NEW YORK— Tonight Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito and Council Members Karen Koslowitz, Mark Weprin and Rory Lancman will visit The Henry & Susie Orenstein Dining Room of Masbia in Rego Park, Queens, to prepare food and serve meals to hungry New Yorkers. The Masbia Soup Kitchen provides kosher meals to members of the community who are in need. With the upcoming holiday of Rosh Hashanah beginning tomorrow, providing kosher food to those with religious dietary restrictions becomes an even more essential function in the community for Masbia.

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“Today, thousands of people from across the nation will march in solidarity for a sustainable future and a stronger earth. The People’s Climate March is an opportunity for New Yorkers to come together and take a stand to combat climate change. From committing to reducing the footprint of New York City’s municipal operations to making our air even cleaner, the City Council is proud of our on-going efforts to create a greener City.

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Legislative package promotes energy efficiency and carbon footprint reductions in advance of UN Climate Summit

NEW YORK– Today, the New York City Council unveiled landmark legislation along with a far-sighted policy platform to strengthen New York City’s commitment to a greener, more sustainable and more environmentally-friendly future. In advance of the UN Climate Summit, this comprehensive legislative package will address key areas in the fight against global climate change, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing energy efficiency, and encouraging low-carbon transportation.

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Council will also vote to require that tenant rights information be publicly posted in residential buildings.

City Hall – Today the City Council will vote on a package of three bills that will require increased reporting of information about New York City’s foster care programs. The Council will also vote on a bill requiring owners of residential buildings to publicly post information about tenant rights.

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NEW YORK—Today, The New York City Council announced the formation of the Committee on Courts and Legal Services. Chaired by Council Member Rory Lancman, the Committee on Courts and Legal Services will allow the City Council greater oversight of the New York City’s legal system in its mission to provide due justice and fair representation for all New Yorkers.

“Every New Yorker is entitled to equal justice under the law, and the Committee on Courts and Legal Services and the City Council will work with community partners and city agencies to identify ways to meet that fundamental goal,” said Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito.

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“Today’s strike sends a clear message that all people deserve to be paid a fair and decent wage,” said Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito. “As we stand in solidarity with workers in New York and across the nation, the New York City Council will continue to fight for New York City’s right to set its own minimum wage and uplift the 50,000 fast food workers who call our City home.”

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In solidarity with LGBT groups, Council contingent did not march in this year’s parade

“This is a welcome first step and a good day for New Yorkers who believe in fairness, equality, and human rights. For far too long the St. Patrick’s Day Parade excluded New Yorkers just because of who they to love. I am happy organizers finally realized that this parade is better when all are invited.”

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“Labor Day is a time to reflect and honor the hardworking men and women who helped build New York City and this great country. New York City is home to the American middle-class and we must always commit ourselves to fighting for opportunity for all, regardless of where you were born and what your zip code is. In New York City, we’ve done that by expanding paid sick days for thousands of New Yorkers who have never had them before and by fighting for progressive policies that benefit all New Yorkers.”

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Speaker Mark-Viverito today issued the following statement in response to U.S. Senator Ted Cruz’s comments about the Bronx as reported here:

“It’s sad that Ted Cruz would use tired and wrong stereotypes about the Bronx to try advance his extreme political agenda. The truth is the Bronx is growing and prospering and doesn’t need to be insulted by Tea Party extremists like Ted Cruz.”

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Public Safety Committee Will Hold Hearing On September 8th

NEW YORK — New York City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito and Public Safety Committee Chair Vanessa L. Gibson announced today that the New York City Council will convene an oversight hearing on September 8th to learn more about the New York City Police Department’s review of current police department training and its plans to enhance officer trainings.

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