Department of Justice Opens Investigation of TLC
May 24, 2011
As many of you are aware, on March 29th I lodged a formal complaint with the United States Department of Justice that centered on whether or not the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) has been willfully disregarding the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). In the time since, the City has continued to leave riders with disabilities stranded. Most recently, the City chose the Nissan NV-200, a vehicle that is not accessible, as the’ Taxi of Tomorrow’.
The City responded to my complaint by stating that taxi officials were planning a program that meets ADA guidelines through a system that dispatches accessible taxis for people with disabilities. This program is reminiscent of the City’s pilot dispatch program which was proved to be ineffective in my report Stranded. On Monday, I sent a second letter to the Justice Department outlining how this program still fails to meet ADA requirements.
I am pleased to report that the Department of Justice has heard the call of the 60,000 wheelchair users in New York City. Yesterday, the United States Attorney’s office in Manhattan formally launched the investigation into whether the lack of wheelchair-accessible taxicabs in New York City amounts to a violation of parts of the ADA. While I’m glad the Justice Department is looking into the issue, I’m disappointed that once again we must turn to the courts because the City keeps lowering the bar and denying the civil rights of people with disabilities.
You can read the New York Times story about the investigation here.
You can see my second letter to the Department of Justice below:
Letter to US Attorney Bharara Regarding TLC Central Dispatch
Giving Shelter Animals A Second Chance
May 16, 2011
There are tens of thousands animals in New York State shelters waiting to be adopted and most are healthy, well-behaved, and just in need of a home. Unfortunately, shelters oftentimes don’t have the room or resources to care for these or other animals. Even worse, current New York law does not protect or grant access to the qualified rescue groups that are working to save these loving and loyal animals.
This is why I have introduced the Companion Animal Access and Rescue Act or CAARA. CAARA sets minimum standards that allow rescue groups to recover animals from a shelter, a society for the prevention of cruelty to animals, humane society or pound that are scheduled to be destroyed.
CAARA goes beyond just giving rescue groups mere access. For the first time, it sets qualifications and guidelines for both shelters and rescue groups. Outlining the responsibilities of those who work directly with the animals will help ensure that the animals receive the proper care. These provisions ensure that animals are given fresh food and water on a daily basis, exercise and socialization with other animals, clean living environments, and prompt veterinary care. Additionally, both paper and digital records are required in order to help facilitate finding these animals a home.
Also for the first time, CAARA extends whistleblower protections to rescue groups. In many cases, rescue groups have been denied access to shelters for speaking out against bad practices, whether it be for abuse or mismanagement. Every time a group is turned away, it adds to the undue burden on the taxpayer who has to foot the bill for every animal kept or killed in a shelter.
Allowing qualified groups to have access is not only the compassionate thing to do, but it saves taxpayers money at a time when they need it the most.
I am proud to say that CAARA has earned the support of many of the leading animal welfare groups like Best Friends Animal Society, Alley Cat Allies, the No-Kill Advocacy Center, and the League of Humane Voters of New York.
Having been a foster parent for an animal rescue group, I am heartbroken that so many animals are being senselessly killed. When humane organizations volunteer their expertise in difficult cases, shelters should work with them to the fullest extent possible. This legislation will give every animal another chance at life.
You can read my full press release below:
Who Knew That The ‘Taxi of Tomorrow’ Was The Delivery Van Of Yesterday?
May 3, 2011
Today, Mayor Bloomberg and Commissioner Yassky decided to leave riders with disabilities out in the cold with the selection of the Nissan NV200 in the ‘Taxi of Tomorrow’ contest. In doing so, they have set the fight for equal access back almost a decade.
Taxis have always been an iconic symbol of New York City and should also be an icon of inclusiveness. After all, a city that welcomes everyone should have a taxi that everyone can use. This administration has missed a tremendous opportunity to open the doors that have been closed for far too long, to far too many people.
Ultimately, the United States Justice Department must determine whether the selection of the Nissan NV200 violates the wheelchair accessibility requirements of Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act. You can read my complaint that initiated the Department of Justice investigation here. Thankfully, Mayor Bloomberg and Commissioner Yassky will not have the last say on what vehicle is the ‘Taxi of Tomorrow’.
Today, I, along with NYC Public Advocate Bill DeBlasio and Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz, called on NYC Comptroller John Liu to investigate whether potential conflicts of interest have fundamentally and irreversibly prejudiced the selection process of the ‘Taxi of Tomorrow.’ If this is determined to be the case, we must question whether it is appropriate for the Comptroller’s office to certify a contract for Nissan as the ‘Taxi of Tomorrow.’ You can read our letter below.
5.03.11 Letter to Comptroller Liu
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