REMARKS
Council Member Farah N. Louis praises budget restorations and investments
0:28:18
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121 sec
Council Member Farah N. Louis expresses pride in the restoration of critical services and programs in the city budget after months of negotiations. She highlights key investments in early education, libraries, housing, and cultural institutions that will benefit her constituents in District 45.
- $20 million for summarizing and expanded early education seats
- $58 million for libraries to provide 7-day service
- $2 billion investment in housing, including affordable housing development and repairs
- $53 million allocation to cultural institutions, benefiting the diverse Caribbean diaspora in her district
Louis thanks her colleagues, Speaker Adams, Chair Brannan, advocates, and the finance division for their work on the budget.
Farah N. Louis
0:28:18
Thank you, madam, majority leader.
0:28:20
After months of negotiations, I am proud of the restoration of critical services and programs our city desperately need.
0:28:27
My constituents have been deeply concerned about the effects of budget austerity and budget and cuts to vital resources for our parents and children, the loss of library services, and the lack of opportunities for 3 K and summarizing programs in the past year have created painful gaps for families seeking opportunities.
0:28:48
The restorations, including nearly 20, 000, 000 for some arising, expanded early education seats, community schools, 58, 000, 000 for libraries to provide critically needed 7 day service will be crucial to serving and engaging our communities.
0:29:03
This budget's 2, 000, 000, 000 investments in housing sends a clear message that our city prioritizes housing especially for rent and tax burden, New Yorkers.
0:29:13
I eagerly anticipate new developments that will offer truly affordable housing and ongoing repairs for nitrile residents, including Glenwood Houses in my district.
0:29:23
Additionally, district 45, having 1 of the most diverse Caribbean diaspora in the city will benefit from the allocation of the 53, 000, 000 to cultural institutions, ensuring this continuity and programs that enhance representation and participation in our city's growing cultural movements.
0:29:42
These hard fought budget wins would not have been possible without my colleagues, leadership of Speaker Adams, Chair Brennan, the advocates who consistently amplified the voices of marginalized New York to demand a fair budget with uninterrupted services, and I'm grateful to the finance division dedicated public servants who endured many long nights and early mornings executing the people's budget with the smile and finesse despite the challenges.
0:30:10
I look forward to our body voting in favor of these critical investments that will have long lasting benefits for the city of New York And District 45.
0:30:18
Thank you.