Sen. Gillibrand Statement on Senate Republicans' Attack on Women's Health

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand released the following statement in response to the introduction of legislation by Senators Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), Tom Coburn (R-Okla.) and 29 of their Republican colleagues attacking women’s health by going beyond existing federal law that already prohibits federal funds from being used for abortions in the new health care law:

“When we should all be focused on creating jobs and growing our economy, Republicans are mounting an egregious, ideological effort to please their base and launch an all out assault on the rights of women, and the health services for millions of American families. Current law is clear: federal funds cannot be used to provide abortions. That has been the law of the land for 30 years. Their shameless attacks show a blatant disregard for women, who shoulder the worst of the health care costs.”

Emily's List Live Chat with Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Part 1

EMILY's List Live with Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Part 2

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Senator Kirsten Gillibrand sat down with EMILY's List President Stephanie Schriock for the inaugural EMILY's List Live event, streamed through Facebook

They're Coming for Roe on Vimeo - Center for Reproductive Rights

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They're Coming for Roe from Center for Reproductive Rights on Vimeo.

ahugestepback.com -- First, it was the health care battle. Then it was the budget battle. Now, anti-choice lawmakers are trying to deny women insurance for abortion and allow hospitals to let women die. Where does this lead? Where will it end?

The most aggressive anti-choice attack in years is underway in the U. S. House of Representatives with a series of bills that invade women’s private health decisions. These actions represent a huge step back for women and the most vicious attack on women's health and rights in several decades. The Huge Step Back campaign is taking these threats head-on by: Aggressively tracking bills targeting women's reproductive rights; Analyzing proposed bills for constitutional rights violations; Meeting and educating lawmakers on Capitol Hill and advocating against attacks; Providing supplemental testimony to hearings on anti-choice bills; Arming you with tools to fight back against the anti-woman, anti-child, and anti-health attacks coming from Congress.

Let there be no confusion about these bills. Their main target is women, and their goal is to intrude on how women make decisions about their own medical care. 

Gillibrand Jabs Kyl With A 'Factual Statement' by Reid Pillifant - The New York Observer

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On the Senate floor today, Kirsten Gillibrand took a little swipe at her Republican colleague from Arizona, Jon Kyl.

Last week, Kyl told the C-SPAN cameras that providing abortions was "well over 90 percent of what Planned Parenthood does," a statement his office later walked back as "not intended to be a factual statement."

Naturally, this made nice fodder for Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert. And today, when the women of the Senate Democratic caucus took to the floor to push back against Republican's proposed restrictions, Gillibrand got in her own jab.

"For my friends and colleagues, this is a factual statement — current law already prevents federal money from paying for abortions," she said, referring to the Hyde Amendment, the perpetual rider that's been in place since 1976. "This has been the law of the land for over 30 years."

Gillibrand seems to have gotten a little more aggressive over the past few months, emboldened maybe by having been elected to the upper chamber, but more likely just stirred up by the Republican House, which has made a particular point of going after women's issues.

Last week, she got fired up about the Republicans' proposed riders in the budget deal, and this swipe at Kyl—small as it is—demonstrates some slightly sharper elbows than she's shown her colleagues in the past.

Resorts World Casino New York: More Than Half of Construction Workforce Comprised of Minorities and Women

33 Percent of Current Subcontracts Have Been Awarded to MWBEs, Far Exceeding Contracting Norms throughout New York City

More than half of the Resorts World Casino New York’s current construction workforce is composed of minority or female workers, far surpassing the 25% goal set in its application to New York State, officials from Resorts World Casino New York announced today.

Minority and/or female workers today compose 54% of the project’s construction workforce. Additionally, the percentage of MWBE-certified subcontractors and suppliers working under general contractor Tutor Perini now stands at 33% of total contracts awarded to date.

“Creating a diverse workforce has always been a top priority for Resorts World Casino New York, which is why we are so pleased that we are far exceeding even our own high expectations in this crucial area,” said Michael Speller, President of Resorts World New York. “This project is about creating a facility for New Yorkers and tourists of all backgrounds, so we are excited that the individuals and organizations responsible for its construction are as diverse as those we hope to attract once it opens.”

These numbers are particularly noteworthy given a recent study from the NYC Comptroller’s office, which revealed that in 2010, just 2.4% of contracts awarded by city agencies were to MWBEs. With 33% of Resorts World Casino New York’s subcontracts awarded to MWBEs, the project exceeds even that of the department with the highest participation.

To date, Tutor Perini has awarded nearly $50 million in sub-contracts to MWBE’s.

“Resorts World’s commitment to diversity reflects their unwavering goal of improving our communities,” said Ruth Harvey, President of the Jamaica-based project cleanup firm, Ametis Industries, Inc. “As the proud owner of a certified Women Owned Enterprise, I am especially happy to see that Resorts World has followed through with its stated commitment to creating a workforce as diverse as the community in which the new facility will operate. I look forward to seeing the finished project, which I know will be a source of pride for all of Queens.”

In addition to far exceeding MWBE standards for the construction phase of the project, once the facility opens, Resorts World Casino New York will employ a diverse permanent workforce with 60 percent of jobs slated to go to minorities and women


Resorts World Casino New York recently announced a condensed opening schedule that will allow the new casino at Aqueduct Raceway to open its doors with far more components in place months earlier than expected. Under the schedule, 2,500 Video Lottery Terminals will be operational – rather than the 1,600 originally slated – when the casino opens in the late Summer.

Once fully operational, Resorts World Casino New York is expected to permanently employ more than 900 workers in the entertainment, hospitality, security and food-service fields; and provide $300 million in annual revenue for the state.

By creating an expansive outreach network that fosters community participation, Resorts World Casino New York has developed a strategic approach toward recruiting the most talented workforce in the Queens and New York City areas. In partnering with community-based organizations, placing advertisements in local publications and hosting on-site job fairs, Resorts World Casino New York will continue to build a dynamic workforce ready to meet the needs of its customers and the community.

Information on further bid packages will be announced in the coming weeks. For information about permanent jobs at Resorts World Casino New York, please visit www.rwnewyork.com.

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Founded in 1965, Genting is a global entertainment and tourism company operating in Asia, Europe, North America and on all four oceans through the Norwegian Cruise Line and Star Cruises brands. The Genting Group has more than 58,000 employees.

Tutor Perini Corporation is a leading civil and building construction company offering diversified general contracting and design/build services to private clients and public agencies throughout the world. Tutor Perini has provided construction services since 1894 and has established a strong reputation within various markets by executing large complex projects on time and within budget while adhering to strict quality control measures.