Menin questions on phase-out timeline and worker transition plans

Okay.

How many workers would be affected by the ban?

We obviously know how many licenses DCWP has.

We've been looking at the open data portal, but I want to get on the record this information, which is why I'm asking these questions.

So how many workers would be affected by a ban, including carriage drivers, stable workers, and other staff?

I apologize, Mr.

Speaker.

I don't know if I have the stable worker numbers.

I do know that there are 208 licensed horse-drawn carriage drivers.

My understanding from public reporting is that approximately 170 of them are engaging in the work day in, day out.

Okay.

And what does the administration's view in terms of the...

Proper phase-out timeline that both agencies would recommend?

Do you agree with the language in the bill currently?

Do you believe differently?

I think, and just for me to confer with my colleague, I don't think we have concerns necessarily with the phase-out timeline itself.

I think a setting such as this, to hear from the stakeholders, whether that's industry and workers and other advocates, is an important step in the legislative process to know if the timeline is appropriate.

Okay.

And what are the administration's plans to support the workers?

Well, I think we're having ongoing conversations with our partners in labor about what outcomes we can support, what outcomes we can, what we can do to support outcomes for workers.

I'm sorry.

I've heard of your public comments recently as well, Speaker, about securing employment for workers as well.

I think for us, all options are on the table.

We want to make sure that this works.

Okay.

Okay, I'm going to turn it back over to Councilmember Shulman.

Thank you.