Banks explains vote on 692A, discloses family at Parks and Juvenile Justice
Council Member Chris Banks discloses a brother at NYC Parks Department and another at Department of Juvenile Justice. He delivers an extended statement supporting Intro 692A, describing paraprofessionals as hardworking New Yorkers who support the most vulnerable students, and arguing the one-time payment recognizes their commitment while broader bargaining continues.
Permission to explain my vote.
Permission granted.
I would like to disclose first that I have a brother that works for the New York City Parks Department and also a brother that works for the Department of Juvenile Justice.
First of all, thank you, Majority Leader.
And first, I want to again thank the Speaker and my good, good colleague, Councilmember Carmen De La Rosa,
for ushering this particular bill, the Paraprofessional Workforce Stabilization Bill, for this particular bill is extremely important.
As a council member from the 42nd Council District, I've had the opportunity to sit down with paraprofessionals from schools throughout my community, and I've heard about the long hours, the dedication they
bring to the classrooms, and the sacrifices they make to support our students while working to support their own families.
These are hardworking New Yorkers paying rent or mortgage and buying groceries, paying for child care, doing everyday things that help build this city and make it bigger, brighter, and better.
Everyday New Yorkers that walk into our schools ready to
Support our children who need a little extra patience and encouragement and care.
They celebrate our students'successes, help them overcome challenges, and often become some of the most trusted adults in their lives.
That's why this bill matters.
It sends a clear message that the city values the work of our paraprofessionals who do the big, amazing jobs every day.
When we invest in our paraprofessionals, we're investing in our students and our schools and our communities.
And let me be clear, this legislation does not replace or weaken the collective bargaining process.
It is not a substitute for the work that happens at the bargaining table.
This is a one-time payment that recognizes the extraordinary commitment of our paraprofessionals while those broader conversations continue.
We have a responsibility to look out for the people who look out for our children, and today we have the opportunity to do just that.
I'm proud to support Intro 692, and I hope to see it will cross the finish line today because our paraprofessionals have earned more than our gratitude.
Let's continue as we do today to put some respect on that check.
Thank you.
Councilman Banks.
You have a vote, Councilmember?
Thank you, sir.
Loud and clear.
Councilmember Aviles.
Yes, I forgot to mention, to disclose on the record, that my sister works for the Parks Department.
Thank you.
Thank you.