After a series of bombings, observers fear long-simmering rifts are close to a full-on boil in Iraq.
By Christina Hartman
Anchor: Christina Hartman
Link courtesy of Newsy.com
Friday, December 23, 2011
Jobless Claims are Down
Jobless claims are at the lowest point in more than three and half years. Analysts say it's a sign the U.S. economy is coming around.
Sources:CNBCBloombergMarketWatch
By Jim Flink
Anchor: Jim Flink
Link courtesy of Newsy.com
Ron Paul Battles Media Over Racist Newsletters
Ron Paul is fending off questions about writings that appeared in a newsletter bearing his name and circulated in the late 80s and early 90s.
Sources:KTBCCNNDallasMorningNews
By Christina Hartman
Anchor: Christina Hartman
Link courtesy of Newsy.com
Thursday, December 22, 2011
'This is Good News, Just in Time for the Holidays'
President Obama Lauds Congress on Tax Cut Agreement
For the past several weeks, I’ve stated consistently that it was critical that Congress not go home without preventing a tax increase on 160 million working Americans. Today, I congratulate members of Congress for ending the partisan stalemate by reaching an agreement that meets that test.
Because of this agreement, every working American will keep his or her tax cut – about $1,000 for the average family. That’s about $40 in every paycheck. Vital unemployment insurance will continue for millions of Americans who are looking for work. And when Congress returns, I urge them to keep working to reach an agreement that will extend this tax cut and unemployment insurance for all of 2012 without drama or delay.
This is good news, just in time for the holidays. This is the right thing to do to strengthen our families, grow our economy, and create new jobs. This is real money that will make a real difference in people’s lives. And I want to thank every American who raised your voice to remind folks in this town what this debate was all about. It was about you. And today, your voices made all the difference.
Photo source: The White House
Author: Pete Souza
Permission: Public Domain
Photo source: The White House
Author: Pete Souza
Permission: Public Domain
Newsy Now: Breaking News Headlines
Baghdad bomb leaves 60 dead; missing Kansas woman found safe; Texas jury awards $150 billion settlement; France to remove dangerous breast implants.
By Erik Shute
Anchor: Lauren Gores
Anchor: Lauren Gores
Link courtesy of Newsy.com
Braylon Edwards Makes Good on Scholarship Promise
In 2005, the 49ers receiver offered students a $10,000 college scholarship if they hit certain academic and social achievements.
By Jim Flink
Anchor: Ana Compain-Romero
Link courtesy of Newsy.com
Newt Targets 'Activist Judges'
In the field of GOP candidates, Newt Gingrich isn't alone in his disdain for what he calls judicial activism, but he's arguably the loudest.
Sources:Fox NewsCBSTheWashingtonPost
By Christina Hartman
Anchor: Christina Hartman
Link courtesy of Newsy.com
Thousands Of Egyptian Women March In Protest
Men and women marched through Cairo in protest of military violence against female protesters.
Sources:RTCNNSlateTheNewYorkTimes
By Lauren Zima
Anchor: Lauren Zima
Link courtesy of Newsy.com
Oval Office Chat Session: Obama and Boehner
Trying to Work it Out
Speaker Boehner called the President this morning and the President reiterated to the Speaker that the only viable option currently on the table is for the House of Representatives to pass the bipartisan Senate compromise that received the support of nearly 90 percent of the Senate. The President told Speaker Boehner that he is committed to begin working immediately on a full-year agreement once the House passes the bipartisan Senate compromise that prevents a tax hike on 160 million Americans on January 1.
Photo source: The White House
Author: Pete Souza
Permission: The White House
Photo source: The White House
Author: Pete Souza
Permission: The White House
'I Am Announcing an Additional $113 Million in Emergency Relief Assistance'
President Addresses Horn of Africa Famine
As we enter the season of giving and renewal, more than 13.3 million people in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia remain in urgent need of humanitarian assistance amid the worst drought the region has seen in 60 years. The heartbreaking accounts of lives lost and of those struggling to survive remind us of our common humanity and the need to reach out to people in need. I want to thank the many Americans who have reached out in support, and made donations over the last several months to support people in need in the Horn of Africa.
