New York, NY – New York City Council Speaker Corey Johnson announced that the New York City Council would hold a Stated meeting on Wednesday April 22, 2020, the first since all hearings and stated meetings were called off because of the coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic. The April 22 stated will be held remotely, which is a first in the legislative body’s 82-year history. Members of the public will be able to watch online in real time on the Council website.  

“It isn’t easy to get an 82 year-old legislative body up and running remotely for the first time in its history, but I am proud of the work that the staff put in to make this happen in a secure and publicly accessible fashion. I speak for all members in saying we are eager to resume legislating for the people of New York. The coming weeks and months will not be easy for us a city, but I can guarantee that the Council will do everything in its power to help us weather this difficult time,” said Council Speaker Corey Johnson.

“My colleagues and I are proud of the work we’ve done together so far in the fight against coronavirus and we are excited to get back to passing bills and holding hearings on behalf of New Yorkers. I thank the Council staff who have been working to make this happen and Speaker Johnson for his leadership. Our constituents need us now more than ever and we are absolutely here for them in this trying time,” said Majority Leader Laurie Cumbo.  

“This pandemic has required all of us to re-think so much of what we do every day, to change our routines and reevaluate standard procedures in order protect everyone’s health and safety. I am confident the City Council will also adapt to this ‘new normal’ and continue to uphold its responsibility to the citizens of New York City who elected us. My colleagues and I are eager to conduct this body’s first remote Stated Meeting next week, and I want to thank the staff for all of their hard work to make this happen under unprecedented circumstances,” said Minority Leader Steven Matteo.  

Council Member Robert E. Cornegy, Jr., Chair of the Democratic Conference said, “Our legislating, our representing the needs of our shared communities, is a key part of our work to protect the vulnerable and meet urgent needs. With this remote Stated meeting, our work takes on a new form, but the values of protecting our communities and lifting up their well-being remain. This remote Stated meeting is symbolic of the amazing resilience of New Yorkers in this difficult moment. Thanks to the Speaker, my colleagues, and all involved in making this first remote Stated meeting in Council history possible.” 

“This remote Stated Meeting will ensure that the important work of the NYC Council continues safely,” said NYC Council Finance Chair Daniel Dromm. “Over the past several weeks, the Council has done much to advocate for the needs of millions of New Yorkers who call our city home. Meeting remotely will help further this effort by allowing us to address legislation that will help our constituents while practicing social distancing. I applaud Speaker Johnson for taking decisive action and providing Council Members with the tools we need to serve the public during these unprecedented times.” 

“These unprecedented times have a way of highlighting true leadership, as well as what it means to be a New Yorker. We don’t get discouraged easily and we certainly don’t give up. Even during this pandemic, the Council continues to break barriers under the leadership of Speaker Corey Johnson, who catapulted us to our first virtual New York City Council Stated Meeting. More than a historic moment, this shift in how we operate amplifies our focus and determination to serve, support and represent our constituents. And as a Council, we are prepared to continue handling the people’s work,” said Council Land Use Committee Chair Rafael Salamanca Jr. 

“Never in the 82-year history of the NYC Council has there been a more critical time for our city. I wish to salute the Speaker and his staff for placing the Council in a position to move forward with our legislative duties and responsibilities by making remote council meetings technologically possible,” said Council Rules Committee Chair Karen Koslowitz.  

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