QUESTION
What was the expanded eligibility threshold for the Fair Fares program and how is the budget allocated?
0:46:57
·
134 sec
The Fair Fares program's eligibility was expanded in November 2023, and $95 million is allocated for fiscal year 2024, mainly towards tax refunds to assist with transportation costs.
- Fair Fares program's eligibility was expanded from 100% to 120% of the federal poverty level.
- For fiscal year 2024, $95 million is allocated to the Fair Fares program.
- The program operates as a tax refunded system.
- In FY 2023, actual spending was $65 million, with $60 million towards client benefits and the rest towards marketing and program staff.
- The exact spending for fiscal year 2024 is not provided during the meeting.
Adrienne E. Adams
0:46:57
Shifting a little bit and talking about fair fairs, I was very encouraged by your presentation and knowing that the numbers are up with 310 1000 or so.
0:47:05
That that's very encouraging.
0:47:08
Fair fairs obviously continues to be a priority for this council.
0:47:12
And we were really happy.
0:47:16
That addition brought the baseline budget up to $95,000,000 and expanded the program eligibility from 100 percent of the federal poverty level to 120%, which helps this vital program reach more more city residents who need assistance with transportation costs.
0:47:33
Just to get a little more insight into the program, I have the numbers, but And I believe you said this, but when exactly was the expanded eligibility implemented?
Molly Wasow Park
0:47:41
November of 2023.
0:47:43
Okay.
Adrienne E. Adams
0:47:44
Can you give us a breakdown of the $95,000,000 budget in the fiscal year 2024 by expense type?
Molly Wasow Park
0:47:53
It's a tax refunded program.
Adrienne E. Adams
0:47:55
Say again?
Molly Wasow Park
0:47:56
Sorry.
0:47:57
It's a tax refunded program, but maybe I'm not understanding the question correctly.
0:48:00
I'm sorry.
Adrienne E. Adams
0:48:02
Alright.
0:48:02
I'll I'll ask I'll ask a different one.
0:48:04
What was what was actual spending?
0:48:07
Let's go to FY 2023.
0:48:09
Got it.
0:48:10
Actual spending.
Molly Wasow Park
0:48:12
Let me pull that up.
0:48:15
One moment.
Adrienne E. Adams
0:48:33
Got an assembly line.
Diana I. Ayala
0:48:34
Alright.
0:48:34
Yes.
Adrienne E. Adams
0:48:34
It's good.
0:48:35
Teamwork.
0:48:35
It's the dream work.
Molly Wasow Park
0:48:38
65,000,000.
0:48:40
65,000,000.
Adrienne E. Adams
0:48:40
Okay.
0:48:41
And how much of that went towards client benefits?
Molly Wasow Park
0:48:45
60,000,000.
Corinthia A. Carter
0:48:46
Okay.
Adrienne E. Adams
0:48:47
Where did the rest go?
Molly Wasow Park
0:48:50
Marketing the program and the staff that administers the program.
0:48:55
K.
Adrienne E. Adams
0:48:58
What has actual spending been thus far in this year, 2024?
Molly Wasow Park
0:49:03
We will circle back with you on that number.
Adrienne E. Adams
0:49:06
K.
0:49:06
Assembly lines got
Molly Wasow Park
0:49:07
It's possible we'll have it before before, but I don't wanna hold things.
0:49:10
That.
Adrienne E. Adams
0:49:10
Alright.
0:49:11
Thank you.
