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Public Advocate Jumaane Williams addresses small business accessibility and proposed legislation
0:12:42
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144 sec
Public Advocate Jumaane Williams discusses the importance of small businesses in New York City's recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and addresses the challenges faced by people with disabilities in employment. He emphasizes the need for making workplaces more accessible and inclusive, highlighting proposed legislation (Intro 639) that requires Small Business Services to provide training on accessibility.
- Williams mentions the record high number of small businesses in NYC as of May 2024
- He discusses the "new New York panel" created by the mayor and governor to help the city recover
- Williams expresses support for his colleagues' bills and mentions concerns about unnecessary lawsuits affecting small businesses
Jumaane Williams
0:12:42
Thank you, mister chair.
0:12:44
As I mentioned, my name is Jermani Williams, public advocate, city of New York.
0:12:47
Thank you, chair Feliz and chair Williams for holding this hearing.
0:12:50
As New York and the rest of the country continues to recover from the COVID nineteen pandemic, one of the bright lights on our path forward is the resurgence of small businesses.
0:12:59
A year ago, in May 2024, mayor Adams, New York City Economic Development Corporation, EDC, then president Andrew Kimball presented a report claiming New York City is now home to over 183,000 small businesses, a record high.
0:13:13
However, many New York City residents find obstacles with obtaining a traditional job or they have not been able to attain a license to legally operate a business.
0:13:22
People with disabilities may also face multifaceted employment discrimination such as sub minimum wage discrimination.
0:13:29
The pandemic forever changed how people work and as New York City transitioned into hybrid work in many industries, the new New York panel was created by mayor Adams and governor Hochul to develop goals to help the city recover.
0:13:41
One goal the panel prioritizes making it easier for New Yorkers to get to work.
0:13:46
Strengthening work spaces and employment hubs is key to connecting to all New Yorkers who want to work, especially those who may have physical limitations.
0:13:55
Intro zero six three six three nine requires small business services to provide training and information to small businesses about how to make workplaces more accessible and inclusive for workers with disabilities.
0:14:07
SBS has a total of 18 workforce one career centers across the five boroughs where they can educate small business owners and share available resources.
0:14:16
SBS has also held a small business expo over the last two years which can serve as another opportunity to do this work.
0:14:23
The Trump administration has sought to end programs and policies that consider diversity, equity, and inclusion the very things that make our community stronger which aim to prevent discrimination against people with disabilities.
0:14:37
With a lack of accountability and concrete guidelines from our federal agencies, SBS could find itself with a prominent role to play in connecting small business employers to all employees that want meaning from work.
0:14:49
I'd also like to that my name be added to both of my colleagues bills here today and do wanna lift up what councilman Menon was saying which has been a huge scourge of lawsuits unnecessary and even the leaders in the disability community are asking us to do something about it.
0:15:06
Thank you.