“This week’s court decision upholding a law banning the sale of all flavored tobacco products in New York City is a victory for the city’s children and young adults, protecting them from these harmful products disguised with sweet flavors and brightly colored packaging. The news comes just before today’s Great American Smokeout, a day intended to encourage smokers to make a plan to quit or to plan in advance and quit smoking on this date.
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“I am outraged by the latest act of anti-Semitic vandalism in Brooklyn. Such a display of intolerance is beyond offensive. New York City is a haven of diversity, a place where accepting people from all backgrounds and beliefs is an integral part of everyday life. Our diversity is the very fabric that holds us together and an emblem of our greatest strength.
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“I condemn these heinous acts of hatred and ignorance in one of our own communities. I stand with the people of good conscience in Midwood, Brooklyn and wish for a world without hatred and bigotry – enough is enough.
“It is important for elected officials to be available to answer any questions or concerns the public may have, and I would like to thank Council Member Greenfield for taking the initiative and holding a town hall meeting for the community.
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“As I have said from the very beginning, we must balance the protesters’ First Amendment rights with the rights of the residents, workers, and businesses of Lower Manhattan. We must protect the protestors’ right to peaceful assembly and the local community’s right to a safe and secure neighborhood.
Today’s actions include reports of excessive force by the NYPD, and reports of infringement of the rights of the press.
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“With today’s vote, New York State sends a strong message that everyone deserves to have access to higher education regardless of their legal status. With access to TAP financial assistance and college savings accounts for immigrant students, we will continue to help pave the way for immigrants to flourish and make great contributions to our communities. I would like to thank Chancellor Tisch, Commissioner King and the Board of Regents for their leadership on this salient issue that will make an enormous difference for our immigrant students.
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Speaker Quinn:
“I am pleased that, as a result of today’s court hearing, the City’s dangerous new policy changing the intake procedure for single adults seeking shelter will not go into effect on Monday. I am encouraged that this matter will be heard by the court, and I continue to call on DHS to permanently reverse course and prevent these harmful changes from going into effect.”
General Welfare Committee Chair Annabel Palma:
“Absence of leadership from the Bloomberg Administration on this issue, once again, has the City’s homeless policies shaped more by the court system rather than through collaboration and partnership with stakeholders.
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“Today, I am disappointed that the Bloomberg administration failed to approve the Outsourcing Accountability Act. This fiscally responsible, common sense legislation would have amended a 1994 law to ensure that the City routinely weigh the necessity of outside contracts that cost taxpayers billions of dollars each year.
This past week, the Council held an oversight hearing on outsourced information technology ventures – an area of contract expenditure that the Administration conceded would benefit from greater oversight.
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“Apparently, late last night the Bloomberg administration announced a new policy for homeless individuals. This policy is an irresponsible ‘no room at the inn’ approach that does nothing to address the record number of people experiencing homelessness in New York City as winter approaches.
This policy is cruel, risky, unacceptable, and will not reduce homelessness in the city of New York.
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The legislation will require the Department of Transportation to give presentations at affected community boards before bicycle lanes are constructed.
The Council will also vote on legislation to reduce unnecessary immigrant deportations in New York City.
New York, NY- Today, the City Council will vote on legislation that will require the Department of Transportation to consult with community boards before installing bicycle lanes.
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“I am disheartened by reports that WalMart is substantially rolling back health care coverage for part-time workers and significantly raising premiums for many full-time staff. Among the troubling new policies, new employees will no longer be eligible to cover their spouses.
WalMart is once again showing blatant disregard for the well-being of its workforce. By refusing to extend basic health care benefits, the company is demonstrating that they prefer to force their employees into the public healthcare system.
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