, the Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association is supportive of further training for police officers.

"The American Red Cross is dedicated to saving more lives from cardiac arrest through raising public awareness and supporting educational programs that train more people in CPR," said Josh Lockwood, CEO of the American Red Cross in Greater New York. "Time is of the essence during cardiac emergencies, so the more people and first responders properly trained and certified in CPR, the better the chances of saving a life."

The Ojeda Family will attend the Stated Meeting as the Council passes the bill and resolution in Briana’s memory.

Advocates and Bipartisan Elected Officials Call for High-Quality CPR Training for NYPD

To ensure that all police officers receive high-quality and ongoing training in life-saving skills, Council Member Stephen Levin introduced Introduction 83, which would require the police department to submit reports concerning employee certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillator (AED) use to the Council.

Council Member Levin has also introduced Resolution 1181 calling on the state legislature to pass and the Governor to sign Briana’s Law (A. 4364-A/S.6717), a bill that would require that police officers are re-trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation every two years and demonstrate satisfactory completion of such training. Briana’s Law has passed the Assembly for four years, but the Senate has failed to move this bipartisan bill forward.

Council Member Levin introduced the measures following the tragic death of his constituent, 11-year-old Briana Ojeda. On August 27, 2010, Briana suffered an asthma attack while playing in Carroll Park in Brooklyn. Briana’s mother, Carmen Torres, rushed her to the hospital and was intercepted by a police officer who accompanied them to the emergency room.

However, the police officer did not immediately perform potentially life-saving CPR because he did not feel qualified to do so. In the police academy, he had only learned about CPR from a textbook and had never practiced administering CPR. As the officer later remarked, “I didn't feel safe putting my hands on someone without actually knowing what I'm doing.”

“How would you feel if an officer told a frantic mother that she would have to wait for EMS in order to start saving her child’s life, while her child is dying in front of her,” said Carmen Torres, Briana’s mother. “This can happen to anyone. This is why I support this legislation. On August 27 of 2010 I lost the greatest love of my life. Briana Amaryllis Ojeda is her name. Briana was an 11-year-old baby girl who happened to run into a police officer who couldn’t do CPR. Losing Briana has been a life sentence of depression, anxiety, and a broken heart. By passing this legislation it would make sure that no other family would have to endure this pain that will never go away.”

“In order to save lives, New York’s finest must receive the highest quality training in life-saving CPR and AED skills,” said Council Member Stephen Levin. “These are no-brainer measures that would help to improve the chance of survival for victims of cardiac arrest. The Ojeda family has fought tirelessly to ensure that other families will not experience a similar tragedy and I hope that my colleagues will join me in pushing for these life-saving measures.”

"It is imperative that police officers are adequately trained in the administration of CPR,” said Assistant Speaker Felix W Ortiz. “This easy to learn procedure has been proven to save lives in emergency situations and could have helped save the life of Briana Ojeda and others. The fact that the Police Academy had to reassign a CPR instructor after an officer recently testified he didn't feel confident in his CPR abilities proves the point that NYPD CPR training is inadequate."

“Briana's Law is all about saving lives,”said Senator Jack M. Martins, Senate sponsor of the legislation. “Police officers guard our safety and are often the first ones on scene whenever trouble occurs. Ensuring that the basic first aid training they already receive in the police academy is enhanced and periodically reinforced will help give them greater tools to save lives in situations where every second counts.”

“When a person has a cardiac arrest, survival depends on immediately getting CPR from someone nearby,” stated Melinda Murray, member of the American Heart Association Advocacy Committee.  “My son Dominic lost his life far too soon because no one around him knew to start CPR right away. This life-saving skill, especially if performed in the first few minutes of cardiac arrest, can double or triple a person’s chance of survival. The American Heart Association strongly supports Briana’s Law and all efforts to improve the training standards for all law enforcement as it should be required that these first responders be prepared to initiate the first steps in the Chain of Survival.”
 

"The American Red Cross is dedicated to saving more lives from cardiac arrest through raising public awareness and supporting educational programs that train more people in CPR," said Josh Lockwood, CEO of the American Red Cross in Greater New York. "Time is of the essence during cardiac emergencies, so the more people and first responders properly trained and certified in CPR, the better the chances of saving a life."

