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Press Releases


Re: Christopher Park

“The possibility that President Obama will designate Christopher Park as a national monument is very welcome and exciting news. As the birthplace of the modern LGBTQ movement, this place is a fitting choice for America’s first national monument to LGBTQ rights. This City Council values New York’s rich history of fighting for equality for all, and proudly designated the Stonewall Inn as a City landmark last year.

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Decrease followed stricter City laws, multi-agency enforcement efforts, and public awareness campaign

NEW YORK––City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, Mayor Bill de Blasio, New York City Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett and Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) First Deputy Commissioner Alba Pico today announced an 85 percent decline in synthetic cannabinoid-related emergency department visits since July 2015, when the Health Department raised the alarm about a dangerous increase in the number of New Yorkers admitted in emergency rooms due to the use of this dangerous drug, commonly known as K2.

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Bipartisan Letter to Speaker Ryan and Majority Leader McConnell States: “We ask that you oppose H.R. 3016 and any other bill that attempts to reduce benefits to our post-9/11 veterans.”

NEW YORK- New York City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito along with 45 City Council Members sent a letter to House Speaker Ryan and Senate Majority Leader McConnell today urging Congress to not pass legislation which would reduce benefits owed to post 9/11 veterans and their families.

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“The United States citizens living in Puerto Rico deserve better and today’s news is a reminder that this humanitarian crisis will only worsen without action.

Congress must take the lead on Puerto Rico and without delay. Every day that goes by means more public services are shut down and that the health care crisis will continue to deepen.

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“The FY 2017 Executive Budget incorporates many of the recommendations and priorities outlined by the Council in our Preliminary Budget Response, including greatly building New York City’s reserves and increasing the City’s capital investments, which will help safeguard our City’s continued financial security.

However, while we commend Mayor de Blasio for investing in Beacon Centers, strengthening support for homeless families and better ensuring that incarcerated New Yorkers are treated with dignity, the Council remains concerned that the Administration’s proposed plan to close the Health and Hospitals operating gap is contingent on substantial State and Federal cooperation which has not yet been assured.

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“Earlier this month, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck Ecuador, the largest to hit the nation since last century. Authorities are reporting more than 650 casualties so far, as well as thousands of displaced residents and $2 billion in economic loss.

New York City is home to more than 228,000 Ecuadorian residents who make up a vital part of our diverse community.

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Council will also vote on modified plan for East New York Rezoning

City Hall – Today the City Council will vote on legislation making defibrillators available to youth baseball teams and requiring defibrillators at games and practices. The Council will also vote on a modified rezoning plan for East New York. Additionally, the Council will vote on legislation to better provide social services throughout the City.

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“Today, the Supreme Court will hear oral arguments about one of the most consequential cases of our lifetime. At stake is the immigration status of millions of undocumented immigrants who pay taxes, contribute to our economy and who help our city and country run. Undocumented New Yorkers are part of the New York family.

For too long, undocumented immigrants and families have lived in the shadows with the fear of deportation looming.

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Council will also vote on reforms to the City’s For-Hire Vehicle and Taxi Industries

City Hall, NY – Today the City Council will vote on legislation authorizing the Department of Transportation to create rules governing pedestrian plazas in New York City. The Council will also vote on a legislative package reforming the City’s for-hire vehicle and taxi industries.

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“True governance is by the people, for the people. We must ensure that our institutions are accountable to the full diversity of our society – regardless of voter eligibility. Here in New York City, our IDNYC program and participatory budgeting process have made historic strides to enfranchise New Yorkers who for too long have been excluded from civic and public life.

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