Access NYC’s immigrant resources

Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito said: “If there was ever any doubt about whether Donald Trump’s hateful rhetoric truly reflected his intentions, today’s Executive Orders affirm that his agenda will take our country down a dangerous and divisive path. Instead of finding solutions for our broken immigration system, President Trump’s reckless decisions to build a costly wall along the U.S.-Mexico border, attack Sanctuary Cities, persecute immigrants, and restore the deeply flawed Secure Communities program, will only fuel division and foster unfounded fears.

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“During these uncertain times, when federal funding levels remain unclear, it is critical that the City adopts a budget that is fair, balanced and forward looking. While we are pleased that the Preliminary Budget put forward by Mayor de Blasio today includes some of the programmatic savings and increase in reserves the Council has long called for, more must be done to find additional, lasting savings across all City agencies.

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Council will also vote on Reauthorizing the Lien Sale Program and Reforming the Commuter Van Industry

City Hall – Today, the New York City Council will vote on legislation to enhance and establish reporting requirements for citywide public art initiatives and cultural institutions. The Council will also vote to establish reporting requirements for economic development tax expenditures, and to reauthorize the lien sale program.

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“The New York State Assembly deserves immense credit for passing the Reproductive Health Act tonight. This important measure will guarantee local women access to quality health services while protecting and preserving their right to choose. As this bill reaches their desk, I urge the New York State Senate to follow the Assembly’s lead and approve this vital legislation.”

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“Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a central figure in the most courageous movement for civil rights of the 20th century. Today, we celebrate his life and his legacy for the progress it has inspired throughout decades of social change. As our country faces difficult questions, it becomes more important than ever to commit ourselves entirely to the fight for equality for all – regardless of gender, race, ethnic background, religion or sexual orientation.

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The Construction Safety Act will make construction sites safer by reducing safety violations and strengthening crane regulations

City Hall – Today, Speaker Mark-Viverito, Housing and Buildings Committee Chair Jumaane Williams and Council Members announced that they will introduce the Construction Safety Act, a comprehensive package of legislation to strengthen construction and crane safety regulations in New York City.

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“I join all New Yorkers in mourning the loss of NYPD Detective Steven McDonald. Detective McDonald will forever be remembered as a hero who exemplified the best of our City.  After being shot multiple times in the line of duty, Detective McDonald harnessed tragedy into an opportunity to spread a universal and worldwide message of forgiveness. His compassion and empathy over the last 30 years has left a lasting impact on all New Yorkers, and Detective McDonald’s legacy will continue to inspire the City he so courageously and gracefully served.

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“Over four million Americans benefit from the critical health services Planned Parenthood provides each year.  For many, particularly those already facing the greatest health care disparities, Planned Parenthood is their only source of health care.  Any attempt to defund Planned Parenthood would set reproductive rights back by decades. We cannot allow the Republican Congress to undermine the Medicaid reimbursement system and deny 55 million women access to free, comprehensive preventative care, birth control and cancer screenings.

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“Making college affordable and accessible is a fundamental cornerstone of the fair and equitable future we strive toward as New Yorkers. The Excelsior Scholarship puts the potential of our students at the forefront of higher education decision-making, and I commend Governor Cuomo for his work to level the playing field for all. Education is a great equalizer, and one of the strongest tools lower- and middle-income individuals and families have for improving their circumstances and those of others in their communities.

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Sends Letter Calling on New York State to Limit Involvement in Federal Immigration Law Enforcement Efforts

City Hall – Today, New York City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito released a letter imploring Governor Andrew Cuomo, State Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, State Senate Democratic Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Assembly Minority Leader Brian Kolb, and State Senate Independent Democratic Conference Leader Jeff Klein to undertake a coordinated and comprehensive policy to limit the State of New York’s involvement in federal immigration enforcement.

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