“Today’s attack on a school in Peshawar, Pakistan, which killed over 140 innocent people, mostly children, is inhumane and unconscionable. This is a global tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Pakistani community as we collectively mourn the loss of life. New York City stands with your communities during this difficult time.”
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“We are excited to hear that New York has joined a growing list of states that are requiring their health plans, including Medicaid, to provide health care options for the transgender community. We applaud Governor Andrew Cuomo’s leadership on this issue and we look forward to working with the State in the implementation and roll out of these critical and lifesaving health care provisions for the transgender community.”
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City Council Formally Directing NYPD Inspector General Investigation into How NYPD Tracks, Monitors and Addressees Abusive Conduct; Will Form CCRB Community Outreach Locations in Member District Offices
CITY HALL- New York City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, Council Public Safety Chair Vanessa Gibson and the City Council announced the first steps of a comprehensive response to the Eric Garner incident today.
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The $1.5 million initiative will support programs and activities in the 5 boroughs providing immigrant cultural services
City Hall, NY- Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito along with City Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer, Chair on the Committee on Cultural Affairs, and Council Member Julissa Ferreras, Chair of the Finance Committee today announced the expansion of cultural funding and the development of new cultural initiatives.
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Council will also vote to update and improve the city’s energy code
City Hall – Today the City Council will vote to amend the City’s policy on gender markers for birth certificates, making it easier for transgender individuals to change their specified gender. The Council will also vote to update and improve the City’s energy code.
Gender Markers
The New York City Health Code currently allows individuals to change the gender designation on their birth certificate only if they have undergone “convertive surgery.” This requirement is regarded as antiquated and effectively bars the vast majority of transgender New Yorkers, who do not have sex reassignment surgery, from amending their birth certificates.
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“I was saddened to hear about the passing of Herman Badillo, a trailblazing Puerto Rican leader. Badillo was the first Puerto Rican Congressman and first Boricua to become Bronx Borough President. He served as a Deputy Mayor for New York City and he also ran for mayor. Herman rose as a leader in the 1950’s and 60’s, an era in which he defended a community that was openly branded as “a problem” for this city.
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New York—Today, Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito and the New York City Council broke ground on the expansion of OHEL Children’s Home and Family Services to 1268 East 14th Street in Brooklyn. The new property, funded in part by the New York City Council, will serve as OHEL’s main campus and allow families and residents greater access to OHEL’s community services—including support for domestic violence survivors, services for New Yorkers living with disabilities, and mental health treatment.
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Speaker Mark-Viverito:
“This was a terribly disappointing outcome and is not reflective of the events that led to Eric Garner’s death. What makes this even more infuriating is the frequent lack of accountability, which is why I urge the U.S. Department of Justice to launch its own investigation.
The use of excessive and lethal police force against people of color is a persistent problem nationwide and we must recommit ourselves to building a more just city and society where all people, regardless of color, are treated equally by law enforcement.
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“World AIDS Day is a time for us to reflect on those we have lost, celebrate our survivors, and thank those who have dedicated their lives to finding a cure. New York is a leader in the fight against AIDS; in the 1980s, our HIV/AIDS, LGBT and other allied communities rallied to raise awareness at a time when HIV/AIDS was ignored or unjustly stigmatized.
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Council will also vote to ensure admission into city shelters for domestic violence survivors
City Hall – Today the City Council will vote to approve Astoria Cove’s housing development in Queens. The Council will also vote on legislation requiring the Department of Homeless Services to ensure eligibility in city shelters for applicants leaving Human Resource Administration domestic violence shelters.
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