“The City Council has long fought to protect the City’s most vulnerable services by restoring cuts made to critical child care, health and senior programs year after year.
We are pleased the Administration has finally recognized the budget priorities of the Council by baselining funding for vital programs such as childcare, Out-Of-School Time programming, HASA Supportive Housing and libraries.
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“We are thrilled that the administration has acknowledged the ongoing needs of the most vulnerable of the vulnerable, children who are homeless without their families and who are forced to sell their bodies, souls and dignity to survive another day on our streets. We thank the administration for including full spending in the November plan for our expanded shelter bed program.
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“Creating new jobs in East Midtown – and across all of New York City – is essential. We can and should do more with the commercial corridor around Grand Central. All of the ideas and hard work from Mayor Bloomberg, Deputy Mayor Steel, City Planning Chair Amanda Burden and their teams have propelled the idea of rezoning Grand Central forward.
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“Today’s passage of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act in the Senate is an historic moment for equal rights in our nation. I applaud New York Senator Charles Schumer and New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand for their leadership on this issue. No one should face discrimination in the work place because of who they are, or who they love, and ENDA is a critical piece of legislation that will ensure equal treatment for all citizens.
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Legislation raises minimum legal sales age of tobacco products from 18 to 21 and strengthens tobacco enforcement
Marking one year since Hurricane Sandy, the Council will pass legislation to ensure that the five boroughs will be better protected against future storms
New York, NY- Today, the City Council will vote on legislation to raise the minimum legal sales age of cigarettes, certain tobacco products and electronic cigarettes from 18 to 21.
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Legislation will ensure that the system is fair, consistent, transparent and accountable
Council will also vote on several land use proposals, including those in Willets Point, the Upper East Side and Long Island City
New York, NY- Today, the City Council will vote on a legislative package to reform the City’s restaurant inspection system. Despite its good intentions, the grading system has become overly punitive and has increased the regulatory and financial burdens on restaurants.
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“Today’s court ruling declaring the State of New Jersey can no longer deprive same-sex couples the right to marry is a victory for civil rights across America. I applaud Judge Mary Jacobson for sending a clear message to the nation – that no one should be denied the security and benefits of marriage because of who they are, or who they love.
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“Though New York City has done much to assist families displaced by Hurricane Sandy, hundreds of New Yorkers still remain sheltered in hotels, awaiting repairs to their homes or seeking affordable apartments with rental vouchers that only recently became available.
Despite the Court’s decision to lift the injunction that prevented the Department of Homeless Services from removing people from hotels, we urge FEMA to continue funding, and the Administration to continue managing the hotel program until those most affected by Sandy can put their lives back together.
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Legislation would require employers to provide reasonable accommodations to employees who are pregnant or have a medical condition related to pregnancy or childbirth
Council will also vote on legislation to make city stronger and more resilient against storms like Sandy
New York, NY- Today, the City Council will vote to amend the City’s Human Rights Law to prohibit pregnancy discrimination in the work place.
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“I am extremely encouraged by statements made by Pope Francis about the Catholic Church’s relationship with women and LGBT people. Pope Francis has shown great courage by breaking with archaic attitudes that completely exclude women and harshly condemn LGBT people. While there is still much progress to be made, including granting women equal footing in the Church and recognizing all people’s right to marry, Pope Francis has presented the opportunity for a historic new level of openness in the Church.
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