Since 2010, the Ojeda family has advocated tirelessly to pass this bill. It is time that the state legislature and Governor take steps to ensure that no other family will have to suffer a similar tragedy. In order to save lives, it is crucial that first-responders are qualified to perform CPR and that they are regularly re-trained. More than 350,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur at home every year in the United States, with almost 90% resulting in death. However, if CPR is performed within the first few minutes of cardiac arrest, an individual’s chance of survival can be double or even tripled.

The Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association is also supportive of further training for police officers.

Together, Introduction 83 and Resolution 1181 are essential to ensure that police officers are trained to respond appropriately in a cardiac emergency so that they can continue to protect and serve New Yorkers and honor Briana’s memory.

Council Member Stephen Levin Makes Statement on Anti-BDS legislation, Resolution 1058-A

Photo: William Altriste

Over the past several months we at the City Council have been contemplating and discussing a resolution sponsored by my colleague Andrew Cohen condemning the Global Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions Movement (BDS) and all efforts to delegitimize the State of Israel. The BDS movement has recently gained support in many circles, including on many college campuses around the US and here in New York City.  

As someone who identifies as Jewish, believes in the State of Israel as a national home for the Jewish people, who believes in a two state solution with a secure Israel and an independent Palestine in Gaza and the West Bank, respects our American tradition of protest and right to free speech, who believes in the rights of all humans to live in peace, security and self-determination, and who believes that peace in Israel/Palestine is achievable in our time, I was and am very conflicted about the City Council taking on perhaps the most intractable issue in the world.
 
During the past few months, I have often recalled the time, 21 years ago, when I was 14 years old, learning of the assassination of Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin on a Sunday morning. I didn’t know then why it was so important, and so tragic, but in time I came to realize what Rabin’s assassination, at the hands of a radical anti-peace Jew, has come to represent: it was a victory of hate over love, perpetual discord over peace. In the intervening years, we have seen, too many times to count, bloodshed avenging bloodshed, over and over, in a seemingly never ending cycle. We have seen moderate voices on both sides sidelined, mocked. To be unabashedly pro-peace, pro-two state in 2016 is to be seen as naïve or worse. I proudly stand today and say that I am pro-peace, pro-two state, Israel and Palestine, and that I oppose any and all efforts that undermine that goal.
 
That means that I unequivocally condemn the virulent anti-Jewish positions, incitement and actions of Hamas and all acts of terror and violence aimed at Israeli citizens. Israeli citizens have the right to live in security in a sovereign nation now recognized by the United Nations and the world community for almost 70 years. I also oppose some basic tenets of the Global BDS Movement. While I respect individuals’ rights to engage in boycotts that are focused on occupied territory beyond the Green Line while recognizing Israel’s right to exist and supporting a two-state solution, the BDS movement’s own platform does not recognize Israel’s right to exist and many in the BDS movement, including some who testified at the recent Council hearing, do not support a two state solution. As a matter of bedrock principle, Israel’s right to exist as a nation and a state must be explicitly recognized, and any equivocation or ambiguity is in fact tantamount to denial. For that reason, I am signing on as a co-sponsor of the Council resolution and I thank Councilmember Cohen for making amendments to the resolution at the request of me and Councilmember Brad Lander.  
 
But it also means that I oppose the construction of Israeli settlements in the West Bank, the expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank, and the military occupation of land beyond the Green Line. My reason is two-fold: first, Palestinians living in the occupied territories are, and have been for the past 49 years, living without their full inalienable rights of liberty and equality, as defined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Second, if Israel were to annex the West Bank and afford all the equal rights of representation to all Palestinians in West Bank and Israel proper, Israel would eventually cease to be a Jewish state. So, it is clearly in the long term interest of Israel itself to work for a two-state solution as  soon as possible for it to survive as both a Jewish and democratic state.
 
There are times that I, and many who believe that peace is possible, may grow despondent. The prospects for peace are dimmer now than they were 20 years ago. At those times we should remind ourselves of Yitzhak Rabin and the many others, Israelis and Palestinians, who had the courage to risk their lives, and give their lives, to stand up — sometimes to their own countrymen — and fight against hate and perpetual discord and fight for love and peace. As we approach a full century of conflict between Jews and Arabs — Israelis and Palestinians — over the national aspirations of both peoples, we need some of their courage.

City Council Enacts First Ban in the Nation on Oil and Natural Gas Waste Products

CITY HALL—Today, New York City became the nation’s first municipality to ban the use or discharge of natural gas and oil waste products, including from hydraulic fracturing. 

