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Update on the lawsuit regarding $80 million in migrant funds
3:06:10
ยท
137 sec
Council Member Restler asks for an update on the lawsuit regarding $80 million in migrant funds that were stolen from the city's bank accounts. Corporation Counsel Goode-Trufant provides a brief status update.
- The lawsuit is still in its early stages.
- An initial request for emergency relief was not granted, as money is typically not given on an emergency basis in court proceedings.
- The Law Department plans to continue vigorously fighting the matter to recover the funds.
Lincoln Restler
3:06:10
Totally understood.
3:06:11
And I don't want I'm not asking about his case.
3:06:14
I'm asking if the existence of the case poses a conflict of interest that limits his ability to provide guidance or policy direction on matters that affect the city's dealings with the federal government?
3:06:27
We are very mindful of our ethical obligations and the law department makes sure that we follow our ethical obligations.
3:06:37
Good.
3:06:37
Thank you for that answer.
3:06:39
I was relieved that the city decided to file a lawsuit regarding the $80,000,000 in migrant funds that was stolen from the city's bank accounts.
3:06:48
Could you provide an update on the status of that lawsuit?
3:06:51
Do you have sufficient resources to fight that out?
Muriel Goode-Trufant
3:06:55
It is still in the very early stages.
3:06:58
We sought emergency relief which was not granted.
3:07:06
And part of the reason it it was not granted is that we were seeking money, and typically money is not given on an emergency basis in any type of court proceeding.
Gary Giordano
3:07:19
And
Muriel Goode-Trufant
3:07:19
so we we will continue to vigorously fight the matter though and recover our funds.
Lincoln Restler
3:07:30
Great.
3:07:32
Do you anticipate any new needs in this budget process to ensure that you have adequate staff for the looming range of federal challenges that we're facing?
3:07:45
If they decide to rescind more funds, they seek to tie funding to values that are anathema to the people of New York City, sanctuary city status, etcetera, efforts to undermine the LGBTQ communities in New York.
3:08:02
Do you have the staffing resources you need to fight back?
Muriel Goode-Trufant
3:08:06
We have been in conversation frequently with OMB on our needs, particularly with respect to the changing landscape.
3:08:21
If more is needed, we will definitely request more.