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New York City Council

Committee on Consumer and Worker Protection

Mar 19, 2025

·

01:00 PM

3 hr 12 min

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Summary

A hearing on the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP)'s fiscal year 2026 preliminary budget.

Discussions focused on the agency's $75.1 million proposed budget, including funding for 475 full-time positions, an increase from the previous year.

Key topics included DCWP's work in consumer protection, worker protection, and financial empowerment programs, as well as new initiatives like hotel licensing and a youth financial empowerment program.

Council members expressed concerns about federal rollbacks of consumer and worker protections, emphasizing DCWP's increased importance.

Features testimony from DCWP officials and the public, including advocates for low-wage workers, worker cooperatives, domestic workers, and street vendors.

Meeting chapters

Read summaries and watch videos for short segments that matter to you.

REMARKS

Council Member Julie Menin opens FY2026 preliminary budget hearing for DCWP

Council Member Julie Menin, chair of the Consumer and Worker Protection Committee, opens the fiscal year 2026 preliminary budget hearing for the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP). She …

0:05:08

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3 min

AGENCY TESTIMONY

Introduction and overview of DCWP's role and impact

Commissioner Vilda Vera Mayuga introduces herself and her team, thanking the committee for the opportunity to testify. She provides an overview of DCWP's role in consumer and worker protection, and …

0:08:57

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95 sec

AGENCY TESTIMONY

DCWP's budget, staffing, and key performance indicators for FY2026

Commissioner Mayuga presents DCWP's preliminary budget and staffing figures for fiscal year 2026, along with key performance indicators from the previous year. - Budget set at approximately $75 million with …

0:10:32

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42 sec

AGENCY TESTIMONY

DCWP's role in worker protection and enforcement of workplace laws

Commissioner Mayuga outlines DCWP's role in enforcing workplace laws and securing restitution for workers who have faced violations. - Agency secured nearly $8 million in restitution for workers across the …

0:11:28

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60 sec

AGENCY TESTIMONY

Increase in delivery worker pay rates and proposed expansion

Commissioner Mayuga highlights the significant impact of increased pay rates for delivery workers and discusses proposed legislation to expand these protections. - Delivery workers' wages increased by $700 million collectively …

0:12:28

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48 sec

AGENCY TESTIMONY

Workers' Bill of Rights and DCWP's outreach initiatives

Commissioner Mayuga discusses the reintroduction of the Workers' Bill of Rights booklet and the agency's extensive outreach efforts to educate workers about their rights. - Updated version of the Workers' …

0:13:18

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56 sec

AGENCY TESTIMONY

DCWP's consumer protection activities and financial restitution

Commissioner Mayuga outlines DCWP's role as a leading municipal consumer protection agency and highlights the agency's efforts to protect New Yorkers from deceptive business practices. - Agency has been enforcing …

0:14:15

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46 sec

AGENCY TESTIMONY

Home improvement contractor trust fund and consumer compensation

Commissioner Mayuga discusses the implementation and impact of new rules for the Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) trust fund. - New rules simplified the process for consumers to receive compensation from …

0:15:01

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14 sec

AGENCY TESTIMONY

Enforcement actions against deceptive and predatory businesses

Commissioner Mayuga highlights specific enforcement actions taken against deceptive businesses and the resulting financial restitution for consumers. - Case against R.G. Ortiz funeral homes resulted in over $600,000 in restitution …

0:15:17

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65 sec

AGENCY TESTIMONY

Visiting Inspector Program (VIP) for business compliance

Commissioner Mayuga discusses the Visiting Inspector Program (VIP), an initiative designed to help businesses comply with DCWP laws and regulations. - VIP provides new licensees with an educational visit from …

0:16:22

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26 sec

AGENCY TESTIMONY

NYC Free Tax Prep program: 10 years of free tax assistance

Commissioner Mayuga highlights the 10th anniversary of the NYC Free Tax Prep program and its impact on New York City residents. - Program offers free professional tax preparation support and …

0:16:49

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67 sec

AGENCY TESTIMONY

NYC Financial Empowerment Centers: Free financial counseling services

Commissioner Mayuga discusses the NYC Financial Empowerment Centers and their role in providing free, one-on-one financial counseling to New Yorkers. - Centers offer confidential financial counseling at no cost to …

