“I applaud Governor Cuomo, Speaker Heastie, Majority Leader Skelos and the New York State Legislature for the passage of the New York State budget, which includes critical funding to help strengthen New York City. I am especially pleased with the State Legislature’s commitment to supporting the 400,000 New Yorkers who live in public housing by committing $100 million to NYCHA, and for the State’s continued investment in Pre-K, which will help put the next generation of New Yorkers on the pathway to success.

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New York— “We stand in solidarity with the LGBT communities of Indiana and Arkansas. At the hand of Indiana Governor Mike Pence, with a stroke of a pen, they are now living in a state that openly sanctions discrimination against them and their families. Governor Pence has repeatedly stated that discrimination is not a ‘Hoosier Value’. If this is true, we call him and the Indiana State Legislature to repeal this legislation immediately and replace it with legislation that protects LGBT people from discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations and hate violence.

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Legislation serves as crucial first step in overhauling Human Rights Commission as outlined in Speaker Mark-Viverito’s State of the City Address

City Hall – Today the City Council will vote on three pieces of legislation that will strengthen the city’s Human Rights Commission. Introduction 421-A would expand annual reporting requirements. Introduction 689-A would require a minimum of five housing discrimination investigations during a period of one year commencing this October.

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“Brooklyn’s own Senator Schumer will make an exceptional Senate Majority Leader when the new Congress is sworn into office in 2017. Throughout his career as Assembly Member, Member of Congress and as Senator, Senator Schumer has been a vociferous defender of New York City , a strong ally of the middle-class and has tenaciously fought for the rights of immigrants.

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“My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and families of the tragic building collapse and fire in the East Village. This is a terrible tragedy for our City, and as the City Council continues to closely monitor the scene and await the results of a full investigation, we thank all of our FDNY, NYPD and EMS first responders for their courageous and selfless service.

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As Minors Across the Country Face Unequal Access to Lawyers, Speaker Mark-Viverito Says, “We are Proud to Serve as a National Model”

CITY HALL – The New York City Council’s Unaccompanied Minors Initiative – a groundbreaking public-private partnership between the Council, Robin Hood Foundation and the New York Community Trust– is ensuring that unaccompanied minors who make their way to New York City receive much needed help from qualified attorneys.

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Speaker Mark-Viverito:

“I join all New Yorkers in mourning the devastating loss of Eliane, Rivkah, Sara, David, Yeshua, Moshe and Yaakob Sassoon, who were tragically killed in a horrific fire in Midwood, Brooklyn last night. My thoughts and prayers are with the Sassoon family and the entire Jewish community as we grieve the lives lost in this horrific tragedy and pray for Tziporah and Avigayil’s speedy recovery.

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New York— “We applaud and thank Governor Alejandro García Padilla and his administration for choosing to be on the right side of history in terms of marriage equality. His change of position is heartening. Puerto Rican LGBT families should be afforded the same rights, responsibilities and respect as the rest of the families. We would also like to thank San Juan Mayor Carmen Yulín Cruz and Senate President Eduardo Bhatia, as well as several senators and representatives, for favoring marriage equality and this change of position.

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Priorities Include Enhancing Affordable Housing Laws and Implementing NYCHA Reform, Passing the DREAM Act, Combatting Human Trafficking, Early and Instant Runoff Voting, Paid Family Leave and Legalizing and Decriminalizing Marijuana

Albany, NY —New York City Council Speaker Melissa-Mark-Viverito, State and Federal Legislation Committee Chair Karen Koslowitz , Finance Committee Chair Julissa Ferreras and Council Majority Leader Jimmy Van Bramer today released the New York City Council’s State Budget and Legislative Agenda for the coming year.

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One year ago, I was on my way to City Hall when I learned through social media about the tragedy that had just occurred. I immediately headed right back to this site.

On that tragic day, a year ago, eight lives were taken from us. Many were also injured.

In a time filled with anxiety, impotence and a sense of loss, my district office immediately became a safe haven for the families.

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