“I join all New Yorkers in mourning the loss of NYPD Detective Steven McDonald. Detective McDonald will forever be remembered as a hero who exemplified the best of our City.  After being shot multiple times in the line of duty, Detective McDonald harnessed tragedy into an opportunity to spread a universal and worldwide message of forgiveness. His compassion and empathy over the last 30 years has left a lasting impact on all New Yorkers, and Detective McDonald’s legacy will continue to inspire the City he so courageously and gracefully served.

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“Over four million Americans benefit from the critical health services Planned Parenthood provides each year.  For many, particularly those already facing the greatest health care disparities, Planned Parenthood is their only source of health care.  Any attempt to defund Planned Parenthood would set reproductive rights back by decades. We cannot allow the Republican Congress to undermine the Medicaid reimbursement system and deny 55 million women access to free, comprehensive preventative care, birth control and cancer screenings.

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“Making college affordable and accessible is a fundamental cornerstone of the fair and equitable future we strive toward as New Yorkers. The Excelsior Scholarship puts the potential of our students at the forefront of higher education decision-making, and I commend Governor Cuomo for his work to level the playing field for all. Education is a great equalizer, and one of the strongest tools lower- and middle-income individuals and families have for improving their circumstances and those of others in their communities.

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Sends Letter Calling on New York State to Limit Involvement in Federal Immigration Law Enforcement Efforts

City Hall – Today, New York City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito released a letter imploring Governor Andrew Cuomo, State Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, State Senate Democratic Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Assembly Minority Leader Brian Kolb, and State Senate Independent Democratic Conference Leader Jeff Klein to undertake a coordinated and comprehensive policy to limit the State of New York’s involvement in federal immigration enforcement.

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Council will also vote on Maintaining a Database of Land Use Commitments and Applications

City Hall – Today, the New York City Council will vote on legislation to regulate, for the first time, contributions to non-governmental organizations controlled by local elected officials. The Council will also vote to establish reforms to the New York City Campaign Finance Board (CFB) and its public matching program.

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Re: Gladys Carrión

“Safeguarding the welfare of New York City’s vulnerable children is a tremendous responsibility. In light of recent tragedies, it is clear that ACS must fully commit to working with the City Council to enact needed reforms to save lives and better protect families. We thank Gladys Carrión for her extended service to New York City.

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“The Yankees’ outrageous decision to bring Aroldis Chapman back to New York for an astounding $86 million contract is an insult to fans who now have to choose between their favorite team and their conscience. It’s wrong, but that’s why we created #NotAFan, so fans can express their support for survivors of domestic violence and their disapproval to teams.

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“New York City cannot single handedly shoulder the staggering cost of protecting the President-elect and his family. It’s outrageous that the proposed spending bill from the House of Representatives includes just $7 million dollars in owed reimbursement to New York City- a fraction of the $35 million the City of New York has asked for. The President-elect and Congress must commit to repaying NYPD, the taxpayers, and our City.

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Council will also vote on Increased Reporting of Educational Programming in City Schools

City Hall – Today, the New York City Council will vote on legislation creating a new approval process for deed restriction modifications, requiring a comprehensive, public review before the City can relinquish its rights to determine how formerly-owned property is used.

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Urges incoming administration to pledge federal funding for security measures

Additional NYPD presence and measures cost an estimated $1 million each day

City Hall – Today, New York City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito and Council Member Dan Garodnick launched an online petition calling on President-elect Donald Trump to commit necessary federal funds to reimburse the City of New York City for expenses incurred providing security protections to Trump Tower.

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