Press Releases

“We applaud the Administration for incorporating several of the recommendations outlined in our Fiscal 2018 Preliminary Budget Response. We commend Mayor de Blasio for identifying City savings, increasing the City’s capital investments and funding key services to protect and support our communities.

While we are pleased with the Mayor’s commitment to expand capital support for NYCHA, include air conditioners in every classroom, and bolster legal services for immigrants—efforts the Council has long advocated for— we call on the Administration to take additional steps to strengthen vital City services. READ MORE

Council will also vote on a 311 Complaint Notification Service for Business Owners and on Commissioning a Study of City Transportation Deserts

City Hall – Today, the New York City Council will vote on legislation to make construction sites safer. This legislation is part of the Construction Safety Act, a larger package of legislation focused on construction safety. READ MORE

“It’s sad but not surprising that once again, the Trump Administration has chosen fear mongering over facts. The truth is, New York is the safest big city in the nation precisely because we protect and support our immigrant communities. Jeff Sessions’ ridiculous comments to the contrary are dangerously out of touch and do a disservice to our City and our entire country. READ MORE

“Today is a tragic day for New York City’s bravest and for all New Yorkers. FDNY William Tolley bravely died in the line of duty, serving New Yorkers and keeping our City safe. Moments like these are a stark reminder of the sacrifice our Bravest put themselves through to keep our city safe and our thoughts and prayers are with the FDNY, our City’s first responders and all of William Tolley’s loved ones during this sad time.”

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“This week, thousands of families across New York City will come together to celebrate Passover – a powerful commemoration of the historic journey of the Jewish people to freedom, whose lessons still resonate with us today. Passover is a time to celebrate traditions and enjoy time with family and friends, reminding us all that we can find joy even amidst these times of uncertainty in our country. READ MORE

STATEN ISLAND – Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito and Staten Island Council Member Debi Rose last Monday participated in a Passover distribution hosted by the Council of Jewish Organizations of Staten Island at the Young Israel of Staten Island. The Speaker and Council Member Rose helped assemble and distribute packages of food for over 500 Staten Island Jewish families in need ahead of the Passover Holiday. READ MORE

“Today’s State Supreme Court ruling is a win for all New Yorkers. This decision, which protects New Yorkers’ personal data, validates what we’ve known from the beginning: that all residents — regardless of their gender identity, permanent address, or immigration status – deserve access to all of our City’s critical resources. Over one million New Yorkers have helped make IDNYC the largest and most successful municipal identification card program in the nation. READ MORE

Council will also vote on Developing a Comprehensive Environmental Justice Plan and on Establishing a Task Force on Obstacles for Disconnected Youth

City Hall – Today, the New York City Council will vote on legislation to prevent the unauthorized practice of immigration law. The Council will also vote to prohibit prospective employers from requiring salary histories from prospective employees. READ MORE

“Equal Pay Day is marked on April 4th to represent the additional months a woman must work to match the average annual salary of a man. This amount of time – 93 days – reflects the stark salary discrepancies that continue to exist today, particularly for women of color.  In 2017, our society has not yet institutionalized the simple concept of equal pay for equal work and, while we fight to close the wage gap, individuals and families continue to suffer at the hands of entrenched economic injustice. READ MORE

“The President of Puerto Rico’s Senate, Thomas Rivera Schatz, blatantly violated the Island’s anti-discrimination law by revoking key protections and rights for the Senate’s transgender employees. To ban this community from using the restroom and wardrobe that corresponds to their gender identity is not only immoral and inhumane—it’s dangerous. This deplorable act of cowardice— which merely mirrors President Trump’s hateful and divisive rhetoric— falls in line with the Governor’s recent attempts to roll back the rights of Puerto Rico’s LGBTQ community. READ MORE