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  <updated>2010-03-18T09:45:53-05:00</updated>
  <entry>
    <title>Westchester County Lawmakers Respond to Astorino Veto on Employee Health Insurance Contributions Bill</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.r8ny.com/node/152093" />
    <id>http://www.r8ny.com/node/152093</id>
    <published>2010-03-18T19:41:51-05:00</published>
    <updated>2010-03-18T19:45:51-05:00</updated>
    <author>
      <name>gov_wire</name>
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<div class=Section1>

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size=2 color=black face=Arial><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Arial;
color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=black face=Arial><span style='font-size:
11.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal><a name="OLE_LINK4"><b><font size=4 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold'>FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE: </span></font></b></a><font size=4 face=Arial><span style='font-size:
14.0pt;font-family:Arial'>March 18, 2010<b><span style='font-weight:bold'><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal><b><font size=4 face=Arial><span style='font-size:14.0pt;
font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold'>Contact: </span></font></b><font size=4
face=Arial><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:Arial'>Tara L. Martin | <font
color=blue><span style='color:blue'><a href="mailto:TLM3@westchestergov.com"
title="blocked::mailto:TLM3@westchestergov.com&#10;mailto:TLM3@westchestergov.com">T</a><u>araM@westchesterlegislators.com</u></span></font>
| 914-995-2016 (office) | 914-380-0931 (cell)<b><span style='font-weight:bold'><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal><b><font size=5 face=Arial><span style='font-size:18.0pt;
font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></font></b></p>

<p class=MsoNormal><b><font size=5 face=Arial><span style='font-size:18.0pt;
font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></font></b></p>

<p class=MsoNormal><b><font size=5 face=Arial><span style='font-size:18.0pt;
font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></font></b></p>

<p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceName
 w:st="on"><b><font size=5 face=Arial><span style='font-size:20.0pt;font-family:
  Arial;font-weight:bold'>Westchester</span></font></b></st1:PlaceName><b><font
 size=5 face=Arial><span style='font-size:20.0pt;font-family:Arial;font-weight:
 bold'> <st1:PlaceType w:st="on">County</st1:PlaceType></span></font></b></st1:place><b><font
size=5 face=Arial><span style='font-size:20.0pt;font-family:Arial;font-weight:
bold'> Lawmakers Respond to Astorino Veto on <o:p></o:p></span></font></b></p>

<p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><font size=5
face=Arial><span style='font-size:20.0pt;font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold'>Employee
Health Insurance Contributions Bill<o:p></o:p></span></font></b></p>

<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal><b><font size=3 face=Arial><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></font></b></p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><b><font size=3 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold'>(<st1:place w:st="on"><st1:City
 w:st="on">White Plains</st1:City>, <st1:State w:st="on">NY</st1:State></st1:place>)
--</span></font></b><i><font face=Arial><span style='font-family:Arial;
font-style:italic'>&nbsp; Westchester County Board of Legislators Chairman <st1:PersonName
w:st="on">Ken Jenkins</st1:PersonName> (D-Yonkers), along with Board
Vice-Chairman Lyndon Williams (D-Mount Vernon) and Majority Whip Judith Myers
(D-Larchmont), co-chairs of the Board&#8217;s Special Committee on Health
Insurance Savings released the following joint statement in response to County
Executive Astorino&#8217;s veto of the Board&#8217;s bill requiring county
employees to contribute to their health insurance.<o:p></o:p></span></font></i></p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><i><font size=3 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;font-style:italic'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></font></i></p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><font size=3 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><font size=3 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial'>&#8220;With the incredible
challenges facing <st1:place w:st="on">Westchester</st1:place> families, Monday
night's vote was an enormous step forward towards implementing employee
contributions for health insurance.&nbsp; The Board&#8217;s plan specifically
causes 73% of eligible county employees (who currently pay nothing) to pay some
portion of their annual insurance. Of these, 50% would contribute at the top
scale of 15%. &nbsp;This historic&nbsp;policy change is being presented in the
middle of a year of service, which is unprecedented for any public or private
employment.&nbsp; The Board presented an interim plan that will be in effect
until December 31, 2010, when we will have a comprehensive&nbsp;&nbsp;plan in
place that requires employees to make a contribution towards their health care
combined with&nbsp;savings of $15-20 million dollars through competition for <st1:place
w:st="on">Westchester</st1:place>'s health care coverage.&nbsp; <br>
&nbsp;&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><font size=3 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial'>As Democratic leaders continue to
survey legislators, the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceType w:st="on">County</st1:PlaceType>
 <st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Executive</st1:PlaceName></st1:place> should be
reminded that </span></font><font face=Arial><span lang=EN style='font-family:
Arial'>a major policy shift such as this is not something to take lightly or to
be politicized.&nbsp; <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><font size=3 face=Arial><span
lang=EN style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face=Arial><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Arial'>It is unprecedented at any government level to use
non-represented employees as a bargaining tactic for future union contract
negotiations. Such an act demonizes the hard-working employees of our County
and would, truly, create different classes of employees.&nbsp; <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face=Arial><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Arial'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><font size=3 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial'>The actual savings from both, the
Board&#8217;s plan and the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceType w:st="on">County</st1:PlaceType>
 <st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Executive</st1:PlaceName></st1:place>&#8217;s plan,
are not where the dispute really is. The real issue is the implementation of a
plan to result in employee contributions and provide significant savings to
taxpayers. &nbsp;This element requires looking at both the employee
contribution side AND the cost reductions that can be achieved through offering
a variety of options to employees with a cafeteria plan of health insurance
options. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><font size=3 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><font size=3 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial'>It&#8217;s imperative to note that
the Board&#8217;s plan was modeled after several pre-existing government
employee health insurance contribution structures throughout the state.&nbsp;
With regards to the interim tiered contribution model, it should be noted that
out of the 7 neighboring <st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Hudson</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType
w:st="on">Valley</st1:PlaceType> counties, 5 have tiered-scale contributions <i><span
style='font-style:italic'>(with Dutchess and <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place
 w:st="on">Rockland</st1:place></st1:City> encompassing 0% employee
contributions based upon years of service</span></i>).&nbsp; In terms of
Westchester&#8217;s most comparable suburban counties of <st1:City w:st="on">Nassau</st1:City>
and <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Suffolk</st1:place></st1:City><i><span
style='font-style:italic'>,</span></i> both counties currently pay 100% of
their employee&#8217;s health care costs, and both counties currently
haven&#8217;t raised property taxes. <br>
<br>
<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><font size=3 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial'>Finally, the Board&#8217;s
Democratic Leadership met with Mr. Astorino when he took office in January and
expressed our support and cooperation with his administration. In this regard,
we jointly established a process for biweekly meetings with Mr. Astorino and
his staff, the Board&#8217;s Republican leadership and our Democratic
leadership. Our joint commitment was to try to work together to reach consensus
of issues through open dialogue, and to respectfully disagree where we could
not do so, without unnecessarily politicizing issues and creating a public
atmosphere of hopeless dissention. Everyone knows that implementing historic
change&nbsp;requires action to be taken in steps&nbsp; as we move forward to
work on broader and more important issues.&nbsp; We continue to hope that the Astorino
administration&nbsp;are&nbsp;sincere about our joint commitment. We hope not to
be proven wrong.&nbsp; <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><font size=3 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><font size=3 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial'>Regardless of the final outcome of
this bill,&nbsp;&nbsp;the Board calls on the Administration to return to the
spirit of bipartisanship and cooperation and work&nbsp;with us as we develop&nbsp;a
comprehensive plan that represents the best of what Westchester taxpayers expect
from their elected officials -- real savings, real innovation, real service
improvement, and more value for their tax dollar &#8211; not political
posturing and turf wars between the 8<sup>th</sup> and 9<sup>th</sup> floors of
the County Office Building.&#8221;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face=Arial><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Arial'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><font size=3 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><font size=3
face=Arial><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold'>#
# #<o:p></o:p></span></font></b></p>

<p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-left:.5in;text-align:center;
text-indent:.5in'><b><font size=3 face=Arial><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></font></b></p>

