Council Member Narcisse supports horse carriage bill, pledges worker oversight
Council Member Mercedes Narcisse speaks in support of the horse carriage bill, addressing the workers directly. She commits to holding the administration accountable to ensure the transition plan includes jobs, compensation, and care for the horses.
Councilmember Narcisse, and is there anyone else I'm missing for general orders?
If I am missing you, please raise your hand.
Thank you, Majority, and thank you, Madam Speaker.
Listen.
Family of Romage, you just happen to be the catalyst to the process.
We've been going on through this process, and thank you for being here.
The city has debated the future of horse-drawn carriages for many years.
When Romage died earlier this year, you came here.
for us to make sure that no other family have to go through that.
I believe the time is here.
I also want to speak to the drivers.
Many of you have done this work for decades.
As a small business owner, from a small business owner, I understand.
And I know we have to do our best, our very best.
And Madam Speaker committed to that.
You have rent to pay and horses to care for.
And this bill does not yet answer how many get through this.
The bill requires the city hall to deliver a transition plan by April.
And I will hold myself accountable and so my colleagues and everyone involved.
If that plan comes back without serious answers on jobs, compensation, and they care for the horses, I will gladly fight alongside TWU Local 100.
These workers deserve a plan that actually takes care of them, and I will not let a weak one make me regret the vote I cast today.
I support this bill, and I know our work for these workers is not yet finished, and like Madam Speaker said, we'll move forward to make sure we address the workers as well and the families.
Thank you.
Anyone else like to speak on general orders?
Seeing none.