Intro 446-A protects New York City communities from toxic pollutants and safeguards our water. The waste associated with hydraulic fracturing (“hydro-fracking”) and other natural gas and oil extraction processes frequently contains naturally-occurring radioactive elements such as radium, carcinogens such as benzene, and other chemical additives. Without adequate protections in place, these pollutants could leach into our local ecosystem and drinking water.

Lead Sponsor, Council Member Stephen Levin said, “The New York City Council breaks new ground today by passing what we believe to be the first comprehensive municipal ban on the discharge or use of waste products associated with all methods of oil and gas extraction. This crucial bill will protect New York City communities from toxic pollutants and ensure cleaner water for generations to come—and I hope that other legislative bodies will follow suit. I have been honored to work with Chairman Constantinides and a team of dedicated advocates to build momentum around this bill and I thank them for their steadfast commitment to protecting our environment.”

Although the State of New York banned high-volume hydraulic fracturing in 2015, the briny byproduct is vastly under-regulated at the state level and has been used to remove ice and control dust on roadways, but used in this way, or disposed of in wastewater treatment facilities or landfills, the pollutants could run off onto adjoining land and contaminate our rivers, streams, and aquifers. 

Intro 446-A, introduced by Council Member Stephen Levin, directly addresses these public health and safety concerns as it will:
 
Prohibit the discharge of any oil or natural gas waste to any surface water bodies located within the City or to any wastewater treatment plant located within the City.

Ban the application of any oil or natural gas waste upon any road, real property or landfill located within the City.

Require all City bids or contracts for the construction or maintenance of a City road to include a provision stating that no materials containing or manufactured from oil or natural gas waste shall be utilized in providing the service. 
   
"Intro. 446 will ensure that fracking and oil extraction waste byproducts will not be used or disposed in our city,” said Council Member Costa Constantinides, Chair of the Council's Environmental Protection Committee. “This type of hazardous substance does not belong in our landfills. This legislation helps us keep our environment clean and maintain our public health. I thank Council Member Levin for his leadership on this important issue."

"We are obligated to do whatever we can to protect our environment," said co-sponsor Council Member Daniel Dromm. "Our children deserve access to clean drinking water.  When passed, this legislation will establish protections that will safeguard our city's water supply for many generations.  I am proud to work alongside Council Member Levin on this important issue and thank him for his leadership."

"Despite New York State's strong stance against fracking, its harmful byproducts can still end up in the city,” said Council Member Daniel R. Garodnick. “We need to close this loophole-- and that's why Intro 446-A is so critical. It will keep these dangerous materials from entering our environment and protect public health across the five boroughs."

As the 2015 NY State Law did not ban wastewater use and disposal, 15 New York counties have taken similar steps to ban byproduct disposal. The threat is real: New York state continues to allow more than 12,000 low-volume fracking wells and road-spreading of briny wastewater is permitted in at least 15 New York counties. 

“This legislation is a milestone in the fight to protect our water and public health from the dangers of fracking waste,” said Riverkeeper Staff Attorney Sean Dixon. “In the absence of a statewide ban, several New York’s municipalities have stepped up, prohibiting these toxic oil and natural gas wastes in their wastewater treatment plants, water bodies and landfills, and have banned its use to de-ice roads. Now, we applaud the New York City Council for extending these same protections to its 8.5 million residents and their roads, parks, waterways, and environment”

“Even though high volume horizontal hydraulic fracturing is banned in New York State, New Yorkers are not protected from the harmful effects of toxic and radioactive fracking waste. Since there are no federal and state laws regulating the disposal of fracking waste, we commend the New York City Council for the passage of Int 446-A and wish to thank Council Member Levin, Chairman Constantinides, and all the council members who sponsored this bill for protecting the people of New York City from being exposed to toxic waste that could contaminate our air and water," said Ling Tsou, Co-Founder of United for Action.
 
“The League of Women Voters of the City of New York praises and thanks the City Council for writing and passing the comprehensive waste bill, Int 446-A,” said Mary Anne Sullivan of the League of Women Voters of the City of New York. “This bill protects the health of New Yorkers from possible exposure to radioactive elements causing cancer, and from endocrine disrupting chemicals among other unhealthy chemicals and metals. We thank Council Member Levin for leading this effort with Council Member Constantinides.”

