Gutiérrez reads Lee's statement: how Intro 9A addresses permitting barriers
Continuing Lee's statement, Gutiérrez explains that Intro 9A does not weaken safety standards but makes rules clear and coordinated, identifies delays, and builds a permitting process that protects children without blocking access to care.
A child loses the chance to begin learning, playing, and growing in a safe early childhood setting.
Intro 9A is about taking that problem seriously.
The bill does not weaken health and safety standards.
It does the opposite.
It says that safety rules should be clear, coordinated, and workable.
Providers should know what is required, which agency is responsible, and how long each step should take.
If we want universal child care to become real, we cannot allow good providers to get stuck in a maze before they even open their doors.
New York City needs more child care seats, but we also need a system that helps create those seats responsibly, quickly, and fairly.
Intro 9A is a practical step towards that goal.
It will help us identify the delays, listen to providers and families, and build a permitting process that protects children without blocking access to care.
I'm grateful to me, Speaker Menon, and all the advocates, providers, and families who have helped move this bill forward.
Thank you.
Congrats, Councilmember Lee.
Okay, we're ready for a vote, friend.