Script PM Thurs 6262014
Today the City Council voted to establish a New York City Identity Card. Carlos Menchaca co-sponsored the legislation.
"This is an historic moment for us in our City. The precident setting is a model for the rest of the country, for muncipalities to rethink how they can engage their residents."
Any resident living within the five boroughs will be able to have a municipal id.
Bill co-sponsor Danny Dromme said, "A New York City ID for all will in many ways help make the lives of all New Yorkers easier, from the homeless families in Sunset Park to the transgender youth in Jackson Heights."
Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. said, “My office handles many constituent cases each year from undocumented residents and their families, and many of them are afraid to cooperate with city government and the police for fear of reprisal. This proposal will bring this community out of the shadows, making our city safer for everyone."
“I know what it is to not have an ID, and I know this card will go a long way to building trust and confidence with immigrant communities and local authorities.” said Juan Carlos Gomez, an undocumented member of Make the Road New York.
Councilmember Margaret Chin reminded the body of the id's usefulness. She said 60 percent of New Yorkers, like her, don’t have drivers licenses and will be able to happy to have the id's.
The card will include, at a minimum, the cardholder’s photo, name, date of birth, address, and an expiration date. Applicants will be able to elect to include his or her self-designated gender.
Mayor de Blasio said, "My administration is fully ready to develop this plan and to swiftly implement a secure and accessible Municipal ID Card program.”
City agencies would be required to accept the card where id is needed for iaccess to City services.
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City Comptroller Scott Stringer announced that he approved the proposed $40 million settlement in the Central Park Five case. Federal Judge Deborah A. Batts' clerk said she hadn't received final papers yet at the end of the day. Central Park Five Constitutional Lawyer Jonathan Moore says yes, but he expects the Judge will sign off on the agreement.
On Friday there’s a news conference for the Central Park Five, for Raymond Santana, Yusef Salaam, Corey Wise, Kevin Richardson and Antron McCray who have been waiting for justice for twenty-five years. The news conference is at 11am on the steps of City Hall.
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Longtime education activist and former councilmember Robert Jackson kicked off his campaign for NY State Senator today. He faces off against Adriano Espaillat who conceded the primary for the 13th congressional district to Rep. Charlie Rangel.
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And there’s a tribute to one of New York City‘s humble warriors: JD Livingston, longtime producer of Global Black Experience. It’s at the Adam Clayton Powell Office Building Saturday from 1-5 pm.
LP WBAI News, NY
