Re: President Barack Obama Signing Memorandum on Federal Benefits and Non-Discrimination
“President Obama’s decision to sign a memorandum which extends federal benefits to same-sex partners of federal employees is a first step in the right direction, and I commend him for making it.
“However, citing the Defense of Marriage Act as the reason, this decision does not include one of the most important benefits employees need –
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Package of Home Rule Messages will allow City to enact legislative priorities
City Hall – The City Council will vote on several Home Rule Messages today that will allow lawmakers in Albany to pass enabling legislation that will give the City the authority to implement the agreed upon revenue package. In addition, the Home Rule Messages would enact other legislative priorities, including effectively eliminating the unfair double-taxation on freelancers and small businesses, incentivizing job creation by eliminating the current tax policy that penalizes companies for adding to their City workforce, and diversifying the economy by encouraging growth in emerging technologies.
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Council restorations preserve funding for firehouses, 6-day library service and ACS case workers
City Hall – Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn and Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg today announced an agreement on the Fiscal Year (FY) 2010 budget. The agreement preserves essential core services, such as avoiding closure at 16 fire companies, maintaining city-wide, six-day library service and keeping current staff levels for child welfare workers at the Administration of Children’s Services (ACS).
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Jackson Heights, June 13, 2009 – Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn and Council Member Helen Sears participated in a unique tasting tour of Little India as part of the “Nine in 09” campaign. Mike Narula, owner of Delhi Heights restaurant and the Jackson Heights Merchants Association joined the Speaker and Council Member in the tour.
The day’s event follows an announcement Speaker Quinn made last month with Mayor Bloomberg, Council Member Melissa Mark-Viverito and NYC and Company kicking off the campaign, which invites New Yorkers and visitors alike to explore nine culturally diverse neighborhoods that New York City has to offer.
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Schools Receiving Funds to Implement Task Force Recommendations Saw Higher Than Average Gains on Both Math and ELA Tests
City Hall – City Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn and Education Committee Chair Robert Jackson today announced that New York City’s middle schools have shown greater improvement on State English language arts (ELA) and math tests than the citywide average.
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Legislation will improve asbestos abatement procedures, strengthen inter-agency communication, and enhance smoking prohibitions
City Hall, June 10, 2009 – The City Council will vote on several important pieces of legislation designed to improve construction safety protocols, increase City oversight, and enhance inter-agency communication at construction, demolition, and abatement sites in New York City. These bills are part of a comprehensive legislative package announced by Council Speaker Christine C.
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John Jay President Jeremy Travis and Advocates Participate in Community Forum
City Hall – City Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn, Council Member Inez Dickens and Jackie Row Adams from Harlem Mothers SAVE today hosted a summit in Harlem Hospital to discuss on how to combat gun violence in the community. Participating in the summit were the Co-Chair of the Council’s Black, Latino and Asian Caucus, Council Members Robert Jackson and Maria del Carmen Arroyo;
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“We are excited to learn that President Obama has picked Sonia Sotomayor to serve as his new Supreme Court Justice pick. A local South Bronx native and a Circuit Court Judge, Sotomayor is a highly qualified and inspiring example of public service. In such as prestigious position, we are confident that she will effectively represent our city, state, and country.”
Statement by Council Member Melissa Mark-Viverito:
“In Sonia Sotomayor, President Obama is fulfilling his commitment to nominate someone who not only has the intellectual capacity but a practical sense of how the world works.
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“Today is a very sad day for California and the entire country. Upholding Proposition 8 undermines one of the basic core principles of freedom – equality for all Americans. This is not a day of justice, but one that will be remembered as a day when civil rights were stripped from future generations of Californians. I stand with elected leaders in California like Mayor Newsom and LGBT advocates to pledge and help them in any way possible in their continuing fight for equality.
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