Press Room

"I want to thank the Chancellor for his service and collaboration, and recognize his dedication and drive. Chancellor Carranza assumed his position three years ago amid a difficult time for education in our city, with large challenges looming, but the final year of his tenure would become the most difficult and turbulent time for education in memory as the Department of Education, along with the rest of the city and nation, struggled to respond to the pandemic that took a terrible, personal toll on the Chancellor and his family.

"As a frequent critic of decisions of the Department of Education, it was often difficult to discern where that criticism should go. I have often said that as the only constant amid the pandemic has been change, the Chancellor was given the near-impossible task of building the plane while flying it. However, it became clear to me that too often, the administration was focused on the wrong parts of that plane- and that much of the blame was on City Hall. Through a focus on rushing to reopen in-person education rather than improving the remote learning that would be at the heart of this year's strategy no matter what, the administration ultimately created even more chaos and lost the confidence of parents, students, administrators and educators. Rebuilding that confidence will be a key priority as we move forward in the work for safe, just, and equitable education. 

"The Chancellor has long professed his dedication to a progressive vision for equity in education. While some significant strides have been made toward that goal, many of the Mayor's strategies have run counter to it. This is seen clearly in the administration finally making progress in ending the segregation of the gifted and talented program in future years, but embracing an even worse strategy for 2021.

"There is immense work to be done, and to that end I want to congratulate Meisha Porter as she assumes this new role and becomes the first Black woman to hold it.  As a product of the public schools system, hearing her speak of her own history as first a student, then staff in that very system gave me great pride. To hear her say with intention "to all the little girls out there, I'm saving a seat for you" was incredibly impactful - especially to Black women like my fiancée and Black girls like my step-daughter, who often feel left out of reform discussions. I look forward to working with her to ensure that every young person in our city has a just and safe place to learn and grow, in recovery from the pandemic and beyond."

Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams called for passage of his bill to create a three-digit hotline used for mental health emergencies, as an alternative to 911, at a hearing of the Committee on Mental Health, Disabilities, and Addiction today. The new number - 988 - would help ensure that mental health crises are met by health professionals, rather than law enforcement. Watch the hearing online.

The bill, Intro 2222, would require the Office of Community Mental Health - which would be separately established under legislation from Council Member Diana Ayala - to institute the hotline staffed by mental health call operators. The Office would train call operators in the mental health emergency response protocol and conduct public outreach and education publicizing the 988 number.

"Mental health should not be seen or responded to as an untreated public threat," said Public Advocate Williams of the bill. "I hope through our legislative process, we can collectively create a crisis response where persons living with mental health diagnosis feel safe in their communities and know they'll receive the proper care that they need. I also hope that we can bring healing to families that have experienced a loss or any trauma as a result of the system we now have in place now."

In the past six years, at least sixteen people undergoing a mental health crisis were killed by NYPD  officers - notably, fourteen were people of more color. Prominent cases in recent years have included Deborah Danner, Mohamed Bah, Saheed Vassell, Dwayne Jeune, and Kawaski Trawick, among others.

In his 2019 report, Improving New York City's Responses to Individuals in Mental Health Crisis, Public Advocate Williams led calls for mental health crises to be met with a public health response rather than law enforcement. A separate emergency phone line was among the recommendations in that report.

The Public Advocate noted today that the movement to a non-police response in mental health crisis is as complex as it is necessary, saying, "I know this is a difficult conversation. It is one that elicits fear. It is one that changes the dynamic. For too long, our equating of public safety and police has brought us a system that we know needs to be changed. We have to find a system that allows people to bring the tools and expertise they have to the situations at hand."

Read the full statement from the Public Advocate for today's hearing below.

TESTIMONY OF PUBLIC ADVOCATE JUMAANE D. WILLIAMS TO THE COMMITTEE ON MENTAL HEALTH, DISABILITIES, AND ADDICTION - HEARING FEBRUARY 22, 2021

Good morning, Thank you so much, Madam Chair. As mentioned, My name is Jumaane D. Williams, and I am the Public Advocate for the City of New York. I want to thank Chair Farah Louis for holding today's hearing on a vital topic and give a huge congratulations to the first hearing that you're chairing. I look forward to the excellent leadership I know you're going to provide on this issue and many others in this Committee.

A few years ago, when I was a Council Member, I will never forget, I was doing, I believe it was a gun violence press conference with Borough President Eric Adams. In the middle of it, a woman ran up, got on her knees, and was begging us for help for her son who was in a mental health crisis. It was a very emotional time, but I remember her specifically saying how terrifying she was to call 911. She didn't want to call 911 because they would "kill him." Those were the words she used. That has been seared into my brain, remembering that. At that point, understanding intersecting issues brought up there. The need for her to get some real care for her son. And also the things we were doing to police officers. Places we were sending them without the tools or training and asking them to solve a problem they simply don't have the capacity to solve. On all sides, we are setting up people for failing.

