Attorney General James Calls on Target to Support the LGBTQ+ Community Coalition of 15 Attorneys General Ask Target to Support LGBTQ+ Americans, Resist Anti-LGBTQ+ Harassment

 

Follows Letter AG James Sent Earlier This Month Urging Target to Return Pride Merchandise to Stores 

New York Attorney General Letitia James joined a group of 15 attorneys general in calling on Target to support inclusivity and reject anti-LGBTQ+ hate, intimidation, and discrimination. In a letter sent to the national retail chain, the coalition addresses Target’s recent decision to remove certain Pride-related merchandise from its stores amid an increasing number of politically-motivated attacks on LGBTQ+ Americans. Attorney General James and the coalition of attorneys general express their commitment to protecting the civil rights of LGBTQ+ individuals and their concern regarding Target’s recent decision. The coalition’s action follows a letter Attorney General James sent earlier this month urging Target to reinstall the Pride merchandise removed from stores in response to backlash from anti-LGBTQ+ customers. 

“Target’s decision to remove certain Pride merchandise in response to hateful backlash is wrong,” said Attorney General James. “As state legislatures nationwide are attacking the rights and safety of LGBTQ+ individuals, we must be unwavering and unapologetic in supporting the LGBTQ+ community. During Pride month and beyond, I will always fight to ensure that LGBTQ+ New Yorkers — and Americans — can live and shop as their true selves without fear of harassment and intimidation.”

The attorneys general acknowledge that Target is concerned with keeping staff members and customers safe from anti-LGBTQ+ harassment, vandalism, and other criminal acts. The letter encourages Target to reach out to responsible authorities, including the co-signed attorneys general, to help address any anti-LGBTQ+ threats and harassment in Target stores. 

LGBTQ+ Americans have faced an increasing number of politically-motivated attacks in recent years. State legislatures across the country have adopted laws barring public schools from discussing LGBTQ+ identity, limiting gender-affirming care, prohibiting transgender individuals from using bathrooms or playing on sports teams aligned with their gender identity, and restricting drag performances. At the same time, the LGBTQ+ community has also increasingly been targeted by harassment and hate, including escalating threats of violence and a spike in baseless accusations that LGBTQ+ individuals seek to abuse or convert children.   

Against this backdrop, Pride merchandise like Target’s is an important way to demonstrate support for LGBTQ+ people nationwide, and to show that loud and intimidating fringe voices and bullies do not represent the views of society at large. For this reason, the attorneys general are concerned that Target’s decision to respond to bullying, intimidation, and destruction in their stores by pulling certain Pride merchandise, even when motivated by an understandable desire to protect workers, sends the wrong message: that those who engage in hateful and disruptive conduct can cause large corporations to succumb to their bullying, and that they have the power to determine when and where LGBTQ+ consumers can feel comfortable and protected. 

In New York and many other states, the law supports Target’s efforts to protect its staff and customers in the face of any hate-based intimidation, harassment, threats, or attacks. The New York State Human Rights Law prohibits discrimination in places of public accommodation on the basis of several protected characteristics, including sexual orientation and gender identity or expression. 

Joining Attorney General James in sending the letter are the attorneys general of Massachusetts, Minnesota, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Maine, Nevada, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington. 

Attorney General James has long been a leader in fighting for the rights of the LGBTQ+ community. Last month, she co-led a multistate coalition in submitting comments in support of robust anti-discrimination protections for transgender students at the federal level. In April 2023, Attorney General James called out Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for violating public university students’ right to privacy over his request for information on those receiving gender-affirming care. In March 2023, following a rise in anti-LGBTQ+ and anti-drag protests, rhetoric, and policies, Attorney General James hosted a first-of-its-kind Drag Story Hour Read-A-Thon for families in New York City. Last December, Attorney General James led a multi-state coalition of attorneys general to support equal access to gender-affirming care in West Virginia. In November 2022, Attorney General James led a coalition of attorneys general to support transgender students seeking to participate in sex-segregated school sports consistent with their gender identity in Indiana. Attorney General James has led or co-led coalitions of attorneys general to challenge policies prohibiting transgender students from using bathrooms which correspond with their gender identity in Indiana, Florida, and Virginia. 

FDNY FIREFIGHTER INDICTED FOR STEALING CREDIT CARDS FROM DECEASED PATIENT DURING EMS CALL

Defendant Charged $250 in Merchandise and Attempted to Charge $800 More 

 Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark and New York City Department of Investigation Commissioner Jocelyn E. Strauber today announced that a FDNY firefighter has been indicted on grand larceny, identity theft and other charges for stealing credit cards of a deceased patient during an emergency call and using them to charge hundreds of dollars in items.

