Name of Council Member: Mathieu Eugene Name and Title of Person Completing Questionnaire: Heather Hart, Legislative &

Budget Director Campaign Website:

2013 CITY COUNCIL HUMAN RIGHTS QUESTIONNAIRE

1. Many in the United States think of international affairs when they think of human rights. Our work emphasizes the applicability of the human rights framework here in the United States. Please share your thoughts on the domestic applicability of human rights, and discuss why human rights are important to you in the context of New York City and the City Council. I consider myself an advocate and strong supporter of human rights. This means that I believe that everyone should have equal access to quality healthcare, affordable housing, a good education, the opportunity to work to provide for ones family, and the right to not go hungry. Many of our residents here in New York City do not have these basic needs met and I believe that it is our responsibility as elected officials to fight to ensure that everyone is able to benefit from all of the opportunities offered by the city. 2. Please share briefly how you have used your role in Council to advance human rights. In my role as a New York City Council Member, I fight to provide the best in quality health services to all New Yorkers, regardless of immigration status, income level, or other socio-economic barriers. I frequently hold free informational clinics on various health issues affecting our communities, large health fairs where individuals can receive free screenings, and I allocate funding to many of the largest hospitals in Brooklyn who provide comprehensive services to New Yorkers from all walks of life. In addition, I work closely with housing projects in my district to ensure that people have equal access to a significant number of affordable housing units. It is my priority to see that families living in my district are not priced out of their homes or their neighborhoods and that they have good, healthy living conditions. Lastly, I provide significant funding to all the public schools in my district to ensure that our children remain competitive and receive the best quality education that New York has to offer. I also fight to improve immigration laws and stand alongside other advocates to protect the rights of the powerless to make sure that the needs of those without a voice are heard. 3. Legislative priorities: Please list your top 3 legislative priorities for 2013. 1. Health 2. Education

3. Immigration What will be your top 3 legislative priorities as a Council Member in the upcoming legislative session? 1. Health 2. Education 3. Immigration 4. Budget priorities: Please list your top three budget priorities of 2013. 1. Healthcare & Hospitals 2. Education & Youth 3. Immigration & Legal Services What will your top 3 budget priorities be as a Council member in the upcoming legislative session? 1. Healthcare & Hospitals 2. Education & Youth 3. Immigration & Legal Services 5. Have you used participatory budgeting to allocate your discretionary funds? Why or why not? I believe the budget process should be an open and transparent process. I am happy to work with residents, various community groups and leaders within our community in order to identify the most important issues currently facing our district. Each year, the discretionary budget reflects those priorities and addresses disparities within our communities. 6. Please provide examples of recent legislation in Council that you believe promotes human rights. I recently passed legislation that will require the Mayors Office of Veterans Affairs (MOVA)s website a one stop shop for jobs and resources for veterans. Under the bill, MOVAs site would have to include the veterans job bank developed by Google and the White House and make sure all City government jobs are uploaded. MOVAs site would also have to feature a guide to City civil service positions by military occupations, and links to a number of career resources including military skill translators and guides to resources available through the State and the federal government. This legislation will allow our veterans, who are often a population vulnerable to unemployment and homelessness, to secure employment and be able to provide for themselves and their families after their years of commitment and dedication to our country.

7. Legislation is only one of many ways in which Council Members can work to advance human rights. What ways other than through legislation will you advance the human rights of New Yorkers as a City Council Member? I intend on continuing to support and pass legislation that will make meaningful changes in the lives of New Yorkers with a focus on quality of life issues that still affect a large portion of the population. It is important that as Elected Officials, we fight for those who are living in extreme poverty, poor living conditions, in poor health, or suffering from homelessness. I will continue to work to discover innovative and new ways to fight for more affordable housing, better opportunities for our youth, jobs, and better access to the resources in our city. I intend on doing all that is within my power as a City Council member to combat these serious afflictions. 8. Some advocates contend that the position of the Council Speaker has too much power over the progression of legislation. Please use this space to respond to that critique. For more information, please visit www.urbanjustice.org.