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News releases, reports, statements and associated documents covering state government, cities and counties.
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Governor Cuomo Unveils Design for Monument Honoring the LGBT Community
ALBANY, N.Y., June 25 -- Gov. Andrew Cuomo, D-N.Y., issued the following news release:
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today unveiled the design for New York's official monument honoring the LGBT community, those lost in the Orlando Pulse nightclub shooting in June 2016, and all victims of hate, intolerance and violence. Anthony Goicolea was named as the artist for the monument, which will be located at the western edge of Greenwich Village, in Hudson River Park. View the design here.
"This stunning design complements the landscape and communicates a timeless message of inclusion, and this monument
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ALBANY, N.Y., June 25 -- Gov. Andrew Cuomo, D-N.Y., issued the following news release:
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today unveiled the design for New York's official monument honoring the LGBT community, those lost in the Orlando Pulse nightclub shooting in June 2016, and all victims of hate, intolerance and violence. Anthony Goicolea was named as the artist for the monument, which will be located at the western edge of Greenwich Village, in Hudson River Park. View the design here.
"This stunning design complements the landscape and communicates a timeless message of inclusion, and this monumentwill serve as an enduring symbol of the role New Yorkers play in building a fairer, more just world," Governor Cuomo said. "From Stonewall to marriage equality, New York has always been a beacon for justice and we will never waiver in our commitment to the LGBT community and to creating a more just and inclusive society. This new monument will stand up for those values for generations to come."
Following the tragic shooting in Orlando, Florida on June 12, 2016, Governor Cuomo issued Executive Order No. 158, establishing the LGBT Memorial Commission, with the mission to design and build a new memorial in honor of the LGBT community and the victims of the Orlando shooting. The Commission issued a request for proposals in October 2016, and all submissions were judged on their interpretation and clarity of the theme, creativity and originality of depicted theme, quality of artistic composition, site compatibility, and constructability, among other factors.
The site specific design works in harmony with the existing attributes of Hudson River Park and promotes thought and reflection while encouraging people to unite in a communal environment. It will feature nine modified boulders, some of which are bisected with a clear, laminated, borosilicate-glass with refractory components that act as a prism to create subtle rainbow patterns on the surrounding lawn and nearby objects.
Anthony Goicolea said, "I am honored to join Governor Cuomo and the LGBT Memorial Commission on this important project to remember those who have been victims of hate, violence, and intolerance, while celebrating the beauty of the LGBT community. This monument will serve as a communal space filled with light, color, and hope where the visitors can sit, mourn, love, and remember for years to come. I am grateful to the Governor and his administration for the opportunity to be a part of this historic moment."
Terry DeCarlo, Executive Director of the LGBT Community Center Orlando, said, "I was very proud to stand beside Governor Cuomo when he announced this memorial last June directly after the Pulse tragedy. It warms my heart to see it taking the next step today as the governor announces the designer of the memorial, Anthony Goicolea. Thank you for honoring and including us here in Orlando and I look forward to joining you, and all New Yorkers, in celebrating the memorial's completion."
The commission is comprised of ten members appointed by the Governor, and is overseen and coordinated by Counsel to the Governor Alphonso David. LGBT Memorial Commission members include:
* Scott P. Campbell, Executive Director Elton John AIDS Foundation;
* Rose Harvey, Commissioner of the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation;
* Cristina Herrera, Founder and CEO of Translatina Network;
* Thomas Krever, Chief Executive Officer of the Hetrick-Martin Institute;
* Kelsey Louie, Executive Director of the Gay Men's Health Crisis;
* Eunic Ortiz, President of the Stonewall Democrats;
* Christine Quinn, CEO of Women and Need and marriage equality advocate;
* Melissa Sklarz, Director, Transgender Legal Defense and Education Fund;
* Beverly Tillery, Executive Director of the NYC Anti-Violence Project; and
* Glennda Testone, Executive Director of the New York LGBT Community Center.
The Commission will work with the community and other stakeholders through the installation process.