In June, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (E.P.A.) has taken similar action to protect our waterways, creating a new rule to prevent disposal of wastewater from hydraulic fracturing at public sewage plants. Such facilities are not typically outfitted to extract high concentrations of the solids and pollutants found in oil and natural gas waste.The EPA cited that untreated, wastewater could negatively affect drinking water, aquatic life, and irrigation. 

“Our statewide fracking ban, enacted in 2014, was a watershed moment for health and public safety in New York. But in terms of protecting residents from the numerous hazards associated with fossil fuel extraction, it wasn’t the end of the story. Councilman Levin knew this, and we’re grateful for his tireless work to ban all oil and gas drilling waste from our city,” said Alex Beauchamp, Northeast Region Director at Food & Water Watch. “With this law, New Yorkers can feel safer knowing they will forever be protected from the serious harms that toxic, radioactive oil and gas drilling waste pose to communities big and small."

“As a science based environmental health nonprofit, we highly commend Council Member Levin and the City Council for introducing and enacting legislation to protect the health and safety and precious water resources of NYC residents,” said Ellen Weininger, Director of Educational Outreach at Grassroots Environmental Education. “In the absence of state and federal regulations, the largest city in the nation has now stepped in with strong precautionary measures to ensure the protection of millions of its residents from dangerous toxic exposure, sending a strong message that it is imperative to protect the public from pollutants.”

Intro 446-A now awaits a signature by Mayor Bill de Blasio and will take effect 90 days after it becomes law.

In the Wake of Intensifying Anti-Immigrant Sentiment, New York City Council Passes Resolutions Calling for Federal Action To Welcome and Protect Syrians and Ecuadorians

Parbat Chapagai, refugee from Bhutan

CITY HALL―Today, the New York City Council passed two resolutions that reject increasingly pervasive anti-immigrant sentiments and called for federal action to support Syrian refugees and individuals displaced by the earthquake in Ecuador.
 
Together, the resolutions deliver a strong message that New York City will continue to welcome all people with compassion, respect, and generosity:

• Resolution 1105 calls upon the President and the State Department to resettle at least 10,000 Syrian refugees in the U.S. by the end of fiscal year 2016 and to increase such number to 65,000 by the end of fiscal year 2017.

• Resolution 1103 calls upon the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to designate Ecuador for Temporary Protected Status to provide temporary immigration relief to eligible Ecuadorian nationals in the wake of a devastating earthquake.

“Tens of thousands of Ecuadorians live in the New York metro area, many of them in my district,” said Council Member Julissa Ferreras-Copeland. “In Ecuador, many of their families have lost all they own and the country is dealing with overwhelming human and economic costs to rebuilding. I am proud to stand with my colleagues to ask the Department of Homeland Security to grant TPS. New York City should always welcome immigrants and refugees—from Ecuador to Syria—with open arms.”
 
Resolution 1103 was introduced in response to the 7.8-magnitude earthquake that devastated Ecuador on April 16, 2016, leaving 660 people dead and injuring more than 16,000, as well as displacing over 28,000 individuals. Ecuadorians are still recovering from tremendous widespread damage and the government of Ecuador has formally requested TPS for Ecuadorians in the U.S. TPS is a program that allows the government to extend the stay of foreigners whose countries have experienced a natural disaster, conflict, or other urgent need that makes it too dangerous for safe return. New York City is home to nearly 140,000 Ecuadorian immigrants.  
 
 
“In a political climate increasingly hostile to immigrants, we must stand up for the rights and dignity of all people – especially the most vulnerable in our global community,” said Council Member Stephen Levin, co-prime sponsor on Resolution 1105. “Our New York values guide us to reject xenophobia and welcome refugees, asylum seekers, and immigrants with open arms because we recognize that our diversity strengthens our City and enables us to flourish. I stand in solidarity with Council Members Menchaca and Ferreras-Copeland to call on the federal government to fulfill and expand our commitments to refugees and immigrants in a spirit of compassion and generosity.”

Resolution 1105 was introduced in response to the five-year civil war in Syria, which has taken an estimated 250,000 lives and has caused more than 11 million people to flee their homes. The current refugee crisis has been called the most complex humanitarian disaster of our time, with Syrians as the world’s largest refugee population under the U.N.’s mandate.

The Council passes this resolution as New York City prepares to host world leaders for a September high-level Summit for Refugees and Migrants where world leaders will discuss an international response to large movements of refugees and migrants now and in the future.