0:17:58

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62 sec

AGENCY TESTIMONY

New initiatives: Hotel licensing and tenant protection

Commissioner Mayuga introduces new initiatives that expand DCWP's role in consumer and worker protection, focusing on hotel licensing and tenant rights. - Implementation of the Chhaya and Safe Hotels Act …

0:19:00

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80 sec

AGENCY TESTIMONY

Student loan management program for New York City employees

Commissioner Mayuga introduces a new program to help New York City employees and their families manage their student loans. - Program will be launched in collaboration with the Department of …

0:20:21

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22 sec

AGENCY TESTIMONY

Youth financial empowerment initiative with NYC public schools

Commissioner Mayuga introduces a new youth financial empowerment initiative in collaboration with NYC public schools. - Initiative aims to build financially savvy New Yorkers from a young age - Program …

0:20:44

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51 sec

AGENCY TESTIMONY

Conclusion and acknowledgment of DCWP team

Commissioner Mayuga concludes her testimony with expressions of gratitude and a reaffirmation of DCWP's commitment to serving New Yorkers. - Thanks the committee for the opportunity to present on the …

0:21:36

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53 sec

Q&A

DCWP's overall headcount and vacancy rates

Council Member Julie Menin inquires about DCWP's headcount and vacancy rates. Commissioner Vilda Vera Mayuga provides an overview of the agency's staffing situation. - DCWP's preliminary plan includes a budgeted …

0:22:30

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33 sec

Q&A

Breakdown of vacancies in licensing and enforcement departments

Commissioner Vilda Vera Mayuga provides specific information about vacancies in DCWP's licensing and enforcement departments in response to Council Member Julie Menin's questions. - Licensing department: 83 active headcount with …

0:23:04

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26 sec

Q&A

Hiring process and plans for filling vacancies

Commissioner Vilda Vera Mayuga explains DCWP's hiring process and plans for filling vacancies, particularly in the enforcement department. - The agency is constantly hiring inspectors for the enforcement team - …

0:23:30

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88 sec

Q&A

Potential delays with OMB in the hiring process

Commissioner Vilda Vera Mayuga and Assistant Commissioner Carlos Ortiz discuss the agency's efforts to fill new positions and any potential delays with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in …

0:24:59

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47 sec

Q&A

Units with highest vacancy rates

Commissioner Vilda Vera Mayuga identifies the units within DCWP that currently have the highest vacancy rates. - The communications and marketing team has the highest vacancy rate - The Office …

0:25:45

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43 sec

Q&A

Strategies for filling 21 new positions

Commissioner Vilda Vera Mayuga and Assistant Commissioner Carlos Ortiz explain DCWP's strategies for filling the 21 new positions despite the current high vacancy rate. - The 21 new lines are …

0:26:29

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58 sec

Q&A

Impact of vacancy rate on enforcement of fines and summonses

Commissioner Vilda Vera Mayuga and Assistant Commissioner Carlos Ortiz discuss how the high vacancy rate affects DCWP's ability to enforce fines and summonses. - Enforcement numbers are still higher than …

0:27:27

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81 sec

Q&A

Positions exempt from the two-for-one hiring policy

Commissioner Vilda Vera Mayuga and First Deputy Commissioner Kenny Minaya explain which positions at DCWP are exempt from the two-for-one hiring policy. - All 21 new lines are exempt from …

0:28:48

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38 sec

Q&A

Concerns about salary competitiveness

Commissioner Vilda Vera Mayuga and Assistant Commissioner Carlos Ortiz address concerns about salary competitiveness and its potential impact on vacancy rates. - DCWP aims to attract top talent but is …

0:29:26

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79 sec

Q&A

Case closure metrics and impact of vacancy rates on case processing

Council Member Julie Menin inquires about DCWP's case closure metrics and how vacancy rates might be affecting the agency's ability to process cases quickly. Commissioner Vilda Vera Mayuga responds to …

0:30:46

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124 sec

REMARKS

Commissioner explains new financial education initiative for youth

Commissioner Vilda Vera Mayuga details DCWP's new financial education empowerment initiative for students. The program aims to provide financial education to youth, primarily targeting middle school and up, with plans …

0:33:25

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170 sec

Q&A

Discussion on NYC Kids Rise program partnership

Council Member Shekar Krishnan inquires about DCWP's partnership with the NYC Kids Rise program. Commissioner Mayuga confirms that DCWP is working closely with NYC Kids Rise. - Commissioner Mayuga sits …