 District Attorney Clark said, “The defendant, a firefighter in the New York City Fire Department, allegedly stole an American Express card and a Mastercard while responding to a 911 call at the Manhattan home of a patient who died. A day later, the defendant allegedly went to various stores in the Bronx and made purchases using the stolen cards. These alleged actions are reprehensible, even more so because he is a member of the city’s Bravest and violated the public trust.”

 Commissioner Strauber said, “This City firefighter, as alleged, was entrusted to provide emergency medical attention to New Yorkers in need. Instead, he used his position to steal the identity and credit cards of an individual he was called upon to help. The disgraceful charged conduct does not represent the compassion and integrity of the City’s first responders and I thank the Bronx District Attorney’s Office and the NYPD for their commitment to hold accountable those City employees who violate the trust placed in them.”

  District Attorney Clark said Sylus McKenzie, 33, of the Bronx, was arraigned on June 15, 2023 on two counts of fourth degree Grand Larceny, Attempted Identity Theft in the second degree, third-degree Identity Theft, second-degree Criminal Impersonation, and Official Misconduct before Bronx Supreme Court Justice George Villegas. He is due back in court on September 7, 2023.

 According to the investigation by the Bronx DA’s Public Integrity Bureau and DOI, on the night of January 11, 2021, the defendant, a FDNY Firefighter for about four years, responded to a 911 call for an unresponsive male at 231 East 50th Street in Manhattan. The man was pronounced dead shortly after the defendant arrived. After McKenzie left the scene and other first responders were preparing to seal the location, it was discovered that multiple credit cards of the decedent were missing from the apartment.

 According to the investigation, on January 12, 2021, between 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m., multiple transactions were made, and attempted, on the decedent’s missing credit cards. The defendant allegedly bought or tried to buy a total of $1,123.21 in purchases at a Sunoco Gas Station, a Food Bazaar Supermarket, and AirPods at Target.

 District Attorney Clark thanked the Department of Investigation, specifically Assistant Inspector General Jordan Buff in DOI’s Office of the Inspector General for FDNY, with the supervision of Deputy Inspector General Aleksandro Tilka, Deputy Inspector General Arturo Sanchez, Inspector General Audrey Feldman and Deputy Commissioner/Chief of Investigations Dominick Zarrella.

An indictment is an accusatory instrument and not proof of a defendant’s guilt. 

NEW LAW TO PROTECT CONSUMERS FROM POTENTIAL GIFT CARD SCAMS GOES INTO EFFECT TODAY, JUNE 20TH

 

Businesses are Required to Post a Notice Warning Consumers About Potential Gift Card Fraud

New York Secretary of State Robert J. Rodriguez reminded businesses that a new law to protect consumers from potential gift card scams goes into effect today, June 20th. All businesses selling gift cards are now required to display a notice at or near where any gift card or gift certificate is displayed or sold to caution consumers about gift card fraud. Requesting gift cards as payment has become increasingly popular with scammers as funds are nearly impossible to trace. According to the Federal Trade Commission in 2022, nearly 65,000 consumers filed a complaint related to gift card scams, equating to a total loss of $228.3 million. More information is available here.

“Over the past several weeks, the Department of State has been working to get the message out to both businesses and consumers about this important new law that educates and protects consumers against gift card fraud,” said Secretary of State Robert J. Rodriguez. “We want businesses to comply with the law, and we want to help increase the public’s awareness of these increasingly popular scams, so we encourage any business that has not already done so to post a warning notice where gift cards or displayed or sold.”

The Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection has created and published model notices that gift card sellers can download and post to comply with this new law. Businesses are encouraged to access these downloadable signs and post them where they sell gift cards. These downloadable signs are available in three different sizes on the Division of Consumer Protection website.