Chair of the Committee on Immigration, Carlos Menchaca said, “Here, in New York City, we must show strong support for immigrants and call on our federal government to take the necessary steps to finally bring comprehensive immigration reform and create more humane laws and policies that treat immigrants with dignity and respect.” 

Keep it Clean! Rally to Protect Our Water

Join Council Member Stephen Levin, community stakeholders, and environmental advocates for a rally in support of a bill to ban the use or discharge of natural gas and oil waste in our city—including from hydraulic fracturing. 

This crucial legislation has three key elements and would:
•    Prohibit the discharge of any oil or natural gas waste to any surface water bodies located within the City or to any wastewater treatment plant located within the City.
•    Ban the application of any oil or natural gas waste upon any road, real property or landfill located within the City.
•    Require all City bids or contracts for the construction or maintenance of a City road to include a provision stating that no materials containing or manufactured from oil or natural gas waste shall be utilized in providing the service. 

The Department of Environmental Protection and the Department of Sanitation are responsible for enforcement and penalties for violation range from $2,500 and $25,000. 

The first bill of its kind in the nation,  Intro 446-A is sponsored by Council Member Stephen Levin and has 32 co-sponsors. The City Council will vote on the bill at the 1:30 PM Stated Meeting.

Co-Naming of Hope Reichbach Way

Hope Reichbach was a phenomenal young leader dedicated to the betterment of her neighborhood and city.

Born and raised in Boerum Hill, Brooklyn, Hope was a champion for her community beginning at an early age. In High School, she joined with the NY Civil Liberties Union to successfully sue Donald Rumsfeld and the Department of Defense for improper military recruitment tactics of people under 18. In a settlement, the DOD agreed to keep with the limits established by Congress: they stopped collecting students’ social security numbers and sharing their personal information, and established an opt-out procedure for children and parents who do not want to be recruited by the military.

A graduate of Hunter College High School and New York University, Hope joined my Council staff in 2010, serving as Community Liaison and Communications Director. She was a very special and unique young woman who showed an extraordinary ability to empathize with every individual she worked with make their issues her personal cause. To this day, constituents will come up to me to tell me of how Hope helped them in their time of need.

Hope advocated to improve street safety, foster small business growth, and she was very invested in ensuring that residents of Gowanus Houses, Wyckoff Gardens, and 572-574 Warren Street have proper resources and representation. For example, she fought to preserve the important neighborhood-based child care programs of Bethel Baptist and Strong Place. Upon her passing and in honor of her efforts, Strong Place voted to rename itself Strong Place for Hope Largely due to her efforts, it remains a thriving child care program for the community today.

A New York City rising star, Hope died on April 28, 2011 at the age of 22. Hope’s legacy of active leadership and communal responsibility is carried on through the Hope Reichbach Fund, which provides local advocacy internships to college students based in New York City.

Today, the New York City Council voted to honor her memory and co-name Bond Street between Dean and Bergen Streets as Hope Reichbach Way. It is a fitting tribute to a young leader so invested in her Boerum Hill community.

Hope was and always will be an integral part of my office and our mission, and her legacy of community empowerment will continue to be felt for many years to come. 

Staff Spotlight: Jonathan Boucher, Chief of Staff

Background: Jonathan Boucher, from Warwick, RI. Graduated from the University of Rhode Island in 2009. Previously served as Executive Director of the Rhode Island Democratic Party and Director of Intergovernmental Affairs for the Mayor of Providence, Rhode Island’s Capital City.
 
Hobbies: I love cooking (crème brulee is my specialty), going for bike rides, trying new restaurants, and trying to win the Hamilton lottery.
 
What I love about the 33rd: The FOOD! There is so much to do (and eat) in the 33rd. Between the abundance of parks and dedicated bike lanes (I personally love Brooklyn Bridge Park and I look forward to a completed Bushwick Inlet Park); the great restaurants and bars; and the arts and cultural institutions, there is literally something for everyone in our district.
 
What are the challenges facing the City: There are many challenges facing the city right now. The issues most important to me are: Preservation of our parks and green space; expanding public transportation options such as dedicated bike lanes and expanded subway service to achieve the goal of Vision Zero; making the City more handicap accessible and compliant with ADA standards; ensuring equal rights for all citizens and protecting our underserved populations from discrimination and harassment.
 
What am I excited about?: The food. All of the food. And maybe one day winning the Hamilton lottery.