Today, on behalf of the U.S. Government and the American people, I am announcing an additional $113 million in emergency relief assistance for the Horn of Africa. This funding will support urgently needed food, health, shelter, water and assistance needs. To date, the U.S. has provided approximately $870 million for relief purposes. Importantly, and even as we help to meet the emergency needs of the people of this region, we are also investing in their long-term food securityhttp://www.feedthefuture.gov/.
For more information, please visit the FWD Campaign run by the U.S. Agency for International Development, and to learn more about how you can get involved, please visit http://action.usaid.gov/
Photo source: The White House
Author: Pete Souza
Photo source: The White House
Author: Pete Souza
Permission: Public Domain
Mainstream Media, Do Your Damn Job!
Ron Paul Attacked on Race, While "Nu-Nu", "Lyle", "Big Tex" and "Lady Blah-Blah" Get a Free Pass
Recent news reports indicated that GOP/Libertarian presidential candidate Ron Paul walked out of a CNN interview after reporter Gloria Borger questioned him about racist articles that were published in Paul's newsletters over 20 years ago. Paul has repeatedly claimed that he has no idea who submitted the articles or that he had prior knowledge of the inflammatory content.
Prior to Paul storming out of the interview, he told Borger that the reason the newsletter is still a point of controversy is "because of people like you". The Texas representative may have a point. However, the fact remains that he bolted from the interview segment faster that a New York lobbyist headed to Washington, D.C. That did not and will not serve him well going forward, especially with Black voters who may want to support him but have serious concerns about the newsletter content.
Ron Paul supporters, as you would suspect, are furious that their political savior is being attacked on this issue. Moreover, because Paul has surged in the Iowa polls, his supporters view the attacks as a blatant attempt to discredit the Texas legislator and his candidacy. Many of them also believe that the loyal Libertarian is under attack because GOP leaders would rather see Newt Gingrich, Rick Perry, or Mitt Romney as the potential nominee. Ron Paul supporters may also have a point.
Borger and other media representatives have a responsibility, to the institution that is journalism and concerned voters, to pose important questions and ride any presidential candidate like a Harley Davidson until they get an answer. I don't have a problem with that. What I do have a major problem with is when the mainstream media treats other candidates differently when they, too, have been caught up in controversies regarding race.
It is a well-known fact that Newt "Nu-Nu" Gingrich made many controversial remarks about Blacks and others during his political career and was never really pressed on the issue. Nu-Nu is still doing it and still getting away with it, thanks to the punks, sellouts and corporate whores in media.
Romney, aka Lyle Wagner from the "Carol Burnett Show", staunchly defended Mormonism when the late, great Tim Russert called him out over the fact that Blacks were not allowed to become priests until 1978. Still, there was no mention of this during any of the GOP debates and every news organization, especially NBC, should be ashamed of themselves.
Romney, aka Lyle Wagner from the "Carol Burnett Show", staunchly defended Mormonism when the late, great Tim Russert called him out over the fact that Blacks were not allowed to become priests until 1978. Still, there was no mention of this during any of the GOP debates and every news organization, especially NBC, should be ashamed of themselves.
The link http://www.religioustolerance.org/lds_race1.htm provides more detail on the Book of Mormon's previous views on Blacks within the church.
An argument could be made that the decision to allow Blacks to finally become priest was not based on "a revelation" from God", as indicated by a church official, but the fact that President Jimmy Carter was on the verge of pulling the church's tax exempt status because of its controversial policy. It wouldn't surprise me, in the least, if the latter -- no pun intended -- was the real reason behind the church's decision. Politics is a bitch.
Rick "Big Tex" Perry got stuck in "Niggerhead", and there was no way out of that one. That was a story that screamed to be followed-up on, primarily because numerous elected officials knew about the name of the ranch and still chose to attend events hosted by the Texas governor.
The story was spun to focus on what Perry knew and when he knew it, but the real story involved finding out how many well-known elected officials -- particularly those who represent predominately Black districts -- blatantly disregarded the ranch's name and showed up for a weekend of fun and frolic with Big Tex. Perry, like Nu-Nu and Romney, were simply allowed to pass "Go" and collect campaign contributions....with the help of mainstream media.
