NYC City Council overrides Mayor Adams’ vetoes on four legislative bills.

On Thursday, the New York City Council voted decisively to override Mayor Eric Adams’ veto of four legislative measures aimed at enhancing support for working-class residents. This move marks a significant clash between the mayor’s office and the Council, with members accusing the mayor of neglecting the interests of vulnerable populations in the city.

Council Speaker Adrienne Adams emphasized the Council’s commitment to advocating for the least privileged in society during a press conference prior to the vote. She articulated the belief that the mayor had failed to fulfill his duty to support working people, particularly concerning the legislation set for override.

The four bills under discussion seek to implement a range of reforms, including expanded pay equity reporting requirements, a limit on rental costs for recipients of CityFHEPS vouchers—capping their contributions to a maximum of 30% of their income—and the establishment of the Mayor’s Office of Contract Services, which aims to accelerate payments to nonprofits.

The Council demonstrated strong bipartisan support for these measures, with the overrides related to pay equity and rent limits achieving a 40-7 vote, while the Office of Contract Services override passed with a lopsided 46-1 vote.

This legislative action comes in the wake of Adams’ vetoes last month, as he prepares to exit his position in the coming weeks. According to Council Speaker Adams, it is the government’s duty to uphold the dignity, opportunities, and safety of all New Yorkers. She asserted that achieving these goals necessitates affordable housing, equitable pay for marginalized groups, and efficient city contracting that empowers nonprofits to focus on their essential services.

The bills, sponsored by Councilmembers Amanda Farías, Tiffany Cabán, Diana Ayala, and Speaker Adams, had previously gained veto-proof majorities during their initial passage in October.

The tension between the two branches of city government has persisted throughout Adams’ tenure, with the Council overriding three previous vetoes in September. In advance of the vote on the latest measures, First Deputy Mayor Randy Mastro criticized the proposed legislation as attempts to undermine future mayors and impose unmanageable burdens on businesses. He expressed hope for collaborative efforts to implement meaningful changes to make New York City more livable.

Cabán expressed her dissatisfaction with the vetoes, labeling them a betrayal of the working class. She stated her pride in collaborating with colleagues to advocate for equity and accountability, particularly for marginalized communities that have historically faced undercompensation.

During his administration, Mayor Adams has vetoed over a dozen pieces of legislation, a notable contrast to former Mayor Bill de Blasio, who did not exercise veto power during his tenure. In the wake of the recent vote, Legal Aid expressed support for the override of the rent limits bill, asserting it would provide critical protections for voucher holders during a period of escalating housing costs.

Overall, the City Council’s actions reflect an ongoing commitment to safeguarding the rights and welfare of New Yorkers amid an increasingly challenging economic landscape.