MAYOR ADAMS ANNOUNCES ASYLUM APPLICATION HELP CENTER

 

In Absence of National Strategy, Asylum Application Help Center Will Provide Thousands of Asylum Seekers in NYC Assistance to Submit Asylum Applications, First Step Toward Work Authorization

 

City Will Also Continue to Support Non-Profit Legal Providers and Pro Se Clinics with $5 Million Investment

 

Interested Immigration Lawyers and Application Assistants Encouraged to Apply Immediately

New York City Mayor Eric Adams today announced the Asylum Application Help Center, which will offer thousands of asylum seekers assistance completing and filing asylum applications as they seek a new life in the United States. While the tens of thousands of migrants that have arrived in New York City over the last year seeking shelter have already been paroled into the country by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, many have not officially filled out their asylum applications, delaying their eligibility for work authorization. Opening in the coming weeks — in consultation with immigration legal service providers and with the initial pro-bono support of the law firms Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP; Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP; Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP; and Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP — the Asylum Application Help Center will help thousands of asylum seekers currently in New York City apply for asylum, bringing them one step closer to being eligible for work authorization. Interested asylum seekers will schedule a one-on-one appointment at the application help center, where trained application assistants will work with the applicant to answer questions. Experienced immigration lawyers will be on site to supervise application assistants and provide guidance, and interpreters will be on site to provide in-person language assistance. Mayor Adams also encouraged New Yorkers interested in working at the Asylum Application Help Center to apply immediately.

 

“Throughout this crisis, New York City has led the nation in answering the call to support arriving asylum seekers, and we are doing that again today,” said Mayor Adams. “The Asylum Application Help Center will assist the asylum seekers in New York City through the complex federal immigration process, bringing them one step closer to being eligible for work authorization and the ability to support themselves. We must act swiftly to ensure the well-being of the thousands of migrants whose deadline to submit an asylum application is fast approaching, and this center will help us do that. I encourage New Yorkers to join this unprecedented effort by applying today to work at our center.”

 

“Legal services are a critical next step in the city’s approach to support people seeking asylum as they work to achieve independence,” said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Anne Williams-Isom. “The city is making important investments in the Asylum Application Help Center in partnership with a number of private sector partners. Thank you to all the firms, legal professionals, and everyday New Yorkers that are and will be a part of this effort. Ultimately, if we all work together with a national strategy for a national issue, we can address this humanitarian crisis." 

 

“The necessary first step toward work authorization — and a new life in this country — is a completed asylum application,” said Chief Counsel to City Hall Brendan McGuire. “By scaling up this help center to aid thousands of asylum seekers, this administration is providing targeted assistance to those who need it urgently.  And we are not doing it alone.  The non-profit community, the private immigration bar, and many of the city’s leading law firms have answered the call.  We are grateful to all of them and look forward to growing this effort in the weeks ahead.” 

 

“The Asylum Application Help Center represents another comprehensive measure taken by the City of New York to respond to an unprecedented humanitarian crisis,” said New York City Corporation Counsel Sylvia O. Hinds-Radix. “I commend those who are a part of this valiant effort to assist individuals through the federal asylum application process. This can be a daunting task for new arrivals. The help center will provide much needed guidance and assistance to asylum seekers as they forge their path towards self-sufficiency and a new life in our city.”

 

“Since the beginning of this humanitarian crisis, our administration has gone beyond our moral obligation to humanely support our newest New Yorkers and help them integrate into our city,” said Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs Commissioner Manual Castro. “The Asylum Application Help Center is a historic step New York City is taking with private and non-profit partners to help asylum seekers meet their one-year application deadline. While we await a national strategy, the city will continue to meet the needs of this crisis.”  

 

“New York City is a beacon of hope for so many seeking asylum, and volunteers continue to support individuals and families through their time, talents and donations. NYC Service is proud to offer free capacity building tools for organizations or programs supporting people seeking asylum, including the ability to recruit volunteers and receive in-kind donations,” said Chief Service Officer Laura Rog. “I encourage organizations to register on nyc.gov/service to connect to New Yorkers who want to help. To all the talented New Yorkers who want to get involved but aren’t sure how, register online to answer the call to serve.”

 

The Asylum Application Help Center will operate Monday – Friday from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM in the American Red Cross Greater New York headquarters in Midtown Manhattan by appointment only. The city continues to expand access to immigration assistance for recently arrived immigrants through ongoing and increased investments in its network of contracted immigration legal services providers. In addition to the Asylum Application Help Center, the city will invest $5 million to continue supporting a range of legal providers, including Lutheran Social Services, African Services Committee, Catholic Charities Community Services, and the Pro Se Plus Project (comprised of the New York Legal Assistance Group, Central American Legal Assistance, UnLocal, African Communities Together, Masa, and Catholic Migration Services) operating pro se clinics and hosting information sessions at the American Red Cross Greater New York headquarters.

 

In the coming weeks, the other support services offered at the Asylum Seeker Resource Navigation Center — currently operating at the American Red Cross Greater New York headquarters — will transition to the city’s Asylum Seeker Arrival Center based out of The Roosevelt Hotel. These services include New York City Department of Education school enrollment, Fair Fares enrollment, IDNYC, health insurance enrollment, and access to mental health counseling.