For far too long, our City's response to mental health calls has been a failure. Police officers are dispatched as first responders for people struggling with mental illness. In addition, access to a continuum of care is in effect non-existent for a large part of the population. In some cases, this can be fatal. In the past six years, at least 16 people undergoing a mental health crisis were killed by officers. Notably, 14 were people of more color. That is both devastating and a significant reason as to why the New York Police Department cannot respond to mental health calls as first responders. My first report, in September of 2019, we put out a report on how badly we were doing in handling mental health crises. I just want to congratulate the City Council for putting this hearing and actually going headstrong into dealing with this and beginning to reframe what public safety is.

After many years of waiting, we have the opportunity to change our response. Intro 2210, prime sponsored by Council Member Ayala, shifts mental health responses from the NYPD into a new office within the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Units of mental health clinicians and peers will respond to mental health emergencies within 30 minutes of a call. These teams will follow up with calls among other things mentioned.

In addition to that, my legislation, Intro 2222, creates a three-digit hotline as an alternative to 911. Right now, we only have a criminal response to whatever has known to be a mental health crisis. The newly-created office would hire operators to respond to calls. Any mental health-related calls going through 311 or 911 are redirected through the new three-digit hotline. Calls will not be directed to 911 unless an operator determines there is a public safety emergency. Finally, the hotline becomes available no later than December 31, 2021.

Currently, the NYC Well system is used for mental health calls. In 2019, there were around 170,000 mental health-related calls. Yet, those calls went through 911. There must be a convenient and easy-to-remember number rather than the City's long 11-digit NYC Well system. That is why the bill will create a three-digit number, 988, that will redefine our response system.

These bills offer a chance for us to rectify the failure of our mental health response. Cities such as Eugene, Oregon, Olympia, Washington, and others, have already implemented non-police or limited police responses. We must follow these examples and go bold with any idea presented. New Yorkers deserve a plan that addresses mental health as a public health issue, not a policing issue.

However, we have to be more intentional. These bills must do more to explain the role of when and if the police department would get involved. The definition of "public safety emergency" - a "crime in progress, violence, or a situation likely to result in imminent harm or danger to the public, as defined by" the newly-created Office of Community Mental Health, in its vagueness may cause unintended confusion. How will a person interpret violence or a situation that may result in harm? Interpretation is left up to the office or, realistically, the operator. What happens if police are mistakenly told of a person likely to create harm? This is not a hypothetical. As was mentioned here, police responded to a call that Saheed Vassell, a 34-year-old Black man living with bipolar disorder, held a gun. Police arrived and fatally shot Vassell, who actually held a pipe not a gun. Also mentioned was the tragic case of Dwayne Jeune that happened in the district I represented several years ago. That tragic event, and many others, highlights the potential danger that can result from one wrong decision or a misinterpretation. If this is not delved into more intentionally, I fear more lives may be lost.

We have seen far too many incidents where the inclusion of officers in unpredicted situations wrongfully escalate. Mental health should not be seen or responded to as an untreated public threat. I understand that many of the advocates & providers we'll hear from today are concerned with the codification of co-response teams and many other features in both of these bills. What we should ensure is the codification that police are no longer the first responders when New Yorkers are in acute Mental Health Crisis. I believe Council Member Ayala, Council Member Cornegy, and the Chair and I are deeply committed to getting this right, and I'm sure we welcome any feedback on how we best improve the bills.

Today's hearing is the first step in the right direction as we're identifying the City's existing problem: an ineffective mental health response. We know there are other professionals and peers in our communities that are better equipped to address mental health crises than the police. I hope through our legislative process, we can collectively create a crisis response where persons living with mental health diagnosis feel safe in their communities and know they'll receive the proper care that they need.

I also hope that we can bring healing to families that have experienced a loss or any trauma as a result of the system we now have in place now. I know this is a difficult conversation. It is one that elicits fear. It is one that changes dynamics. For too long, our equation of public safety to police has brought us a system that we know needs to be changed. We have to also remember that when something goes wrong, if something went wrong, everyone will say, 'Where were the police'? We have to change that dynamic and reliance on police. Because we know even when police are there, things go wrong and people are killed. We have to find a system that allows people to bring the tools and expertise they have to the situations at hand. Right now, we're not doing that. I thank the Chair for allowing me to speak. I look forward to today's testimony.

Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams and Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams called on the United States Department of Justice today to open a civil rights investigation into the city and state's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic which has led to deep racial disparities - first in rates of infection and death, and now in access to vaccination. The two elected leaders first made this call with a group of local officials from across the country in 2020, but it was largely ignored by the Department of Justice under Donald Trump. This new ask renews the original request, now calling for the Biden administration to take action.

This week, it was revealed that the FBI and US Attorney's Office in Brooklyn are currently probing the Cuomo administration's policies and practices concerning nursing homes during the first months of the pandemic. The Public Advocate and Borough President's request is for an additional investigation, or an expansion in its scope, to probe actions by city and state leaders that may constitute civil rights violations, including "the failed decisions and systemic inequities that led to the disparate impact of COVID-19 on communities of color." He further discussed the renewed request in a Wednesday press conference with Council Members Adrienne Adams and I. Daneek Miller, co-Chairs of the Black, Latino, and Asian Caucus in the City Council. Video is available here

"We are asking the Department of Justice, under new leadership and with new mandate, to investigate the systemic failures and misguided decisions that have led to disparate harm in communities of more color throughout the city and state," said Public Advocate Williams. "We make this new call with the same moral obligation and with renewed moral outrage at the arrogance that leaders like Governor Cuomo and Mayor de Blasio  continue to show in making dangerous, misguided decisions and refusing to face the consequences."

Across the country, communities of more color are seeing a disproportionate and deadly impact of the coronavirus outbreak, a result of policy decisions and longstanding systemic inequities. Nationwide, Black and Hispanic individuals are roughly 3x as likely to be hospitalized for COVID-19 than white persons, and twice as likely to be killed.

Now, the rollout of vaccinations in New York has seen similarly egregious and inexcusable levels of disparity, with preliminary data showing Black and Brown New Yorkers vaccinated at a rate roughly half their population share. Newly released data by zip code shows that in New York City, wealthier and whiter communities have a much greater percentage of adults vaccinated than communities of more color.

Wednesday, new data revealed that life expectancy in the United States in the first half of 2020 dropped by a year overall, but by 2.7 years for Black Americans, driven by these inequities in COVID-19 impact.

In a letter, Public Advocate Williams and Borough President Adams implored the Department of Justice to investigate these issues, find any wrongdoing, and "show our constituents and the American public that awareness of inequities is not enough. We must act and bring those accountable for these inequities to justice."

The original submission to the Department of Justice further detailing the request can be found here.

"I'm pleased to announce that after an expedited process to ensure compliance with city regulations, I can today voluntarily recognize the Organized Advocates Staff Union within the Office of the Public Advocate, with dozens of members of our staff now represented by the Campaign Workers Guild.

"From the beginning of this process, I've been proud to support the unionization effort, and look forward to the next steps in ensuring fair representation. Our office has been committed to advancing the cause of worker justice throughout the city since I was first elected to this position two years ago, and it is crucial to reflect those values within our own workplace as well."

Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams called for passage of a bill aimed at protecting water quality and ensuring sanitary water supply for New Yorkers at a hearing of the Committee on Environmental Protection today. The bill would increase the monetary penalties to be imposed on a building owner or operator who fails to comply with installation and reporting requirements for water backflow prevention devices.

"Backflow prevention devices stop contamination from entering New York City water. Without them, bacteria, such as salmonella, can spread into water pipes. For businesses such as laundromats, food processing plants, supermarkets, and large residential dwellings, this is pretty dangerous," said Public Advocate Williams at the hearing. "Anyone can experience serious harm, so contamination must be avoided at all costs. This is both an environmental issue and a public health issue."

Under the legislation, Intro. 1576, for failure to install the device, the civil penalty would be $1,000-10,000 and the criminal fine would be $2,000-10,000.  For failure to file an annual report, the civil penalty would be $700-10,000 and the criminal fine would be $1,400-10,000. Backflow prevention devices stop contaminated water from re-entering the main supply, and required for certain properties by state law. This city legislation was originally sponsored by then-Council Member Donovan Richards, now the Queens Borough President.

There were 1,540 violations in 2018 for failing to install a backflow prevention device, according to DEP, and 8,780 violations for not filing a report. In 2019, The New York City Department of Environmental Protection estimated there were 76,472 facilities in the City that require one or more backflow prevention devices. Notably, 45,093, or roughly 59 percent, are considered hazardous facilities.

