Attorney General James Sues Trump Administration to Protect Libraries and Museums

 

AG James Co-Leads Coalition Suing to Stop Dismantling of Federal Agencies That Support Libraries, Museums, Minority-Owned Businesses, and Workers 

New York Attorney General Letitia James co-led a coalition of 20 other attorneys general in suing the Trump administration to stop the dismantling of three federal agencies that provide services and funding supporting public libraries and museums, workers, and minority-owned businesses nationwide. In March, the Trump administration issued an Executive Order that would dismantle federal agencies created by Congress that collectively provide hundreds of millions of dollars for programs in every state. As a result of this Executive Order, the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) – one of the targeted agencies – has placed almost its entire staff on administrative leave and will cut hundreds of grants for state libraries and museums. The lawsuit filed by Attorney General James and the coalition seeks to stop the targeted destruction of the IMLS and two other agencies targeted in the administration’s EO that millions of Americans rely on, especially those in underserved communities.

“The Trump administration is launching another attack on vulnerable communities, small businesses, and our children’s education,” said Attorney General James. “The agencies they are attempting to dismantle support workers nationwide, provide funding to help minority-owned businesses, and make sure our libraries and museums stay open so children can engage in lifelong learning. My office will continue to stand up to this administration’s chaos and destruction, and defend critical services that communities throughout New York and the nation depend upon.”

This Executive Order is the administration’s latest attempt to dismantle federal agencies in defiance of Congress. Attorney General James and the coalition are seeking to stop the dismantling of three agencies targeted in the administration’s Executive Order:

• The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), which supports museums and libraries nationwide through grantmaking, research, and policy development;
• The Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), which promotes the growth and inclusion of minority-owned businesses through federal financial assistance programs; and
• The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS), which promotes the peaceful resolution of labor disputes.

As Attorney General James and the coalition assert in the lawsuit, dismantling these agencies will have devastating effects on communities throughout New York and the nation that rely on them to provide important services to the public, including funding their libraries, promoting minority-owned businesses, and protecting workers’ rights.

In 2024, IMLS invested $180 million in libraries nationwide under its Grants to States Program. New York received over $8 million, which helped to fund literacy programs for children and adults, provided training for over 200,000 library staff across New York’s 7,000 libraries, improved internet access in libraries, and paid the salaries of two-thirds of New York State Library employees. The administration’s action will threaten hundreds of library staff across the country who provide essential services to their communities.

In addition, the Trump administration has cut the staff of MBDA from 40 to just five individuals and has effectively stopped issuing new grants, hurting vulnerable small businesses across the country. The FMCS has slashed its staff from roughly 200 to fewer than 15 individuals and announced the termination of several of its core programs, making it harder for unionized workers to secure their rights.

Attorney General James and the coalition argue that the Executive Order violates the Constitution and the Administrative Procedure Act by eliminating the programs of agencies without any regard for the laws and regulations that govern each source of federal funding. The coalition argues that the president cannot decide to unilaterally override laws governing federal spending, and that this Executive Order unconstitutionally overrides Congress’s power to decide how federal funds are spent.

“The White House’s Executive Order eliminating the Institute of Museum and Library Services has a direct impact on all New Yorkers,” said New York State Librarian Lauren Moore. “This institute provides $8 million in federal support, sustaining 55 state library staff members – two-thirds of our state library workforce – and essential programs that directly serve local library communities and residents across the state. Our libraries are more than just buildings; they are vibrant hubs of knowledge, culture, and community connection that empower individuals and strengthen society. We stand firm in our mission to ensure all New Yorkers continue to have equitable access to the library resources they need. As the New York State Librarian, I firmly support the merits of this lawsuit and am thankful for the leadership of Attorney General James on this matter.”

This lawsuit is led by Attorney General James and the attorneys general of Rhode Island and Hawaii. Joining the lawsuit are the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin.

State Senator Gustavo Rivera on Dr. Oz's Confirmation as Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

 

“The Senate’s confirmation of Dr. Mehmet Oz as the next Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is another sobering reminder of the Trump administration’s full fledged attack against our public health institutions and programs. 