0:36:16

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100 sec

Q&A

DCWP's enforcement resources and alignment with mission

Council Member Krishnan inquires about DCWP's resources for enforcing new legislation. Commissioner Mayuga discusses the agency's focus on aligning work with its mission and recent resource additions. - DCWP received …

0:37:56

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127 sec

Q&A

Discussion on deactivation legislation for taxi and for-hire vehicle drivers

Council Member Krishnan inquires about DCWP's support for legislation addressing unfair deactivations of taxi and for-hire vehicle drivers. Commissioner Mayuga and Assistant Commissioner Ortiz confirm DCWP's support for the legislation. …

0:40:03

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113 sec

REMARKS

Council Member Cabán's introduction and appreciation for DCWP's work

Council Member Tiffany Cabán opens the session by expressing gratitude for DCWP's work, especially in the current challenging federal environment. She acknowledges DCWP as critical frontline defenders of workers. - …

0:42:13

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23 sec

Q&A

Discussion on gaps in New York City's retail scheduling protections

Council Member Cabán inquires about gaps in New York City's retail scheduling protections, particularly for workers in retail delivery services and Amazon fulfillment centers. DCWP representatives acknowledge the need to …

0:42:37

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83 sec

Q&A

Just cause protections for fast food workers and potential expansion

Council Member Cabán discusses the success of just cause protections for fast food workers and proposes expanding these protections to all non-union workers through the Secure Jobs Act. DCWP representatives …

0:44:00

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120 sec

Q&A

Impact of federal actions on local labor rights and DCWP's response

Council Member Cabán inquires about the impact of federal government actions on local labor rights enforcement and DCWP's response. DCWP representatives discuss their approach to serving all New Yorkers and …

0:46:00

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3 min

REMARKS

DCWP's role in consumer protection and efforts to fill gaps left by federal agencies

DCWP representatives discuss the agency's role in consumer protection and efforts to address gaps left by federal agencies. They highlight initiatives to tackle issues like junk fees and debt collection, …

0:49:24

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140 sec

Q&A

Potential hiring of experts from federal agencies

Council Member Menin inquires about DCWP's efforts to hire experts from federal agencies like the CFPB and FTC. DCWP representatives discuss their outreach and encourage applications from those with experience …

0:51:44

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63 sec

REMARKS

Need for new resources due to federal deregulation

Council Member Menin emphasizes the need for additional resources for DCWP in light of federal deregulation. She stresses the importance of cities taking the lead in consumer protection efforts. - …

0:52:46

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32 sec

Q&A

Council Member Farías inquires about fifty-fifty raffle bill implementation and charitable impact

Council Member Amanda Farías questions DCWP officials about the implementation and impact of the fifty-fifty raffle bill passed in May 2023. The discussion focuses on the licenses awarded, the amount …

0:53:19

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3 min

Q&A

DCWP's coordination with other agencies on licensing and enforcement

Council Member Brewer inquires about how DCWP overlaps and coordinates with other agencies in terms of licensing and enforcement. Commissioner Mayuga explains that DCWP works with various agencies, bringing their …

0:57:08

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119 sec

Q&A

Reassignment of DCWP staff to other city offices

Council Member Brewer seeks clarification on the number of DCWP staff reassigned to other city offices. Commissioner Mayuga provides details on the reassignments. - One staff member is reassigned to …

0:59:09

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26 sec

Q&A

Challenges and strategies in pedicab regulation and enforcement

Council Member Brewer raises concerns about pedicab regulation and enforcement, particularly regarding overcharging. DCWP officials explain current efforts and challenges in regulating the industry. - DCWP works with the Parks …

0:59:35

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162 sec

Q&A

Implementation and potential changes to the paid sick leave law

Council Member Brewer inquires about the implementation of the paid sick leave law, including fines collected and potential changes. DCWP officials provide updates on the law's enforcement and discuss pending …

1:02:17

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129 sec

Q&A

Discussion on NYC Kids Rise program funding and future

Council Member Julie Menin inquires about the future of the NYC Kids Rise program, expressing concern over a $2,300,000 reduction in funding. Commissioner Vilda Vera Mayuga responds, explaining that while …

1:04:28

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80 sec

Q&A

DCWP budget and new funding allocation discussion

Council Member Julie Menin inquires about DCWP's budget and new funding allocation, expressing concern about the agency being asked to do more with less. Commissioner Vilda Vera Mayuga responds to …

