REMARKS
Council Member Farah N. Louis discusses maternal health legislation and land use project
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110 sec
Council Member Farah N. Louis addresses the NYC City Council, highlighting two pieces of legislation (Intro 891-A and Intro 892-A) aimed at improving maternal health and workplace accommodations for new mothers. She also discusses a land use item (LU 175) for affordable housing in her district.
- Intro 891-A mandates annual publication of members of the maternal mortality and morbidity review committee
- Intro 892-A requires employers to provide written policies on lactation room accommodations
- LU 175 authorizes an urban development action area project in District 45, with concerns raised about HPD's involvement
Farah N. Louis
0:22:39
Thank you, madam.
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Majority leader and good afternoon colleagues.
0:22:42
Today, our body will be voting on 2 vital pieces of legislation, intro 891 and intro 892 to address critical issues surrounding maternal health and workplace accommodations for new mothers.
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The tragic trends of maternal mortality and morbidity, which disproportionately affect the black and brown woman in our city demand accountability and action.
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Intro 891 mandates.
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That's the Department of Health And Mental Hygiene.
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Annually publishes the names and titles of members of maternal mortality and morbidity review committee.
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This is an essential step toward addressing systemic inequities and holding our city accountable for their well-being of its mothers.
0:23:21
Intro 892 focuses on workplace equity, requiring employers to provide written policies on lactation room accommodations at the same time of hiring and make and making them accessible at all workplaces, ensuring no mothers are provided with necessary accommodations without facing undue barriers.
0:23:39
I also wanna highlight today's vote on LU 175 at an accompanying Resil 612 authorizing the urban development action area project for properties in my district to be managed by Manny Management.
0:23:53
While my vote is yes today, I'm confident of Manny's ability to develop and maintain permanent affordable housing in my district.
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We do not have the same sentiments for HPD.
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However, HPD has an obligation to be a consistent partner with the city council when navigating any challenges throughout the project and to support the constituents of District 45 during the application process.
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Anything less would be unacceptable.
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I thank Speaker Adams for her leadership and committee counsel Sohar Masami and legislative analyst Christy Dreyer for their support on the maternal health bills.
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I encourage my colleagues to vote yes.
0:24:29
Thank you.