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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PR- 300-10
July 4, 2010

MAYOR BLOOMBERG WISHES NEW YORKERS A SAFE AND HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY AND DISCUSSES THE NEED FOR COMPREHENSIVE IMMIGRATION REFORM IN WEEKLY RADIO ADDRESS

The following is the text of Mayor Bloomberg's weekly radio address as prepared for delivery on 1010 WINS News Radio for Sunday, July 4, 2010

"Good Morning. This is Mayor Mike Bloomberg.

"Happy Independence Day, everyone. New York is home to some of the oldest and best July 4th traditions. That includes the Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest on the Coney Island Boardwalk, the Travis Parade on Staten Island, which turns 100 this year, and the incredible Macy's fireworks display, which will take place over the Hudson River, beginning at 9:00 p.m. tonight.

"Nobody celebrates our nation's birthday like New Yorkers. I think that's partly because so many of our parents and grandparents came from places where they could not enjoy the freedoms and opportunities we do here in America. New York City was built by the generations of immigrants who passed through our harbor looking for a better life. It's what made our country great - and what turned us into the world's economic superpower. The challenge we face today is fixing an immigration system that is badly broken - so we can remain the world's economic superpower.

"On Thursday, I went to Washington D.C. to hear President Obama discuss the issue. The president highlighted the problem and underscored the importance of fixing it once and for all. Any meaningful solutions will require collaboration from leaders of all different backgrounds and all political persuasions - and we need to move the debate away from the extremes and focus on our common ground. That's why we recently launched a bipartisan coalition of mayors and business leaders from across the country to help us make an economic case for sensible immigration reform.

"The strength of our economy depends on making sure America remains a place that welcomes new immigrants and attracts and keeps the best and brightest people from all over the world. One of the most patriotic things we could ever do for our country is to pass an immigration bill that uphold the principles of free enterprise, innovation, and opportunity that have made America what it is today.

"Of course, another way to show your patriotism this July 4th - and every day- is by volunteering your time to your community. Last week, New York City hosted the National Conference on Volunteering and Service. It brought together more than 5,000 service leaders from across the country. One of the reasons New York was chosen to host the conference this year is because we have displayed such leadership on service. When President Obama called for a new era of volunteerism, we knew we had to step up. The result was NYC Service - the first coordinated effort by any American city to channel volunteers to meet local needs. NYC Service has been in full swing for barely a year now, but our volunteers have already made a huge difference.

"Our nation's birthday is the perfect occasion to join them and get involved in helping your community. So, go to the city's website at nyc.gov today to check out the volunteering opportunities we're offering, and find one that's right for you. In the meantime, enjoy this holiday, and please remember to celebrate safely and responsibly. Don't drink and drive, or get into a car with anyone who does. And don't use fireworks. They are extremely dangerous and they are illegal in New York State.  Instead, watch the greatest fireworks show in the country right here in New York. 

"This is Mayor Mike Bloomberg. Thanks for listening. And have a safe and happy Independence Day."







MEDIA CONTACT:


Stu Loeser   (212) 788-2958




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