Dr. Oz, who is better known as a TV personality with a history of elevating bogus medical advice, has neither the professional experience nor the healthcare policy acumen that should be required of the person overseeing our country’s key healthcare programs such as Medicare and Medicaid, CHIP, or the ACA health insurance marketplaces among others. It is important to remember that CMS administers programs that provide healthcare coverage to over 160 million Americans that rely on these otherwise cost prohibitive healthcare services.

With Republicans aiming to cut almost a trillion dollars from Medicaid nationwide in order to secure substantial tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans, this confirmation further demonstrates this administration’s willingness to jeopardize access to healthcare for millions of Americans. 



This administration keeps promoting that they want to make America healthy again. However, it is going to be impossible to make that happen if we further privatize our healthcare. This is why New York must lead by example. This is the time for forward thinking solutions like my bill, the New York Health Act to finally guarantee access to healthcare to all New Yorkers.”

Affordable Housing Lottery Launches for Bruckner Heights in Soundview, The Bronx

 

The affordable housing lottery has launched for Bruckner Heights, a pair of mixed-use buildings at 2070 Chatterton Avenue and 1017 Olmstead Avenue in Soundview, The Bronx. Designed by Aufgang Architects and developed by Azimuth Development Group, the structures yield 330 residences. Available on NYC Housing Connect are 274 units for residents at 30 to 70 percent of the area median income (AMI), ranging in eligible income from $19,372 to $134,820.

Amenities include indoor and outdoor recreation area, a community room, bicycle storage, shared laundry room, and on-site parking. Tenants are responsible for electricity.

At 30 percent of the AMI, there are nine studios with a monthly rent of $454 for incomes ranging from $19,372 to $37,290; 12 one-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $577 for incomes ranging from $24,138 to $41,940; 11 two-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $680 for incomes ranging from $29,143 to $50,310; and two three-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $774 for incomes ranging from $33,806 to $57,780.

At 50 percent of the AMI, there are 21 studios with a monthly rent of $1,010 for incomes ranging from $38,435 to $62,150; 41 one-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $1,271 for incomes ranging from $47,932 to $69,900; 22 two-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $1,514 for incomes ranging from $57,738 to $83,850; and two three-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $1,738 for incomes ranging from $66,858 to $96,300.

At 60 percent of the AMI, there are eight studios with a monthly rent of $1,243 for incomes ranging from $46,423 to $74,580; 34 one-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $1,563 for incomes ranging from $57,943 to $83,880; 22 two-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $1,864 for incomes ranging from $69,738 to $100,620; and four three-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $2,142 for incomes ranging from $80,709 to $115,560.

At 70 percent of the AMI, there are 19 studios with a monthly rent of $1,255 for incomes ranging from $46,835 to $87,010; 29 one-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $1,578 for incomes ranging from $58,458 to $97,860; 26 two-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $1,881 for incomes ranging from $70,320 to $117,390; and 12 three-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $2,162 for incomes ranging from $81,395 to $134,820.

Prospective renters must meet income and household size requirements to apply for these apartments. Applications must be postmarked or submitted online no later than June 2, 2025.

Councilmember Kristy Marmorato's Weekly Newsletter

Latest News from Councilwoman Marmorato!

Dear Neighbors,

This week, we continued our commitment to supporting our community members in hosting a Vietnams Veterans Luncheon, providing Hot Meals, and gathering at our Shredding Event! It is always a joy to engage with our amazing community and ensure we keep providing valuable events that meet the needs of our constituents.

In this newsletter, you will find details about the district events that took place this week, along with information on various upcoming events we have planned.

It is an honor to represent you in the New York City Council and continue fighting to keep our community safe, healthy, and prosperous!

Sincerely,

Councilwoman Kristy Marmorato

District 13, Bronx

Public Hearing for Preston High School!

The Attorney General will be hosting an important public hearing regarding the proposed closure of Preston High School. This is a crucial opportunity for the community to voice concerns and learn more about the impact of this decision.

For more details and to stay informed, visit: https://ag.ny.gov/preston-public-hearing

Vietnam Veterans Day Luncheon

 

Last Saturday, Councilwoman Mamorato proudly hosted and sponsored the inaugural Vietnam Veterans Day Luncheon, celebrating a historic moment for our city. Thanks to her legislation (Reso 441), March 29 is now officially recognized as Vietnam Veterans Day in NYC—a tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of those who served.