<p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><i><font size=3
face=Arial><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;font-style:italic'>Additional
news and video available at <a
href="http://www.westchesterlegislators.com/mediacenter">www.westchesterlegislators.com/mediacenter</a><o:p></o:p></span></font></i></p>

<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></font></p>

<p style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b><u><font size=2 color="#333399"
face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#333399;
font-weight:bold'>_______________________________________<o:p></o:p></span></font></u></b></p>

<p style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b><font size=3 color="#333399"
face="Bookman Old Style"><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Bookman Old Style";
color:#333399;font-weight:bold'>Tara L. Martin, Director of Communications</span></font></b><font
color=navy><span style='color:navy'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b><font size=3 color="#333399"
face="Bookman Old Style"><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Bookman Old Style";
color:#333399;font-weight:bold'>Westchester <st1:PlaceType w:st="on">County</st1:PlaceType>
<st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Board</st1:PlaceName> of Legislators <br>
</span></font></b><st1:Street w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on"><i><font size=2
  color="#333399" face="Bookman Old Style"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
  font-family:"Bookman Old Style";color:#333399;font-style:italic'>148 Martine
  Avenue</span></font></i></st1:address></st1:Street><i><font size=2
color="#333399" face="Bookman Old Style"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Bookman Old Style";color:#333399;font-style:italic'>, 8th Floor <br>
<st1:place w:st="on"><st1:City w:st="on">White Plains</st1:City>, <st1:State
 w:st="on">NY</st1:State>&nbsp; <st1:PostalCode w:st="on">10601</st1:PostalCode></st1:place>
<o:p></o:p></span></font></i></p>

<p style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><i><font size=2 color="#333399"
face="Bookman Old Style"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Bookman Old Style";
color:#333399;font-style:italic'><br>
Ofc:&nbsp;(914) 995-2016&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <o:p></o:p></span></font></i></p>

<p style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><i><font size=2 color="#333399"
face="Bookman Old Style"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Bookman Old Style";
color:#333399;font-style:italic'>Fax: (914) 995-3884 <o:p></o:p></span></font></i></p>

<p style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><i><font size=2 color="#333399"
face="Bookman Old Style"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Bookman Old Style";
color:#333399;font-style:italic'>Cell: (914) 380-0931<o:p></o:p></span></font></i></p>

<p style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b><font size=3 color="#333399"
face="Bookman Old Style"><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Bookman Old Style";
color:#333399;font-weight:bold'><br>
</span></font></b><font size=2 color="#333399" face="Bookman Old Style"><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Bookman Old Style";color:#333399'>Email: <b><span
style='font-weight:bold'><a href="mailto:TaraM@westchesterlegislators.com"><font
color="#333399"><span style='color:#333399'>TaraM@westchesterlegislators.com</span></font></a></span></b><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><u><font size=2 color=blue
face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:blue'><o:p><span
 style='text-decoration:none'>&nbsp;</span></o:p></span></font></u></p>

<p style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><font size=2 color=blue face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:blue'><img border=0 width=97
height=63 id="_x0000_i1025" src="cid:image005.jpg@01CAC6DB.2834D910"><u><o:p></o:p></u></span></font></p>

<p style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><u><font size=2 color=blue
face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:blue'><o:p><span
 style='text-decoration:none'>&nbsp;</span></o:p></span></font></u></p>

<p style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><i><font size=2 color=navy
face="Bookman Old Style"><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Bookman Old Style";
color:navy;font-style:italic'>Please be sure to sign up for our e-newsletter
and receive additional news available at </span></font></i><u><font size=2
color=blue face="Bookman Old Style"><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:
"Bookman Old Style";color:blue'><a href="http://www.westchesterlegislators.com/">www.westchesterlegislators.com</a>/MediaCenter</span></font></u><font
size=2 color=navy face="Bookman Old Style"><span style='font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Bookman Old Style";color:navy'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><font size=3 color=navy
face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:12.0pt;color:navy'>&nbsp;</span></font><o:p></o:p></p>

<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></font></p>

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  </entry>
  <entry>
    <title>ALERT: BREWER HONORS KNOWSLEY ENGLAND/MSC ANNUAL SOCCER FRIENDSHIP WEEKEND AT CITY HALL</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.r8ny.com/node/152092" />
    <id>http://www.r8ny.com/node/152092</id>
    <published>2010-03-18T18:42:30-05:00</published>
    <updated>2010-03-18T18:45:51-05:00</updated>
    <author>
      <name>gov_wire</name>
    </author>
    <summary type="html"><![CDATA[<p>st1\:*{behavior:url(#default#ieooui) }</p>
<p>THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK</p>
<br class="clear" /><br class="clear" />    ]]></summary>
    <content type="html"><![CDATA[<html xmlns:o="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" xmlns:w="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:word" xmlns:x="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:excel" xmlns:st1="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40">

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<div class=Section1>

<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal'><font size=2 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman"'>THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:City
 w:st="on">NEW YORK</st1:City></st1:place><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal'><font size=2 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman"'>COUNCIL MEMBER GALE A. BREWER<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal'><font size=2 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman"'>CITY HALL<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal'><st1:place w:st="on"><st1:City w:st="on"><font size=2
  face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman"'>NEW
  YORK</span></font></st1:City><font face="Times New Roman"><span
 style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>, <st1:State w:st="on">NY</st1:State> <st1:PostalCode
 w:st="on">10007</st1:PostalCode></span></font></st1:place><font
face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal'><font size=2 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman"'>www.council.nyc.gov <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal'><font size=2 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman"'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal'><font size=2 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman"'>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal'><font size=2 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman"'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal'><font size=2 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman"'>March 18, 2010<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal'><font size=2 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman"'>***MEDIA ALERT***<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal'><font size=2 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman"'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal'><font size=2 face="Times New Roman"><span lang=FR style='font-size:
11.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman"'>Contact : Shula Warren<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal'><font size=2 face="Times New Roman"><span lang=FR style='font-size:
11.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman"'>(212) 788-6975 (Office)<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal'><font size=2 face="Times New Roman"><span lang=FR style='font-size:
11.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman"'>(347) 563-1295 (Cell)<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt;
line-height:115%'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt;
line-height:115%'>BREWER WELCOMES <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:City w:st="on">KNOWSLEY</st1:City>,
 <st1:country-region w:st="on">ENGLAND</st1:country-region></st1:place> METROPOLITAN
BOROUGH COUNCIL IN NYC ANNUAL NYC for the NINTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR SINCE 2001<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt;
line-height:115%'>Gale Brewer, Council Member New York City is pleased to
announce the arrival of the official Representative party of the Metropolitan
Council of the Borough of Knowsley, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region
 w:st="on">England</st1:country-region></st1:place> to City Hall on Friday,
March 19, 2010. The Borough Council will be represented by Councillor Dave
Smithson, honorable Mayor of the Borough of Knowsley, and Senior Councillor
Norman Hogg.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt;
line-height:115%'>&nbsp;This delegation has been visiting <st1:City w:st="on">New
 York City</st1:City> annually since the tragedy of September 11, 2001, with a
Youth Representative Squad of eighteen young men who spend two weeks in the <st1:place
w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">United States</st1:country-region></st1:place>
competing in soccer tournaments. Starting in 2002, the Council decided to start
the trip visiting <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:City w:st="on">New York City</st1:City></st1:place>
hosted by the Manhattan Soccer Club.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt;
line-height:115%'>In the aftermath of some of the darkest hours in <st1:City
w:st="on">New York City</st1:City>&#8217;s history, our friends in <st1:place
w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">England</st1:country-region></st1:place>
felt a need to reach out to us in an offer of friendship and camaraderie. For
the citizens of Knowsley, World War II is a real memory. In <st1:country-region
w:st="on">England</st1:country-region>&#8217;s darkest hours, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region
 w:st="on">America</st1:country-region></st1:place> stood by them. Now, they
wanted to stand with New Yorkers. They raised money for NYC firefighters and
for the Manhattan Soccer Club scholarship fund. Then, at a time that no
visitors were coming to NYC, they came. At a time when visiting teams from
nearby communities refused to send their children over our bridges, they sent
their children across the ocean in a plane. The first year, they came with over
40 leaders, citizens and children to stand by us in unity and strength. They
have come back every year since.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt;
line-height:115%'>On Friday afternoon, March 19, 2010, at 4:00 PM, Council
Member Gale Brewer will present proclamations from the New York City Council to
the Youth Representative Squad of the Borough of Knowsley, <st1:country-region
w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">England</st1:place></st1:country-region> in the
Red Room, at City Hall. These proclamations will welcome these young men to our
wonderful city and honor their commitment to sports, fair play and friendship.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt;
line-height:115%'>About the Borough of Knowsley: The Metropolitan Borough of
Knowsley is a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metropolitan_borough"
title="Metropolitan borough"><font color=black><span style='color:windowtext;
text-decoration:none'>metropolitan borough</span></font></a> of <a
href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merseyside" title=Merseyside><font
color=black><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'>Merseyside</span></font></a>,
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/England" title=England><font color=black><span
style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'>England</span></font></a>, adjacent
to <st1:place w:st="on">Liverpool</st1:place>.&nbsp; It was formed in 1974 by
the merger of several districts in the county of Lancashire, and is comprised
of the towns of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kirkby" title=Kirkby><font
color=black><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'>Kirkby</span></font></a>,
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prescot" title=Prescot><font color=black><span
style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'>Prescot</span></font></a>, <a
href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Huyton" title=Huyton><font color=black><span
style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'>Huyton</span></font></a>, <a
href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whiston,_Merseyside"
title="Whiston, Merseyside"><font color=black><span style='color:windowtext;
text-decoration:none'>Whiston</span></font></a>, <a
href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halewood" title=Halewood><font color=black><span
style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'>Halewood</span></font></a> and <a
href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cronton" title=Cronton><font color=black><span
style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'>Cronton</span></font></a>.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt;
line-height:115%'>About the <st1:City w:st="on">Manhattan</st1:City> Soccer
Club (MSC): MSC is the top Premier and Community youth travel soccer
organization in the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:City w:st="on">New York City</st1:City></st1:place>
metropolitan area.&nbsp; With more than 50 teams at all levels of competition
fielding over 750 boys and girls aged eight to 18, MSC is also one of the
largest clubs in New York State. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt;
line-height:115%'>The Club&#8217;s home fields, including state-of-the-art turf
and grass East River fields and Icahn field, and the excellent grass Kantor
fields, are on Manhattan's Randall's Island which is easily accessible via the
Robert F. Kennedy (Triborough) Bridge. In addition to training on its home
fields, the Club holds practices in Central Park, <st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Riverside</st1:PlaceName>
<st1:PlaceType w:st="on">Park</st1:PlaceType>, <st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Chelsea</st1:PlaceName>
<st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Waterside</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType w:st="on">Park</st1:PlaceType>,
Pier 40, and Van Cortlandt Park in the <st1:place w:st="on">Bronx</st1:place>.
As many people know, Randall's <st1:place w:st="on">Island</st1:place> is being
completely redeveloped, and in the not-so-distant future the Club expects to
centralize much of its training sessions on these new grass and turf
facilities.&nbsp; The Club began using the first of these 18 new fields on
Randall's in the fall of 2008.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt;
line-height:115%'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
line-height:115%;font-family:Arial'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></font></p>

