Honorees Include Brooklyn Nets Center Jason Collins, Education Activist Christine Marinoni and Theater Producer David Rothenberg

City Hall—New York City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, the Council’s LGBT Caucus and the City Council today announced the honorees for the Council’s Annual Pride Celebration. Hosted by the City Council every June to honor leaders in the LGBT community, this year’s Pride Celebration will be hosted by Carmelita Tropicana and will feature performances by the cast of Avenue Q, Lavender Light Gospel Chorus, The Door and the New York City Gay Men’s Chorus.

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“The world lost a strong voice for social justice and human rights with the passing of poet, activist and author Maya Angelou. Maya Angelou was a pioneer for a more fair and just society and while we will miss her immensely, her literary works will stand forever. The United States and the world are better places because of Maya Angelou.

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City Hall – Today the New York City Council will vote on comprehensive traffic and pedestrian safety package comprised of 11 bills and 6 resolutions. The Council will also vote on a property tax abatement bill for owners facing drastic increases in property tax rates following repairs on properties severely damaged by Hurricane Sandy. Additionally, the Council will vote on two resolutions in support of veterans – one calling upon the President to sign legislation that would award the Borinqeneers the Congressional Gold Medal, and one in support of state legislation benefiting veterans who serve as state employees.

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Council Will Also Vote on Legislation to Raise Income Threshold for Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption

Today, the Council will vote on reforms to the City Council rules. Next, the Council will vote on legislation to increase the maximum income level for the Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE) eligibility. The Council will also vote on a resolution calling on the New York State Legislature to pass legislation to link income threshold increases for the SCRIE program to changes in the consumer price index.

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City Hall – City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, Finance Committee Chair Julissa Ferreras and the City Council today released the Council’s response to the Fiscal Year 2015 Executive Budget.

Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito:
“The Executive Budget presented today is a strong start and represents the shared commitment between the Council and the Administration to deliver for all New Yorkers while remaining fiscally responsible.

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Speaker Mark-Viverito:

“Just minutes after David Ben-Gurion declared the establishment of the State of Israel 66 years ago, President Harry S. Truman issued our country’s formal recognition of the new nation and since that day the relationship between the United States and the State of Israel has only grown stronger.

Yesterday, Israelis honored those they have lost during Yom Ha’zikaron, Memorial Day and today, as Israelis celebrate their 66th Independence Day, I extend my best wishes to the people of Israel and New York’s Jewish community.

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“Today, New York mourns the loss of activist and literary giant Jack Agüeros. A Puerto Rican native of El Barrio/East Harlem, Jack’s versatile poetry and short stories brought dignity to neighborhoods and people at the margins of our City. Throughout his prolific career, Jack never lost sight of his humble beginnings and frequently railed against injustice.

As a former Executive Director of El Museo del Barrio, Jack was crucial in organizing the inaugural Three Kings Day Parade in 1977, one of this City’s enduring traditions.

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Proposals Will Make Council More Responsive, Transparent, Fair and Inclusive
Good Government Groups Praise Council for Increasing Equity and Transparency
Council Will Hold Public Hearings on Proposals May 7th

City Hall – New York City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, along with Rules Committee Chair Brad Lander and Council Members Barron, Vallone, Cabrera, Rosenthal, Reynoso announced a historic reform package proposal today that will help make the City Council more responsive to the needs of New Yorkers in all communities, more transparent in how it operates and more fair and inclusive for all members enabling them to better serve their districts.

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Today, the Council will vote on four pieces of legislation offering reforms to building codes to promote energy efficiency and health in New York City buildings. In addition, the Council will introduce legislation to allow employees at companies with 20 or more employees to pay for public transportation fare with pre-tax income.

Building Reforms

The building reforms being voted on today include a measure requiring that existing concealed pipes in buildings be outfitted with insulation when exposed during repair or alteration.

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Council budget balances City’s finances with progressive agenda that increases transparency and efficiency of City government and delivers results for all New Yorkers

City Hall – City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, Finance Committee Chair Julissa Ferreras and the City Council today released the Council’s response to the Fiscal Year 2015 Preliminary budget. Balancing the City’s finances with sound proposals to increase the efficiency of City government and deliver results for all New Yorkers, the Council’s fiscally responsible recommendations for the upcoming year prioritize critical services and include:

• Hiring An Additional 1,000 NYPD Officers
• Eliminating School Lunch Fees
• Reducing the Homeless Population Living in Shelters
• Creating New Technology Incubators to Spur Entrepreneurship
• Supporting New York City’s Veterans
• Overhauling the City’s Property Tax Code
• Expanding Summer Youth Employment
• Increasing Anti-Gun Violence Initiatives
• Protecting the City’s Workforce
• Tackling Affordable Housing Crisis
• Increasing Transparency in the Capital Budget
• Maintaining Base lined Council Initiatives and Restorations

“From increasing our police force, to bolstering job creation, to eliminating school lunch fees and reducing the homeless population, our proposals will strengthen the City’s infrastructure, innovate government operations and build a stronger, safer City that delivers results for all New Yorkers,” said Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito.

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