CM James Comments on City Jail Plan; Capital Cuts

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
June 15, 2011

Contact Amyre Loomis at (718) 260-9191, (646) 201-8183

Despite Cut in Capital Spending, Mayor Bloomberg Plans to Build New Jail: Council Member James Dumbfounded

At this time, because of difficult fiscal times Mayor Bloomberg is proposing a 20 percent reduction in planned City capital spending, which translates to less money for building new schools, new construction of affordable housing, and upgrading public parks around the City.

I still ask why Mayor Bloomberg will not make big banks and millionaires pay their fair share to prevent the worst proposed cuts in this year’s budget? It is well known that real alternatives to these destructive cuts are possible! New Yorkers will continue to hold the Bloomberg Administration accountable, and we now demand that big banks and millionaires pay their fair share! We are all fighting for a City that works for everyone.

And, I along with other New Yorkers are surprised to learn this week that the Bloomberg Administration is still planning to commit more than $620 million in 2011 through 2015 for construction of a new jail on Rikers Island, renovation of jails in Brooklyn and Queens, and the closing of other facilities. Ironically, the system will have less capacity than currently when the changes are complete. The question remains: in the long run who really benefits from this jail construction and the millions of dollars spent – wealthy developers, or NYC constituents?

An alternative to cutting capital spending does exist! This funding is crucial - because it would benefit those who need it the most - the residents of New York City. I will say it again: it is simply time to eliminate unaffordable subsidies for the wealthy. Let’s stop cutting funding for financial institutions, and support the statewide Millionaires Tax. These are fair and just options.

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For more details, please read the article posted by Nashla Salas at:

http://ibo.nyc.ny.us/cgi-park/?p=357

On The Legislative Front: Department of Corrections Edition

Earlier this year, Council Member Letitia James introduced two bills that focused on greater accountability within the NYC Department of Correction (DOC).

The first was Int. 937-2009, which called on the commissioner of the DOC to report on census data and security indicators involving adolescents in NYC city jails. When the bill was introduced, the DOC reported general data which contained information regarding the overall jail population at Riker's Island. However, there was no separate information being routinely reported (or required to be reported) by the DOC specifically regarding “adolescents” who are housed separately from “adults” in Riker’s Island. This bill was signed into law by Mayor Bloomberg in May 2009, becoming local law 2009/029. This law will provide the Council and the rest of the public, information that is vital to proper oversight of the DOC, helping the Department closely monitor the most vulnerable individuals of the incarcerated community.

The second bill was Int. 938-2009, requiring the department of correction to develop a discharge plan for adolescents leaving city jails. This bill is currently being reviewed in the Council's Committee on Fire and Criminal Justice Services.

At the next Stated hearing in September (there's a Stated today, by the way), Council Member Letitia James will be introducing legislation that would require the commissioner of the DOC to report on race and ethnicity, zip code of residence, precinct of arrest and charged offense of adolescents admitted to city jails. This bill would allow the public, agencies, organizations, and elected officials to examine trends in the adolescent groups that are being arrested citywide.

Letitia looks forward to moving along with her efforts to address the rights of adolescents in City jails.