Even Michele Bachmann, aka "Lady Blah-Blah", has made comments that would make journalism icon Edward R. Murrow leap from the grave and exclaim, "What the hell?!!"
From The G-Man does not and will not endorse candidates, and this was not written to provide a "push" for Paul's campaign. It was written in order to hold the mainstream media accountable and to make sure they hold every political candidate to the same standard. This has not been happening, and it's a major reason why journalists are loathed and the public is becoming fed up with the two-party system.
Go ahead, mainstream media. Continue to attack Ron Paul on the issue of race and give other candidates a free pass. Go ahead! I dare you! You do so at your own peril and run the risk of looking even more incompetent, inconsistent and incorrigible than you do now.
This commentary is from the heart and.....From The G-Man.
This commentary is from the heart and.....From The G-Man.
Image courtesy of http://cliparts101.com
Romney clip uploaded to YouTube by TruthSeeker211 on Apr 26, 2011
Romney clip uploaded to YouTube by TruthSeeker211 on Apr 26, 2011
Canadian Scientists Get Approval For HIV Vaccine Trial
In a first for Canada, researchers have approval to start HIV vaccine trials on humans.
By Lauren Zima
Anchor: Lauren Zima
Link courtesy of Newsy.com
Lowe's Refuses To Reinstate Ads On All-American Muslim
The home improvement chain was presented with a 200,000 signature petition, but still won't back down.
Sources:WSOCTheHuffingtonPostUSAToday
By Lauren Zima
Anchor: Ana Compain-Romero
Link courtesy of Newsy.com
Analyzing Newt Gingrich’s Gay Voter Comments
Gingrich told a gay voter in Iowa if gay marriage is his number one focus, then he should vote for Obama.
By Charles McKeague
Anchor: Ana Compain-Romero
Link courtesy of Newsy.com
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Presidential Delegation to Czech Republic to Attend Havel Funeral
Madame Secretary Clinton to Lead Delegation
President Barack Obama today announced the designation of a Presidential Delegation to Prague, Czech Republic to attend the funeral of former President Václav Havel, on December 23, 2011.
Members of the Presidential Delegation include the Honorable William J. Clinton, former President of the United States, the Honorable Norman L. Eisen, U.S. Ambassador to the Czech Republic, and the Honorable Madeleine K. Albright, former Secretary of State.
Photo source: www.securityconference.de
Author: Harald Dettenborn
Permission: Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Germany
Gary Johnson Leaves GOP to Run as a Libertarian
Former New Mexico Gov. Gary Johnson is set to announce he's dropping out of the GOP race for the White House in favor of a run as a Libertarian.
By Christina Hartman
Anchor: Christina Hartman
Link courtesy of Newsy.com
Shine, Give, Share: Honoring Military Families for the Holidays
Go inside the White House and the Naval Observatory, the official residence for the Vice President, for the holiday season as we honor military families and their service to our nation.
http://whitehouse.gov/holidays
http://whitehouse.gov/holidays
Open for Questions: Women's Entrepreneurship
Christine Koronides of The White House National Economic Council and Ana Harvey, Associate Administrator of the SBA for Women's Business Ownership, take your questions on women's business ownership.
EPA Issues First National Standards for Mercury Pollution from Power Plants
Historic ‘Mercury and Air Toxics Standards’ Meet 20-Year Old Requirement to Cut Dangerous Smokestack Emissions
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards, the first national standards to protect American families from power plant emissions of mercury and toxic air pollution like arsenic, acid gas, nickel, selenium, and cyanide.
The standards will slash emissions of these dangerous pollutants by relying on widely available, proven pollution controls that are already in use at more than half of the nation’s coal-fired power plants.
EPA estimates that the new safeguards will prevent as many as 11,000 premature deaths and 4,700 heart attacks a year. The standards will also help America’s children grow up healthier – preventing 130,000 cases of childhood asthma symptoms and about 6,300 fewer cases of acute bronchitis among children each year.
