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.

…

READ MORE

“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.”

…

READ MORE

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.”

…

READ MORE

“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.”

…

READ MORE

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.”

…

READ MORE

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.

…

READ MORE

Bronx, NY— Today, Speaker Melissa Mark Viverito, Council Member James Vacca, and Council Member Stephen Levin announced the start of a week-long Council food drive to raise much-needed resources, support, and awareness for food pantries in New York City.

The New York City Council also allocated $1.32 million in the Fiscal Year 2015 budget to bolster dwindling supplies in city food pantries, food banks, and soup kitchens.

…

READ MORE

Public, transparent process will increase oversight of appointments to the Board of Elections that are directly appointed by a Council’s political party

City Hall- Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, along with Rules, Privileges and Elections Committee Chair Brad Lander and Council Members today announced a series of reforms to increase transparency and oversight of direct appointments to the New York City Board of Elections.

…

READ MORE

New York – As acts of anti-Semitism are sweeping across Europe Councilmembers Dan Garodnick David Greenfield are taking a clear stand that this sort of violence is not welcome in New York City and strongly condemn the vicious actions of the individuals responsible for the hate crime committed Monday evening against a young Jewish couple walking along East 63rd Street in Manhattan.

…

READ MORE

“The Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions campaign against Israel is a wrongheaded, one-sided, and destructive movement, which jeopardizes prospects for a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. I firmly believe in protecting the right to free speech. However using a publicly owned bridge to display a flag with a message meant to divide and intimidate is not the venue nor the way to voice these concerns.

…

READ MORE