REMARKS
Council Member Kevin C. Riley's remarks on Intro 1097: Flexible benefit card acceptance
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Council Member Kevin C. Riley delivers a statement in support of Intro 1097, which aims to require certain retailers to accept flexible benefit cards. He emphasizes the importance of this legislation in ensuring equitable access to essential food and pharmacy services for vulnerable populations.
- The bill addresses the struggle many New Yorkers face in finding stores that accept flexible benefit cards
- Intro 1097 would require retailers that accept credit and debit cards to also accept flexible benefit cards
- The legislation includes provisions for outreach, education, and enforcement through the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection
Kevin C. Riley
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Thank you so much, chair Menon.
0:03:46
Good afternoon, chair Menon and my colleagues.
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Thank you for the opportunity to speak on this critical piece of legislation.
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Our communities deserve easy and equitable access to essential food and pharmacy services.
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Yet too many New Yorkers, particularly seniors, people with disabilities, and low income families struggle to find stores that accept their flexible benefit cards.
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With big chain pharmacies closing in communities that need access the most, intro ten ninety seven takes a necessary step in ensuring that retailers that already accept credit and debit cards also accept flexible benefit cards, closing a major gap in accessibility.
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For many, these benefits are a lifeline, helping them afford nutritious food, medication, and wellness products.
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Yet barriers to use these cards force individuals to travel further, pay out of pocket, or go without.
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That is unacceptable to the city council.
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Intro ten ninety seven not only expands the access but ensures accountability.
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The Department of Consumer and Workers Protection will conduct outreach and education to ensure compliance, while civil penalties for violation will reinforce this bill's impact.
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This legislation is about equity.
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It's about ensuring every New Yorker, regardless of income, mobility, or ZIP code, can shop for the essentials they need close to home without unnecessary hurdles.
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I urge my colleagues to support this bill that helps break down barriers to essential goods, ensuring that all New Yorkers, especially those in greatest needs, have seamless access to food, medicine, and wellness products.
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And I would like to give a special, thank you to my co prime sponsor, council member Marte, for working really, really hard on making this bill accessible for New Yorkers.
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Thank you, chair Menon.