New York— “We applaud and thank Governor Alejandro García Padilla and his administration for choosing to be on the right side of history in terms of marriage equality. His change of position is heartening. Puerto Rican LGBT families should be afforded the same rights, responsibilities and respect as the rest of the families. We would also like to thank San Juan Mayor Carmen Yulín Cruz and Senate President Eduardo Bhatia, as well as several senators and representatives, for favoring marriage equality and this change of position.

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Priorities Include Enhancing Affordable Housing Laws and Implementing NYCHA Reform, Passing the DREAM Act, Combatting Human Trafficking, Early and Instant Runoff Voting, Paid Family Leave and Legalizing and Decriminalizing Marijuana

Albany, NY —New York City Council Speaker Melissa-Mark-Viverito, State and Federal Legislation Committee Chair Karen Koslowitz , Finance Committee Chair Julissa Ferreras and Council Majority Leader Jimmy Van Bramer today released the New York City Council’s State Budget and Legislative Agenda for the coming year.

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One year ago, I was on my way to City Hall when I learned through social media about the tragedy that had just occurred. I immediately headed right back to this site.

On that tragic day, a year ago, eight lives were taken from us. Many were also injured.

In a time filled with anxiety, impotence and a sense of loss, my district office immediately became a safe haven for the families.

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Council will also vote to extend rent stabilization requirements

City Hall – Today the City Council will vote on legislation requiring the Department of Consumer affairs to engage in outreach and education efforts on issues that impact individuals aged 16-24. The Council will also vote on legislation extending current rent stabilization laws. Additionally, the Council will vote on legislation requiring the Department of Education to disclose data related to the provision of special education services in city schools.

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“Today, we honor the accomplishments of women across the globe as we both celebrate the strides women have made in the decades since women’s suffrage was enacted and recognize the work that still must be achieved to obtain full equality. Women’s rights are human rights, and together, we must continue to fight to uplift all women by enacting policies that are fair, just and equitable.

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“Fifty years ago in Selma, Alabama, residents, African-American civil rights leaders, religious leaders, students and ordinary citizens stood up not just for the right to vote, but for basic human decency. At the Edmund Pettus Bridge, many were hurt, beaten, or killed during what became known as “Bloody Sunday.” But the violence of that day could not stop the inexorable march towards justice that birthed the Voting Rights Act.

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Council will also vote on requiring transparency on City-administered veterans’ programs and worker cooperatives

City Hall – Today the City Council will vote on a package of bills reforming the Veterans Advisory Board and providing greater transparency on programs serving veterans in New York City. Additional, the Council will vote on legislation requiring city agencies to produce annual reports on worker cooperatives in New York City.

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“It’s unfortunate that anti-immigrant activists and Republican leaders continue to reject all common sense immigration reforms and instead are spending their time filing frivolous lawsuits and threatening to shut down government agencies.

The facts are clear: President Obama’s administrative relief plan is constitutional and necessary. His plan will benefit the country and follows the lead of other Presidents who have taken executive action on immigration.

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“Until the St. Patrick’s Day Parade is really and truly inclusive of all I will not march in it. Half measures will not suffice for a parade that should be open to everyone regardless of who they are or whom they love. It is my hope that someday soon parade organizers will realize that a more inclusive parade will be a better parade and will finally allow LGBTQ groups to march under their own banners.

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Vowing to Lift Every Voice, Mark-Viverito Presents Bold Vision to Empower New Yorkers and Strengthen New York City
Speaker Mark-Viverito: “Together we’re going to empower, we’re going to uplift and we’re going to make sure all New Yorkers are heard.”

El Barrio, NY – New York City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito today delivered her inaugural State of the City address, a sweeping vision for 2015 that will uplift and strengthen all New Yorkers.

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