Throughout his time in office, Governor Cuomo has been a national leader in championing LGBT rights. In 2011, New York passed the historic Marriage Equality Act and sent a message to the nation that it was time to end one of society's greatest inequities. In 2015, Governor Cuomo implemented regulations affirming that all transgender individuals are protected under the State's Human Rights Law, and all public and private employers, housing providers, businesses, creditors and others should know that discrimination against transgender persons is unlawful and will not be tolerated in New York State.
Earlier this week, Governor Cuomo nominated Paul Feinman to the state's highest court - the New York Court of Appeals - who, with his confirmation this week, became the first openly gay person to serve on the court.
Additionally, the Governor Cuomo has committed to making New York the first state in the nation to end the HIV/AIDS epidemic, banned the deplorable practice of conversion therapy, and strengthened health care and insurance regulations to protect transgender New Yorkers. Last year, the Governor announced that all HIV-Positive individuals in New York City will now be eligible for housing, transportation and nutritional support through a significant expansion of Emergency Shelter Assistance. This marks the latest in a series of actions that the state has taken to protect all New Yorkers from discrimination, building on the historic enactment of the Hate Crimes Act which made discrimination based on sexual orientation illegal in 2000.
Gov. Cuomo Issues Statement on Eid al-Fitr
ALBANY, N.Y., June 25 -- Gov. Andrew Cuomo, D-N.Y., issued the following statement:
"Today Muslim New Yorkers are gathering together with friends and loved ones to mark the end of Ramadan and celebrate Eid al-Fitr. This holiday is an opportunity to reflect on the past month of fasting and practice the Muslim traditions of empathy and charity.
"In New York, we celebrate our diversity as our greatest strength, and stand together to protect free religious expression and uphold the values of unity and tolerance embodied by the Lady in our Harbor.
"To all who are celebrating, I wish them
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ALBANY, N.Y., June 25 -- Gov. Andrew Cuomo, D-N.Y., issued the following statement:
"Today Muslim New Yorkers are gathering together with friends and loved ones to mark the end of Ramadan and celebrate Eid al-Fitr. This holiday is an opportunity to reflect on the past month of fasting and practice the Muslim traditions of empathy and charity.
"In New York, we celebrate our diversity as our greatest strength, and stand together to protect free religious expression and uphold the values of unity and tolerance embodied by the Lady in our Harbor.
"To all who are celebrating, I wish thema joyous holiday."
Gov. Malloy, Lt. Gov. Wyman Issue Statements on Passage of Casino Legislation
HARTFORD, Conn., June 24 -- Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, D-Conn., has joined with Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman in commenting on a vote in the Connecticut House of Representatives that gave final legislative passage to a bill concerning the expansion of casinos in the state:
In a news release, Malloy said, "I commend and thank both chambers of the General Assembly for keeping Connecticut jobs and workers at the center of this debate. Our state has a longstanding partnership and compact with the Mohegan and Mashantucket Pequot tribal nations who employ thousands of Connecticut residents in their casinos. I
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HARTFORD, Conn., June 24 -- Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, D-Conn., has joined with Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman in commenting on a vote in the Connecticut House of Representatives that gave final legislative passage to a bill concerning the expansion of casinos in the state:
In a news release, Malloy said, "I commend and thank both chambers of the General Assembly for keeping Connecticut jobs and workers at the center of this debate. Our state has a longstanding partnership and compact with the Mohegan and Mashantucket Pequot tribal nations who employ thousands of Connecticut residents in their casinos. Ihave been very clear that I will not sign a bill that puts these jobs at risk, and I look forward to reviewing this proposal."
Wyman said, "Connecticut has strong partnerships with both the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan tribal nations. These partnerships have helped grow our economy and bolster tourism and commerce - they've also cemented a deep mutual respect. We hope this will continue long into the future. I thank the Senate and House for sending this bill to the Governor's desk."
The legislation is Senate Bill 957, An Act Concerning the Regulation of Gaming and the Authorization of a Casino Gaming Facility in the State. It was adopted by the State Senate last month. In the coming days the bill will be transmitted to the Governor's desk for his signature.
