PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Justice Favor, Union Member from Local 79, on behalf of Bishop Mitchell Taylor
1:23:17
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122 sec
Justice Favor, a union member from Local 79, presented testimony on behalf of Bishop Mitchell Taylor in support of the Construction Justice Act (intro 910). The act aims to set a $40 per hour compensation package for workers building affordable housing in low-income communities, ensuring good jobs go to those who need them most.
- The bill sets a moral wage standard and targets low-income New Yorkers, historically disadvantaged groups, and formerly incarcerated individuals.
- It is seen as a solution to fight the housing crisis while providing strong wages and community hiring standards.
- Urban Upbound, co-founded by Bishop Taylor, strongly supports the Act and urges the council to take action.
Justice Favor
1:23:17
Yes.
1:23:20
Bishop Taylor couldn't be here today, so I'm gonna read his testimony.
1:23:23
Okay.
1:23:24
Estained members of the council.
1:23:26
Thank you for the opportunity to speak.
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I am Bishop Mitchell Taylor, cofound and CEO of Urban Uppdown.
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An organization focused on breaking cycles of poverty in public housing neighborhoods.
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I'm here to express our strong support for the Construction Justice Act, intro 910.
1:23:45
For too long, the people building affordable housing and low income black and brown communities haven't earned enough to live in their very developments.
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If passed, the Construction Justice Act proposed $40 per hour compensation package would change that.
1:24:00
The bill sets a moral wage standard and ensure that these good jobs go to the communities that need them the most.
1:24:08
Low income New York is nature residents and historically disadvantaged groups.
1:24:13
In places like Queens Ridge where I grew up, Increased compensation.
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Increased compensation can can transform lives in construct lives in construction careers can empower residents to break cycles of poverty.
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It also provides a chance for formally incarcerated individuals immigrants, and others from disadvantaged backgrounds to access health insurance and provide for their families.
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When the city spends tax dollars on affordable housing, those dollars must come to our communities.
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The construction justice act will ensure that happens.
1:24:47
This legislation also incentivized developers and contractors to invest in their workforce, creating a a level playing field that improves productivity and efficiency while maintaining a high standards.
1:25:01
We can't afford to wait.
1:25:03
By passing this bill, the the council was strengthening the fight against the housing crisis with real solution, strong wages, and community higher standards.
1:25:12
Urban up now is proud to support the Construction Justice Act and we urge the council to take action.
1:25:18
Thank you.
