“Once again, the Republican Congress has singled out Puerto Ricans as second-class citizens. While I recognize the Republican Party’s commitment to helping Puerto Rico in the new year, the 3.5 million Americans who call the Island home simply cannot afford to wait that long. With each passing day, the economic and healthcare crisis in Puerto Rico grows direr and the Republican Congress must fully commit to providing Puerto Rico with the support it needs to restructure its debt and thrive once more.

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Council will also vote on legislation reforming hit-and-run civil penalties

City Hall – Today the City Council will vote on legislation to amend the City’s Human Rights Law to protect caregivers from employment discrimination. The Council will also vote on a legislative package relating to hit-and-run crashes. Additionally, the Council will vote on a land use resolution approving the redevelopment of the Brooklyn Heights Public Library.

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Bill will reimburse expenses for security guards at school facilities

City Hall – Today the City Council will vote on legislation allowing City reimbursement to non-public schools for costs related to hiring security personnel. The Council will also vote on legislation promoting the use of geothermal energy in city facilities. Finally, the Council will vote on legislation requiring additional communication between the Economic Development Corporation and Community Boards across the city.

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New plan aims to dramatically reduce new HIV infections by 2020 through $23 million in new prevention & health care, as well as commitment to HASA For All

NEW YORK—Today, on World AIDS Day, Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, Mayor de Blasio and the New York City Council announced a comprehensive commitment to end the AIDS epidemic in New York City through a number of new prevention and support programs, including $23 million in new prevention and health care programs – enabling nearly 200,000 people a year to receive services – as well as expanded housing, nutrition, and transportation support for up to 7,300 additional clients.

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Funding will help HIV contracted services citywide align with statewide HIV Ending the Epidemic plan

New York, NY- Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito and Health Committee Chair Corey Johnson today announced $6.6 million in funding for citywide HIV/AIDS contracted services, which will be aimed at reforming the delivery of current HIV prevention strategies in NYC and increasing access to biomedical prevention services.

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Mural, designed by artist Manny Vega, pays tribute to Dr. Pantoja’s contributions to New York City’s vibrant Latino community

New York, NY– Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito and the New York City Housing Authority today unveiled a new mosaic mural honoring Dr. Antonia Pantoja, located on the Corsi Senior Center on East 116th Street in East Harlem. The mural was commissioned by the Dr.

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“One year ago today, President Obama presented a series of Executive Actions on Deferred Action of Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and Deferred Action for Parental Accountability (DAPA) marking a historic turning point for millions of undocumented immigrants in the United States. The plan raised people out of the shadows and brought a sense of relief to millions of immigrants who live, work and have contributed to this country and the strengthening our economy.

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Council will also vote on legislation creating an Office of Labor Standards, as proposed in Speaker Mark-Viverito’s State of the City Address

City Hall – Today the City Council will vote on legislation establishing a New York City Department of Veterans’ Services. The Council will also vote on legislation creating an Office of Labor Standards to administer labor laws in New York City, collect and analyze labor statistics, and coordinate efforts relating to worker education, workers’ rights, workplace equity and other areas.

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“I commend Governor Cuomo for taking action to raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour for thousands of New York State workers. Now it is up the State Legislature to do the right thing and raise the wage for all New Yorkers.”

“We must come together to help Puerto Rico in this time of crisis and this summit in New York will help bring more awareness to the plight of the island. For too long, the United States citizens in Puerto Rico have faced an uncertain future and it is time for the federal government to step up for them. Many groups are coming together to help Puerto Rico in its time of need and this is another step in the right direction to unite everyone behind one call to action: Save Puerto Rico.

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