Council Member Hanif introduces bill to support businesses owned by New Yorkers with disabilities
Council Member Shahana Hanif introduces Intro 1137, a three-year initiative to support businesses owned by New Yorkers with disabilities in every borough. She also honors two constituents who recently passed away.
Councilmember Hanif, followed by Lewis.
I'm proud to introduce Introduction 1137 legislation that's already earned the support of 10 of my colleagues.
This bill would establish a three-year initiative to support businesses owned and operated by New Yorkers with disabilities with a brick-and-mortar
location in every borough and annual reporting to measure its impact.
The initiative would be administered by the Department of Small Businesses in coordination with the Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities and NYC Talent.
Too often, New Yorkers with disabilities face barriers not only to finding employment, but to creating businesses, building wealth, and becoming job creators themselves.
Economic justice for people with disabilities must mean more than access to jobs.
It must also mean access to ownership, entrepreneurship, and economic power.
I urge my colleagues to sign on.
I want to honor the lives of two remarkable women from my district in Kensington, Tassine Ferdos and Zainab Ahmed, who tragically passed away this week.
Both were my constituents and childhood classmates at PS230.
We are the same age.
They died too young at 35.
Tassine was a beloved educator and classical dancer who touched the countless lives through her teaching and artistry.
Zainab was a dedicated public servant and talented artist whose work was just exhibited.
I just saw her.
Both women gave so much to our city and our communities, and their sudden passing is heartbreaking.
My deepest condolences go out to their families, friends, and everyone whose lives they touched.
May they both rest in peace.
Thank you.
Thank you, Councilmember.