“Make no mistake, there is growing national momentum for marriage equality in this country, and Washington State today sent the clear message that hate and bigotry have no place in the laws that govern us. And it’s not enough that I can get married here in New York, we must work until everyone can marry in their own hometowns.

Following yesterday’s 9th Circuit decision affirming marriage equality, today, the Washington State House of Representatives voted 55-43 to back a bill to legalize same-sex marriage, which passed in the State Senate.

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“I’m thrilled with today’s 9th Circuit ruling affirming what we know in our hearts to be true: that keeping loving couples from reaping the benefits of marriage is discriminatory and wrong. The court’s decision overruling Proposition 8 is another step toward bringing marriage equality not just to California, but to each and every state in our great nation. Today’s victory is a reminder of how far we’ve come as a country, and of the work we still must do to achieve equality for all people.

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“I’m relieved that the leadership of Susan G. Komen for the Cure has reconsidered their ill-conceived decision to cut off funding to Planned Parenthood for breast cancer screenings. This is the right decision for an organization committed to women’s health. I’m proud to stand with so many leaders and private citizens, including Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who generously supported Planned Parenthood and reaffirmed his commitment to comprehensive women’s healthcare.

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Statement by Speaker Christine C. Quinn

“Today’s Preliminary Budget shows that the prudent choices we’ve made over the last several years have allowed us to avoid the tax increases and deep spending cuts that so many cities are still facing.

“However, there remain a number of troubling elements in today’s budget proposal.

“The Council is concerned that the proposed budget would again result in the closure of 20 fire houses, along with major cuts to public libraries and cultural institutions, to after-school programs, and to the Chief Medical Examiner’s crime fighting resources, among other areas.

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Speaker Christine C. Quinn said:
“After the announcement of an initial drawdown of forces in 2010, we called for a celebration—a parade—in honor of the troops returning from Iraq when the time was right. In 2012, the time is now, and we support Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America’s (IAVA) call for cities across the country to take action to thank our nation’s courageous men and women who have returned home from combat in Iraq.

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Legislation requires banks to notify the Department of Housing Preservation and Development of foreclosure action.

Council will also vote to require key elements of all City contracts to be summarized in plain language and made available online.

New York, NY- Today, the Council will vote on a bill to strengthen and support neighborhoods when a property in the community is facing foreclosure.

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“The decision of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation to cut off funding for breast cancer exams at Planned Parenthood health centers is disappointing, and despite their protests to the contrary, appear to be a direct result of years of pressure from opponents of women’s healthcare.

“Planned Parenthood helps tens of thousands of women nationwide identify breast cancer early when there is the best chance of successful treatment.

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“New York City has been a pioneer in the small schools movement, and I think we’ve seen the potential they have to transform our system. However, while some small schools have shown significant improvements in graduation rates and academic gains, the fact remains that 11 of the 25 schools on the closing list this year are small schools that have opened since 2005.

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$50,000 grant is solely dedicated to the replacement of old and creation of new signs identifying the City’s 105 Historic Districts

City Hall – New York City Council Speaker Quinn today praised a new $50,000 grant to the Historic Landmarks Preservation Foundation. The grant, allocated by the Bodman Foundation following dedicated efforts by Historic Landmarks Preservation Center Chair Dr.

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Over the past two weeks, more than 1,000 restaurateurs have provided feedback on the City’s food safety inspection process and new letter grading system.

Council urges city restaurateurs to complete survey before it closes on January 31st.

New York, NY – The City Council has received over 1,000 restaurant inspection survey responses since Council Speaker Christine C.

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