"By cutting emissions that are linked to developmental disorders and respiratory illnesses like asthma, these standards represent a major victory for clean air and public health– and especially for the health of our children. With these standards that were two decades in the making, EPA is rounding out a year of incredible progress on clean air in America with another action that will benefit the American people for years to come," said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson.
"The Mercury and Air Toxics Standards will protect millions of families and children from harmful and costly air pollution and provide the American people with health benefits that far outweigh the costs of compliance."
"The Mercury and Air Toxics Standards will protect millions of families and children from harmful and costly air pollution and provide the American people with health benefits that far outweigh the costs of compliance."
“Since toxic air pollution from power plants can make people sick and cut lives short, the new Mercury and Air Toxics Standards are a huge victory for public health,” said Albert A. Rizzo, MD, national volunteer chair of the American Lung Association, and pulmonary and critical care physician in Newark, Delaware.
“The Lung Association expects all oil and coal-fired power plants to act now to protect all Americans, especially our children, from the health risks imposed by these dangerous air pollutants.”
More than 20 years ago, a bipartisan Congress passed the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments and mandated that EPA require control of toxic air pollutants including mercury. To meet this requirement, EPA worked extensively with stakeholders, including industry, to minimize cost and maximize flexibilities in these final standards.
There were more than 900,000 public comments that helped inform the final standards being announced today. Part of this feedback encouraged EPA to ensure the standards focused on readily available and widely deployed pollution control technologies, that are not only manufactured by companies in the United States, but also support short-term and long-term jobs.
The EPA estimates that manufacturing, engineering, installing and maintaining the pollution controls to meet these standards will provide employment for thousands, potentially including 46,000 short-term construction jobs and 8,000 long-term utility jobs.
There were more than 900,000 public comments that helped inform the final standards being announced today. Part of this feedback encouraged EPA to ensure the standards focused on readily available and widely deployed pollution control technologies, that are not only manufactured by companies in the United States, but also support short-term and long-term jobs.
The EPA estimates that manufacturing, engineering, installing and maintaining the pollution controls to meet these standards will provide employment for thousands, potentially including 46,000 short-term construction jobs and 8,000 long-term utility jobs.
Power plants are the largest remaining source of several toxic air pollutants, including mercury, arsenic, cyanide, and a range of other dangerous pollutants, and are responsible for half of the mercury and over 75 percent of the acid gas emissions in the United States.
Today, more than half of all coal-fired power plants already deploy pollution control technologies that will help them meet these achievable standards.
Once final, these standards will level the playing field by ensuring the remaining plants – about 40 percent of all coal fired power plants - take similar steps to decrease dangerous pollutants.
Today, more than half of all coal-fired power plants already deploy pollution control technologies that will help them meet these achievable standards.
Once final, these standards will level the playing field by ensuring the remaining plants – about 40 percent of all coal fired power plants - take similar steps to decrease dangerous pollutants.
As part of the commitment to maximize flexibilities under the law, the standards are accompanied by a Presidential Memorandum that directs EPA to use tools provided in the Clean Air Act to implement the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards in a cost-effective manner that ensures electric reliability.
For example, under these standards, EPA is not only providing the standard three years for compliance, but also encouraging permitting authorities to make a fourth year broadly available for technology installations, and if still more time is needed, providing a well-defined pathway to address any localized reliability problems should they arise.
For example, under these standards, EPA is not only providing the standard three years for compliance, but also encouraging permitting authorities to make a fourth year broadly available for technology installations, and if still more time is needed, providing a well-defined pathway to address any localized reliability problems should they arise.
Mercury has been shown to harm the nervous systems of children exposed in the womb, impairing thinking, learning and early development, and other pollutants that will be reduced by these standards can cause cancer, premature death, heart disease, and asthma.
The Mercury and Air Toxics Standards, which are being issued in response to a court deadline, are in keeping with President Obama’s Executive Order on regulatory reform. They are based on the latest data and provide industry significant flexibility in implementation through a phased-in approach and use of already existing technologies.
