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Q&A
Council Member Riley questions DCWP on OTC card acceptance and Intro 1097
0:21:19
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Council Member Kevin C. Riley engages in a Q&A session with Carlos Ortiz from the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) regarding Intro 1097, which concerns the acceptance of OTC (Over-The-Counter) benefit cards by businesses. They discuss the lack of complaints about businesses not accepting OTC cards and the importance of ensuring consumers can shop at local stores.
- Riley highlights the closure of a Rite Aid pharmacy near his office, emphasizing the impact on seniors who relied on it for medicine and necessities.
- The DCWP expresses willingness to work with the Council on implementing Intro 1097 and hearing from businesses on how to meet the goal of OTC card acceptance.
- Both parties agree to continue discussions on turning the bill into law, recognizing its potential to support consumers' needs and economic opportunities.
Kevin C. Riley
0:21:19
Just wanna talk, briefly about intro ten ninety seven.
0:21:22
Have you guys been receiving, influx of complaints, for businesses that can't accept OTC cards?
Carlos Ortiz
0:21:31
I would say that, we we have not, received a large influx of complaints.
0:21:35
You know, I think for me, certainly in my exposure to consumers and New Yorkers, this is a new issue.
0:21:41
Although I would echo the sentiment that you and and council member Marte shared about ensuring that our consumers have the ability to shop at our local stores.
0:21:48
I mean, I think that's critical to to New York City.
0:21:52
So just to put a finer point on my on my testimony as well, we certainly want to look for we certainly want to work with you all in in making that a reality and and hearing from businesses, especially today, on, like, how we can help them, meet that goal too.
Kevin C. Riley
0:22:03
Thank you.
0:22:03
And I I appreciate your willingness to hear that out because, just across the street from my office on 940 East Gunner Road, we just lost a big Rite Aid, pharmacy that closed down last year.
0:22:15
Around the corner is, 3 Mitchell Llamas over there that's full with tons of seniors who were going to that Rite Aid to get their medicine, to get a lot of the necessities that they need.
0:22:25
So that's why we really wanted to think about this, bill and kinda be more comprehensive on how, you know, we're setting up, you know, the economic opportunities for our consumers to actually be able to support their needs.
0:22:38
So I'm really, looking forward to, you know, more conversations and see if we could turn this into four years.
Carlos Ortiz
0:22:44
Thank you, council member.
0:22:44
I think the same the same from us.
0:22:45
We're looking forward to working with you on this.
Kevin C. Riley
0:22:47
Thank you.
0:22:47
I appreciate that.