Many Vietnam veterans were never properly honored, so today we presented citations to every veterans post in District 13, recognizing those who served, those we lost, and the families who carry their legacy forward.

We also honored Sgt. Oscar Ruiz, whose advocacy made Councilwoman Marmorato aware of this lack of recognition. His dedication inspired both this resolution and today’s luncheon.

Thank you to our elected official colleagues Vanessa L. Gibbosn and Bronx District Attorney Clark for showing up and helping us honor our vets

On this day and always, we stand with our Vietnam veterans, their families, and caregivers. Your service will never be forgotten. 

Hot Meals Highlights!

Hot Meals at Pelham Parkway

Over the past week, we were proud to deliver hot meals to residents of Pelham Parkway as part of our continued commitment to ensuring food security for our community.

This initiative is just one of the many ways we’re working to provide support and assistance to those who need it most. Thank you to everyone who made this possible, and let’s continue to work together to build a stronger, more connected community!

Hot Meals at Janel Towers

This week, we continued our efforts to support the residents of Janel Towers by providing hot meals as part of our ongoing commitment to strengthening food security in the community.

Our work doesn’t stop here—together, we can continue to make a positive impact and support those who rely on our help. Thank you to everyone involved in making this possible!

Shoutout to DEP!

A huge shoutout to the NYC Department of Environmental Protection for their swift and effective response in fixing the water main break!

We truly appreciate your dedication and hard work in keeping our community running smoothly. Thank you, DEP, for always being there when we need you!

Birch School's Bubble Parade

On Tuesday, I was honored to be the Grand Marshal at The Birch School’s Bubble Parade!  It was such a joy to see the smiles and excitement as we celebrated the wonderful students and their amazing achievements. Just like bubbles, every child is unique, bright, and meant to rise.

Let’s continue to celebrate and uplift all abilities, ensuring every child feels supported, valued, and empowered to reach their full potential! 

Shredding Event!

Our shredding event was a huge success! 

A special thank you to the NYC Department of Sanitation for their incredible support and for ensuring everything ran smoothly. Your hard work is truly appreciated!

Big thanks to everyone who showed up to safely dispose of sensitive documents and help keep our community secure and clean. It’s amazing to see such strong community participation!

Let’s keep up the great work in protecting our environment and making our neighborhoods cleaner and greener! 

Clean Up Corner

A big shoutout to the NYC Department of Sanitation for keeping our streets clean and safe!

Your commitment to making our city shine doesn’t go unnoticed, and we’re grateful for the hard work you put in day after day. Let’s keep working together to build a cleaner, greener future!

Lifeguard Recruitment 

Free Tax Prep Services

Your Feedback on E-Scooters Matters!

Report E-Scooters that are blocking sidewalks, fire hydrants, ADA-accessible entrances, or creating any other hazardous conditions in our community.

Reach out to us at district13@council.nyc.gov

Let us Know! Illegal Smoke Shops

Please let us know about illegal and unlicensed smoke shops operating within District 13!

Reach out to us at district13@council.nyc.gov

Councilwoman Marmorato  718-931-1721

District13@council.nyc.gov

Governor Hochul, Buffalo Bills and Erie County Mark Major Construction Milestone at New Highmark Stadium With Steel Topping Out Ceremony

Over 1,000 Guests and Hundreds of Union Construction Workers Watch Final Beam of Structural Steel Lifted into Place at New $2.1 Billion State-of-the-Art Stadium That Will Keep the Team in Buffalo for Next 30 Years

Economic Impact Will Exceed the Public Contribution to Western New York’s Largest Construction Project

Governor Kathy Hochul, the Buffalo Bills and Erie Countys celebrated the topping out of the new $2.1 billion Highmark Stadium at the construction site in Orchard Park. A major building milestone, topping out celebrates the lifting and placing of the last major roof module for the stadium structure. The state-of-the-art stadium design includes cutting-edge technology, inspiring art and an array of amenities designed to enhance the customer experience — making it a world-class entertainment venue that will boost the economy of Western New York for decades to come. The project is about 50 percent complete and is slated to be finished prior to the 2026 NFL season.