The standards also ensure that public health and economic benefits far outweigh costs of implementation. EPA estimates that for every dollar spent to reduce pollution from power plants, the American public will see up to $9 in health benefits. The total health and economic benefits of this standard are estimated to be as much as $90 billion annually.
The Mercury and Air Toxics Standards and the final Cross-State Air Pollution Rule, which was issued earlier this year, are the most significant steps to clean up pollution from power plant smokestacks since the Acid Rain Program of the 1990s.
Combined, the two rules are estimated to prevent up to 46,000 premature deaths, 540,000 asthma attacks among children, 24,500 emergency room visits and hospital admissions.
The two programs are an investment in public health that will provide a total of up to $380 billion in return to American families in the form of longer, healthier lives and reduced health care costs.
The two programs are an investment in public health that will provide a total of up to $380 billion in return to American families in the form of longer, healthier lives and reduced health care costs.
Oval Office Chat Session: Obama, Boehner and Reid
President Urges Speaker to Take Up Bipartisan Compromise Passed in the Senate
Today, the President made separate calls to Speaker Boehner and Leader Reid. In his call to Speaker Boehner, the President reiterated the need and his commitment to work with Congress to extend the payroll tax cut for the entire year, and the fact that the short-term bipartisan compromise passed by almost the entire Senate is the only option to ensure that middle class families aren't hit with a tax hike in 10 days and gives both sides the time needed to work out a full year solution.
President Obama urged the Speaker to take up the bipartisan compromise passed in the Senate with overwhelming Democratic and Republican support that would prevent 160 million working Americans from being hit with a holiday tax hike on January 1st.
The President also spoke with Leader Reid and again applauded him for the work he conducted with Minority Leader McConnell to achieve a successful bipartisan compromise that passed overwhelmingly in the Senate on Saturday, and Senator Reid reaffirmed his commitment to secure a bipartisan year long tax cut after the House passes the two month extension.
The President urged the Speaker to allow a vote on the one compromise that Democrats and Republicans passed together to give the American people the assurance they need during this holiday season that they won't see a significant tax hike in just 10 days.
Photo source: The White House
Author: Pete Souza
Permission: The White House
President Obama urged the Speaker to take up the bipartisan compromise passed in the Senate with overwhelming Democratic and Republican support that would prevent 160 million working Americans from being hit with a holiday tax hike on January 1st.
The President also spoke with Leader Reid and again applauded him for the work he conducted with Minority Leader McConnell to achieve a successful bipartisan compromise that passed overwhelmingly in the Senate on Saturday, and Senator Reid reaffirmed his commitment to secure a bipartisan year long tax cut after the House passes the two month extension.
The President urged the Speaker to allow a vote on the one compromise that Democrats and Republicans passed together to give the American people the assurance they need during this holiday season that they won't see a significant tax hike in just 10 days.
Photo source: The White House
Author: Pete Souza
Permission: The White House
Carney: 'We Call on All Parties to Put an End to Violence'
Statement on the Situation in Syria
The United States continues to believe that the only way to bring about the change that the Syrian people deserve is for Bashar al-Assad to leave power. The words of the Assad regime have no credibility when they continue to be followed by outrageous and deplorable actions. Only two days following the Assad regime’s decision to sign the Arab League initiative, they have already flagrantly violated their commitment to end violence and withdraw security forces from residential areas.
The United States is deeply disturbed by credible reports that the Assad regime continues to indiscriminately kill scores of civilians and army defectors, while destroying homes and shops and arresting protesters without due process. While Syrian security forces have also taken casualties, the overwhelming majority of the violence and loss of life in Syria stems from the actions of the Assad regime, and we call on all parties to put an end to violence.
The United States is deeply disturbed by credible reports that the Assad regime continues to indiscriminately kill scores of civilians and army defectors, while destroying homes and shops and arresting protesters without due process. While Syrian security forces have also taken casualties, the overwhelming majority of the violence and loss of life in Syria stems from the actions of the Assad regime, and we call on all parties to put an end to violence.