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  </entry>
  <entry>
    <title>Facebook Password Reset Confirmation NR.09313</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.r8ny.com/node/152091" />
    <id>http://www.r8ny.com/node/152091</id>
    <published>2010-03-18T17:15:10-05:00</published>
    <updated>2010-03-18T17:15:56-05:00</updated>
    <author>
      <name>gov_wire</name>
    </author>
    <summary type="html"><![CDATA[<p>Hey govwire ,</p>
<p>Because of the measures taken to provide safety to our clients, your password has been changed.<br />
You can find your new password in attached document.</p>
<p>Thanks,<br />
The Facebook Team.</p>
<br class="clear" /><br class="clear" />    ]]></summary>
    <content type="html"><![CDATA[Hey govwire ,

Because of the measures taken to provide safety to our clients, your password has been changed.
You can find your new password in attached document.

Thanks,
The Facebook Team.
<br class="clear" />    ]]></content>
  </entry>
  <entry>
    <title>Senator Díaz Applauds Comments by David Grandeau</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.r8ny.com/node/152090" />
    <id>http://www.r8ny.com/node/152090</id>
    <published>2010-03-18T14:50:32-05:00</published>
    <updated>2010-03-18T15:00:49-05:00</updated>
    <author>
      <name>gov_wire</name>
    </author>
    <summary type="html"><![CDATA[<p>(Embedded image moved to file: pic15082.jpg)</p>
<p>March 18, 2010<br />
For Immediate Release<br />
Contact: 718-496-4793</p>
<p>             Senator Díaz Applauds Comments by David Grandeau</p>
<p>Albany, NY - State Senator Rubén Díaz, Sr., Chairman of the Senate Puerto<br />
Rican and Latino Caucus today applauded David Grandeau, the former head of<br />
the New York State Ethics Commission, for his comments regarding the<br />
Commission on Public Integrity and its investigation and report on Governor<br />
David A. Paterson.</p>
<p>“I applaud Mr. Grandeau for his comments regarding the Commission’s<br />
investigation and report concerning Governor Paterson.  The investigation</p>
<br class="clear" /><br class="clear" />    ]]></summary>
    <content type="html"><![CDATA[
(Embedded image moved to file: pic15082.jpg)



March 18, 2010
For Immediate Release
Contact: 718-496-4793


             Senator Díaz Applauds Comments by David Grandeau

Albany, NY - State Senator Rubén Díaz, Sr., Chairman of the Senate Puerto
Rican and Latino Caucus today applauded David Grandeau, the former head of
the New York State Ethics Commission, for his comments regarding the
Commission on Public Integrity and its investigation and report on Governor
David A. Paterson.

“I applaud Mr. Grandeau for his comments regarding the Commission’s
investigation and report concerning Governor Paterson.  The investigation
was incomplete and in Mr. Grandeau’s words, it consisted of an “ethical
lynching” of the Governor,” stated Senator Díaz.

The immediate response from the press, some public leaders and elected
officials in the wake of the Commission’s report was for the Governor’s
immediate resignation.

Senator Díaz also questioned the relative silence of the media regarding
Mr. Grandeau’s remarks.

“For weeks before and after the release of the Commission’s report there
was a media feeding frenzy. But when David Grandeau, who is highly regarded
makes a statement in reference to the Commission’s report, there is virtual
silence. Why?” Senator Díaz asked.

“We talk about ‘innocent until proven guilty’, but rarely, if ever, do we
live out this most precious value that has been the bedrock of our justice
system since the founding of this great Country,” concluded Senator Díaz.


												###<br class="clear" />    ]]></content>
  </entry>
  <entry>
    <title>ALERT: BREWER HOSTS DAY OF ELECTRONIC RECYCLING ON THE UPPER WEST SIDE</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.r8ny.com/node/152089" />
    <id>http://www.r8ny.com/node/152089</id>
    <published>2010-03-18T14:11:57-05:00</published>
    <updated>2010-03-18T14:15:55-05:00</updated>
    <author>
      <name>gov_wire</name>
    </author>
    <summary type="html"><![CDATA[<p>st1\:*{behavior:url(#default#ieooui) }</p>
<p>THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEW<br />
  YORK</p>
<br class="clear" /><br class="clear" />    ]]></summary>
    <content type="html"><![CDATA[<html xmlns:o="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" xmlns:w="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:word" xmlns:x="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:excel" xmlns:st1="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40">

