Menin on staffing for new council-initiated laws

In particular, I'm concerned about whether the department has sufficient staffing for its wide range of oversight and enforcement responsibilities,

particularly on newer items that stem from council-initiated laws covering for high vehicle driver deactivation, security guard minimum wages, protected time off, delivery worker laws, and other items.

I just want to say the council has passed so many important bills in this regard, and so we really want to make sure that the agency then has the proper resources to enforce them, because we've done all this work

to pass these laws, but if we don't have the resources to enforce them, we're not really getting the results that we need to do.

So we'll also be looking carefully at how the administration plans to address ongoing challenges, improve service delivery, and ensure that taxpayer dollars are being spent effectively and responsibly.

New Yorkers deserve a government that is responsive, accountable, and capable of meeting the moment.

Today's hearing is an important opportunity to assess where progress is being made, where gaps remain, and where additional actions may be necessary in the future.

I look forward to a productive discussion and working collaboratively to ensure that this agency

has all the tools and support needed to serve the people of the city.

And I'm now going to turn it over to Chair Epstein for his remarks.