With less than a month before their terms expire, tensions between Mayor Eric Adams and the New York City Council escalated Thursday as lawmakers voted to override four of the mayor’s vetoes on a series of bills.

“This council has remained steadfast in protecting New Yorkers and putting their interests first and today is just another example of our commitment,” Speaker Adrienne Adams said during the meeting.

What You Need To Know

Lawmakers overrode four mayoral vetoes involving pay equity, nonprofit payments and CityFHEPS rental assistance

One bill caps household rental contributions at 30% of monthly income

Some council members raised concerns about new pay reporting requirements for large employers

The Adams administration argues the bills burden businesses and infringe on mayoral authority

The overrides centered on legislation related to pay equity, payments to nonprofits and changes to the city’s rental assistance vouchers, known as CityFHEPS. One of the measures would cap a household’s rental contribution at 30% of monthly income, reversing rules that would have raised the contribution to 40%.

“Let me be clear, there is no New York without working people. It’s our responsibility as government to ensure that all New Yorkers can lead lives with dignity, opportunity, and safety,” Speaker Adams added.

Councilwoman Tiffany Cabán, who sponsored the bill requiring large corporations to submit annual pay data reports, applauded the veto overrides.

“I’m proud to join my colleagues today in overriding his bid to impress the billionaires he’s soon going to need a job from and when we shine a light on inequity, we create conditions to end it,” Cabán said.

Despite broad support, several lawmakers raised concerns — particularly about the pay reporting requirement.

“I’m all for the data but I just want to warn people that it could be a burden for some of the employers,” said Councilwoman Gale Brewer. She and Councilmember Mercedes Narcisse both expressed reservations about the impact on businesses.

The Adams administration has consistently argued that the package of bills would overburden the city.

“These four bills are nothing but an attempt by the City Council to undermine any future mayor’s authority, burden businesses with unenforceable requirements, and encroach upon the state’s jurisdiction around social services. As we round out the year, we hope that the City Council will work with us on meaningful changes to make New York City a safer and more affordable place to live,” First Deputy Mayor Randy Mastro said in a statement.

Councilwoman Crystal Hudson, a former candidate for council speaker, pushed back on that framing.

“Our responsibility isn’t to protect any mayor’s legacy, it’s to protect New Yorkers,” Hudson said. “These bills passed with overwhelming support because they address real needs in every district represented in this chamber.”