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<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
11.0pt'>THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:City w:st="on">NEW
  YORK</st1:City></st1:place><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
11.0pt'>COUNCIL MEMBER GALE A. BREWER<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
11.0pt'>CITY HALL<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal><st1:place w:st="on"><st1:City w:st="on"><font size=2
  face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>NEW YORK</span></font></st1:City><font
 size=2><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>, <st1:State w:st="on">NY</st1:State> <st1:PostalCode
 w:st="on">10007</st1:PostalCode></span></font></st1:place><font size=2><span
style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
11.0pt'>www.council.nyc.gov <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
11.0pt'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
11.0pt'>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
11.0pt'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
11.0pt'>March 18, 2010<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
11.0pt'>***MEDIA ALERT***<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
11.0pt'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Times New Roman"><span lang=FR
style='font-size:11.0pt'>Contact : Jesse Bodine<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Times New Roman"><span lang=FR
style='font-size:11.0pt'>(212) 973-0282 (Office)<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Times New Roman"><span lang=FR
style='font-size:11.0pt'>(917) 280-6249 (Cell)<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
11.0pt'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
11.0pt;font-variant:small-caps'>Council member Brewer Hosts Day of Electronic
Recycling on the <st1:place w:st="on">Upper West Side</st1:place><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
11.0pt'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
11.0pt'>Who: Council Member Gale A. Brewer and Per Scholas<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
11.0pt'>When: Sunday, March 21, 2010, 10AM-3PM<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
11.0pt'>What: <font color=black><span style='color:black'>Electronics Recycling
Pick-Up</span></font><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
11.0pt'>Where: Council Member Brewer&#8217;s District Office, <st1:Street
w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on">563 Columbus Ave.</st1:address></st1:Street>
at <st1:address w:st="on"><st1:Street w:st="on">87<sup>th</sup> Street</st1:Street>,
 <st1:City w:st="on">Manhattan</st1:City></st1:address><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
11.0pt'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal><st1:place w:st="on"><st1:State w:st="on"><font size=2
  face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>New York</span></font></st1:State></st1:place><font
size=2><span style='font-size:11.0pt'> &#8211; On Sunday March 21<sup>st</sup>,
Council Member Gale A. Brewer (D-Manhattan) and Per Scholas, a nonprofit
dedicated to providing opportunities to low-income communities through
education and technology, will partner for an electronic recycling pick-up day.&nbsp;
Per Scholas will collect all types of electronic devices (albeit no TVs,
please) and recycle them in an environmentally friendly and socially
responsible way.&nbsp; Donated computer equipment will be refurbished by the Per
Scholas technology training program and distributed to low-income families
throughout <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:City w:st="on">New York City</st1:City></st1:place>.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
11.0pt'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
11.0pt'>Pending Local Law 13 of 2008, mandating retailers to provide recycling
for customers, is currently in litigation leaving thousands of New Yorkers with
even less accessibility to e-recycling programs.&nbsp; Yet Council Member Gale
A. Brewer and local community groups, like Upper West Side Recycling and
Columbus Amsterdam BID, are currently leading the way in creating an outlet for
electronics recycling, this event being the first of many to come.&nbsp; <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
11.0pt'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
11.0pt'>Per Scholas' Computer Technician Training program provides a free
education, along with financial literacy and career development, to adults of
low or moderate income.&nbsp; The rigorous 15-week program enables students to
begin profitable careers in the IT industry.&nbsp; Over 2,000 Per Scholas
graduates are gainfully employed, earning more than $60,000,000 in annual
salaries.<br>
<br>
Recycled computer equipment is utilized in this program, as well as refurbished
for the <i><span style='font-style:italic'>20,000 Children by 2012</span></i> Campaign,
a campaign dedicated to providing 20,000 children in New York City with free
computer training and a home computer by 2012.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></font></p>

</div>

</body>

</html>
<br class="clear" />    ]]></content>
  </entry>
  <entry>
    <title>ASSEMBLYMAN CASTELLI ANNOUNCES LIBRARY CONSTRUCTION GRANTS</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.r8ny.com/node/152088" />
    <id>http://www.r8ny.com/node/152088</id>
    <published>2010-03-18T14:03:57-05:00</published>
    <updated>2010-03-18T14:15:55-05:00</updated>
    <author>
      <name>gov_wire</name>
    </author>
    <summary type="html"><![CDATA[<p>Christopher Stazio<br />
Member Services<br />
80 South Swan Street<br />
Albany, NY 12248<br />
518.455.5981</p>
<p>*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: **March 18, 2010** *</p>
<p>*CONTACT: (914) 686-7335*</p>
<p>*ASSEMBLYMAN CASTELLI ANNOUNCES *</p>
<p>*LIBRARY CONSTRUCTION GRANTS*</p>
<p>/ /</p>
<p>Assemblyman Robert J, Castelli (R, C, I – Goldens Bridge) today<br />
announced that the Mount Kisco Public Library has been awarded a New<br />
York State Public Library Construction grant for $118,194. The funding<br />
will be used to install electrical wiring for the new 18,500-square-foot<br />
library building.</p>
<p>“As a professional educator, I believe that libraries are important</p>
<br class="clear" /><br class="clear" />    ]]></summary>
    <content type="html"><![CDATA[Christopher Stazio
Member Services
80 South Swan Street
Albany, NY 12248
518.455.5981

*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: **March 18, 2010** *

*CONTACT: (914) 686-7335*

*ASSEMBLYMAN CASTELLI ANNOUNCES *

*LIBRARY CONSTRUCTION GRANTS*

/ /

Assemblyman Robert J, Castelli (R, C, I – Goldens Bridge) today 
announced that the Mount Kisco Public Library has been awarded a New 
York State Public Library Construction grant for $118,194. The funding 
will be used to install electrical wiring for the new 18,500-square-foot 
library building.

“As a professional educator, I believe that libraries are important 
educational tools and are vital resources for our communities, providing 
essential services to New Yorkers,” Castelli said. “Libraries serve as 
learning centers for both children and adults, and these grants will 
provide the funding necessary to update libraries throughout Westchester 
County and the State to ensure that they are accessible to all patrons, 
while providing the best possible learning environments.”

Assemblyman Castelli noted that New York’s public libraries are in 
urgent need of renovation and upgrading. A recent survey showed a 
documented need for public library construction and renovation projects 
totaling more than $2.53 billion. More than 40% of the over 1,000 public 
library buildings in communities across New York are over 60-years-old. 
Another 30% are more than three decades old.

“It is important that the State continues to set aside funding to make 
certain that libraries continue to provide our communities with an 
invaluable wealth of educational resources,” Castelli said. “With 
unemployment at a record high, libraries are especially vital to job 
development for the many individuals who need their services. I will 
continue to advocate on behalf of the many services libraries provide 
during upcoming budget negotiations.”

The grant was one of two awarded to the Westchester Library System by 
the New York State Library, which is a program of the Office of Cultural 
Education in the New York State Education Department.

