Brooklyn Council Member Jumaane Williams on May 9 delivered his State of the District Address and formally announced his re-election campaign at Andries Hudde Junior High School in Brooklyn.
“As this year progresses, we are confronted with many of the same issues that we as a community, and City, have been tackling for a while,” said Williams, representative for the 45th Council District, “balancing the need for safer streets with fair policing, attacking gun violence’s root causes, advocating for more affordable housing, and now, an increasing culture of fear and intimidation because of Trump’s presidency.”
Williams shared with attendees the progressive legislative and budgetary progress he has made on behalf of the constituents of the 45th District, the impact he has had for those across the city and his plans on how he will continue to push the people’s agenda in the future.
He also gave an overview of the funding he has provided for District 45.
Between 2014 and 2017, he said he provided roughly $430,000 for programs and initiatives for seniors, about $600,000 for youth programming, nearly $1.5 million for local initiatives in the community, and about $30 million in direct investments for capital projects.
On housing, Williams said he introduced a bill that would provide oversight of buildings that receive the 421a tax cut, “to make sure that they keep up their end of the bargain in regard to offering affordable units in their buildings.”
He said the legislation that would increase the penalties for tenant harassment.
Williams said he also introduced the Veterans Anti-discrimination bill that would protect veterans and armed service members from being discriminated against in housing.
He said the measure protects tenants living in supportive housing, adding that it cracks down on shady individuals who entice low-income residents into breaking their rent stabilizes leases in exchange for some cash.
In addition, Williams said he passed a package of 10 bills that would increase the “safety of our gas infrastructure so that we can lower the chances of another tragedy like the gas-related explosions that took place two years ago.”
On safety, he said he helped pass the Commuter Van Safety Act, comprising three bills, which cracks down on illegal, rogue commuter van operators who pose a danger to commuters, while also ensuring that licensed and insured operators can operate safely across the city.
The Construction Safety Act — a package of 21 bills meant to strengthen construction and crane safety regulations in New York City was also introduced, “so that we can prevent the likelihood of one more family losing a loved one,” Williams said.
He said he partnered with New York Immigration Coalition and 67th Clergy Precinct Council to host know your rights town hall in light of President Trump’s assault on immigrants.
Additionally, Williams said legislation was introduced and passed on, among others, education, public safety and gun violence.
