Press Releases

“Journalists are instrumental in keeping the democratic process honest, and Gabe Pressman was a model for turning this mission into a life calling. His decades of immersion in the happenings of New York City gave us a thorough historical record from an irreplaceable perspective, and his contributions to broadcast news helped shape the medium as we know it. Having seen him perform in the Inner Circle show mere months ago, I am astutely aware of his influence on the industry and the impact of his passing on us all. READ MORE

“The Better Care Reconciliation Act of 2017 is not designed to work for all Americans. Instead, it will steal billions of dollars from the poor and middle class to fund giveaways to the wealthiest among us. Developed without public hearings or the input of a bipartisan team of advocates, an all-male panel of Republicans entrusted themselves to act on behalf of millions of Americans whose demoralizing experiences with the healthcare industry they cannot even begin to fathom. READ MORE

Exemption will save over 53,000 veterans across the City hundreds of dollars in taxes each year

City Hall – Today, Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito joined Committee on Finance Chair Julissa Ferreras-Copeland, Minority Leader Steve Matteo, and Veteran Affairs Chair Eric Ulrich to celebrate the passage of Intros. 1304-B and 1649, which extend the Veterans Property Tax Exemption in the Fiscal Year 2018 budget to include school taxes, and would establish the maximum exemptions allowable under the Exemption for wartime veterans, combat veterans, and veterans with service-related disabilities. READ MORE

Council will also vote on Planning for the Behavioral Health Needs of Vulnerable LGBTQ Populations and on Establishing a Workforce Development Program for Disconnected Youth

City Hall – Today, the New York City Council will vote on reforms to the process of posting bail through the Department of Correction. The Council will also vote on enhancing health oversight in the shelter system, and on planning for the behavioral health needs of vulnerable LGBTQ populations. READ MORE

“The numbers speak for themselves. Mayoral control works and it’s inconceivable that Majority Leader Flanagan and the Republican-led State Senate would risk jeopardizing the quality education of New York City’s 1.1 million students by prioritizing politics over public education. Test scores are up, graduation rates are on the rise, and our education programs have never been stronger, all because New York City has been empowered to demand accountability from our local schools. READ MORE

“ICE has sunk to new lows of moral depravity. Contrary to their repeated claims that they pursue only those who are a threat to public safety, ICE agents are now targeting survivors of human trafficking, some of the most vulnerable New Yorkers. Stationing ICE agents inside New York’s courthouses is a shameful, predatory tactic that will make our City less safe and devastate the trust we have worked so hard to build in the immigrant community. READ MORE

Multiple State Legislation Resolutions and a Communication from the Mayor Will Also Receive a Vote

City Hall – Today, the New York City Council will vote to enhance oversight of in-school food service facilities through the publication of cafeteria inspection results. The Council will also vote on multiple state legislation resolutions – or ‘home rules’ – related to benefits for relatives of deceased state workers, real property tax law, and parkland alienation, as well as a Communication from the Mayor regarding the use of speed cameras in school zones. READ MORE

Progressive and Fiscally Responsible $85.2 Billion Agreement Invests in Vulnerable New Yorkers and Uplifts Neighborhoods Across the 5 Boroughs

New York – Today, the New York City Council voted to adopt the Fiscal Year 2018 budget, a balanced and responsible agreement reflecting progressive ideals and focused on protecting the vulnerable while uplifting all New Yorkers. READ MORE

Fair and Balanced Budget Invests in Vulnerable Populations, Young People and Immigrants While Strengthening Savings and Preparing for the City’s Future

New York – Today, New York City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, Finance Committee Chair Julissa Ferreras-Copeland, Mayor Bill de Blasio and the New York City Council announced a fair, responsible, balanced and timely budget agreement for the 2018 Fiscal Year. READ MORE

“Withdrawing from the Paris Climate Agreement is simply the latest in President Trump’s long streak of actions that will have a devastating impact on future generations of Americans. The President’s decision today will set our country back while the rest of the world continues to fight climate change through the Paris Climate Agreement, and turn a blind eye to the very real effects of environmental damage – which are already being felt in the City and many other parts of our country. READ MORE