Lincoln Restler discusses concerns about the NYC Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH) operations and budget constraints

2:37:23

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OATH's fiscal 2025 preliminary budget totals $59,400,000, with a breakdown of $46,100,000 for personnel services.
OATH is the city's central, independent administrative law court conducting hearings for various city entities.
Challenges discussed include handling increased summonses, impact of budget cuts, and concerns about financial hardship on Low-Income New Yorkers.
The increase in minor summonses is highlighted as disproportionately affecting those who may struggle to pay, potentially leading to increased financial burdens for families.

Lincoln Restler

2:37:23

I would now like to welcome Asim Rahman, the commissioner in chief administrative law judge to testify before the committee.

2:37:32

Thank you for joining us today.

2:37:34

The office of administrative trials and hearings fiscal 20 25 preliminary budget totals 59,400,000, including 46,100,000 in personnel services, funding to support 396 full time positions, and 13,300,000 for other than personnel services.

2:37:50

Oat is the city's central, independent, administrative law court conducting hearings for city agencies, commissions, and boards.

2:37:57

Today, we look forward to discussing Oates operations and the pegs included in the preliminary plan staffing at the agency, the handling of increased summons, and special education hearings.

2:38:07

Since Mayor Adams came into office, we have seen a dramatic increase of cross the board in the numbers of summons being issued.

2:38:14

Despite the substantial increase in the total number of hearings and trials at oath, and an increase in the time it takes to issue decisions, the mayor and OMB have imposed pegs that reduce the resources Oat has to efficiently meet its mandate.

2:38:28

Additionally, the increase in revenue from both cases has not kept pace with the major increase in city enforcement.

2:38:35

I'm concerned that the increase in minor summons is disproportionately impacting Low Income New Yorkers who do not have the means to realistically pay which could lead to increase financial hardship for many families.

2:38:47

I wanna thank you commissioner for joining us today.

2:38:49

With that, I would like to please ask committee counsel chase free chronopathy to administer the oath and swear in the testifying representatives.

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Lincoln Restler discusses concerns about the NYC Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH) operations and budget constraints

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