“It is with the utmost sense of pride as an Irish American and member of the LGBT community that I congratulate the City Councils of Belfast and Cork City for recently passing motions to make marriage equality a reality in Ireland.
I commend Sinn Fein’s leadership for bringing this issue to the forefront, specifically councilor Mary Ellen Campbell in Belfast and councilor Michael Nugent in Cork City.
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“The public and especially our youth should not be fooled by the fancy names and deceptive packaging of synthetic drugs. These products are not safe for use, they are illegal and they place lives in danger. Even still, manufacturers and retailers continue to aggressively target and endanger our youth with the sale of these illicit drugs.
Today, with the announcement that he is suing stores that sell “designer drugs”, Attorney General Schneiderman has made clear his steadfast commitment to rid New York of these dangerous products.
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Conducted by the Pratt Institute, the study will look at how to optimize and expand the distribution of locally-manufactured food products.
New York, NY- Today, City Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn and Adam Friedman of the Pratt Center for Community Development announced funding to the Pratt Institute to support a study that will examine current intra-city distribution models of small food manufacturers.
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“I applaud Google for their steadfast commitment to global human rights. Legalize Love’s message of LGBT rights as human rights is a reminder of the inequalities that still exist worldwide. I’m proud to have such progressive minded employers right here in New York City and in the heart of Chelsea. I commend Google for their efforts and hope other companies follow their momentous lead and join the call to fight global injustice.”
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New York, NY— Today Speaker Christine C. Quinn and Veterans Committee Chair Mathieu Eugene announced a new partnership to expand the Helmets to Hardhats program in New York City, placing hundreds of returning veterans in good paying union jobs with the Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York. In the Fiscal Year 2013 budget passed last week, the Council provided a $100,000 grant to Helmets to Hardhats to hire additional staff to serve New York City Veterans.
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New City Council Initiative Funds $4.8 Million in Targeted Pilot Programs Aimed at Saving Lives
New York, NY— Today, the Task Force to Combat Gun Violence announced the Anti-Gun Violence Initiative, a new set of City Council programs which will receive a total of $4.8 million in funding for Fiscal Year 2013. The announcement comes as the Council prepares to pass the citywide budget, meeting a key benchmark set by the Task Force when it first launched last September for supporting a series of tangible solutions aimed at reducing gun violence across New York City and promoting positive alternatives for young people.
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“The Court’s decision to uphold the Affordable Care Act is great news for our City, State and Nation. Now that the Supreme Court has recognized the right to universal access to affordable health care, it is time for the extreme right to drop their attacks and start working constructively to help meet the law’s principal objectives – providing all Americans with access to the best health care in the world, while bringing down the costs of our health care system.”
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Council will vote to override Mayoral vetoes of living wage legislation, the Responsible Banking Act and an amendment to the NYC Collective Bargaining Law.
Council will also vote to approve the Upper West Side Special Enhanced Commercial District.
New York, NY- Today, the City Council will vote to adopt the Fiscal Year (FY) 2013 budget, marking the 11th consecutive year that this Council and the Mayor have reached an on-time, balanced budget.
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“I join the calls from across the nation speaking out against the senseless act of violence in Texas. Two college students, Mollie Olgin and Mary Chapa were shot without provocation at a neighborhood park, this incident should be thoroughly investigated immediately.
As communities come together in vigils nationwide to honor the lives of Mollie and Mary, I hope their friends, family and loved ones know that this shooting will not be ignored.
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“The Supreme Court is absolutely right to block three key components of Arizona’s “Safe Neighborhoods Act”. SB1070 targets immigrants and forces those who are stopped to prove their citizenship. Arizona’s attempt at establishing its version of immigration martial law was an intentional departure from our country’s established laws. Arizona’s rogue actions were today rightly proven unconstitutional.”
“While I am pleased with this part of the court’s decision, I also regret that they did not strike down against a fourth provision that authorizes officers to verify an individual’s immigration status.”
“The ‘show me your papers’ provision undermines the ideals that America was founded on and what we as a nation should continue to instill in our communities – the welcome and support of every person who comes to this nation in search of the American dream.
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