Bill de Blasio in 2010-2020 Mayor's Press Releases
On Crime:
Free phone calls for people in custody
Mayor Bill de Blasio announced today that the City is now providing free phone calls for people in custody after fully implementing Intro. 741-A two days before the bill takes full effect. The implementation of Intro. 741-A makes NYC the first major
city to grant free phone calls for people in custody and follows a recent set of reforms that aims to make jails safer and more humane."For too long have people in custody faced barriers to basic aspects of everyday life that can help create more
humane jails," said Mayor Bill de Blasio. "With free phone calls, we're eliminating one of those barriers and ensuring that people in custody have the opportunity to remain connected to their lawyers, families and support networks that are so crucial
to re-entry into one's community."
Prior to the passage of Intro. 741-A, people in custody were charged 50 cents for the first minute and five cents for additional minutes for telephone calls. More than 25,000 calls are made daily from City jails.
Source: Mayoral press release, "People In Custody," NYC.gov
May 1, 2019
On Drugs:
Ban all alcohol advertising on city property
Mayor Bill de Blasio today announced an Executive Order banning all alcohol advertising on City property, including bus shelters, newsstands, phone booths, Wi-Fi LinkNYC kiosks and recycling kiosks. The order will take effect immediately, meaning any
future contracts or contract renewals must exclude alcohol from the advertisements. Venues currently permitted to sell alcohol, such as restaurants, stadiums, and concerts halls, are exempt from the ban."There's no doubt that far too many
New Yorkers struggle with serious substance misuse issues, among them excessive drinking," said Mayor de Blasio. "This order banning alcohol ads from City property reaffirms our commitment to health equity and our stand to protect the well-being of all
New Yorkers."
High exposure to alcohol advertisements can lead to increased likelihood and quantity of alcohol consumption, particularly among youth. In 2016, there were over 110,000 alcohol-related emergency department visits in NYC.
Source: Mayoral press release, "Alcohol Advertising Ban," NYC.gov
May 1, 2019
On Government Reform:
Sue Board of Elections to make Early Voting easier
Mayor de Blasio today hosted elected officials and advocates at a rally demanding that the Board of Elections make Early Voting easy for New Yorkers. The Mayor urged the BOE to use $75 million dedicated in the Executive Budget to open 100 early voting
sites, ensuring no New Yorker has to travel far to cast an early ballot this November. In addition to helping seniors, people with disabilities, parents and people who have a difficult work schedule, early voting can potentially help prevent long lines,
confusion and broken ballot machines on Election Day, which New Yorkers experienced in the 2018 General Election.Said Mayor de Blasio. "The Board of Elections must abandon their age old practice of doing the bare minimum. They must do right by
New Yorkers, and we're giving them the funding to do it." In February, the BOE sued the City to bar City interpreters from being placed inside poll sites to make voting easier for limited English Proficient New Yorkers. The BOE lawsuit is ongoing.
Source: Mayoral press release, "Early Voting," NYC.gov
Apr 29, 2019
On Energy & Oil:
40% reduction in emissions by 2030
The policies laid out in "OneNYC 2050: Building a Strong and Fair City," will achieve a 40% reduction in emissions from a 2005 baseline by 2030--the breaking point to turn back the most irreversible consequences of climate change. The announcements
today will reduce our emissions by the following percentages from a 2005 baseline:- 10%: Mandating that all large, existing buildings implement retrofits to be more efficient and lower emissions--a global first.
- 6%: OneNYC initiatives to
further reduce emissions including more renewable energy, expanded energy efficiency in buildings & reduced reliance on fossil fuel vehicles.
- 5%: Pursuing a deal to power 100% of City operations with clean electricity sources like Canadian hydropower.
- 2%: Cleaning up vehicle fleet and implementing congestion pricing.
The above actions will account for a 23% reduction in emissions. Previous actions taken by the de Blasio administration have already resulted in a 5% reduction, totaling 28%.
Source: Mayoral press release, "Green New Deal," NYC.gov
Apr 22, 2019
On Immigration:
NYC will always be the ultimate city of immigrants
[After President Trump suggested that illegal immigrants be sent to "sanctuary cities" such as NYC]: President Trump has yet again proven that the only constant in his immigration policy is cruelty.
