Op-eds by stakeholders, policymakers and other citizens of New York
‘Mayor Bill de Blasio’s executive budget proposal for the coming fiscal year, which includes plans to increase funding for school police, tells us that our city’s leaders care more about controlling and arresting students than making sure they feel safe, supported, and cared for in schools.’
‘This legislation demonstrates to workers across the state, especially immigrant and non-union workers, that they are valued. These workers put everything on the line in support of our state’s ability to make it through the pandemic and we cannot continue to fail them.’
‘Ensuring every New York City neighborhood has the same access and quality of life—whether you’re in Brownsville or the Upper West Side—will require a fair and comprehensive planning process.’
‘Many vulnerable individuals experiencing homelessness or in need of other services are shuttled into the criminal justice system in a cruel and costly revolving door, often leaving them rightfully distrustful of social services providers.’
A 2005 media event promised more affordability than what’s been produced. The next mayor may face tough decisions, as 876 more income-linked units must be built in four years.
‘Unless New York’s next mayor steps up to address the barrage of crises facing New York’s children, an already untenable situation is on track to become much, much worse.’
‘The South Bronx needs a mayor and a borough president who will fight for our values and prioritize our needs without excuses or distractions. The South Bronx has power, but we have to use it if it’s to translate into change for families and our community’s future.’
‘New York State sends more people to prison for parole rule violations than any other state in the country – and sends Black New Yorkers back to prison for these violations at five times the rate of white New Yorkers.’
‘The next mayor and comptroller can speed New York City’s recovery by working with public employee pension funds to increase investment in affordable housing, as they have in response to previous economic distress.’
‘We cannot repeat the mistakes of the past, where recoveries after the Great Recession, the Sept. 11 attacks, and the early 90s recession exacerbated systemic inequities rather than addressing them. And the people to determine a new direction cannot be the same people who benefit the most from the status quo.’