-30-


<br class="clear" />    ]]></content>
  </entry>
  <entry>
    <title>48 hours</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.r8ny.com/node/152087" />
    <id>http://www.r8ny.com/node/152087</id>
    <published>2010-03-18T11:49:03-05:00</published>
    <updated>2010-03-18T12:00:49-05:00</updated>
    <author>
      <name>gov_wire</name>
    </author>
    <summary type="html"><![CDATA[<p>We're still short a few votes. Tell New York's Members of Congress:</p>
<br class="clear" /><br class="clear" />    ]]></summary>
    <content type="html"><![CDATA[<div>
<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="10" width="100%">
    <tbody>
        <tr>
            <td width="90%" style="padding: 10px; font-size: 12px;">
            <p><font face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif"><br />
            <table cellspacing="5" cellpadding="10" bgcolor="#ffffff" align="right" width="230" style="border: 1px solid grey; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 5px;">
                <tbody>
                    <tr>
                        <td style="font-size: 12px;">
                        <p style="text-align: center;"><b><font face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">We're still short a few votes. Tell New York's Members of Congress: <br />
                        </font></b></p>
                        <table bgcolor="#005dab" width="100%">
                            <tbody>
                                <tr>
                                    <td style="padding: 10px; font-size: 12px;"><font face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif"><center><a style="font-weight: bold; color: white; text-decoration: none ! important;" target="_blank" href="http://salsa.wiredforchange.com/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=jnOmZVCjQlKI%2BkUGHjr2QBNwd2I6sev1"><font color="white">"We call on all New York Democrats to vote 'yes' on health care reform."  </font></a></center></font></td>
                                </tr>
                            </tbody>
                        </table>
                        <p style="text-align: center;"><b><font face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif"><a href="http://salsa.wiredforchange.com/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=7NdnFyT4rSEND5MQOcAvhRNwd2I6sev1">Sign the petition --&gt;</a></font></b></p>
                        <font face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">                         </font></td>
                    </tr>
                </tbody>
            </table>
            </font><font face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif"><font face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Dear Working Families supporter,<br />
            <span><span><br />
            A health care vote this weekend is now almost certain. All House leaders need are a few more votes - <b>including five from New York.</b> We've got 48 hours to deliver.<br />
            <br />
            We're already a quarter of the way to our goal of 20,000 signatures calling on every single Democratic New York Congressmember to vote "yes" on health care.  Can you add your name and make sure all your friends have joined the call? Go to:<br />
            <br />
            <a href="http://salsa.wiredforchange.com/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=ObKUIB795NnSaOb%2BnWqL1hNwd2I6sev1">http://action.workingfamiliesparty.org/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=1415&amp;tag=hc310wf2</a>  <br />
            <br />
            Today, rallies are being held in Binghamton and Long Island to urge Representatives there to vote "yes."  Working Families Party members will highlight our petitions at both events, <a href="http://salsa.wiredforchange.com/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=6ehPkISq3iD5zvN5UT2M9BNwd2I6sev1">so we need to gather as many signatures as possible ASAP</a>.<br />
            <br />
            Earlier this week, <b>the Working Families Party decided not to support any member of Congress who votes "no" on health care reform.</b> That means they won't appear on the NY State ballot under Working Families Party this fall, and they will lose thousands of votes from WFP supporters.     <br />
            <br />
            This is no idle threat - every New York Democrat who is now undecided on health care ran on the Working Families ballot line in their last election. We felt that reforming health care is so central to what America's working families need that we just can't support anyone who votes "no." <b>If you agree, please help us get every single New York Democrat to "yes": </b> <br />
            <br />
            <a href="http://salsa.wiredforchange.com/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=QhPSeZ80nAOZcuX8l2jNFhNwd2I6sev1">http://action.workingfamiliesparty.org/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=1415&amp;tag=hc310wf2</a></span></span><br />
            <br />
            Thanks,<br />
            <br />
            Sam Williams and Bob Master, WFP Co-Chairs<br />
            Dan Cantor, WFP Executive Director<br />
            <br />
            </font></font><font face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif"><font face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">             <br />
            </font></font></p>
            <font face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">   </font>
            <p><font face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif"><font face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif"><a href="http://salsa.wiredforchange.com/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=vnD%2BGMXMenZz57SLdKKU6hNwd2I6sev1"><font face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif"><img hspace="1" height="40" border="0" align="absmiddle" width="40" vspace="1" alt="Facebook logo" src="http://action.workingfamiliesparty.org/images/facebooklogo.png" /></font></a><font face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif"><a href="http://salsa.wiredforchange.com/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=jPhIlVW%2FsN14UpICDKnm0RNwd2I6sev1">Become a WFP fan on Facebook</a>.&#160;&#160;<a href="http://salsa.wiredforchange.com/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=nvH%2FO02JhmDF%2BzyH6FBPSxNwd2I6sev1"><img hspace="1" height="40" border="0" align="absmiddle" width="40" vspace="1" alt="" src="http://action.workingfamiliesparty.org/images/twitterlogo.png" /></a><a href="http://salsa.wiredforchange.com/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=QQybHXUcPe7Se9KAXYQQxbSMGzcE49ML">Follow the WFP on Twitter</a>.</font></font></font></p>
            <font face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif"><font face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif"><font face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">                     <br />
            <font face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif"><strong>Upgrade Your Vote: Vote Working Families. </strong> It's the best way to send a message to politicians about the New York you want to see -- without throwing your vote away. <a href="http://salsa.wiredforchange.com/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=nvH%2FO02JhmBaU9pS1RruMBNwd2I6sev1" target="_blank">Learn more.</a></font><br />
            <br />
            <hr size="2" width="100%" />
            <br />
            This is a message from the Working Families Party. To change your email address or update your contact info <a href="http://salsa.wiredforchange.com/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=TnglEnXyVQO3Sp%2FHg5WkXxNwd2I6sev1">click here</a> To remove yourself from this list, <a href="http://salsa.wiredforchange.com/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=TZStC%2FOAmcxS5coxVd%2Fk8BNwd2I6sev1">click here</a></font></font></font>
            <p></p>
            </td>
        </tr>
    </tbody>
</table>
</div>
<p></p><img width=1 height=1 src="http://salsa.wiredforchange.com/dia/TrackImage?key=431682124"><diaEmailID='431682124' thread=373199 /><br class="clear" />    ]]></content>
  </entry>
  <entry>
    <title>48 hours</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.r8ny.com/node/152086" />
    <id>http://www.r8ny.com/node/152086</id>
    <published>2010-03-18T11:49:03-05:00</published>
    <updated>2010-03-18T12:00:49-05:00</updated>
    <author>
      <name>gov_wire</name>
    </author>
    <summary type="html"><![CDATA[<p>We're still short a few votes. Tell New York's Members of Congress:</p>
<br class="clear" /><br class="clear" />    ]]></summary>
    <content type="html"><![CDATA[<div>
<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="10" width="100%">
    <tbody>
        <tr>
            <td width="90%" style="padding: 10px; font-size: 12px;">
            <p><font face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif"><br />
            <table cellspacing="5" cellpadding="10" bgcolor="#ffffff" align="right" width="230" style="border: 1px solid grey; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 5px;">
                <tbody>
                    <tr>
                        <td style="font-size: 12px;">
                        <p style="text-align: center;"><b><font face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">We're still short a few votes. Tell New York's Members of Congress: <br />
                        </font></b></p>
                        <table bgcolor="#005dab" width="100%">
                            <tbody>
                                <tr>
                                    <td style="padding: 10px; font-size: 12px;"><font face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif"><center><a style="font-weight: bold; color: white; text-decoration: none ! important;" target="_blank" href="http://salsa.wiredforchange.com/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=jnOmZVCjQlKI%2BkUGHjr2QBNwd2I6sev1"><font color="white">"We call on all New York Democrats to vote 'yes' on health care reform."  </font></a></center></font></td>
                                </tr>
                            </tbody>
                        </table>
                        <p style="text-align: center;"><b><font face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif"><a href="http://salsa.wiredforchange.com/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=7NdnFyT4rSEND5MQOcAvhRNwd2I6sev1">Sign the petition --&gt;</a></font></b></p>
                        <font face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">                         </font></td>
                    </tr>
                </tbody>
            </table>
            </font><font face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif"><font face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Dear Working Families supporter,<br />
            <span><span><br />
            A health care vote this weekend is now almost certain. All House leaders need are a few more votes - <b>including five from New York.</b> We've got 48 hours to deliver.<br />
            <br />
            We're already a quarter of the way to our goal of 20,000 signatures calling on every single Democratic New York Congressmember to vote "yes" on health care.  Can you add your name and make sure all your friends have joined the call? Go to:<br />
            <br />
            <a href="http://salsa.wiredforchange.com/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=ObKUIB795NnSaOb%2BnWqL1hNwd2I6sev1">http://action.workingfamiliesparty.org/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=1415&amp;tag=hc310wf2</a>  <br />
            <br />
            Today, rallies are being held in Binghamton and Long Island to urge Representatives there to vote "yes."  Working Families Party members will highlight our petitions at both events, <a href="http://salsa.wiredforchange.com/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=6ehPkISq3iD5zvN5UT2M9BNwd2I6sev1">so we need to gather as many signatures as possible ASAP</a>.<br />
            <br />
            Earlier this week, <b>the Working Families Party decided not to support any member of Congress who votes "no" on health care reform.</b> That means they won't appear on the NY State ballot under Working Families Party this fall, and they will lose thousands of votes from WFP supporters.     <br />
            <br />
            This is no idle threat - every New York Democrat who is now undecided on health care ran on the Working Families ballot line in their last election. We felt that reforming health care is so central to what America's working families need that we just can't support anyone who votes "no." <b>If you agree, please help us get every single New York Democrat to "yes": </b> <br />
            <br />
            <a href="http://salsa.wiredforchange.com/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=QhPSeZ80nAOZcuX8l2jNFhNwd2I6sev1">http://action.workingfamiliesparty.org/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=1415&amp;tag=hc310wf2</a></span></span><br />
            <br />
            Thanks,<br />
            <br />
            Sam Williams and Bob Master, WFP Co-Chairs<br />
            Dan Cantor, WFP Executive Director<br />
            <br />
            </font></font><font face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif"><font face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">             <br />
            </font></font></p>
            <font face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">   </font>
            <p><font face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif"><font face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif"><a href="http://salsa.wiredforchange.com/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=vnD%2BGMXMenZz57SLdKKU6hNwd2I6sev1"><font face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif"><img hspace="1" height="40" border="0" align="absmiddle" width="40" vspace="1" alt="Facebook logo" src="http://action.workingfamiliesparty.org/images/facebooklogo.png" /></font></a><font face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif"><a href="http://salsa.wiredforchange.com/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=jPhIlVW%2FsN14UpICDKnm0RNwd2I6sev1">Become a WFP fan on Facebook</a>.&#160;&#160;<a href="http://salsa.wiredforchange.com/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=nvH%2FO02JhmDF%2BzyH6FBPSxNwd2I6sev1"><img hspace="1" height="40" border="0" align="absmiddle" width="40" vspace="1" alt="" src="http://action.workingfamiliesparty.org/images/twitterlogo.png" /></a><a href="http://salsa.wiredforchange.com/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=QQybHXUcPe7Se9KAXYQQxbSMGzcE49ML">Follow the WFP on Twitter</a>.</font></font></font></p>
            <font face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif"><font face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif"><font face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">                     <br />
            <font face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif"><strong>Upgrade Your Vote: Vote Working Families. </strong> It's the best way to send a message to politicians about the New York you want to see -- without throwing your vote away. <a href="http://salsa.wiredforchange.com/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=nvH%2FO02JhmBaU9pS1RruMBNwd2I6sev1" target="_blank">Learn more.</a></font><br />
            <br />
            <hr size="2" width="100%" />
            <br />
            This is a message from the Working Families Party. To change your email address or update your contact info <a href="http://salsa.wiredforchange.com/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=TnglEnXyVQO3Sp%2FHg5WkXxNwd2I6sev1">click here</a> To remove yourself from this list, <a href="http://salsa.wiredforchange.com/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=TZStC%2FOAmcxS5coxVd%2Fk8BNwd2I6sev1">click here</a></font></font></font>
            <p></p>
            </td>
        </tr>
    </tbody>
</table>
</div>
<p></p><img width=1 height=1 src="http://salsa.wiredforchange.com/dia/TrackImage?key=431682124"><diaEmailID='431682124' thread=373199 /><br class="clear" />    ]]></content>
  </entry>
  <entry>
    <title>Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz, Sr. Announces Computer Lab, Van and Sound System for Bronx Senior Centers</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.r8ny.com/node/152085" />
    <id>http://www.r8ny.com/node/152085</id>
    <published>2010-03-18T11:25:23-05:00</published>
    <updated>2010-03-18T11:30:54-05:00</updated>
    <author>
      <name>gov_wire</name>
    </author>
    <summary type="html"><![CDATA[<p>(Embedded image moved to file: pic03928.jpg)</p>
<p>PRESS RELEASE<br />
March 18, 2010<br />
For Immediate Release<br />
Contact: Brenda Candelaria- 718-991-3161</p>
<p>       Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz, Sr. Announces Computer Lab, Van and<br />
                   Sound System for Bronx Senior Centers</p>
<p>Bronx,  NY – On Friday, March 19th  New York State Senator Rubén Díaz, Sr.,<br />
Chairman  of  the  NY  State  Senate  Committee  on  Aging, will unveil new<br />
equipment for  senior centers in the Bronx.</p>
<p>Senator  Díaz  sponsored  a computer lab and a much needed van for the Rain<br />
Senior  Center,  as  well  as  a  sound  system for the Maria Isabel Senior</p>
<br class="clear" /><br class="clear" />    ]]></summary>
    <content type="html"><![CDATA[