He uses people like pawns. New York City will always be the ultimate city of immigrants--the President's empty threats won't change that.
Source: Mayoral press release, "Undocumented," NYC.gov
Apr 12, 2019
On Welfare & Poverty:
Intensify City's anti-displacement and housing affordability
Mayor Bill de Blasio announced today Vicki Been will serve as the new Deputy Mayor for Housing and Economic Development, where she will intensify and transform the City's anti-displacement and affordability strategies and create economic opportunity
for all New Yorkers."As Housing Preservation and Development Commissioner, Vicki changed everything about affordable housing in NYC. As Deputy Mayor, she will dig deeper and ratchet up all our efforts to confront the biggest crisis facing our city:
affordability," said Mayor de Blasio. "She'll kick anti-displacement strategies into high gear and open doors of opportunity to people who are struggling. Vicki will be instrumental in the fight to make New York the fairest big city in America."
The Deputy Mayor leads the administration's efforts to grow and diversify NYC's economy, invest in emerging industries across the five boroughs, build a new generation of affordable housing, and help New Yorkers secure good-paying jobs.
Source: Mayoral press release, "Vicki Been," NYC.gov
Apr 4, 2019
On Crime:
Eliminate cash bail: future without mass incarceration
For too long too many people have been unnecessarily & unfairly incarcerated based entirely on their ability to buy their freedom. By eliminating cash bail for those charged with most misdemeanors & non-violent felonies, we're helping more people remain
with their families and support networks rather than behind bars. Together with speedy trial and discovery reform, I am confident we are moving toward a future without mass incarceration. However, there's much more we need to do to meet that reality.
Source: Mayoral press release, "Cash Bail," NYC.gov
Apr 1, 2019
On Education:
Pre-K and 3-K for All
Mayoral accountability of our school system has led to record-high graduation rates and record-low dropout rates, the creation of Pre-K and 3-K for All, and the ability to provide all of our 1.1 million school children with access to an excellent
education regardless of their zip code. The buck stops with me, and I vow to continue fighting on behalf of our children and to continue working with all of our parents whose voices help improve our school system every day.
Source: Mayoral press release, "FY2020," NYC.gov
Apr 1, 2019
On Health Care:
Guarantee health care for every New Yorker
Mayor Bill de Blasio today announced his administration will launch the largest, most comprehensive plan in the nation to guarantee health care for every New Yorker. The plan will serve the 600,000 New Yorkers without insurance by strengthening NYC's
public health insurance option, MetroPlus, and guaranteeing anyone ineligible for insurance--including undocumented New Yorkers--has direct access to NYC Health + Hospitals' physicians, pharmacies and mental health and substance abuse services through
a new program called NYC Care. All services will be affordable on a sliding scale."Health care is a right, not a privilege reserved for those who can afford it," said Mayor de Blasio. "While the federal government works to gut health
care for millions of Americans, New York City is leading the way by guaranteeing that every New Yorker has access to quality, comprehensive access to care, regardless of immigration status or their ability to pay."
Source: Mayoral press release, "Health Care for all," NYC.gov
Jan 8, 2019
On Families & Children:
Signs legislation protecting against sexual harassment
"Society has been stacked in favor of men for far too long, leading many to believe they can harass women without fear of punishment," said Mayor de Blasio. "New York City will not allow that continue. We are taking action to protect workers against
sexual harassment and saying loudly & clearly that anyone who harasses a co-worker will face justice." "When women step forward with a grievance, it is the employer's responsibility to listen and take appropriate action," said First Lady Chirlane McCray.
Source: NYC.gov mayoral press release for 2020 presidential hopefuls
May 9, 2018
On Abortion:
Women, not politicians, should control their bodies
Yet again, legislators are attempting to turn back the hands of time and violate the constitutional rights of women. Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin is currently considering legislation that would revoke the medical license of any doctor performing
abortions in the state, except in the most extreme cases where the woman's life is at risk. Women, regardless of where they live, should be able to make their own private health care decisions and have control over their bodies--not politicians.
Source: NYC.gov mayoral press release for 2020 Democratic primary
May 3, 2016
Page last updated: Nov 07, 2021