 

Helping asylum seekers to file asylum applications delivers on promises made in Mayor Adams’ “The Road Forward: A Blueprint to Address New York City's Response to the Asylum Seeker Crisis,” released this spring. The Adams administration also continues to strongly urge the federal government to immediately use every tool at its disposal to protect and support newly arrived migrants and asylum seekers — and the municipalities supporting them — by expanding Humanitarian Parole and Temporary Protected Status, and expediting asylum-based work authorization.

 

 Since this humanitarian crisis began, the city has taken fast and urgent action, opening a total of 175 emergency sites to provide shelter to asylum seekers, including 11 additional large-scale humanitarian relief centers; standing up navigation centers with support from community-based organizations to connect asylum seekers with critical resources; enrolling thousands of children in public schools through Project Open Arms; and more. 

 

“Cleary Gottlieb is committed to assisting vulnerable asylum-seekers located in New York City to apply for relief, and to working alongside our partner organizations in these efforts to leverage our long-standing experience and expertise in humanitarian immigration law,” said Michael A. Gerstenzang, managing partner, Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP.

 

“We stand ready to help with this first step towards getting people authorization to work,” said Brad S. Karp, chair, Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP.  

 

“Simpson Thacher has a long-standing commitment to providing legal services to migrants fleeing dangerous conditions in their home countries,” said Josh Levine, co-chair, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP’s Pro Bono Committee.  “We recognize that the number of immigrant families arriving daily into New York City has reached an unprecedented level and we stand ready to help the city with the services needed to help these children and adults apply for asylum.”

 

“This crisis calls for tenacious professionalism to help those striving to make a new home in New York,” said Bret Parker, executive director, New York City Bar Association and Kurt M. Denk, executive director, City Bar Justice Center. “Our organizations and others like ours have seen the difference that pro bono legal services can make in times of emergency, and we’re confident that approach will have an impact here as well.”

 

“American Immigration Lawyers Association New York Chapter welcomes New York City’s efforts to provide support to the thousands of asylum seekers in need of assistance,” said Kushal Patel, chair, American Immigration Lawyers Association New York Chapter (AILA NY).

 

“The American Immigration Lawyers Association of New York City is proud to be included in this initiative to assist asylum seekers navigate the complex U.S. immigration system,” said Neena Dutta, advocacy chair, AILA NY. “Our organization is comprised of over 1,700 private and non-profit immigration lawyers and nationwide the association has over 18,000 members. We know first-hand the issues facing newly arrived immigrants, and the consequences of poor or no representation. Less than 37 percent of immigrants and 14 percent of detained immigrants are represented by counsel. Immigrants who are represented are five times more likely to win their cases with an attorney than without and detained immigrants are 11 times more likely to pursue relief when they have legal counsel. Court data regarding unaccompanied children shows that when represented, 73 percent are allowed to remain in the U.S. when represented, whereas 15 percent are allowed to stay when unrepresented. We look forward to tackling this issue at our doorstep as the country has not had comprehensive immigration reform for three decades. We applaud the mayor’s office for taking this crucial step which recognizes a dire need and a human right, and hope that other cities will follow suit and adopt similar programs.”

 

Community Board 11 Juneteenth Celebration.

Juneteenth is a federal holiday commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. Deriving its name from combining June and nineteenth, it is celebrated on the anniversary of the order by Major General Gordon Granger proclaiming freedom for enslaved people in Texas on June 19, 1865. Juneteenth was signed into law as the eleventh American federal holiday on June 17, 2021 when President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act. 

The Community Board 11 Community Development and Budget Priorities Committee of Chair Serena Muniz, Co-Chair Malcolm Gray, committee member Christine Culpepper  De Ruiz, and other Community Board 11 members came up with the idea of celebrating Juneteenth as a Community Board 11 event. Elected officials who were on hand included Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson, Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark, City Councilwoman Marjorie Velazquez, and State Senator Gustavo Rivera. 

Proclamations, and Certificates of merit were given to longtime CB11 member and recently retired President of the 49th Precinct Council, while other honorees were Deputy Inspector Garth Kentish commander of the 49th Precinct, Oral Selkridge Sergeant of Arms Community Board 11, and Angel Diaz member Laborers Local 79. Tyron Pope, ED.D Clinical Lecturer of Criminal Justice Department of Criminal Justice and Sociology at IONA University  spoke about Juneteenth.