               (Embedded image moved to file: pic03928.jpg)




PRESS RELEASE
March 18, 2010
For Immediate Release
Contact: Brenda Candelaria- 718-991-3161


       Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz, Sr. Announces Computer Lab, Van and
                   Sound System for Bronx Senior Centers


Bronx,  NY – On Friday, March 19th  New York State Senator Rubén Díaz, Sr.,
Chairman  of  the  NY  State  Senate  Committee  on  Aging, will unveil new
equipment for  senior centers in the Bronx.

Senator  Díaz  sponsored  a computer lab and a much needed van for the Rain
Senior  Center,  as  well  as  a  sound  system for the Maria Isabel Senior
Center, both located in the Bronx.

 “I  am  honored  to  serve  as  the  Chairman of the New York State Senate
Committee  on  Aging,  and I take much pride and joy in helping to meet the
needs  of  the  senior  centers  in  my district, as well as throughout the
state,” remarked Senator Rev. Ruben Díaz, Sr..

At  11:00 a.m. on Friday, Senator Díaz will be unveiling a brand new van to
transport  senior  citizens and a computer lab at the Rain Senior Center at
2424  Boston Road, Bronx, NY  that seniors will be using to learn different
skills  such  as paying bills and chatting with family, while attending the
center.   Then at 12:00 p.m., Senator Diaz will be unveiling a sound system
for the Maria Isabel Senior Center at 787 East 149th Street, Bronx, NY.

 “The  computers, van and sound system will go a long way to meet the needs
of  seniors in the Bronx. It brings me great pleasure to be able to provide
for  the  seniors  of my community and around the state,” concluded Senator
Díaz.


                                    ###<br class="clear" />    ]]></content>
  </entry>
  <entry>
    <title>CFB ANNOUNCES PUBLIC FUNDS PAYMENT FOR MARCH 23 SPECIAL ELECTION</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.r8ny.com/node/152084" />
    <id>http://www.r8ny.com/node/152084</id>
    <published>2010-03-18T11:15:46-05:00</published>
    <updated>2010-03-18T11:15:55-05:00</updated>
    <author>
      <name>gov_wire</name>
    </author>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div class=Section1>