Time and again, the Assad regime has demonstrated that it does not deserve to rule Syria. It’s time for this suffering and killing to stop. It’s time for the immediate and full implementation of all terms of the Arab League agreement, including the full withdrawal of security forces, the release of political prisoners, and unfettered access by monitors and international media to all parts of Syria. It’s time for the Syrian people to have the universal rights that they deserve.
The Assad regime is already facing growing isolation and sanctions that are choking off its resources. We urge Syria’s few remaining supporters in the international community to warn Damascus that if the Arab League initiative is once again not fully implemented, the international community will take additional steps to pressure the Assad regime to stop its crackdown. Bashar al-Assad should have no doubt that the world is watching, and neither the international community nor the Syrian people accept his legitimacy.
The Assad regime is already facing growing isolation and sanctions that are choking off its resources. We urge Syria’s few remaining supporters in the international community to warn Damascus that if the Arab League initiative is once again not fully implemented, the international community will take additional steps to pressure the Assad regime to stop its crackdown. Bashar al-Assad should have no doubt that the world is watching, and neither the international community nor the Syrian people accept his legitimacy.
Newsy Now: Breaking News Headlines
U.S. Army Pfc. Manning's defense takes its turn; rumors fly that Kim Jong-Un will share power; and the FAA changes rules for tired pilots.
By Harumendhah Helmy and Mallory Perryman
Anchor: Lauren Gores
Link courtesy of Newsy.com
Candidates Disavow (Yet Benefit From) Super PACs
Several political candidates have publicly decried the influence of super PACs, while also benefiting from them.
By Christina Hartman
Anchor: Christina Hartman
Link courtesy of Newsy.com
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Agreement Reached in Taxi Legislation
An agreement has been reached to provide taxi service to all five boroughs of New York City and improve access to taxi and livery cabs for persons with disabilities.
Governor Andrew Cuomo will approve the bill and the legislature has agreed to introduce a chapter amendment in the next legislative session.
Governor Andrew Cuomo will approve the bill and the legislature has agreed to introduce a chapter amendment in the next legislative session.
The agreement includes the creation of a new class of hail-accessible inter-borough livery licenses, 20% of which will be for vehicles accessible to individuals with disabilities.
The Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) will be authorized to issue up to 18,000 of these new licenses and will be required to provide grants of up to $15,000 to retrofit vehicles to accommodate the disabled or to purchase accessible vehicles.
The agreement also authorizes the city to sell 2,000 new medallions, all of which will be restricted to vehicles that are accessible to the disabled.
"By working together and finding common ground, I am pleased that we have been able to reach a deal that will extend taxi and livery service to the outer boroughs and upper Manhattan, while ensuring full access for the disabled," Governor Cuomo said.
"The bill as originally passed failed to address the needs of individuals with disabilities and did not provide any incentive for the livery industry to ensure disabled New Yorkers had full access to the taxicab system."
"Last January, in my State of the City speech, I announced that our Administration would seek to achieve a goal that had eluded the City for three decades: bringing legal taxi service to the 7 million New Yorkers who live outside Manhattan's Central Business District," said Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg.
"Today, we have achieved that landmark goal – and it is a huge victory for all New Yorkers who have ever sought to hail a cab outside of Manhattan and in northern Manhattan. The new law and the agreement reached today will also generate a much-needed billion dollars in revenue for the City through the sale of 2,000 new yellow medallions, all of which will be wheelchair accessible. In fact, today's agreement, by increasing the number of medallions sold by 500, will provide even more revenue for the City than the original bill passed in June."
Senate Majority Leader Dean G. Skelos added, "Over the past six months we have worked hard with Governor Cuomo, Mayor Bloomberg, the Assembly, and the stakeholders to address a number of concerns. Today's result is an improved piece of legislation that provides much-needed revenue for the City of New York and serves the needs of its residents and all of the interested parties."
"A great deal of effort went into improving the original legislation and in many respects that goal has been accomplished. I am pleased that we can move forward on a signed bill with the understanding that agreed-upon enhancements will be made in January," said Senator Marty Golden.
Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver said the new agreement improves upon the original proposal by providing increased taxi service to the outer boroughs while accommodating the needs of the disabled community. Importantly, this means significant revenue to New York City without raising taxes. Silver made mention of the fact that he was glad that this issue had been resolved.
