NYC Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez

Today was a long but productive day as I took part in several press conferences advocating for such important issues as the need to pass the paid sick days bill, the crucial services needed to be included in the city budget, particularly early childhood education, to joining with Communities United for Police Reform, advocating changes in the NYPD’s policies, especially stop and frisk. I had the privilege of standing with the great civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson as well as with my colleagues to denounce these practices as unconstitutional and wrong.

Additionally, I took part in two hearings, the first, General Welfare, dealt with the growing issue of homelessness in NYC in which I discussed the growing numbers of homeless people, families and children and why we as a city must provide better options than are currently on the table. At the hearing for the committee on Transportation, we heard testimony from traffic advocates who expressed their support of a Resolution calling on the State Legislature to pass a bill that would allow for traffic cameras to stop reckless and speeding drivers.

Finally, I ended my day doing something positive in my district. Joining with local business owner, Dr. Eduardo Pignanelli of Amsterdam Medical Practice and Pulitzer Prize Winner Junot Diaz, we gave out 200 signed copies of Junot’s books to members of the community. We encouraged all readers, young and old, to take delight in their books as it allows your mind to explore new horizons.

Today was a good day!