Gov. Dayton: Somali-American Festival Week
ST. PAUL, Minn., June 24 -- Gov. Mark Dayton, D-Minn., issued the following proclamation:
WHEREAS: The West Bank Athletic Club is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide the youth of the Cedar Riverside neighborhood and the Twin Cities area with quality, year-round, skill-based soccer training and sports programs for players age 5 to 18; and
WHEREAS: The West Bank Athletic Club's vision is to support and coach youth to be soccer players, athletes, leaders, and community members of distinction; and
WHEREAS: The West Bank Athletic Club aspires to represent the East African
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ST. PAUL, Minn., June 24 -- Gov. Mark Dayton, D-Minn., issued the following proclamation:
WHEREAS: The West Bank Athletic Club is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide the youth of the Cedar Riverside neighborhood and the Twin Cities area with quality, year-round, skill-based soccer training and sports programs for players age 5 to 18; and
WHEREAS: The West Bank Athletic Club's vision is to support and coach youth to be soccer players, athletes, leaders, and community members of distinction; and
WHEREAS: The West Bank Athletic Club aspires to represent the East Africancommunity of Minnesota in a positive way; and
WHEREAS: Through cooperation with parents, teachers, and youth organizations, the West Bank Athletic Club employs a holistic approach, assisting youth in developing an understanding of leadership, teamwork, self-discipline, responsibility, high standards of fair play, and respect for others through sports-primarily soccer; and
WHEREAS: The West Bank Athletic Club is hosting Somali-American Festival Week, an international soccer tournament featuring twenty-four teams ages 16-26 and eight youth teams ages 10-15 from across Minnesota, the United States, and Canada who will compete in a week-long competition at Augsburg College in Minneapolis.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, MARK DAYTON, Governor of Minnesota, do hereby proclaim the week of June 30-July 8, 2017, as:
SOMALI AMERICAN FESTIVAL WEEK
in the State of Minnesota.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Minnesota to be affixed at the State Capitol this 16th day of June.
GOVERNOR
SECRETARY OF STATE
Gov. Dayton: MSRA's 44th Back to the 50's Week
ST. PAUL, Minn., June 24 -- Gov. Mark Dayton, D-Minn., issued the following proclamation:
WHEREAS: The Minnesota Street Rod Association (MSRA) is the largest street rod association in the United States, with an all-volunteer membership of over 25,000 owners of street rods, classic, collector, and vintage cars; and
WHEREAS: MSRA continually promotes a better understanding of the hobby by exchanging knowledge and ideas with members and non-members about the safety and proper construction of collector cars, and provides guidance in overall safe vehicle operation; and
WHEREAS: MSRA, a family-oriented
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ST. PAUL, Minn., June 24 -- Gov. Mark Dayton, D-Minn., issued the following proclamation:
WHEREAS: The Minnesota Street Rod Association (MSRA) is the largest street rod association in the United States, with an all-volunteer membership of over 25,000 owners of street rods, classic, collector, and vintage cars; and
WHEREAS: MSRA continually promotes a better understanding of the hobby by exchanging knowledge and ideas with members and non-members about the safety and proper construction of collector cars, and provides guidance in overall safe vehicle operation; and
WHEREAS: MSRA, a family-orientedassociation, continually strives to include, educate, guide, and learn from all generations, and provides mentorship for young people by subsidzing a scholarship program and strengthening family relationships; and
WHEREAS: MSRA participates in community, charitable, and promotional events benefitting the state of Minnesota, the City of St. Paul, and communities across the state; and
WHEREAS: MSRA's annual Back to the 50's weekend welcomes over 12,000 registered collector vehicles from across the nation and several foreign nations and nearly 100,000 spectators; and
WHEREAS: MSRA's Back to the 50's event was named by USA TODAY as the number one car show in the world; and
WHEREAS: MSRA is celebrating its association's 44th Back to the 50's event on June 23-25, 2017.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, MARK DAYTON, Governor of Minnesota, do hereby proclaim June 23-25, 2017, to be the week of:
MSRA'S 44th BACK TO THE SO's
in the State of Minnesota.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Minnesota to be affixed at the State Capitol this 16th day of June.
