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Q&A

Morano questions idling exclusion and need-based relief principle

New York City Council · Aug 11, 2026 · starts 0:37:12 · 1 min 28 sec

Morano notes that excluding idling violations because recipients are logistics companies implies need is a factor, and asks why that principle isn't applied more broadly to differentiate between multinational corporations and small businesses. Lee explains various exclusion categories but says the program is applied equally across eligible violations.

Frank Morano

My last question.

Frank Morano

You execute, in your testimony, you specifically say that idling violations are excluded because you guys want to hold bad actors accountable.

Frank Morano

So you exclude idling violations partly because the recipients tend to be logistics companies that you say are less in need of amnesty.

Frank Morano

So need is apparently a factor in deciding who gets relief.

Frank Morano

If that's the case, why not apply that principle more broadly?

Frank Morano

Why should a multinational corporation and a neighborhood pizzeria receive the same percentage reduction?

Richard Lee

So there are a number of reasons why a entity might not be able to participate in the program.

Richard Lee

If it was included in an agreement with, let's say, this sheriff's office or city marshal before court counsel, or an execution has been issued before...

Richard Lee

Upon the sheriff's office or violation being converted to tax lien or violation subject to criminal investigation, there are a number of violations that will not be participating in the ECB amnesty program.

Richard Lee

Idling is one of the ones.

Richard Lee

that will not be participating in the MNC program.

Richard Lee

Councilmember Wong.