REMARKS
Deputy Speaker Diana Ayala's opening remarks on shelter system oversight and legislation
0:04:23
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105 sec
Deputy Speaker Diana Ayala, chair of the General Welfare Committee, introduces the joint hearing on oversight of city-funded homeless shelter providers and proposed legislation. She emphasizes the importance of efficient shelter systems and transparent oversight by DSS and DHS.
- Ayala mentions the recent Department of Investigations report on oversight of shelter providers and compliance issues.
- She introduces Introduction 979, a bill related to reporting on shelter food consumption.
- Ayala thanks committee staff and her own staff for preparing the hearing.
Diana I. Ayala
0:04:23
Thank you, chair Brewer, and good morning, everyone.
0:04:26
My name is Diana Ayala, and I am the deputy speaker of the New York City Council and the chair of the General Welfare Committee.
0:04:32
As the chair of the committee on General Welfare, I believe it is imperative that our shelter systems not only serve individuals seeking shelter in an efficient and effective manner, but also that DSS and DHS are able to support this work in a transparent and accountable way.
0:04:47
As chair Brewer mentioned, our 4 committees are here today to discuss the troubling findings of the recently released report for the Department of Investigations on oversight of shelter providers and the issues related to compliance with existing contracts and city policies.
0:05:01
We are looking forward to hearing from representatives of DSS and DHS about the findings in the report as well as the recommendations provided.
0:05:09
I know my colleagues would agree that we at the city council look forward to collaborating with our partners at DSS to better serve New Yorkers and to ensure that all compliance requirements are met.
0:05:20
Additionally, we will be hearing today a bill in general welfare welfare introduction 979 sponsored by chair 1 in relation to reporting on shelter food consumption, and providing the repeal thereof.
0:05:33
We look forward to hearing, the administration's thoughts on this legislation as well.
0:05:38
I would like to thank my fellow committee chairs for coming together for this important hearing today.
0:05:42
And I would also like to thank the committee staff from all 4 committees who worked hard to prepare this hearing, including committee staff for general welfare, Sahar Moazami, legislative counsel, Nina Rosenberg, policy analyst, Julia Haramas, unit head Faria Rahman, finance analyst Andrew Skoll, data analyst and finally, my staff, Elsie Encarnacion, chief of staff.
0:06:05
I would now like to turn it, to chair Brennan for his opening statement.