GOVERNOR
SECRETARY OF STATE
Gov. Dayton: Hire A Veteran Month
ST. PAUL, Minn., June 24 -- Gov. Mark Dayton, D-Minn., issued the following proclamation:
WHEREAS: The liberties, freedom, prosperity, and security of Americans are preserved through a strong national defense; and
WHEREAS: Whenever called upon to defend our nation's security at home or abroad, the men and women who serve in the United States Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, National Guard, and Reserves have responded immediately and effectively, placing national interests above their own personal safety; and
WHEREAS: Currently, there are more than 21 million veterans in
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ST. PAUL, Minn., June 24 -- Gov. Mark Dayton, D-Minn., issued the following proclamation:
WHEREAS: The liberties, freedom, prosperity, and security of Americans are preserved through a strong national defense; and
WHEREAS: Whenever called upon to defend our nation's security at home or abroad, the men and women who serve in the United States Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, National Guard, and Reserves have responded immediately and effectively, placing national interests above their own personal safety; and
WHEREAS: Currently, there are more than 21 million veterans inthe United States. Throughout our history, more than 1 million U.S. Military personnel have selflessly made the ultimate sacrifice by giving their lives for our country, and more than 1.5 million have been wounded; and
WHEREAS: The State of Minnesota is home to 369,000 veterans who have bravely served our country; and
WHEREAS: Minnesota has developed a national model: the Yellow Ribbon and Patriot Network of enthusiastic dedicated employers who strive to recruit, hire, and promote successful Veteran employees; and
WHEREAS: When President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the G.I. Bill into law in 1944, he observed that more than anything else, American servicemen and servicewomen wanted "the assurance of satisfactory employment" upon their return to civilian life; and
WHEREAS: Veterans learn fast and possess many transferrable skills; have experience working with advanced technology; are proven leaders; have demonstrated teamwork; work well under pressure; and triumph over adversity; and
WHEREAS: Today, veterans desire these same economic opportunities, and bring to the modern workplace the skills, education, leadership, maturity, and dedication they have learned in their military service.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, MARK DAYTON, Governor of Minnesota, do hereby proclaim July, 2017, as:
HIRE A VETERAN MONTH
in the State of Minnesota.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Minnesota to be affixed at the State Capitol this 16th day of June.
GOVENOR
SECRETARY OF STATE
Gov. Dayton: Harp Appreciation Week
ST. PAUL, Minn., June 24 -- Gov. Mark Dayton, D-Minn., issued the following proclamation:
WHEREAS: The State of Minnesota is committed to the enjoyment of music and arts for everyone in the state; and
WHEREAS: The American Harp Society 2017 Summer Institute and National Competition will be held on the campus of Saint Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota, from Sunday,June 25th, to Wednesday, June 28th, 2017; and
WHEREAS: The American Harp Society's mission has been "to celebrate our legacy, inspire excellence, and empower the next generation of harpists" since its founding in 1962; and
WHEREAS:
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ST. PAUL, Minn., June 24 -- Gov. Mark Dayton, D-Minn., issued the following proclamation:
WHEREAS: The State of Minnesota is committed to the enjoyment of music and arts for everyone in the state; and
WHEREAS: The American Harp Society 2017 Summer Institute and National Competition will be held on the campus of Saint Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota, from Sunday,June 25th, to Wednesday, June 28th, 2017; and
WHEREAS: The American Harp Society's mission has been "to celebrate our legacy, inspire excellence, and empower the next generation of harpists" since its founding in 1962; and
WHEREAS:The American Harp Society, Inc. is the largest national organization of harpists in the world with over 3,000 members from all 50 states and 20 countries.
WHEREAS: Its members include leading soloists, orchestral players, commercial, jazz and popular performers, freelancers, harp therapists, college and university professors, adult amateurs, and students of all ages; and
WHEREAS: The Minnesota Chapter of the American Harp Society was formed in 1970, and its objective is to promote and develop the appreciation of the harp as a musical instrument, to encourage the composition of music for the harp, and to improve the quality of performance of harpists; and
WHEREAS: The harp is an instrument of great beauty and power, bringing great enjoyment to people from ancient times to modern times; and
WHEREAS: The State of Minnesota appreciates the opportunity to host the American Harp Society 2017 Summer Institute and National Competition in Minnesota.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, MARK DAYTON, Governor of Minnesota, do hereby proclaim the week of June 26, 2017, as:
HARP APPRECIATION WEEK
in the State of Minnesota.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Minnesota to be affixed at the State Capitol this 16th day of June.
GOVERNOR
SECRETARY OF STATE