1:05:48

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69 sec

Q&A

Breakdown of 21 new DCWP staff positions and their responsibilities

Commissioner Vilda Vera Mayuga provides a detailed breakdown of the 21 new staff positions allocated to DCWP, explaining their distribution across different functions. - 11 new lines for broker fees …

1:06:59

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50 sec

Q&A

Hotel licensing implementation and stakeholder engagement

Council Member Julie Menin inquires about the implementation of hotel licensing and stakeholder engagement. Commissioner Vilda Vera Mayuga and Assistant Commissioner Carlos Ortiz provide details on the licensing process, fees, …

1:07:50

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131 sec

Q&A

Implementation of hotel safety measures: panic buttons and human trafficking training

Council Member Julie Menin inquires about the implementation of hotel safety measures required by law, including panic buttons for employees and human trafficking training. Michael Tiger, General Counsel for DCWP, …

1:10:02

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48 sec

Q&A

Breakdown of DCWP fines collected and impact of fine reduction initiatives

Council Member Julie Menin inquires about the breakdown of fines collected by DCWP and the impact of recent fine reduction initiatives. Commissioner Vilda Vera Mayuga and Assistant Commissioner Carlos Ortiz …

1:10:50

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157 sec

Q&A

Tobacco and e-cigarette enforcement strategies and their effectiveness

Council Member Julie Menin inquires about DCWP's strategies for tobacco and e-cigarette enforcement and their effectiveness. Commissioner Vilda Vera Mayuga and Michael Tiger provide details on their enforcement efforts and …

1:13:27

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134 sec

Q&A

Worker protection enforcement and restitution efforts

Council Member Julie Menin inquires about DCWP's efforts in worker protection enforcement and securing restitution for workers. Commissioner Vilda Vera Mayuga provides details on recent enforcement actions and overall restitution …

1:15:43

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138 sec

REMARKS

DCWP's outreach and education initiatives for workers' rights

Commissioner Vilda Vera Mayuga elaborates on DCWP's outreach and education initiatives to inform workers about their rights and the agency's services. She emphasizes the importance of these efforts, especially in …

1:18:02

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63 sec

REMARKS

Council member emphasizes DCWP's role in consumer protection

Council Member Julie Menin highlights the importance of DCWP as a frontline resource for consumer protection issues, especially given changes at the federal level. She suggests partnering with council member …

1:19:05

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46 sec

Q&A

DCWP outlines upcoming outreach initiatives for consumer and worker rights

DCWP representatives discuss upcoming outreach initiatives focused on consumer and worker rights, including days of action and partnerships with council member offices. - A day of action focused on consumer …

1:19:51

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34 sec

Q&A

DCWP reports on worker restitution from paid sick leave and fair workweek laws

Council Member Julie Menin inquires about the amount of worker restitution recouped from employers since the enactment of paid sick leave and fair workweek laws. DCWP representatives provide recent data …

1:20:25

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65 sec

Q&A

Council member presents data on DCWP outreach events and their impact

Council Member Julie Menin presents data on DCWP's outreach events and their impact, and inquires about ways to increase outreach efforts, especially given the current federal administration. - In calendar …

1:21:31

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53 sec

REMARKS

DCWP outlines strategies for enhancing outreach and community engagement

DCWP representatives discuss various strategies for increasing outreach and enhancing community engagement, including diverse approaches to information dissemination and language accessibility. - DCWP emphasizes the importance of diverse presentation methods …

1:22:24

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162 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Winston Berkman-Breen, Legal Director of Student Borrower Protection Center

Winston Berkman-Breen, Legal Director of the Student Borrower Protection Center, testified on the importance of a strong Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) in New York City. He emphasized …

1:27:01

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127 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Ben Fuller-Googins, Executive Director of Carroll Gardens Association

Ben Fuller-Googins, Executive Director of Carroll Gardens Association, testifies on behalf of the New York City Coalition for Domestic Work. He emphasizes the importance of protecting and educating domestic workers …

1:29:43

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122 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Mimi Whittaker, Lawyer at National Employment Law Project

Mimi Whittaker from the National Employment Law Project (NELP) testified in support of adequate funding for DCWP to enhance its enforcement capabilities. She emphasized DCWP's critical role in protecting workers …

1:31:53

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120 sec

Q&A

Council member Brewer discusses paid sick days and domestic workers' rights

Council Member Gale A. Brewer engages in a brief Q&A session about paid sick days and domestic workers' rights. She clarifies that paid sick days have a private right of …

