PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Keisha Sutton-James, Deputy Manhattan Borough President, Manhattan Borough President's Office on Hotel Licensing Bill
1:16:07
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172 sec
Keisha Sutton-James, representing Manhattan Borough President Mark Levin, testified in support of Intro 991-B, which would require licensing for hotels in New York City. She emphasized the bill's potential to improve safety, protect workers, and enhance accountability in the hotel industry.
- The bill aims to bring the hotel industry in line with other regulated sectors in the city.
- Sutton-James cited successful hotel licensing programs in other major U.S. cities.
- She highlighted the bill's potential to address criminal activities, including human trafficking, in hotels.
Keisha Sutton-James
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Good morning.
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Chairmenin and members of the committee on consumer and worker protections.
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Thank you for the opportunity to testify today in support of the proposed legislation to require licensing for hotels in New York City.
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My name is Keisha Sutton James, and I am deputy Manhattan Burrow President.
1:16:25
I will be testifying on behalf of Manhattan Burrow President Mark Levin.
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On intro 991 b to 2024, a bill that he strongly believes will bring much needed oversight accountability and protection and consumer protection to an industry that serves millions of New Yorkers and visitors alike.
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The hotel industry is vital to the economy of New York City drawing millions of tourists each day and providing thousands of jobs.
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However, it is also one that requires rigorous standards and oversight to ensure safe, clean, and healthy facilities and operation for consumers as well as strong protections for workers.
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This will bring the hotel industry into alignment with many other sectors, all regulate already regulated by our city, creating consistency and accountability that is long overdue.
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Host hotel license share programs have been successful in cities across the country from Boston to Washington DC, Chicago, and Las Vegas.
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Licensing has improved the quality of hotel services and enhanced consumer protections without hindering the industry's growth.
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If passed, this bill will play an important role in keeping the public safe.
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Over the past 5 years, more than 14,000 criminal complaints have been made across at hotels across the five boroughs, including a staggering 39 murders.
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Licensing will help weed out the bad actors and unsafe business practices thereby making serious and important steps to reduce human trafficking and other safety issues.
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Because of this, Intro 991 B has been supported by all 5 district attorneys and attorney general, Leticia James, all of whom recognize that licensing will help improve public safety and help root out bad actors in the industry.
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Is also essential that we keep these step that we take these steps to better protect workers in an industry known for widespread widespread wage theft and unacceptable working conditions by requiring dek, direct employment and just contest due to ration, please.
Julie Menin
1:18:28
Thank you so much.
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I have 1, 2
Keisha Sutton-James
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more sentences.
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In operations, this legislation ensures that hotel workers are treated fairly, paid appropriately, and protected from exploitation.
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Licensing will further foster a more responsible and transparent industry where workers and consumers alike can trust in the integrity of the businesses with which they engage.
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INTER-nine ninety one b is about improving public safety, protecting consumers, and ensuring fair treatment for workers.
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I urge the counsel to pass this important bill.
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Thank you for your time and consideration.
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Testimony by David Weil, Professor at Brandeis University and Harvard Kennedy School, on Hotel Subcontracting and Worker Protections
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Testimony by Tariqua Morrison, Deputy General Counsel and Director of Intergovernmental Affairs from Queens Borough President's Office on Safe Hotels Act