“This marks a major milestone for the future home of the Buffalo Bills and one of the largest construction projects ever in Western New York,” Governor Hochul said. “This world-class stadium would not be possible without our skilled union workers and partners, and I look forward to cheering along with them at the first Bills game being played here in the 2026 season.”

Buffalo Bills Owner Terry Pegula said, “This is about you hard workers. We're going to put this piece of steel up. We’re calling this the topping off ceremony. I call it the first piece of building the rest of the stadium.”

With more than 1,400 guests and hundreds of proud members of organized labor in attendance, one of the super cranes on site was used to erect the highest beam 156 feet in the air. The topping out ceremony commemorated the tremendous efforts of construction professionals and the men and women of organized labor to maintain safe and on-time construction. The final beam is adorned with an American flag and an evergreen tree, standing as a talisman for good luck and prosperity for the future occupants of the building. It bears the signature of hundreds of partners, employees and stakeholders who are contributing to the development of the new stadium.

This milestone comes just 20 months after the groundbreaking for the new 60,000-seat facility, designed by the Bills in conjunction with Legends and the architectural firm Populous. To date, the construction team has put in place more than 22,000 individual pieces of steel weighing more than 25,000 tons. The scope of work necessitated the participation of 16 fabrication companies, with 60 percent of the steel being produced in New York State and almost all of it produced in the United States. In addition to the structural steel work, the project has included the removal of 742,000 cubic yards of dirt and the installation of more than 46,000 cubic yards of foundation concrete, and miles of piping among other materials. As many as 1,500 workers will be on the site at the peak of construction — including people working on masonry, electrical and plumbing. Workers have already contributed over 1.7 million craft-hours to construction, with that number expected to double by completion.

With the topping out milestone, construction continues on the interior of the building, as well as the roof and exterior enclosure. Construction manager Gilbane/Turner is in the midst of putting the canopy structure on the stadium’s top level, which tops out at 116 feet above grade — nearly double the height of the current stadium, and installing precast materials, which will make up the exoskeleton of the building. This spring, the skin of the building will be installed including the precast architectural, perforated metal and glass panels that capture outside views of Lake Erie and downtown Buffalo.

The future world-class home of the Bills will also host a variety of other sporting and non-sporting events and will feature an array of premium amenities throughout all levels, including:

• A 360-degree canopy covering 65 percent of the seats
• Heated concourse and seating in several areas
• World’s largest snow melt system, utilizing roof sensors to monitor and liquify snow piles
• Two state-of-the-art video boards and an acoustic system to maximize patron’s audio and visual experience
• Upper deck with views of the City of Buffalo, Lake Erie and the Boston Hills
• Inviting welcome plaza highlighted by a sculpture of a family of American Bison
• Mix of concessions, kitchens and retail stores
• Accessibility for people with disabilities

 

Attorney General James Sues Trump Administration for Illegally Cutting Funding for Medical Research

 

AG James and 15 Other Attorneys General Ask Court to Restore Millions in Research Funding for Alzheimer's, Substance Use Disorder, and More

New York Attorney General Letitia James and a coalition of 15 other attorneys general filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration for its unlawful cancellation of National Institutes of Health (NIH) research grants that fund critical medical and scientific advancements. In March, NIH began to terminate millions of dollars in grant funding for previously approved research projects, including projects focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), LGBTQ+ health, and vaccine hesitancy, on the basis that the projects no longer align with NIH priorities. In a lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts, Attorney General James and the coalition are challenging the administration’s abrupt, unjustified, and illegal decision to revoke these funds, as well as NIH’s suspension of the grant approval process, which threaten life-saving research in New York and across the country. 

“Once again, the Trump administration is putting politics before public health and risking lives and livelihoods in the process,” said Attorney General James. “Millions of Americans depend on our nation’s research institutions for treatments and cures to the diseases that devastate families every day. The decision to cut these funds is an attack on science, public health, and medical innovation – and I won’t stand for it. We are suing to restore these critical funds because the people of New York, and the entire nation, deserve better.” 

