The House of Representative’s passage of the Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Bill is a great victory for civil rights in the United States. It sends a message that our nation will not tolerate those who would commit an act of violence against anyone based on who that person is, or they are perceived to be. And it finally broadens the federal definition of a hate crime to recognize such violence regardless of when or where it is carried out.
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First in the Nation Legislation Will Retrofit Older City Buildings for a Greener Future
City Hall, April 22, 2009 – At today’s Stated Council meeting, Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn, together with Environmental Protection Committee Chair James Gennaro and Council Members Daniel R. Garodnick, Dominic Recchia and Melissa Mark-Viverito, will introduce the final two pieces of a legislative package that will have a dramatic impact on reducing greenhouse gas emissions from New York City buildings.
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Today we take another giant step towards full equality in New York State. Again, I acclaim Governor Paterson for demonstrating his continued, great leadership in the fight for marriage equality. I stand with him today, together with other supportive elected leaders, to call on all state legislators to come and stand with us, and bring marriage equality to same-sex couples in New York State.
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Qualifying New Yorkers Should Take Advantage of the EITC with Only One Week until Tax Day
New York – City Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn, Council Member Eric Gioia, and Bishop Mitchell Taylor today reminded New Yorkers to take advantage of the City’s free and low-cost tax preparation sites with just one week left until April 15th. The City’s free tax preparation sites ensure that low-income New Yorkers take full advantage of the Earned Income Tax Credit, a tax benefit they are entitled to receive.
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“For the second time in less than a week, we have seen a great victory for civil rights. I applaud the Vermont State Legislature for their vote today, which made Vermont the fourth state to offer full legal marriage equality to all of its citizens.
“This is truly a cause for celebration, and further proof that our nation is marching inevitably towards justice.
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“The Iowa Supreme Court’s unanimous ruling that a ban on same-sex marriage is unconstitutional marks another important step towards the equality same-sex couples have been fighting so hard and long for.
“While this is a tremendous step in the cause for equal rights, we must join with advocates and redouble our efforts toward making marriage equality a reality in the state of New York.
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Council’s revenue projections fall below Office of Management and Budget estimates for the first time since 2003
City Hall – Speaker Christine C. Quinn, together with Finance Committee Chair David Weprin, today presented the City Council’s response to Mayor Bloomberg’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2010 preliminary budget. According to the Council’s projections, City tax revenues have fallen an additional $295 million since the Mayor released the FY10 preliminary budget.
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