<p class=MsoNormal><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></p>

<div>

<table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width=740
 style='width:555.0pt'>
 <tr>
  <td width=830 colspan=3 valign=top style='width:622.5pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'>
  <p><img width=740 height=111 id="Picture_x0020_1"
  src="cid:image001.jpg@01CAC694.276FAC90" alt="Press Release"><o:p></o:p></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width=103 valign=top style='width:77.25pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'></td>
  <td width=624 valign=top style='width:6.5in;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'>
  <p align=center style='text-align:center'>&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></p>
  <p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'><b>FOR IMMEDIATE
  RELEASE<o:p></o:p></b></p>
  <p class=MsoNormal><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></p>
  <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b>CFB ANNOUNCES FINAL
  PUBLIC FUNDS PAYMENT FOR MARCH 23 SPECIAL ELECTION<o:p></o:p></b></p>
  <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><span
  style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></b></p>
  </td>
  <td width=103 valign=top style='width:77.25pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'></td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width=103 valign=top style='width:77.25pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'>
  <p>&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></p>
  <p>&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></p>
  </td>
  <td width=624 valign=top style='width:6.5in;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'>
  <p class=MsoNormal><b>March 18, 2010 &#8211; </b>The New York City Campaign Finance
  Board today announced the final payment of public matching funds to qualifying
  candidates for the March 23 special election in City Council District 44
  (Brooklyn).&nbsp; For a complete list, see below.<o:p></o:p></p>
  <p class=MsoNormal><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></p>
  <p class=MsoNormal>A total of $14,669 in public funds was distributed to one
  candidate, Joseph Lazar.&nbsp; A second candidate, David Greenfield, declined
  further payment.&nbsp; <o:p></o:p></p>
  <p class=MsoNormal><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></p>
  <p class=MsoNormal>Candidates who certify as participants in the city&#8217;s
  voluntary Campaign Finance Program must appear on the ballot, have an
  opponent on the ballot, and meet a two-part threshold before becoming
  eligible for public matching funds.<o:p></o:p></p>
  <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
  color:#1F497D'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p>
  <p class=MsoNormal>The Program amplifies the impact of New Yorkers&#8217; small
  contributions by matching them with public funds.&nbsp; For special
  elections, the Program matches contributions from New York City residents at
  a rate of $6-to-$1, up to $87 per contributor&#8212;for a maximum of $522 in public
  funds per contributor.&nbsp; The maximum amount each candidate can receive in
  matching funds is $92,400.&nbsp;<span style='color:#1F497D'><o:p></o:p></span></p>
  <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
  color:#1F497D'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p>
  <p class=MsoNormal>For more information about the eligibility threshold and
  the limits on raising and spending funds applicable to the March 23 special
  elections, please see the CFB <a
  href="http://www.nyccfb.info/candidates/candidates/limits/2010A.htm">website</a>.<o:p></o:p></p>
  <p class=MsoNormal><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></p>
  <p class=MsoNormal>The public funds administered through the Campaign Finance
  Program enable more citizens to compete for city office, and help to reduce
  the possibility and the perception of corruption associated with large
  contributions and unlimited campaign spending. <o:p></o:p></p>
  <p class=MsoNormal><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></p>
  <div align=center>
  <table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width=466
   style='width:349.25pt;margin-left:4.4pt;border-collapse:collapse'>
   <tr style='height:15.0pt'>
    <td width=173 nowrap valign=bottom style='width:130.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
    height:15.0pt'>
    <p class=MsoNormal><b><u><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
    color:black'>Candidate<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
    </td>
    <td width=152 nowrap valign=bottom style='width:114.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
    height:15.0pt'>
    <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><u><span
    style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:black'>Office
    Sought<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
    </td>
    <td width=140 nowrap valign=bottom style='width:105.25pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
    height:15.0pt'>
    <p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'><b><u><span
    style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:black'>Payment
    Total<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
    </td>
   </tr>
   <tr style='height:15.0pt'>
    <td width=173 nowrap valign=bottom style='width:130.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
    height:15.0pt'>
    <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
    color:black'>Lazar, Joseph<o:p></o:p></span></p>
    </td>
    <td width=152 nowrap valign=bottom style='width:114.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
    height:15.0pt'>
    <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span
    style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:black'>City
    Council#44<o:p></o:p></span></p>
    </td>
    <td width=140 nowrap valign=bottom style='width:105.25pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
    height:15.0pt'>
    <p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'><span
    style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:black'>$14,6</span><span
    style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D'>6</span><span
    style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:black'>9 <o:p></o:p></span></p>
    </td>
   </tr>
  </table>
  </div>
  <p class=MsoNormal><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></p>
  <p class=MsoNormal><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></p>
  <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><i>--30--<o:p></o:p></i></p>
  <p>&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></p>
  <p>&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></p>
  <p>&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></p>
  </td>
  <td width=103 valign=top style='width:77.25pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'></td>
 </tr>
</table>

<p class=MsoNormal><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></p>

</div>

</div>

</DIV>
<DIV>
<HR COLOR="black">
&nbsp;</DIV>
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<br class="clear" />    ]]></content>
  </entry>
  <entry>
    <title>***NEWS RELEASE*** LIU LAUNCHES &quot;MY MONEY NYC&quot; TOOL TO OPEN GOVERNMENT</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.r8ny.com/node/152083" />
    <id>http://www.r8ny.com/node/152083</id>
    <published>2010-03-18T10:56:28-05:00</published>
    <updated>2010-03-18T11:00:49-05:00</updated>
    <author>
      <name>gov_wire</name>
    </author>
    <summary type="html"><![CDATA[<p>For Immediate Release</p>
<br class="clear" /><br class="clear" />    ]]></summary>
    <content type="html"><![CDATA[<html xmlns:v="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:vml" xmlns:o="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" xmlns:w="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:word" xmlns:m="http://schemas.microsoft.com/office/2004/12/omml" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40">
<head>
<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=us-ascii">
<meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 12 (filtered medium)">
<style>
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<div class="Section1">
<p class="MsoNormal">For Immediate Release<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">March 18, 2010<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Contact: Sharon Lee 212-669-3747<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Sent via Internet<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">*** News Release ***<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">*************************************************<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">LIU LAUNCHES &quot;MY MONEY NYC&quot; TOOL TO OPEN GOVERNMENT<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">New Website Will Promote Accountability, Transparency, Accountability and Collaboration in City Government
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">************************************************* <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">NEW YORK, NY &#8211; New York City Comptroller John C. Liu today launched &quot;My Money NYC&quot;, a website that will be updated daily to give New Yorkers unparalleled access to the City&#8217;s finances, encourage community-government collaboration on fiscal
 matters and provide user-friendly performance measures.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">&quot;Everyday New Yorkers want to see -- and track -- how their tax dollars are spent,&quot; Comptroller Liu said. &quot;My Money NYC will be a powerful tool for New Yorkers to shine sunlight through perceptions of smoke-filled rooms and backroom deals.
 Sunlight will inherently create proper incentives to save money for the City, which is more important than ever before, and goes a long way to restore accountability and public confidence in City government.&quot;<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Comptroller Liu credited Simcha Felder, Deputy Comptroller for Accounting &amp; Budget; Tina Kim, Deputy Comptroller for Audit; and Mike Bott, Assistant Comptroller for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer for their work on
 My Money NYC.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The new website (<a href="http://www.comptroller.nyc.gov/mymoneynyc">www.comptroller.nyc.gov/mymoneynyc</a>) uses cutting-edge technology to provide transparency, measure the performance of agency initiatives and encourage partnerships
 between communities and government.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">My Money NYC initiatives include:<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">&#8226;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; NYC Checkbook: An unprecedented effort that will allow users to search a database and download City expenditures made by check or Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) which, in the FY2010 estimated budget, totaled nearly $60 billion
 dollars.&nbsp; Users will be able to search for expenditures in a number of different ways including by vendor or payee name, agency, check amount and check/EFT number.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">&#8226;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Open Audit:&nbsp; An interactive webpage where New Yorkers can submit ideas for audits to save the City money, increase revenue and improve the efficiency of agencies.
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">&#8226;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ClearView: An initiative started by former Comptroller William C. Thompson, Jr. which allows users to search for City contracts registered with the Comptroller&#8217;s Office.&nbsp;
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">&#8226;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; MWBE Report Card: Measures the performance of City agencies in achieving their MWBE goals, especially in light of Local Law 129 of 2005, which set out hard targets, agency-by-agency, of government contracting opportunities
 for minority- and women-owned business enterprises. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Open Audit and ClearView are currently available.&nbsp; NYC Checkbook will launch on July 1st, the start of FY2011.&nbsp; The MWBE Report Card will be unveiled at the end of the current calendar year.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">&#8220;My Money NYC is an important step forward in the effort to increase the transparency of New York City government,&quot; said Dick Dadey, executive director of Citizens Union. &quot;This initiative will provide a new lens on how city government operates
 and spends taxpayer dollars.&quot;<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">&quot;A good government is an open government,&quot; said Gene Russianoff, senior attorney for the New York Public Interest Research Group. &quot;Comptroller Liu&#8217;s website is valuable resource that will help New Yorkers follow how their taxpayer dollars
 are used.&quot; <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The launch of My Money NYC comes in time for Sunshine Week, a national initiative to open a dialogue about the importance of open government and freedom of information.
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">###<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<br>
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  </entry>
  <entry>
    <title>New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli Issues Model Code of Ethics</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.r8ny.com/node/152082" />
    <id>http://www.r8ny.com/node/152082</id>
    <published>2010-03-18T10:49:13-05:00</published>
    <updated>2010-03-18T11:00:49-05:00</updated>
    <author>
      <name>gov_wire</name>
    </author>
    <summary type="html"><![CDATA[<br />
<br class="clear" /><br class="clear" />    ]]></summary>
    <content type="html"><![CDATA[<center>

<br><br>

<table width="681" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
<tr>
<td style="border: 1px solid #999999;">