1:33:57

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57 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Sergei Ronowski, Member of Street Vendor Project

Sergei Ronowski, a street vendor since 1995 and member of the Street Vendor Project, testified in support of increasing the number of street vendor licenses. He argued that this would …

1:35:41

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124 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Jieh Ronowski, Street Vendor

Jieh Ronowski, a street vendor since 1996, advocated for increasing the number of street vendor licenses and requested a hearing on the street vendor reform package. She emphasized the hard …

1:37:54

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87 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Jean Harriet English, Street Vendor Representative from Brooklyn

Jean Harriet English, representing street vendors in Brooklyn, appeals to the council for the release of street vendor licenses. She describes the challenges vendors face, including harassment by police and …

1:39:59

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111 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Julie Furano, Street Vendor and Domestic Violence Survivor, on Street Vendor Legalization and Protection

Julie Furano, a street vendor since 2010 and a mother of three, testifies about the need for legalizing and protecting street vendors in New York City. She emphasizes the potential …

1:44:15

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106 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Eliasar Campos, Street Vendor

Eliasar Campos, a street vendor for 18 years, testifies about the need for reform and support for street vendors in New York City. She emphasizes the importance of providing permits …

1:49:32

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147 sec

REMARKS

Council member addresses submission of written testimony

Council Member Julie Menin addresses the submission of written testimony from a previous speaker. She confirms that they can accept written testimony if the speaker wishes to submit it. - …

1:51:59

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27 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Jose Jos, Member of Workers Justice Project and United Delivery Workforce

Jose Jos, a delivery worker and member of the Workers Justice Project, testified about the challenges faced by delivery workers in New York City, particularly issues of exploitation, wage theft, …

1:56:22

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169 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Ligia M. Guallpa, Executive Director of Workers Justice Project

Ligia M. Guallpa, Executive Director of Workers Justice Project, testified about the organization's accomplishments and impact on low-wage workers, emphasizing the need for continued city funding support. She highlighted successful …

1:59:14

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150 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Luis Cortes, Director of Los Deliveristas Unidos at Worker Justice Project

Luis Cortes, representing Los Deliveristas Unidos and the Worker Justice Project, testified about the valuable contributions of DCWP in addressing injustices faced by delivery workers. He highlighted the agency's role …

2:01:48

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118 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Mahmoud Zayed, Member of Street Food Vendor Project on Street Vending Permits

Mahmoud Zayed, a food vendor and member of the Street Food Vendor Project, testified about the challenges faced by street vendors in obtaining permits. He highlighted the long wait times …

2:04:37

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134 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Ashley Chen, Policy Analyst at Chinese American Planning Council

Ashley Chen, representing the Chinese American Planning Council, testifies in support of increased funding for the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) in the FY2026 budget. She emphasizes the …

2:06:55

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122 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Ariel Mintz, Member of Street Vendor Project on Street Vending Opportunities

Ariel Mintz, a member of the Street Vendor Project, testified about his desire to start a small business as a street vendor in New York City. He expressed frustration with …

2:09:02

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50 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Musa Ibrahim, Street Vendor

Musa Ibrahim, a street vendor, testified about the challenges faced by street vendors in New York City, focusing on discriminatory enforcement practices and the need for more vending permits. He …

2:12:17

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63 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Mohamed Attia, Managing Director of Street Vendor Project

Mohamed Attia, Managing Director of the Street Vendor Project, testifies about the challenges faced by street vendors in New York City and calls for reforms to the vending industry. He …

2:13:26

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140 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Rosario, Street Vendor, on Street Vending Regulations

Rosario, a street vendor since 2020, testified about the challenges faced by street vendors and the need for permits and licenses. She urged the council to hold a hearing on …

2:22:43

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50 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Isabelle Rosario, Member of SVP

Isabelle Rosario, a member of SVP (likely Street Vendor Project), testified at a budget hearing to demand a separate hearing for advancing bill Intro 431. She emphasized the importance of …

2:26:08

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30 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Street Vendor on Street Vendor Reforms

A Spanish-speaking street vendor, through an interpreter, testifies about the challenges faced by street vendors in New York City. The speaker emphasizes the lack of resources and education for vendors, …

2:26:46

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81 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Zade Haobsh, Program Director of Grow Brooklyn, on DCWP and NYC Free Tax Prep

