“We are pleased that the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2013, recently signed into law by President Obama, includes crucial provisions to fight against discrimination and harassment in the military.
“Following the tragic death of Private Danny Chen, who was hazed and physically abused by his platoon, this bill will require the military to report on their policies to improve anti-hazing training, tracking and response.
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Shooting Incident Crisis Management System in High Need Areas and Legislation to Strengthen Gun Control Laws Among Key Recommendations
City Hall, NY- The Task Force to Combat Gun Violence today released its recommendations to reduce gun violence in New York City to the City Council.
Task Force co-chairs Council Members Jumaane Williams and Fernando Cabrera were joined by the community leaders and academic experts serving on the task force, including Jackie Rowe-Adams, Harlem Mothers SAVE;
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Guides highlight free food sites citywide for Sandy victims and hungry New Yorkers
New York, NY- Today, the City Council and the New York City Coalition Against Hunger released citywide and neighborhood-specific guides to help low-income New Yorkers and those impacted by Hurricane Sandy learn how to obtain free and low-cost food. The pocket-sized booklets, made possible with $40,000 in funding from the Council, include comprehensive information on food pantries, soup kitchens, federal nutrition assistance programs, senior meal sites, farmers markets and other resources available to assist New Yorkers in need.
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“For the past several weeks the Council has been in discussions with the Campaign Finance Board (the CFB) and other organizations, including Common Cause, Citizen Action, NAACP and others about Intro. 978, which includes proposed amendments to the City’s Campaign Finance Act. The bill, currently before the Council’s Governmental Operations Committee, was scheduled to have a hearing tomorrow.
“Council Member Rosie Mendez introduced the bill in response to concerns raised by membership organizations regarding recent actions by the CFB governing internal communications by membership organizations.
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The Council Will Hold Oversight Hearings to Examine the City’s Performance During and After Hurricane Sandy
City Hall, NY – Speaker Christine C. Quinn, Council Member Leroy Comrie, Council Member Sara González, Council Member Eric Ulrich, Council Member Jimmy Oddo and Council Member Maria del Carmen Arroyo today announced a package of bills to strengthen New York City’s infrastructure to better prepare for severe storms.
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Bill expands the scope of program-eligible contracts and increases agency accountability
Council will vote to provide financial relief to owners of property damaged by Hurricane Sandy
New York, NY- Today, the City Council will vote on legislation that will significantly improve the City’s Minority and Women Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) program by expanding the scope of program-eligible contracts and increasing agency accountability.
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“We are horrified by the carnage at Sandy Hook Elementary School. Words cannot express the damage done to this community and our nation as a whole. Our hearts go out to the families of Newtown, Connecticut on this terrible day.
“This tragedy is an urgent reminder that we must strengthen the call for serious gun control reform. From Columbine to Oak Creek, from Aurora to Newtown, our country cannot and must not live in fear of weapons designed to kill.
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The legislation will allow HPD to target the root cause of repeat housing violations
City Hall, NY – Today, the Council Committee on Housing and Buildings heard testimony on a bill that would allow the Department of Housing, Preservation and Development (HPD) to issue orders to property owners requiring them to repair underlying conditions that lead to repeat violations.
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Bill Will Limit City’s Participation in Secure Communities Program
City Hall – City Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn, together with lead sponsor Council Member Melissa Mark-Viverito today announced new legislative action that will reduce the harsh impact on immigrant families of the federal Secure Communities program. Members of the Council’s Immigration Committee, the Black, Latino and Asian Caucus as well as members of New York City’s immigrant community joined the Speaker and Council Member Mark-Viverito.
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Action will allow an interest-free extension on the next property tax bill for residential properties severely damaged by Sandy
Council will vote on items related to federal deficit reduction, biotechnology, recycling and land use
New York, NY – Today, the City Council will vote to issue an interest-free extension on the next property tax bill for residential properties severely damaged by Hurricane Sandy.
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