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TESTIMONY

Nafisa Rahman, Student at Hunter College, on Addressing Barriers and Supporting Low-Income Students via the Welfare Rights Initiative

4:48:59

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Nafisa Rahman, a student at Hunter College, advocates for the support of low-income students facing educational barriers through the Welfare Rights Initiative (WRI).

Rahman details the WRI's mission to improve economic security for families and decrease income inequality in NYC.
She discusses the importance of addressing policy implementation issues and the need for action plans to help low-income students at risk of dropping out.
Rahman shares her experiences with the WRI's community leadership program, highlighting the organization of a day of action at Hunter College.
She calls for the Human Resources Administration (HRA) to improve communication clarity and consistency, while stressing the significance of educational opportunities and support services for welfare-eligible families.

Nafisa Rahman

4:48:59

Good afternoon.

4:48:59

My name is Nafisa Rahman, and I'm a student at Hunter College.

4:49:03

I am currently enrolled in the Welfare rights initiative community leadership training program.

4:49:08

And on behalf of the BRI, we thank you for your work for our city.

4:49:12

The BRI's mission is to sustain the economics security of families and reduce income inequality to level the playing field.

4:49:19

We believe NYC, NYS, Quni, and WRI have a collective purpose to review policy implementation barriers, surface viable solutions, and create a plan of action that immediately stabilizes and for its low income students in danger of dropping out of community due to misinformation and the current political climate.

4:49:39

This point, pregnant and dynamic and troubling time offers a unique opportunity to put forward economic and education policies that uphold our shared values and beliefs and protect families enduring financial crises.

4:49:54

The BRI's community leadership class has taught me many lessons about connecting with the community.

4:49:58

For example, on November 29 last year, my classmates and I organized the day of action at Hunter College.

4:50:04

The number one supportive service that the students shared is the need for free metro cards for all community students.

4:50:10

WRI believes that together, we can secure positive welfare policy changes and showcase the self determination and dignity of all families regardless of their socioeconomic status.

4:50:21

Some recommendations are mentioned in my written testimony, but I do want to emphasize that HRA must provide clear language and all written and verbal communication with welfare participants, clear concise and consistent communication of education opportunities, and the supportive services needed to continue college matriculation is a lifeline for low income and welfare eligible families.

4:50:45

Thank you for your time.

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Cathy Vargas on the Importance of Funding for the New York City Benefits Program in Supporting Sunset Park's Low-Income Families

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Michelle Berney, Director at the Community Service Society of New York, on Advocating for Continued Funding for the NYC Benefits Initiative