On Heels of Supreme Court Decision and Rising Global Anti-Immigrant Sentiment, Council Members Unite in Call for Federal Action to Welcome and Protect Syrians, Ecuadorians

Speaker Mark-Viverito, and Council Members Menchaca, Levin, and Ferreras-Copeland called for federal action so support refugees

Parbat Chapagai, refugee from Bhutan

Today, Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, Council Members Carlos Menchaca, Stephen Levin, and Julissa Ferreras-Copeland came together to publicly reject increasingly pervasive anti-immigrant sentiments and called for federal action to support Syrian refugees and individuals displaced by the earthquake in Ecuador.
 
Council Members stood in solidarity with a coalition of resettlement agencies, service providers, advocates, and members of displaced communities, such as refugees and recipients of Temporary Protective Status (TPS). Together, they delivered a strong message that New York City will continue to welcome all people with compassion, respect, and generosity.
 
“Temporary Protective Status (TPS) serves as a critical humanitarian lifeline that will permit those affected by the Ecuadorian earthquake to legally stay and work in the U.S. to sustain themselves and their families,” said Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito. “In a time where there is disgusting rhetoric about immigrants, along with the rising global xenophobia that has been spreading, now is not the time, for our city nor our nation, to turn our backs on them. With many Syrians fleeing persecution and violence, we are also calling on the U. S. to allow more Syrian refugees into the United States. To continue denying people to want to come here, make a better life for themselves and contribute to our society, goes against the very fabric of what this great country stands for. I urge the Obama administration to act quickly and help these vulnerable groups.”
 
The proposed resolutions to be heard this afternoon by the Committee on Immigration promote a pro-immigrant message of inclusiveness:
 
Resolution 1105 calls upon the President and the State Department to resettle at least 10,000 Syrian refugees in the U.S. by the end of fiscal year 2016 and to increase such number to 65,000 by the end of fiscal year 2017.

Resolution 1103 calls upon the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to designate Ecuador for Temporary Protected Status to provide temporary immigration relief to eligible Ecuadorian nationals in the wake of a devastating earthquake.
 
Resolution 1105 was introduced in response to the five-year civil war in Syria, which has taken an estimated 250,000 lives and has caused more than 11 million people to flee their homes. The U.N. has reported that more than half of Syrian refugees are children under 18 years old, many of whom are separated from their parents and have been out of school for months, if not years. 
 
“In a political climate increasingly hostile to immigrants, we must stand up for the rights and dignity of all people – especially the most vulnerable in our global community,” said Council Member Stephen Levin, co-prime sponsor on Resolution 1105. “Our New York values guide us to reject xenophobia and welcome refugees, asylum seekers, and immigrants with open arms because we recognize that our diversity strengthens our City and enables us to flourish. I stand in solidarity with Council Members Menchaca and Ferreras-Copeland to call on the federal government to fulfill and expand our commitments to refugees and immigrants in a spirit of compassion and generosity.”

The current refugee crisis has been called the most complex humanitarian disaster of our time, with Syrians as the world’s largest refugee population under the U.N.’s mandate.

“I hope and I believe that the more we can all do to support and understand the lives of refugees and asylum seekers, the more we can ensure that families like mine can be successful in starting their new lives,” said Parbat Chapagai, a student and refugee from Bhutan.

In this fiscal year, a total of 132 refugees from 19 countries have resettled in New York City.

Budget Doubles Emergency Food Funding, Increases City's First Readers Initiative

Increases to the Emergency Food Assistance Program and to the City's First Readers literacy initiative were among the adopted changes for the upcoming New York City Budget.

Council members Stephen Levin and Barry Grodenchik released a joint statementapplauding the commitment to improving food security city-wide. “Food insecurity can be found in every corner of our city, and the increase to $16 million for emergency food will go very far to ensure that food pantries and soup kitchens will be better able to feed hungry New Yorkers. As we’ve said throughout the budget process, no New Yorker should have to go to bed hungry, and I applaud the decision to meet this critical and growing need,” said Council Member Stephen T. Levin, Chair of the General Welfare Committee.

The budget also increased funding for the literacy initiative City's First Readers. This initiative supports a coalition of nonprofits that provide literacy development through parent engagement, direct programming, and book distribution for children 0 to 5. "When the council first had the opportunity to propose new initiatives we thought about what could have the greatest long term impact in our community," said Council Member Stephen Levin. "It is often the case that by the time children start kindergarten many are already literacy deficient. By supporting early interventions for children through ages zero to five, we have the potential to improve outcomes for generations."