Zade Haobsh, Program Director of Grow Brooklyn's free tax prep program, testified in support of the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) and the Office of Financial Empowerment. He …

2:28:40

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163 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Salua Baida, Member of Hand in Hands, Domestic Employers Network

Salua Baida, a member of Hand in Hands, Domestic Employers Network, testified about the importance of domestic workers' rights and the need for continued funding for the Department of Consumer …

2:31:38

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168 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Tito Sinha, Director of Workers' Rights Practice at TakeRoot Justice

Tito Sinha from TakeRoot Justice testified in support of increased funding for the Low Wage Worker Support Initiative, emphasizing its importance in protecting immigrant workers' rights and supporting DCWP's enforcement …

2:34:32

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117 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Jorge Rosero, Associate Director for Asset Building at Chhaya CDC

Jorge Rosero from Chhaya CDC testifies about their organization's financial counseling services for South Asian and Indo-Caribbean communities in Queens, New York. He highlights the importance of these services in …

2:36:39

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134 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by David Colodny, Managing Attorney for the Workers' Rights Program at Catholic Migration Services

David Colodny testified in support of renewing and expanding the Low Wage Worker Support Initiative, highlighting the importance of legal services for low-wage workers. He shared examples of successful cases …

2:39:11

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135 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Shelley Miller, Director of New Ownership Opportunities at ICA Group

Shelley Miller, representing the ICA Group, testified in support of continued funding for the Worker Cooperative Business Development Initiative (WCBDI). She highlighted the initiative's success in creating jobs, supporting entrepreneurs, …

2:42:18

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148 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Melat Seyoum, Director of Political Affairs and Strategic Partnerships at New York City Network of Worker Owned Cooperatives (NYC NOWC)

Melat Seyoum from NYC NOWC testified in support of continued funding for the Worker Cooperative Business Development Initiative. She highlighted the initiative's success in creating cooperative businesses, jobs, and supporting …

2:45:04

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129 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Ofelia Salgado, Cooperative Business Developer at Sunset Park Center for Family Life

Ofelia Salgado from the Sunset Park Center for Family Life requests continued support for the Worker Cooperative Business Development Initiative (WCBDI) with an allocation of $5,100,000 for fiscal year 2026. …

2:47:24

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128 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Jieh Ronowski, Street Vendor, on Worker Cooperatives and WCBDI Program

Jieh Ronowski, a street vendor, provided testimony in support of the Worker Cooperative Business Development Initiative (WCBDI) program. She spoke about the importance of cooperatives for immigrant communities and women, …

2:49:57

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4 min

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Clara Calvo, Worker Owner of Cooperative Home Care Associates (CHCA) and Council of Defenders for Worker Cooperatives in New York City

Clara Calvo, a worker owner of Cooperative Home Care Associates (CHCA), testifies about the importance of worker cooperatives in New York City and requests continued support for the Worker Cooperative …

2:55:06

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3 min

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Catherine Murcek, Worker Owner at Samamkaya Yoga Back Care & Scoliosis Collective

Catherine Murcek, a worker-owner at Samamkaya Yoga Back Care & Scoliosis Collective, testified in support of the Worker Cooperative Business Development Initiative (WCBDI) and commercial rent stabilization. She emphasized the …

2:59:08

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145 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Evan Casper-Futterman, Director of Planning and Education at Northwest Bronx Community Clergy Coalition

Evan Casper-Futterman testified in support of the Worker Cooperative Business Development Initiative (WCBDI), requesting a budget of $5,097,082 for the next year. He emphasized the importance of worker-owned businesses in …

3:01:39

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129 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Julian McKinley, Co-Executive Director of The Democracy at Work Institute

Julian McKinley, Co-Executive Director of The Democracy at Work Institute, testifies about the importance of worker cooperatives and the success of the Worker Cooperative Business Development Initiative (WCBDI) in New …

3:03:55

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127 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Christopher Leon Johnson, Member of the Public

Christopher Leon Johnson testifies in support of preserving funding for two nonprofits, the Worker Justice Project and the Street Vendor Project, in the FY26 budget. He calls for $3 million …

3:06:09

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140 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Celestino, Street Vendor from Uptown Manhattan

Celestino, a street food vendor from Uptown Manhattan, testifies to demand a hearing for street vendors and urges the approval of Intro 431 to allow vendors to obtain licenses and …

3:10:09

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48 sec

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