Res. No. 220
Resolution calling on the Mayor of the City of New York to examine how the City's economic policies can be strengthened to address the disparate unemployment rate and joblessness of black New Yorkers which have increased due to the current recession.
By Council Members Chin, Comrie, Mendez, Rodriguez and Vann
Whereas, Throughout history, the unemployment rate and joblessness for Blacks have been higher than for Whites; and
Whereas, Unemployment figures capture individuals available for and actively seeking work during the survey period and joblessness reflects individuals who are completely detached from the labor market, no longer seeking employment upon the belief that opportunities do not exist; and
Whereas, According to a report released by the former New York City Comptroller William Thompson, the unemployment rate in New York City will reach 9.5 percent by 2010, leaving 400,000 New Yorkers jobless; and
Whereas, The same report indicates that from the first quarter of 2008 to the first quarter of 2009, Black unemployment in New York City rose four times faster than for any other group; and
Whereas, During the same time period, the Comptroller report indicates that Black unemployment in the City rose from 5.7 percent to 14.7 percent, an increase of 167 percent, while White unemployment went up less than 1 percentage point from 3.0 percent to 3.7 percent; and
Whereas, Data of the Community Service Society indicates that among the job sectors hardest hit by the recession are construction, manufacturing, and the retail trade, fields where many low-wage, Black workers have historically found work; and
Whereas, Government jobs have traditionally been a source of stable work for Black New Yorkers, but falling tax revenue has forced the City to cut back on its budget, impacting the number of jobs available and in some cases resulting in layoffs; and
Whereas, Advocates indicate that unemployment statistics mask the real extent of the problem because the government does not count as unemployed those people who have given up looking for work after the administration of the prior unemployment survey, which is conducted every month, nor does it include those who are long-time jobless; and
Whereas, Factors contributing to unemployment and joblessness include education background and accessibility to training and retooling opportunities; and
Whereas, Although the City has some policies in place to address unemployment and joblessness factors in the City, such policies should be strengthened and expanded to specifically address skyrocketing Black unemployment rates; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the Mayor of the City of New York to examine how the City's economic policies can be strengthened to address the disparate unemployment rate and joblessness of black New Yorkers which have increased due to the current recession.
LS# 655
Res. No. 2168-2009
S.O.
1:12pm
4/19/10