New York, NY — I am fighting alongside my colleagues in the Council to ensure that this budget delivers for Southeast Queens and communities across the city. We must invest in programs that make life more affordable and protect the essential services that New Yorkers rely on every day.

To begin, we are fighting to expand Fair Fares eligibility to 200% of the federal poverty level so that more working families can access affordable public transportation. Fair Fares has been a lifeline for hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers, and increasing funding for this program will help more New Yorkers unlock economic and educational opportunities.

The administration must fully fund NYCHA’s land transfer fees to advance the desperately needed Far Rockaway Trauma Center, which is critical to closing the healthcare gap in Southeast Queens. At the same time, we must ensure families have access to quality early childhood education by restoring $197 million in funding for 3-K and Pre-K programs.

Homeowners continue to bear the burden of an inequitable property tax system. The Council is calling on the administration to put forward a real plan for comprehensive property tax reform while providing immediate relief through a $175 property tax rebate for eligible homeowners.

As the City moves toward containerization, we must ensure that lower-income homeowners are not unfairly burdened. The Council is advocating for $10.7 million for the DSNY waste bin program, which would require the Department of Sanitation to provide free bins to eligible homeowners.

Our parks are essential public spaces that provide recreation, green space, and environmental benefits for our communities. We are urging the Administration to increase funding for the Parks Department by $32.5 million to maintain clean, safe, and accessible green spaces for all New Yorkers.

New Yorkers deserve a budget that works for them, not against them. Under Speaker Adams’ leadership, the Council will keep fighting to ensure this budget reflects the needs of our communities.

Media Contact for Majority Whip Selvena Brooks-Powers:

Julian Martin | jmartin@council.nyc.gov

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