New York, NY — Today New York City Council Speaker Melissa-Mark-Viverito, along with State and Federal Legislation Committee Chair Karen Koslowitz, announced the City Council’s 2014-2015 Federal Agenda. This agenda sets priorities that reflect the Council’s commitment to federal action that will make New York City more progressive and inclusive for all.

“The Council’s Federal agenda makes our goals for a productive partnership with our federal counterparts clear,” said Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito.

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“Commissioner Bratton and the NYPD’s Internal Affairs Bureau must have a full, transparent and thorough investigation into the incident which led to the death of Eric Garner. New Yorkers expect and deserve to be safe and those protections must include those who are in the custody of NYPD. I extend my condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Garner and look forward to working with Mayor de Blasio and Commissioner Bratton moving forward.”

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“We extend our condolences to the families, friends and loved ones of everyone aboard Malaysian Airlines Flight MH17. We are extremely saddened to learn of the loss of as many as 100 prominent HIV/AIDS researchers and activists believed to have been on the plane who were traveling to the 20th International AIDS Conference in Melbourne, Australia. Included among those who perished is renowned HIV researcher, Dr.

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“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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