(L-R) Community Board 11 members Migiel Dyer and Christine Culpepper De Ruiz, State Senator Gustavo Rivera, Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark, CB 11 Community Development and Budget Priorities chair Serena Muniz, Tyron Pope ED.D, and CB 11 Budget Committee Co Chair Malcolm Gray.

Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson arrived after State Senator Rivera departed for another event, and poke of what Juneteenth meant to her. Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark also spoke after the borough president about Juneteenth.

Councilwoman Marjorie Velazquez arrived as the awards were handed out. Honorees Oral Selkridge and Angel Diaz stand behind Councilwoman Velazquez, Borough President Gibson, and CB 11 Budget Committee Chair Muniz.

Special Honoree Joe Thompson arrived just in time to be given his proclamation and other awards, while posing with Borough President Gibson, Councilwoman Velazquez, other honorees, and Community Board 11 members. 

The beautifully decorated and delicious red velvet and cream cheese Juneteenth cake.

Governor Hochul Updates Western and Central New Yorkers on Air Quality for Monday, June 19

 

Governor Hochul and the Departments of Environmental Conservation and Health continue to closely monitor air quality for impacts from Canadian wildfires, as well as ozone and other pollutants, which today is mildly impacting Western and Central New York. Air quality in the remainder of New York State is forecast to be in the good to moderate range.

"While we continue to monitor air quality and our brave Forest Rangers assist with wildfire suppression efforts in Quebec, smoke from the Canadian wildfires is expected to remain visible, although its impacts will be limited at ground level," Governor Hochul said. "As smoke moves across Western and Central New York today, I encourage New Yorkers to remain vigilant. If you are in a vulnerable group, please monitor the latest information and if an Air Quality Advisory is issued this summer, take steps to protect yourself."

Smoke from the wildfires will be visible in the air in Western and Central New York today, Monday, June 19, with High-Moderate Air Quality Index (AQI) levels for fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution forecast for these regions. Forecasts currently show there may be temporary spikes where AQI levels exceed the Moderate range, but the overall AQI for a 24-hour period is anticipated to remain in the Moderate AQI level. Although smoke may be visible at high altitudes, these levels remain far below the levels experienced by New Yorkers earlier this month, and are below the threshold to issue an Air Quality Health Advisory.

Moderate levels are when the Air Quality Index is between 51-100, which means air quality is acceptable, with potential moderate health concerns for a very small number of people who are unusually sensitive to air pollution. Air Quality Health Advisories are issued when meteorologists forecast levels of pollution, most commonly ozone and particulate matter, to exceed an AQI value of 100.

If the AQI exceeds 100, we recommend reviewing the precautions here as necessary. New Yorkers are encouraged to sign up to receive the state's Air Quality Health Advisories by subscribing here.

More information about New York State Air Quality forecast is available here.

Scented Plants Sunday at Wave Hill July 16

 

Celebrate the scents of summer this weekend, when the air is perfumed with fragrant flowers and foliage. Explore the gardens with our experts, sample tasty recipes and take a bit of summer home with you in the form of an herbal craft. Activities for gardeners and budding herbalists of all ages. 

Some events this weekend will take place in fully accessible areas of the garden, some not. Please read the full description of each event—see the links below—to learn more. Events are free with admission unless otherwise indicated. Outdoor events will be cancelled in severe weather. The full schedule for the weekend is at Scented Plants Sunday – Wave Hill.

Family Art Project: Exploring Herbal Arts, 10AM–1PM Using your sense of smell and touch, discover the world of herbal and botanical arts. Decorate your own perfume bottle and then create a scented blend using lavender and other plants inspired by Wave Hill’s Herb Garden.

Scratch and Sniff Plant Pavilion, 10AM-4PM Zoom-in on the scents of some familiar and unusual herbs at this drop-in station. Scratch and sniff plants that are suitable for petting, and check out the shapes, textures, colors and scents of their leaves and flowers. What’s your favorite? Ages five and older welcome with an adult.

“Scentsational” Summer Plant Walk, 11AM–NOON & 1-2PM Experience first-hand how your olfactory senses can support mindfulness and engender a sense of place and well-being on this rejuvenating garden walk. Stroll through Wave Hill’s most extravagantly scented garden areas with John Beirne, Curatorial Director of Horticulture at Reeves Reed Arboretum, and discover the varied sensory attributes of herbs and other aromatic plants. Along the way, learn the names and general growing requirements of our favorite fragrant plants for further study or to help plan a sensory garden of your own. Ages 12 and older welcome with an adult.

