Press Releases
Measure Announced Following Spike in Acts Nationally, 31% Rise in NYC
Washington, DC – Following a rash of hate crimes across the country and public reports that such acts are on the rise in New York City, Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) has introduced legislation to establish a federal “Hate Crimes Hotline.” The bill, H.R. 6328, the “National Hate Crimes Hotline Act of 2016” would also invest in online assistance for victims of bias-based violence and better educate law enforcement on preventing such crimes.
PLAN WOULD HAVE RAISED RENT COSTS FOR THOUSANDS; NOW, METRO AREAS LIKE NYC CAN BREATHE SIGH OF RELIEF WITH ‘SAFMR’ AXED FOR CITY; NO ONE WILL BE FORCED TO MOVE FROM NEIGHBORHOODS THEY LOVE
Earlier This Year, Velázquez & Schumer Urged HUD to Revise ‘Small Area Fair Market Rent Rule’ & Work With Affordable Housing Community in NYC
Lawmakers Announce: HUD’s Revised Rule Will Make Any Metro Area--With Vacancy Rate of 4 Percent or Lower—Exempt from SAFMR Rule; New York City’s Vacancy Rate is 3.45 Percent; Big Win For City & Working Families
Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) released the following statement regarding news that President-Elect Trump has selected Stephen Bannon to serve as Chief Strategist at the White House:
“Stephen Bannon has a well-documented record of espousing hateful and divisive rhetoric. Those who would make vile comments targeting our neighbors based on their race, gender, orientation or immigration status have no place in the White House and this extends to Mr. Bannon.
Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) released the following statement regarding news that New York State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman has filed a lawsuit against a Manhattan property manager for harassing rent-regulated tenants in Chinatown and the Lower East Side:
Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) released the following statement regarding the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s decision to revise the flood maps for New York City:
Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) is looking for answers about conditions at the Brooklyn Metropolitan Detention Center. In a letter to the Bureau of Prisons and the Center, Velázquez has asked about reports of substandard conditions, particularly affecting female inmates.
“We have a responsibility to ensure our prisons and jails live up to humane standards and reports of moldy food, lack of light and poor air quality are alarming,” Velázquez said. “I hope to hear how these problems are being resolved, swiftly.”
Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) wrote today to the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) regarding a Department of Investigation study that found neglect of smoke alarms and fire protocols at the LaGuardia Houses, and other New York City public housing apartments. The DOI report also found that NYCHA maintenance staff has falsified a number of documents claiming to have performed safety checks when, in fact, they had not.
Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) released the following statement regarding Planned Parenthood reaching its 100th anniversary this Sunday, October 16:
Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) wrote today to Mayor Bill de Blasio requesting a meeting to discuss the continued closure of Park Row. Park Row at Chatham Square has been closed to traffic since 9/11, a situation that has isolated Chinatown and caused economic hardship for local businesses.
Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) released the following statement regarding Yom Kippur:
“As members of the Jewish community in New York and across the nation join together to observe Yom Kippur, I wish peace and good blessings for all my Jewish friends and neighbors. This Day of Atonement is a time to reflect on the positive in life -- and on how we have overcome past challenges. In that spirit, I would urge all New Yorkers to reaffirm to caring for one another as we prepare for the year ahead.
“Gmar Chatima Tova!”
# # #