Legislation will protect taxpayers by amending existing law to require cost benefit analysis for certain outsourcing contracts and will increase transparency by requiring public notice of intended service contracts

New York, NY- At today’s Stated meeting, the Council will vote to safeguard billions of taxpayer dollars that are spent annually in the procurement of City services. The common sense legislation will amend an existing law to enhance competition, increase transparency and maximize cost efficiencies when entering into contracts that could displace City workers.

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Rep. Gutierrez, National Leader for Immigration Reform, Joins In Support for City Council Legislation

New York, NY – Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn, together with Illinois Congressman Luis Gutierrez, Congressman Charles Rangel, Council Members Melissa Mark-Viverito, Daniel Dromm, Council Members, Make the Road New York and a number of immigration rights advocates, today gathered to celebrate recent developments of a landmark bill that will change the way the Department of Correction works with the federal immigration authorities and reduce unnecessary immigrant deportations in New York City.

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“The Senior Citizen Tax Increase Exemption (SCRIE) program protects eligible renters from certain increases imposed by their landlord. In return, the landlord receives a property tax abatement credit equal to the amount of the rent forgiven. Today, Council Committees on Finance and Aging hope to get to the bottom of why the property tax abatement credits were not applied or misapplied to the owner’s July 1st property tax bill.

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“At 3:30 a.m. on Monday, September 5th, an openly gay man was robbed, sexually assaulted and called hateful anti-gay slurs as he returned to his home in Brooklyn.

“I’m disgusted and horrified to hear about this incident. Hate crimes hurt everyone, and any act of violence against one member of the LGBT community is an act of violence against us all.

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Legislation will extend hours of operation, formalize field services, and coordinate a trap, neuter and return program for feral cats

Council will vote to create Chinatown Business Improvement District and to preserve historic character of Boreum Hill in Brooklyn

New York, NY- At today’s Stated meeting, the City Council will vote on a piece of legislation to enhance services for animals in the City’s shelter system.

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“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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