Cooking Demo: Summery Herbal Beverages and Baked Goods, 11AM–NOON Peppermint, basil, lemon verbena and more—many herbs taste as good as they smell! Enjoy a taste of summer with some delicious, sweet drinks and baked goods made with fragrant herbs harvested at their peak. Chef Nick Acosta of Wave Hill exclusive caterer Great Performances demonstrates some favorite summer recipes while Wave Hill's Director of Public Programs Laurel Rimmer shares tips for selecting and growing the herbs featured in the recipes. Ages 10 and older welcome with an adult.

Incense & Smudges Workshop, 1–3PM Join Melissa Rivera of Holistic Energy Healing in a gentle circle-meditation, then learn the history and uses of incense and smudges. Work in groups to concoct your own natural incense cones and smudge bundles inspired by the delightful aromas of the Herb Garden. Go home with handmade products, recipes and resources, and a new wellness ritual to add to your routine. Ages 12 and older welcome with an adult. $55, including admission to the grounds. Wave Hill Members save 10% Registration required. 

About Wave Hill - A 28-acre public garden and cultural center overlooking the Hudson River and Palisades, Wave Hill’s mission is to celebrate the artistry and legacy of its gardens and landscapes, to preserve its magnificent views, and to explore human connections to the natural world through programs in horticulture, education and the arts. 

HOURS: Open all year, Tuesday–Sunday, 10AM–5:30PM. Marco Polo Stufano Conservatory 10AM–Noon; 1–4PM. ADMISSION TO THE GROUNDS: $10 adults, $6 students and seniors 65+, $4 children 6-18. Free Thursdays. Free to Wave Hill Members, children under 6. DIRECTIONS at wavehill.org.

City Council, Homeless Services Providers and Advocates Call on Mayor to Sign All CityFHEPS Bills, Passed by Veto-Proof Majority, into Law

 

Bills provide solutions to record homelessness and worsening eviction crisis

In response to Mayor Adams’ executive order suspending the rule that requires individuals to stay in a homeless shelter for 90 consecutive days before qualifying for a CityFHEPS housing voucher, the New York City Council, homeless services providers and advocates called on the Mayor to sign all of the recently-passed Council bills into law. The four bills were passed by the Council on May 25 with votes of 41 to 7, far more than a veto-proof majority.

First heard in January, the bills were overwhelmingly approved by the Council after nearly one year of inaction by the Administration to eliminate the 90-day rule, despite first pledging to end it in June 2022. As the city continued to welcome tens of thousands of people seeking asylum in the U.S. throughout the past year, the Council continued to call for the Administration to eliminate the rule in statements, hearings, and reports, as a solution to better assist New Yorkers in transitioning out of the shelter system to permanent housing. 

According to data for the first four months of Fiscal Year 2023 in the most recent Preliminary Mayor’s Management Report, the average length of stay in shelter was 802 days for adult families, 485 days for families with children, and 441 days for single adults. The Mayor’s Housing Blueprint estimates that it cost the city nearly $8,773 per month to house a family of two in the shelter system in 2022. A CityFHEPS voucher for the same family would cost a maximum of $2,387, and likely less, resulting in a lower total annual expense.

At a time of record homelessness, the Administration has also left thousands of apartments vacant. It has failed to place homeless New Yorkers into over 2,000 vacant supportive housing apartments, while cutting funds from and understaffing the agencies responsible for making the placements. It has also cut funding from NYCHA to help fill vacant apartments, when over 6,500 remain empty and unavailable for tenants. Meanwhile, the Mayor’s administration has failed to intervene as the number of evictions has skyrocketed, surpassing 100,000 cases in the courts.

“Passing legislation to reform city policies that have blocked New Yorkers’ access to CityFHEPS housing vouchers was a critical and long overdue step to help people move out of shelters, find and maintain stable housing, and reduce homelessness,” said Speaker Adrienne Adams. “The 90-day rule is just one of several counterproductive barriers that the Administration failed to take action to eliminate, leaving too many New Yorkers stuck in shelters far longer than necessary. The efforts to transition people from homeless shelters to permanent housing have been inadequate, straining the City’s shelter capacity under additional pressures. While we welcome the Administration finally seeming to drop its opposition to end the 90-day rule, the Council’s legislation importantly codifies the change and provides a more comprehensive approach to remove other obstacles to housing vouchers that can help protect New Yorkers. The only reliable path forward to truly confront the city’s eviction and homelessness crises is for the Mayor to sign the entire package of legislation.”