“Today the Campaign Finance Board (CFB) issued an advisory opinion in response to a request from good government groups. The request came as a result of an earlier advisory opinion in which it appeared that CFB had dramatically changed its interpretation of the rules regarding the political activities of membership organizations. We are gratified that with today’s opinion the CFB has made it clear that it has not changed its enforcement rules related to such activities and has indeed demonstrated its commitment to protecting the vitally important civic participation of membership organizations and others in our political process.

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Bill directs HPD to hold landlords accountable for fixing underlying causes of recurring violations
New York, NY- Today, the City Council will vote on legislation to 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. Under the legislation – first proposed by Council Speaker Christine C.

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Pieces of Tiles for America will be displayed at the Jefferson Market Library
New York, NY- Today, City Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn, the September 11th Families’ Association and the New York Public Library unveiled an exhibit of ceramic tiles that were a part of New York City’s first-ever spontaneous, living 9/11 memorial. The dozens of tiles on display were once affixed to a fence at the corner of Greenwich and 7th Avenues following the attacks of September 11, 2001.

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“The Mayor’s comparison of the teachers union to the NRA was wrong and I strongly disagree with his comments. This ill-conceived comparison has no place in the important, substantive, and complex debate on teacher evaluations. In order to fix our schools and really improve education for 1.1 million students, we need to lower the rhetoric, stop pointing fingers and focus on getting results for our kids.”
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“Today is a great day for our city because today we strengthened the City’s Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) Program.

“Building on the achievements of Local Law 129, today’s legislation will help to eliminate barriers so that more MWBEs can participate in City contracts. While expanding the scope of MWBE-eligible contracts, the legislation will also improve oversight and reporting requirements to ensure that the City is meeting its MWBE goals.

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“Governor Cuomo’s unprecedented calls to strengthen gun control laws, end gender discrimination, raise the minimum wage and create an early voting system are bold, innovative ideas that will make New York stronger, safer and more equitable for all New Yorkers.
Raising the minimum wage and closing the loophole on the assault weapons ban are important actions that will make New York State a leader in reform nationwide.

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SCO Family of Services’ Center for Family Life program in Sunset Park will provide training to community based organizations to help foster the development of new worker-owned businesses.

New York, NY – Today, City Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn, along with SCO Family of Services’ Center for Family Life program in Sunset Park announced the selection of two community based organizations in the Bronx and Queens to receive training and capacity building so they can then train New Yorkers and help develop worker-owned businesses across the five boroughs.

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“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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