“For too long, the Department of Correction has been rife with the mismanagement and mistreatment of inmates, and the Council’s oversight has only served to further shed light on the deep-seated issues plaguing the DOC.

We thank U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York Preet Bharara for spearheading investigations and urge Mayor de Blasio and Commissioner Ponte to appoint new leadership that will commit to implementing transparent and humane policies that will keep the public safe, maintain the dignity of the City’s jailed population and resolve long-standing allegations of abuse and neglect at Rikers Island.”

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NEW YORK—Today, Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, American Museum of Natural History President Ellen Futter, Council Members, and the New York Housing Authority Chair and CEO Shola Olatoye kicked off the Family Science Program, a Council-sponsored initiative that funds free museum visits and programming for families in NYCHA housing. The program will allow children and families to explore the natural world through engaging exhibitions, workshops, and interactive activities with museum staff.

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Council will also vote on legislation relating to posting of penalties for assaulting taxi drivers

City Hall – Today the City Council will vote on groundbreaking legislation to limit the NYPD and DOC’s honoring of ICE detainers. The Council will also vote on legislation requiring that Taxi and Livery vehicles post warnings of the criminal penalty for assaulting a driver.

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“Oscar de la Renta’s creativity, boundless passion, and eye for unique beauty embodied the promise of New York. His meteoric success as a Dominican-born designer in the United States opened countless doors for the generations of young Latino and Latina designers and artists who followed in his footsteps, and he will remain an inspiration for every immigrant who comes to this country in pursuit of their own American dream.

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“Today’s court decision upholding the ban on marriage equality in Puerto Rico is tremendously disappointing, mean spirited and an injustice for everyone who believes all people must be treated equally. As a Puerto Rican, I know we are sensible, humane, inclusive and respectful people. We love our LGBT brothers and sisters and we stand with them in the struggle for equality and justice.

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“The New York City LGBT Caucus stands in solidarity with bullying victims nationwide on Spirit Day. October is a month to celebrate our rich history as LGBT individuals, but on days like today we also remember the lives we’ve lost to bullying. We are committed to continue to work with institutions and groups throughout the City to raise awareness around this issue and prevent other lives from being lost.”

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Morgenthau: Legislation is “Necessary and Logical Next Step”

New York, NY- Today, former Manhattan District Attorney Robert M. Morgenthau announced his support for the proposed bills introduced by Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito and the New York City Council to further limit the city’s cooperation with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

ROBERT M. MORGENTHAU:
“The City Council should be congratulated on setting a national precedent by tackling this serious issue.

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Council will also vote on legislation requiring employers to offer pre-tax commuter benefits to employees

City Hall – Today the Council will vote on legislation establishing a citywide speed limit of 25 miles-per-hour. Additionally the Council will vote on legislation requiring employers allow their employees to use pre-tax wages for mass-transit commuting fare.

25 Mile-Per-Hour Speed Limit

Speed was the single greatest contributing factor in traffic deaths that occurred in 2012 and continues to play a significant role in traffic incidents involving motor vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists.

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Under New Mark-Viverito Legislation: Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) May No Longer Maintain Offices on Rikers Island and the Department of Correction May No Longer Assist Federal Officials in Dragnet Immigration Enforcement Efforts.

CITY HALL- City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, along with Council Members Daniel Dromm, Rafael Espinal and Immigration Committee Chair Carlos Menchaca today announced groundbreaking legislation to protect New Yorkers and greatly reduce the City’s involvement in the enforcement of civil immigration laws by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in New York City.

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“I want to wish all those who are celebrating Rosh Hashanah a Happy and Sweet New Year. It has been an honor working with Jewish communities across the five boroughs these past nine months to address issues of poverty, quality of life and access to opportunity and I look forward to continuing our work together in the year to come.

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