REMARKS
Council Member Yusef Salaam introduces legislation on contractor permits and criminal justice reform
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Council Member Yusef Salaam introduces three pieces of legislation: a bill requiring contractors to provide written notice about necessary permits to homeowners, and two resolutions supporting criminal justice reform acts. He emphasizes the importance of protecting homeowners, ensuring safe housing, and promoting fair sentencing practices.
- Introduction 1193-2025 aims to protect homeowners from predatory contractors and ensure work is done by licensed professionals.
- Resolution 0743 supports the Earned Time Act, expanding merit-based time credits for incarcerated individuals.
- Resolution 0742 supports the Mayfield Act, which eliminates mandatory minimum sentences and restores judicial discretion in sentencing.
Yusef Salaam
1:06:48
Thank you, madam majority leader, and thank you, madam speaker, for your remarks.
1:06:53
Far too often, homeowners, especially middle class families, find themselves facing construction related violations without even knowing that a permit was required for the work being done on their property.
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When safety issues arise because of these unknowns, tenants often face life endangering consequences.
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Introduction eleven ninety three dash twenty twenty five seeks to change that by requiring contractors to provide clear written notice to homeowners about the necessary permits for a project, the process for obtaining them, and and how to verify their compliance before any work begins.
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This legislation will help protect homeowners from predatory contractors, protect tenants from unsafe structures, ensure work is being done by licensed professionals, and ultimately strengthen the integrity and safety of our city's infrastructure.
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By increasing transparency and accountability, we are safeguarding our homes, empowering homeowners to make informed decisions and their properties for the benefit of their tenants and ensuring jobs are being created for licensed professionals who are often unionized.
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I'm also introduce introducing two resolutions today, resolution zero seven four three and resolution zero seven four two.
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The first is in support of the Earned Time Act, which expands merit based time credits for incarcerated individuals who engage in educational who engage in education, incarcerated individuals who engage in vocational training and rehabilitation programs as well, helping to lower recidivism and provide pathways for necessary for successful reentry.
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The six the second is in support of the Mayfield Act, which eliminates mandatory minimum sentences and restores judicial discretion in sentencing, ensuring that justice is fair, not dictated by rigid laws, and have disproportionately that have disproportionately harmed black and brown communities.
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I wanna also also thank as I wrap, I just wanna also thank my legislative director, Mufasa Hussain, for his tireless dedication in the city council's legislation staff and for the invaluable assistance and for my colleagues who have already expressed their support for measure for these measures.
1:09:09
I urge all of my colleagues to support these efforts as we work towards a safer, fairer