The NIH is the largest public funder of medical research in the world and is responsible for life-saving vaccines that have eradicated several diseases, biomedical discoveries that have reduced the risk of certain cancers, and life-extending treatments for illnesses that were previously a death sentence, like HIV and AIDS. The NIH has propelled the United States to its position as a global health and life sciences leader – a position that Attorney General James and the coalition argue is now in jeopardy because of the Trump administration’s disruption of NIH grants. The NIH’s grant program has funded many of the world’s most significant innovations. In 2024 alone, NIH’s grant program spurred more than $94 billion in profit. Now, the Trump administration is attempting to claw back funding for projects that do not align with the president’s ideologies, while simultaneously grinding the review and approval of pending grant applications to a halt. 

Since March, NIH has sent hundreds of letters to researchers notifying them that their grant funding is being withdrawn because their projects “no longer effectuate agency priorities.” The only explanation provided is that the research projects are connected to “DEI,” “transgender issues,” “vaccine hesitancy,” or another topic that the president and his administration dislike.  

Attorney General James and the coalition argue that these delays and terminations have caused – and, if left unchecked, will continue to cause – significant and irreparable damage to research efforts across the nation. Collectively, the states involved in the lawsuit are awaiting decisions on billions of dollars in requested research funding, including millions of dollars in funding for projects that have already gotten the green light from NIH reviewers. This strain has only been exacerbated by NIH starting to cancel grants previously issued to research institutions, clawing back millions of dollars in already-awarded money. The funding cuts have already disrupted ongoing studies at leading research institutions, threatening years of medical progress.   

In New York, NIH has terminated more than $4.5 million in research grants for the State University of New York (SUNY). The cancelled grants include projects on Alzheimer’s disease in Asian and Latino Americans, substance abuse risks for LGBTQ+ youth, cardiovascular disease in LGBTQ+ individuals, and HIV treatment in Ghana. NIH has even terminated the remaining funding for a $3.5 million project that established a groundbreaking training center for health equity researchers studying health disparities in and around Buffalo. In termination letters, NIH arbitrarily claimed these were “DEI studies” and stated that the projects were “incompatible with agency priorities, and no modification of the project could align the project with agency priorities.” The letters provided no factual basis for these claims nor any insight on new agency priorities. Several of these studies had the potential to achieve significant breakthroughs that would have advanced public health for the country but are now shut down indefinitely. Meanwhile, delays in NIH funding have delayed ongoing and future studies, forced researchers to abandon studies and lose key personnel, and prevented SUNY from launching several community health initiatives. 

Attorney General James and the coalition argue that NIH’s grant terminations violate federal law, including the Administrative Procedure Act, as the agency has failed to acknowledge, or provide any rationale for any changes in agency policy that would justify the terminations. In addition, the attorneys general argue that the cuts go against congressionally mandated directives for NIH, including statutory requirements that the NIH Director work to improve research on LGBTQ+ health, expand research on women’s and reproductive health, and diversify the biomedical research workforce. The attorneys general also assert that NIH is violating its responsibilities under federal law by delaying the review, approval, and provision of funds for pending grant applications. The attorneys general are asking a court to restore the improperly revoked grants and ensure that the federal government follows lawful procedures when making funding decisions. 

This is the latest action Attorney General James has taken to protect New Yorkers and the services they rely on from the Trump administration’s illegal attacks. Yesterday, Attorney General James sued President Trump for his unconstitutional attempt to seize control of elections. Also yesterday, Attorney General James won a court order temporarily blocking the Trump administration from slashing $11 billion in vital health funding for state and local governments. On March 14, Attorney General James and a coalition secured a court order reinstating federal workers subject to mass firings at 18 agencies. On March 13, Attorney General James led a coalition of 20 attorneys general in suing the Trump administration to stop the dismantling of the Department of Education. On March 10, Attorney General James secured a court order blocking the Trump administration from cutting critical grant programs for teachers, and on March 6, Attorney General James secured a court order blocking the Trump administration’s freeze of essential federal funds to states. On March 5, Attorney General James and a coalition of attorneys general won a court order stopping the Trump administration from withholding vital funding to the National Institutes of Health. On February 24, Attorney General James led a coalition of attorneys general in securing a court order preventing Elon Musk and members of DOGE from accessing Americans’ private information through the U.S. Treasury, and on February 13, Attorney General James and a coalition of attorneys general secured a preliminary injunction stopping the administration’s illegal revocation of birthright citizenship. 

Joining Attorney General James in this lawsuit are the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawai’i, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington, and Wisconsin.