"I commend Speaker Silver and Governor Cuomo for their tremendous leadership in addressing an issue that has been unresolved for decades. This agreement will mean increased access to taxi service for outer borough residents and disabled individuals," concluded Assemblyman Carl Heastie.
The agreement requires the TLC to prepare a Disabled Accessibility Plan that will ensure improved accessibility of all taxicabs, liveries and the new hail-accessible vehicles over a period of years through the gradual phase-in of accessible vehicles to the fleet.
The Disabled Accessibility Plan will be prepared in consultation with disability rights groups and other stakeholders. The plan will be submitted for public comment and to the City Council, and for approval to the New York State Department of Transportation.
Only 400 of the new taxicab medallions may be issued prior to the approval of the Disabled Accessibility Plan.
Image courtesy of http://all-free-download.com
The agreement also authorizes the city to sell 2,000 new medallions, all of which will be restricted to vehicles that are accessible to the disabled.
"By working together and finding common ground, I am pleased that we have been able to reach a deal that will extend taxi and livery service to the outer boroughs and upper Manhattan, while ensuring full access for the disabled," Governor Cuomo said.
"The bill as originally passed failed to address the needs of individuals with disabilities and did not provide any incentive for the livery industry to ensure disabled New Yorkers had full access to the taxicab system."
"Last January, in my State of the City speech, I announced that our Administration would seek to achieve a goal that had eluded the City for three decades: bringing legal taxi service to the 7 million New Yorkers who live outside Manhattan's Central Business District," said Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg.
"Today, we have achieved that landmark goal – and it is a huge victory for all New Yorkers who have ever sought to hail a cab outside of Manhattan and in northern Manhattan. The new law and the agreement reached today will also generate a much-needed billion dollars in revenue for the City through the sale of 2,000 new yellow medallions, all of which will be wheelchair accessible. In fact, today's agreement, by increasing the number of medallions sold by 500, will provide even more revenue for the City than the original bill passed in June."
Senate Majority Leader Dean G. Skelos added, "Over the past six months we have worked hard with Governor Cuomo, Mayor Bloomberg, the Assembly, and the stakeholders to address a number of concerns. Today's result is an improved piece of legislation that provides much-needed revenue for the City of New York and serves the needs of its residents and all of the interested parties."
"A great deal of effort went into improving the original legislation and in many respects that goal has been accomplished. I am pleased that we can move forward on a signed bill with the understanding that agreed-upon enhancements will be made in January," said Senator Marty Golden.
Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver said the new agreement improves upon the original proposal by providing increased taxi service to the outer boroughs while accommodating the needs of the disabled community. Importantly, this means significant revenue to New York City without raising taxes. Silver made mention of the fact that he was glad that this issue had been resolved.
"I commend Speaker Silver and Governor Cuomo for their tremendous leadership in addressing an issue that has been unresolved for decades. This agreement will mean increased access to taxi service for outer borough residents and disabled individuals," concluded Assemblyman Carl Heastie.
The agreement requires the TLC to prepare a Disabled Accessibility Plan that will ensure improved accessibility of all taxicabs, liveries and the new hail-accessible vehicles over a period of years through the gradual phase-in of accessible vehicles to the fleet.
The Disabled Accessibility Plan will be prepared in consultation with disability rights groups and other stakeholders. The plan will be submitted for public comment and to the City Council, and for approval to the New York State Department of Transportation.
Only 400 of the new taxicab medallions may be issued prior to the approval of the Disabled Accessibility Plan.
Image courtesy of http://all-free-download.com
President Obama Speaks on the Payroll Tax Cut
President Obama said that extending the payroll tax cut is not a game for the millions of people who depend on that money to make ends meet.
Newsy Now: Breaking Headline News
AT&T no longer acquiring T-Mobile; tribute to Vaclav Havel; Egypt's army adviser offensive comments; state of natural calamity in the Philippines.
By JJ Bailey
Anchor: Lauren Gores
Link courtesy of Newsy.com
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