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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Reggie Chatman, Director of Public Policy at Fortune Society's David Rothenberg Center for Public Policy, on Fair Chance Housing Act and CCHR Funding
3:49:09
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Reggie Chatman, a formerly incarcerated individual and policy director at Fortune Society, testified on the importance of adequately funding the Commission on Human Rights (CCHR) to enforce the Fair Chance Housing Act. He emphasized the link between housing security and public health, and the critical role of local civil rights enforcement in light of federal rollbacks.
- Urged increasing CCHR's budget and exempting it from cuts to ensure proper enforcement of the Fair Chance Housing Act
- Highlighted the public health implications of housing insecurity, including higher rates of chronic illnesses and mental health challenges
- Stressed the importance of CCHR as the "only line of defense" for many New Yorkers facing discrimination, given federal rollbacks of civil rights protections
Reggie Chatman
3:49:09
Thank you chair Williams and members of the committee for giving me the opportunity to testify today.
3:49:13
My name is Reggie Chapman.
3:49:14
I'm the director of policy at the Fortune Society's David Rothenberg Center for Public Policy.
3:49:19
One policy we've put a great deal of effort into is the fear of chance for housing act which prevents housing providers from denying people with certain criminal convictions access to housing.
3:49:27
I'm also a formerly I'm also a formerly incarcerated person who spent twenty five years in prison and so as with other people my conviction record made it difficult for me to find housing.
3:49:37
And so my lived experience and professional experience in respect to this issue give me a great insight.
3:49:43
The city council's previous perspectives and passing of the fear chance for housing act was a great first step.
3:49:49
However, in order for the law to provide true protection, the commission on human rights who is responsible for enforcing the law must receive adequate funding.
3:49:56
If it is unable to do so this will have adverse impacts in respect to several issues two of which are public health and overall human rights.
3:50:04
Council, housing security is a public health issue and a social determinant of health.
3:50:09
Research shows that without it individuals experience high rates of chronic illnesses, mental health challenges and substance use disorders, all of which place an undue burden on our healthcare and social service systems.
3:50:21
The need to strengthen local human rights laws is more important than ever.
3:50:25
Under the new administration the federal government has dismantled several critical civil rights protections particularly those related to fair housing and racial equity.
3:50:33
This has left millions of New Yorkers vulnerable to discrimination thus the commission on human rights is the only line of defense that they have left.
3:50:42
Given this reality, the city cannot afford to underfund its own civil rights enforcement agency.
3:50:48
If the city council increases the commission's budget, it will be able to conduct public education campaigns and community outreach to ensure that vulnerable populations understand the legal protections and that housing providers understand the legal obligations and responsibilities.
3:51:03
And so the Fourth Society urges the council to increase the commission's overall budget and exempt it from any budget cuts or hiring freezes.
3:51:11
In conclusion, expanding the commission's budget will allow it to enforce civil rights, and best in the communities which is essential for a more equitable, just and safe New York City.
3:51:21
Thank you for allowing me to testify.