“Jose Antonio Vargas is not only a taxpayer, small business owner and an upstanding American— he is a hero whose activism through Define American and his film ‘Documented’ has shed light on the plight of undocumented Americans in our country like never before. Jose was brought to this country as a child and for more than 20 years has lived here, worked here and built a life here as a Pulitzer prize-winning journalist and now activist.
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“Jose’s release is an unequivocal call to action. For more than a decade, immigration reform has been stalled in Washington because of divisive politics. What Jose experienced today is only a snapshot of what immigrant families throughout the country suffer on a daily basis. Congress must stop failing this nation, which deserves a fair and humane system.”
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City Hall—Today, Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, Council Member Paul Vallone, and Council Member Inez Barron announced the creation of the CUNY Merit-Based Scholarship Program, a fund dedicated to ensuring access to high-quality, affordable opportunities for higher education for students in New York City.
In Fiscal Year 2015, the New York City Council invested $11.1 million into the implementation of the CUNY Merit-Based Scholarship Program, to provide merit-based scholarships to New York City High School graduates who maintain at least a B average at CUNY and FIT.
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$15.2 million Council allocation FY 15 budget supports additional 10,700 summer jobs for city youth
Brooklyn, NY—Today, Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, Council Member Mathieu Eugene, Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez, the New York City Council, and community advocates celebrated the first day of the City’s expanded Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP), a citywide initiative to provide young people with paid summer jobs, job readiness training, and opportunities for career and educational exploration throughout the summer months.
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“Our thoughts and prayers go out to Lt. Gordon Ambelas’ family and friends during this difficult time. Lt. Ambelas was a hero in every sense of the word and his selflessness and courage in the face of danger will never be forgotten. New Yorkers should take today to reflect and thank our heroic first responders who respond to crisis without thinking of their own safety and put their lives at risk every day.”
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“New York City mourns the loss of Herbert Berman, a dedicated public servant who devoted his life to the City he loved. As Chair of the City Council’s Finance Committee, Herbert helped negotiate a balanced budget and shepherd critical legislation to improve the lives of all New Yorkers. Herb’s tenacity and spirit will be greatly missed, and my heartfelt condolences are with Herb’s friends and family during this difficult time.”
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“Today we celebrate the 238th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the birth of our nation. As we look back on the strides our country has made to uphold the founding principles of life, liberty and happiness, we must also reflect on the sacrifices made to defend our freedoms. I wish all New Yorkers a happy, healthy and safe Independence Day.”
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New York City Identity Card Will Expand Access to Key City Services, Provide Safe and Secure Identification
City Hall – Today, the City Council will vote on legislation to establish a New York City Identity Card program that will increase and facilitate access to public and city services.
The legislation requires the City to offer a secure municipal identification card to any established resident living within the five boroughs.
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“As busy New Yorkers, we place a premium on global connectivity. Though free wi-fi has become standard in airports across the nation, the tri-state area has lagged behind for too long. Today’s agreement is an important step that will modernize our gateways and bring them into the 21st century. We thank Governor Cuomo and the Port Authority for securing an agreement to provide free wireless internet to the millions of travelers who pass through JFK, LaGuardia, Newark and Stewart Airport each year.”
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Balanced, Responsible Budget Increases Police Numbers on City Streets and Extends Free Lunch to City Students
City Hall – Today, the City Council today voted to adopt a balanced and fiscally responsible Budget for Fiscal Year 2015 that fulfills the Council and Administration’s vision for a City that helps and uplifts all New Yorkers.
Balancing the City’s finances with forward thinking initiatives to keep New Yorkers safe, healthy and secure, the FY 2015 Budget creates and expands access to vital City services, increases policing on City streets and extends free lunch to all Middle School students, all while ensuring City agencies are empowered to plan ahead for upcoming years.
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