The Public Advocate noted that "At the Committee's June 25th, 2018 hearing, it was said that these prevention devices can cost anywhere between $3,000 to $20,000. Therefore, if fines are lower, then the owner or operator can just accept the fine as the cheaper option. ," saying "The legislation would eliminate that with steeper penalties and fines." In addition, he expressed support for a bill from Chair Constantinides to amend the sustainable energy loan program, Intro. 2170, which was also discussed at today's hearing, saying "Energy efficiency may be costly for some building owners, so there must be assistance for everyone who is interested in energy efficiency."

Read the full statement from the Public Advocate for today's hearing below, or download it here.

TESTIMONY OF PUBLIC ADVOCATE JUMAANE D. WILLIAMS  TO THE COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION - HEARING FEBRUARY 16, 2021 Good morning,

My name is Jumaane D. Williams, and I'm the Public Advocate for the City of New York. Once again, thanking the chair Costa Constantinides for holding today's hearing.

Our City must do more to address environmental injustice. The longer we wait to correct these problems, the worse off communities, particularly communities of color, will be. I'm proud that one of my first four bills in my first term actually had to do with environmental justice. I'm glad to see these communities get stronger in pushing these concerns. Therefore, we need to be aggressive and proactive in offering solutions. The bills before the Committee today are examples of that. 

My bill, Intro. No. 1576, first introduced by Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, would increase penalties for a building owner or an operator failing to install and report on water backflow prevention devices. Failure to either install the device or annually report on tests could mean either a significantly higher civil penalty or criminal fine. 

Backflow prevention devices stop contamination from entering New York City water. Without them, bacteria, such as salmonella, can spread into water pipes. For businesses, such as laundromats, food processing plants, supermarkets, and large residential dwellings, this is pretty dangerous. Anyone can experience serious harm, so contamination must be avoided at all costs. This is both an environmental issue and a public health issue.

In 2019, The New York City Department of Environmental Protection estimated there were 76,472 facilities in the City that require one or more backflow prevention devices. Notably, 45,093, or roughly 59 percent, are considered hazardous facilities. Therefore, a device must be installed and annually reported on with no excuse. Otherwise, the risks can be severe for occupants, customers, or workers. 

There were 1,540 violations in 2018 for failing to install a backflow prevention device, according to DEP. The number of violations for not filing a report is even higher at 8,780. This is why the legislation is necessary. These prevention devices are vital for New Yorkers. This cannot be done out of convenience. It is a requirement. There are steep penalties for those who do not follow this law.

There is an additional concern with the existing penalties and fines. At the Committee's June 25th, 2018 hearing, it was said that these prevention devices can cost anywhere between $3,000 to $20,000. Therefore, if fines are lower, then the owner or operator can just accept the fine as the cheaper option. The legislation would eliminate that with steeper penalties and fines. New Yorkers must be guaranteed protection, and this bill ensures that. 

I anticipate administration support today for the bill to send a message of accountability. We cannot accept failure to submit an annual report or failure to install these prevention devices. New Yorkers must be given assurances that their health is prioritized.

Finally, I just want to join in supporting the chair's Intro. No. 2170 to amend the sustainable energy loan program to improve energy efficiency in New York City. Any opportunity to do so is useful and reiterates the City's commitment to make a greener New York City.  Energy efficiency may be costly for some building owners, so there must be assistance for everyone who is interested in energy efficiency.

Overall, the bills represent our commitment for a cleaner, safer New York City. I thank the chair again for both allowing me to speak and for co-sponsoring my legislation and of course for his leadership on all of these issues. I look forward to today's testimony.

Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams released the following statement in response to revelations that the Cuomo administration deliberately withheld information about the true toll of COVID-19 in nursing homes in order to avoid an investigation by the Department of Justice.

"The new revelations about both the facts and motivations behind covering up the true toll of the state's mismanagement of nursing homes amid this pandemic are appalling. In trying to avoid Donald Trump's wrath, the Governor instead imitated him.

"In the face of the pandemic, Governor Cuomo asked for and received unprecedented powers to make complex decisions, and he has used them to sideline health advisers, subvert oversight, and shield himself from liability for decisions that have cost New Yorkers' lives. Not only has he skirted accountability, he has avoided even an apology to those who have lost family members as a result of decisions he made. His current rush to reopen amid emerging variants and disparate vaccination distribution- combined with past errors at the onset of the pandemic that made New York the epicenter of the epicenter- further demonstrates the consequences of his unchecked, unrepentant authority.

"Many months ago, I joined Borough President Eric Adams and a coalition of elected officials from across the country in calling for a Department of Justice investigation of city and state responses to the COVID-19 pandemic-- because justice must be pursued, regardless of party. I repeat that call now, under a new federal administration but out of the same moral obligation and with renewed moral outrage at the arrogance the Governor continues to show in making dangerous, misguided decisions and refusing to face the consequences."