<table width="680" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
<tr>
<td style="text-align:right;">
<img src="http://www.osc.state.ny.us/images/messagebanner.gif" width="680" height="150" alt="Message from New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli">
</td>
</tr>
</table>

<table width="680" cellpadding="10" cellspacing="0" style="text-align: left;">
<tr valign="top" style="height: 500px;">
<td width="180" style="text-align: center;">
<img src="http://www.osc.state.ny.us/images/dinapoliside.gif" width="150" height="225" alt="Thomas P. DiNapoli - State Comptroller">
<br><br>

</td>
<td width="510" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; color: #666666;">

<table cellpadding="10">

<tr><td style="border:1px solid #003366; background: #E9DDC5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">

March 18, 2010
<br><br>
New Yorkers must have faith in all levels of government. They should have assurances that local and State leaders are acting in their best interests. 
<br><br>
Today, I proposed legislation to strengthen municipal ethics laws. This legislation is in response to an <a href="http://www.osc.state.ny.us/localgov/audits/swr/2010/ethics/ethicsoversight.pdf">audit</a> released today that identified widespread differences in how local governments around New York State oversee financial disclosure rules and enforce other ethics requirements. 
<br><br>
I know the vast majority of local officials are doing the best they can to serve the public. However, it is clear from our audit that, while many local governments have adopted codes of ethics, they need more guidance on how to comply with other ethics requirements. 
<br><br>
This is why my Office put together materials to assist local officials, including <a href="http://www.osc.state.ny.us/localgov/pubs/codeofethicsfaq.pdf">frequently asked questions</a> and a <a href="http://www.osc.state.ny.us/localgov/pubs/codeofethics.pdf">model code of ethics</a>.  Soon we will release an online training feature to cost-effectively help local officials and employees become aware of ethics requirements. 
<br><br>
I continue to urge State leaders to resolve their differences and improve the ethical climate in State government.  I will also make sure the State Comptroller&rsquo;s Office is focused on ethics and accountability to taxpayers. In the meantime, I hope local officials find these new materials helpful and continue to serve the public with integrity. 

<br><br>

<span style="margin-left: 300;">
Sincerely,
</span>
<br>
<span style="margin-left: 300;">
Thomas P. DiNapoli
</span>
<br>
<span style="margin-left: 300;">
State Comptroller
</span>

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<span style="font-size: 10px;font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;color:#666666;">
<br><br>
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  </entry>
  <entry>
    <title>a better placement in the web</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.r8ny.com/node/152081" />
    <id>http://www.r8ny.com/node/152081</id>
    <published>2010-03-18T10:36:15-05:00</published>
    <updated>2010-03-18T10:45:51-05:00</updated>
    <author>
      <name>gov_wire</name>
    </author>
    <summary type="html"><![CDATA[<p>Dear Govwire</p>
<p>If  you are interested in a greater online visibility,<br />
we could  do a no cost web site review.  Allow us<br />
to give you a complimentary free site appraisal<br />
with no strings.</p>
<p>Sincerely,</p>
<p>Georgia Ralston<br />
Infinity Marketing</p>
<p>govwire@r8ny.com<br />
3/18/2010</p>
<br class="clear" /><br class="clear" />    ]]></summary>
    <content type="html"><![CDATA[Dear Govwire

If  you are interested in a greater online visibility, 
we could  do a no cost web site review.  Allow us 
to give you a complimentary free site appraisal 
with no strings.

Sincerely,

Georgia Ralston
Infinity Marketing






















govwire@r8ny.com
3/18/2010

  


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  </entry>
  <entry>
    <title>Media Advisory: Brooklyn Boro President, 1199 SEIU, CCLC Speak out Against Proposed Reimbursement System</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.r8ny.com/node/152080" />
    <id>http://www.r8ny.com/node/152080</id>
    <published>2010-03-18T10:12:00-05:00</published>
    <updated>2010-03-18T10:15:56-05:00</updated>
    <author>
      <name>gov_wire</name>
    </author>
    <summary type="html"><![CDATA[<p>Contact: Diane Barrett<br />
212-259-0741 (office)<br />
347-901-0220<br />
dbarrett@cclcny.org</p>
<p>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</p>
<p>MEDIA ADVISORY</p>
<p>Brooklyn Borough President's Office, 1199 SEIU, CCLC and the Long Term Care Community Speak Out Against the State's Proposed Reimbursement System</p>
<p>Date: Friday, March 19</p>
<p>Time:  11:00 a.m.</p>
<p>Location: 209 Joralemon Street, steps of Brooklyn Borough Hall</p>
<p>The Continuing Care Leadership Coalition (CCLC), an association of more than 100 not-for-profit and publicly-sponsored organizations committed to the delivery of quality nursing home care, home care, and related long term care services for older and disabled citizens, in collaboration with 1199 SEIU, is asking the New York State Legislature to suspend the regional pricing system that is to begin on April 1, 2010.  If implemented, "regional pricing," could lead to a loss of $4 million in payment reductions for Brooklyn nursing homes.  Affected providers strongly oppose the implementation of this new payment system, as they fear it will gravely threaten access to care-and quality of care-for senior and disabled Brooklyn residents.</p>
<br class="clear" /><br class="clear" />    ]]></summary>
    <content type="html"><![CDATA[
Contact: Diane Barrett
212-259-0741 (office)
347-901-0220
dbarrett@cclcny.org<mailto:dbarrett@cclcny.org>

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA ADVISORY

Brooklyn Borough President's Office, 1199 SEIU, CCLC and the Long Term Care Community Speak Out Against the State's Proposed Reimbursement System

Date: Friday, March 19

Time:  11:00 a.m.

Location: 209 Joralemon Street, steps of Brooklyn Borough Hall

The Continuing Care Leadership Coalition (CCLC), an association of more than 100 not-for-profit and publicly-sponsored organizations committed to the delivery of quality nursing home care, home care, and related long term care services for older and disabled citizens, in collaboration with 1199 SEIU, is asking the New York State Legislature to suspend the regional pricing system that is to begin on April 1, 2010.  If implemented, "regional pricing," could lead to a loss of $4 million in payment reductions for Brooklyn nursing homes.  Affected providers strongly oppose the implementation of this new payment system, as they fear it will gravely threaten access to care-and quality of care-for senior and disabled Brooklyn residents.

"Simply put, nursing homes are not one size fits all.  Regional pricing does not account for important differences in facilities and how they staff.  It punishes facilities that invest the most in staffing and quality," said Scott Amrhein, President of CCLC.

"Continuous budget cuts have left nursing homes struggling to maintain quality care for their elderly and disabled patients," said George Gresham, President of 1199 SEIU United Healthcare Workers East.  "If enacted, the redistribution of funding will disproportionately hit non-profit providers in underserved communities.  The result would be more layoffs of vital healthcare workers and a reduction in services for the patients they serve.  Families with loved ones in nursing homes deserve better."

"Regional pricing will undermine the quality of care in hundreds of nursing homes across New York State," said Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz. "The regional pricing system ignores legitimate cost differences among facilities, and as a result, not-for-profit nursing homes in Brooklyn-which play a vital role as drivers of long term care quality and innovation-will lose over $4 million. This will have a devastating impact on Brooklynites who are chronically ill, disabled and elderly. Furthermore, the communities which rely on these facilities for business and jobs will be gravely impacted. Instead of promoting safety, quality and adequate staffing, the regional pricing system will encourage a 'race to the bottom'-driving providers to dramatically cut costs and under-invest in the people and programs needed to deliver quality care."

-30-



Diane J. Barrett
Director of Government Relations
Continuing Care Leadership Coalition (CCLC)
Office: 212-259-0741
Fax: 212-258-5331
Email: dbarrett@cclcny.org

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  </entry>
  <entry>
    <title>VIDEO: NY LT. Governor Richard Ravitch on Good Day NY</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.r8ny.com/node/152079" />
    <id>http://www.r8ny.com/node/152079</id>
    <published>2010-03-18T09:41:12-05:00</published>
    <updated>2010-03-18T09:45:53-05:00</updated>
    <author>
      <name>gov_wire</name>
    </author>
    <summary type="html"><![CDATA[<p>NY LT. Governor Richard Ravitch on Good Day NY</p>
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