New York, NY – The Mayor’s FY 2013 preliminary budget comes against the backdrop of a slowly improving economy. However, this preliminary budget still contains substantial and unacceptable cuts to services for the families and communities that need them the most. As it currently stands, these cuts fall particularly hard on our children through cuts to childcare, further reductions in the number of teachers in our classrooms due to attrition, and a nearly 50 percent cut to after school programs.

…

READ MORE

“We hope the news that prosecutors will seek criminal charges in the shooting death of Trayvon Martin will offer his family a measure of justice they so rightly deserve.

“Trayvon’s family remains in our prayers. We cannot bring Trayvon back, but we must unite in our efforts prevent these tragedies from repeating themselves.
“Earlier this month, the Council introduced and passed a resolution that condemned this killing and the weaknesses in its investigation.

…

READ MORE

“We have completed negotiations on the living wage bill. Based on the breadth and depth of New York City’s Economic Development program, this will be the most impactful living wage law in the United States.

This bill was based on a concept of fairness. Businesses that accept significant taxpayer dollars must pay a living wage.

Because this bill was modified to only cover direct recipients of financial assistance, we believe it will lift wages without hampering job growth and economic development in New York City.”

…

READ MORE

Re: shooting of four NYPD officers early Sunday morning in Sheepshead Bay

“Our thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery go out to Captain Pizzano, Detectives Keenan and Ayala and Officer Granahan and their families. These officers showcased incredible bravery and our city looks forward to having them back on the beat guarding our safety.”

“Eight NYPD officers have now been victims of gun violence since January of this year, with one officer, Peter Figoski, losing his life in the line of duty.

…

READ MORE

Speaker Christine C. Quinn:

“Last night, a construction worker was killed and four others were injured after a crane collapsed on the West Side of Manhattan. Our prayers are with the friends and families of the deceased and injured. What caused the crane to collapse is still under investigation, however, this terrible incident highlights the need for better coordination between the Metropolitan Transit Authority and the City of New York on large-scale construction projects being built in our boroughs.

…

READ MORE

Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn, Council Housing and Buildings Committee Chair Erik Martin Dilan and Council Member James Vacca today announced the Committee on Housing and Buildings will meet on April 16 to discuss two pieces of legislation that will increase elevator safety in New York City.

The bills come in the aftermath of three elevator accidents in recent months that killed two people in Midtown and left a teenager injured in the Bronx.

…

READ MORE

“Sex trafficking remains one of the most horrific human rights violations in the United States, with as many as 300,000 children at risk for sexual exploitation each year. It’s time we stop thinking about trafficking as someone else’s problem. Every day children are being exploited right here in New York City.

“Data from the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office shows the majority of the sex trafficking cases they prosecuted last year were children that were marketed through Backpage.com.

…

READ MORE

Legislation will require the installation of accessible (audible) pedestrian signals at intersections that present the greatest crossing difficulty for visually impaired people.

Council will also vote to override Mayoral vetoes on two bills passed as part of the Fair Parking Legislative Package.

New York, NY- Today, the City Council will vote on three bills to make it safer and more manageable for disabled New Yorkers to navigate the city.

…

READ MORE

“Today’s approved state budget is great for New York State and for New York City, and will better help us balance our City’s budget. I applaud Governor Cuomo, Speaker Silver, and Majority Leader Skelos for working collaboratively to deliver an on-time budget that brings more School Aid to New York City and fully funds the MTA capital plan. I am also very happy that this budget increases base aid for CUNY community colleges and launches Governor Cuomo’s Close to Home Initiative, which ensures that our city’s juvenile offenders remain in the custody and care of New York City.”

…

READ MORE

“I am outraged that one of our own community’s food co-ops is considering boycotting the purchase of products from Israel, one of our nation’s, and especially one of New York City’s, strongest friends.

“The City Council and I value the presence of food-co-ops in our neighborhoods, as they bring fresh and affordable food to areas often under served by supermarkets.

…

READ MORE