“There is no doubt that the Trump Administration’s racist, anti-immigrant agenda has wreaked havoc on hard working immigrants and their families. Now, it is becoming increasingly clear that ICE may be targeting immigrant rights activists like Ravi Ragbir in an effort to silence and intimidate them. While we are relieved that the federal district court has stayed Ravi’s deportation while the court examines whether he was unlawfully targeted by ICE, we recognize that he remains at risk of deportation.

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Council Speaker Corey Johnson:

“Even as we experience sustained economic growth, our city is facing challenges and we need a city budget that adequately responds to those challenges. More than ever, federal and state cuts are threatening the City’s fabric as we know it. In this current climate, agencies and the administration as a whole must be held to a higher standard to ensure we are doing all we can to protect our most vital social safety net programs by boosting our reserves and streamlining resources for the long term.

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Good Morning!

Thank you so much for having me today. I also want to thank all the first responders with us today for their bravery. Too often we take these folks for granted, but they are always there when we need them. I also want to acknowledge that we’re joined this morning by two former City Council Speakers – Peter Vallone Senior and Christine Quinn.

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“The Trump Administration created the Office of Civil Rights in the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for the sole purpose of discriminating against and denying people healthcare. Unfortunately, this dangerous and downright un-American act is unsurprising from President Trump and Vice President Pence, the sexists and homophobes-in-chief. Instead of dividing our country, the President should be focused on bringing unity and ending these discriminatory policies his administration chooses to uphold.

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“Today is a day to reflect upon the contributions of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and the thousands of Americans who advocated – and continue to advocate – for equality in our country. The gains of the civil rights movement were made possible through the great sacrifice of thousands who protested injustice and made their voices heard – frequently putting their own lives at risk.

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Re: President Trump’s Comments on Haiti and Africa

“President Trump’s racist and incendiary comments about Haiti and Africa are an affront to the very values of our nation and of the American dream. The country is deeply divided, and the President should be focused on bringing unity by creating the spirit of trust and respect and putting an end to the cruel and senseless immigration raids that are tearing families apart.

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City Hall ‒ Speaker Corey Johnson announced the New York City Council committee chairs and leadership today, citing an inclusive and democratic process to structure the City’s legislative body. In addition, the Speaker announced the Chairs of task forces and members of the Budget Negotiating Team.

In a statement, Speaker Johnson said: “After many active conversations with Council Members, stakeholders, city leaders and advocates, we are proud to appoint the leadership and committee chairs that reflect the diversity and priorities of New York City.

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In final session under Speaker Melissa Mark Viverito’s leadership, Council will have voted on a record of over 700 bills

City Hall – Today, the New York City Council will vote on what is commonly known as the Right to Know Act, requiring officers to identify themselves to the public and requiring the New York police department to develop and provide guidance for its officers on obtaining consent to search individuals.

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El Barrio/East Harlem – Today, Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito joined the Vito Marcantonio Forum, relatives of Vito Marcantonio, and East Harlem residents at the official co-naming ceremony of the “Lucky Corner” at the northeast corner of East 116th Street and Lexington Avenue.

East 116th Street and Lexington Avenue became known as the “Lucky Corner” because Vito Marcantonio often held rallies at this location and went on to win elected office.

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Council’s recommendations outline strategies to ensure communities have access to the basic goods and services they need 

City Hall, NY ‒ New York City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, Land Use Committee Chair David Greenfield, Small Business Committee Chair Robert Cornegy and Subcommittee on Zoning and Franchises Chair Donovan Richards released the Council’s 2017 report, Planning for Retail Diversity: Supporting NYC’s Neighborhood Businesses.

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