Chair Brooks-Powers relieves second panel and calls up public defender panel

Well, thank you to the panel.

This panel is relieved.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Next, we will have the public defender's...

And that will include, before I call them up, I'll just read this script real quick.

I now open the hearing for public testimony.

I remind members of the public that this is a formal government proceeding and that decorum shall be observed at all times.

As such, members of the public shall remain silent at all times.

The witness table is reserved for people who wish to testify.

No video recording or photography is allowed from the witness table.

Further, members of the public may not present audio or video recordings as testimony, but may submit transcripts of such recordings to the Sergeant at Arms for inclusion in the hearing record.

If you wish to speak at today's hearing, please fill out an appearance card with the sergeant at arms and wait to be recognized.

If you have a written statement or additional written testimony you wish to submit for the record, please provide a copy of that testimony to the sergeant at arms.

You may also email written testimony to testimony at council.nyc.gov within 72 hours of this hearing.

Audio and video recordings will not be accepted.

And now we'll call our first panel, which includes...

Young Mi Lee with Brooklyn Defenders.

Wes Canes with Bronx Defenders.

Elizabeth Fisher with Neighborhood Defender Services of Harlem.

Stan German, New York's County Defender Services.

And Tina Luongo, the Legal Aid Society.

And I know you all are given statements, and the clock is set for five minutes for each of you.

You can begin when you're ready.

Whatever order you like.

However you like.