News in New York – Stated Meeting, Abortion Funds, and Cannabis NYC

October 17, 2022

NYC Council Introduces and Passes Legislation

Last Wednesday, the NYC Council convened a stated meeting, where they passed and introduced multiple pieces of legislation. The Council passed a package of bills to make child care services more accessible throughout New York City. The legislative package requires the City to form a “Marshall Plan for Moms” task force to study how the City can better support working parents, and a child care task force to assess the accessibility and affordability of child care. Other bills in the package would establish a citywide child care program directory, a Child Care Advisory Board, and a child care grant pilot program. The Council introduced legislation to proactively test 200 residential buildings each year for lead poisoning each year. They also introduced legislation requiring the Department of Parks and Recreation to provide free swimming lessons to all children aged 13 and younger. Additionally, the Council introduced a bill creating a task force to study improving safety in homeless shelters. You can find all of the bills that were passed and introduced here.

Governor Hochul Announces Second Round of Abortion Provider Support Fund

Governor Hochul announced that $13.4 million was recently awarded in the second round of the Abortion Provider Support Fund. The funds have been awarded to 37 providers across the state in order to expand access to abortion services. In May, Governor Hochul established the Abortion Provider Support Fund after the Dobbs v. Jackson Supreme Court decision was leaked. During round one, the New York State Department of Health awarded $10 million to 13 statewide programs across 63 healthcare sites. Governor Hochul emphasized that New York State is committed to protecting reproductive rights.

Mayor Adams Appoints Dawson as Cannabis NYC Founding Director

Last Wednesday, Mayor Eric Adams appointed Dasheeda Dawson as the founding director of Cannabis NYC. Dawson will be spearheading efforts by the Department of Small Business Services (SBS) to conduct public education on cannabis and work directly with cannabis entrepreneurs. Dawson will be establishing the New York City Cannabis Advisory Council, along with serving as the primary liaison between SBS, city agencies, the New York State Office of Cannabis Management, and other stakeholders. Dawson previously worked on the passage of the 2021 Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act in New York State, and she currently serves as Board chair of the Cannabis Regulators of Color Coalition, a national organization of regulators.

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