“We are profoundly disappointed by today’s Supreme Court decision. It sends a message that it is somehow acceptable to discriminate against same-sex couples in the United States. Though the ruling is narrow, it will surely embolden those who seek to erode protections for LGBTQ Americans and those who would relegate us to permanent second-class citizenship.  While the New York City Council has successfully passed and improved laws to protect LGBTQ New Yorkers across the five boroughs, there is much more work to do here in the Big Apple.

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Commission, to be co-chaired by Vicki Been and Marc Shaw, will develop proposals to make property taxes more fair, straightforward, and transparent

 NEW YORK— Council Speaker Johnson and Mayor de Blasio announced the formation of a new advisory commission, co-chaired by Vicki Been and Marc Shaw, to develop recommendations to reform New York City’s property tax system to make it simpler, clearer, and fairer, while ensuring that there is no reduction in revenue used to fund essential City services.

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City joins 16 other local governments across the United States to protect women’s health

City Hall, NY – In an effort to ensure women have access to birth control, New York City this week filed a brief in federal court opposing the Trump administration’s proposal to roll back the requirements that guarantee contraceptive coverage in most health insurance plans.

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“On Memorial Day, we remember the brave women and men who proudly served this country and made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. We are so grateful for their service and their heroism. At the Council, we strive to honor these men and women every day by upholding the traditions of democracy and representative government, the gifts bestowed on all Americans through their courage and valor.

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Council to also vote to broadcast citywide candidate debates

City Hall – Today, the New York City Council will vote on a bill extending health insurance coverage for surviving family members of Department of Transportation (DOT) workers who have died in the line of duty. Next, the Council will vote on a bill requiring the broadcast of citywide candidates debates.

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City Hall, NY – Speaker Corey Johnson and the New York City Council on Thursday hosted a digital day of action entitled “Call the Mayor” urging Mayor Bill de Blasio to include the Fair Fares proposal in the Fiscal Year 2019 budget. Fair Fares is a campaign to distribute MetroCards to low-income New Yorkers at a reduced rate.

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“As Muslims across New York City and around the world mark the start of Ramadan, I extend my best wishes for a blessed month of fasting and prayer.  For many, Ramadan is a time to slow down, to hit the pause button, and to be intentional about our actions. While fasting from sunrise to sunset, Muslim communities uphold some of the same values that all New Yorkers hold dear: community, gratitude, charity, and above all, dignity and respect. 

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Comprehensive Legislative Package Will Support All Parents, Caregivers, Relative Caregivers, Kinship Guardians, and Foster Parents

City Hall, NY – In and effort to provide continued support to working parents and caregivers, Majority Leader Laurie Cumbo and Speaker Corey Johnson this week introduced legislation in time for Mother’s Day that will support all parents, caregivers, relative caregivers, kinship guardians, and foster parents.

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Council to also vote on package of resolutions calling on the New York State Legislature to act on rent regulations

City Hall – Today, the New York City Council will vote on a package of fire and emergency safety bills. The Council was prompted to introduce legislation to address fire safety after a series of Bronx fires in late December and early January that resulted in 15 deaths and 29 injuries.

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Biggest Overhaul to City Lead Laws Since 2004

City Hall, NY – In a groundbreaking effort to eliminate childhood lead poisoning in the five boroughs, the City Council on Wednesday will introduce a package of legislation that strengthens, expands and establishes new protections on the city’s lead laws. The proposal is the largest single overhaul of lead laws in 14 years.

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