“Today marks the end of a discriminatory policy that for far too long, has kept patriotic Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) Americans from serving the United States in our nation’s armed forces. After almost two decades of advocacy, the era of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell is finally over. No longer will the courageous LGBT troops who risk their lives to keep America safe be forced to choose between protecting their country and freely expressing who they are.
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Taskforce seeks to address epidemic of gun violence in communities throughout the city
City Hall – City Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn today announced the creation of the taskforce that will address the issue of youth related gun violence in the city, especially in communities of color. Council Members Jumaane D. Williams and Fernando Cabrera will serve as Co-Chairs of the taskforce.
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“Time and time again, Council Members have told us that the number one issue facing people across the city is the lack of affordable housing in our neighborhoods. As we’ve learned from Councilstat, the program we use to track constituent complaints across Council districts, the need for more subsidized housing in New York is a concern that cuts across economic and geographic lines and unifies people as they seek to keep their homes affordable.”
“I have long advocated for sensible solutions that will empower tenants and protect middle class families.
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Council funding will keep schools ready for the 21st century
Bronx, NY- Council Speaker Christine Quinn and Council Member James Vacca today joined Principal Christopher Eustace and several teachers at P.S. 105 in Pelham Parkway South for a pre-school year visit and tour on the eve of the first day of school. Vacca and Quinn met with school leaders and toured the building, followed by a teacher demonstration by Ms.
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“We in the Council have great concern for the health and well-being of schoolchildren who learn in New York City school buildings. To this end, the Council will hold a hearing on Council Member Ignizio’s Parental Notification bill (Into 563) this fall. This bill requires the Department of Education to notify parents of any PCB contamination found during inspection or testing in a public school.
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Legislation will streamline housing inspections by transferring enforcement of window guard requirements to Department of Housing Preservation and Development.
Council also votes to strengthen protections against illegal dumping in New York City’s waterfronts and on resolution to support the New York State Attorney General’s investigation into mortgage packaging practices.
New York, NY- The City Council will today vote on legislation that will make it easier for tenants to file and resolve housing violations relating to window guards.
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Richmond Hill, Queens – Chair of the Council’s Economic Development Committee Karen Koslowitz and Council Member Ruben Wills, along with community leaders announced today that they will make it a priority to educate residents, banks and pertinent government officials of the issue that the Richmond Hill area of Queens is underserved in regards to banking, with the goal of creating a Banking Development District (BDD).
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Legislation will protect safety of consumers by empowering the Department of Consumer Affairs and the NYPD to crack down on vendors who sell expired medication.
Council also votes to protect employees from religious discrimination by strengthening law that requires employers to provide workers with accommodations for religious observance.
New York, NY- Today, the City Council will vote on legislation that will extend the ban that prohibits retailers from selling expired over-the-counter medication to include individuals who sell past-date medication.
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City Hall – The City Council, along with the New York Blood Center, hosted a blood drive to help build supplies during the summer months which typically see fewer donations. Council Speaker Christine Quinn along with Council Members and staffers were on hand to help in the effort.
Although blood is essential every day, donations tend to be lowest during the summer vacation months as people travel more.
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49 Make At-Risk Building List Due To Signs of Physical Distress or Deterioration
More Than 80% of Properties on the List Demonstrate Improvement – 50% Show Discernable Reduction of Housing Code Violations
View the At-Risk Buildings List and Learn More About the Proactive Preservation Initiative at http://www.nyc.gov/html/hpd/html/owners/Proactive-Preservation.shtml
New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) Commissioner Mathew M.
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