REMARKS
Jennifer Gutiérrez explains her vote on the NYC budget
1:00:03
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118 sec
Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez explains her vote in favor of the NYC budget, highlighting the council's efforts to restore funding cuts proposed by Mayor Adams and secure investments in critical areas like affordable housing and education. She emphasizes the council's role in fighting against austerity measures and the importance of continued advocacy for New Yorkers' needs.
- Gutiérrez criticizes Mayor Adams for "playing politics with the lives of New Yorkers" and making unnecessary cuts
- She praises the work of the Progressive Caucus, Speaker Adrienne Adams, and Finance Chair Justin Brannan in negotiating the budget
- Gutiérrez emphasizes that this budget fight is "just the beginning" of their efforts to invest in what matters to New Yorkers
Jennifer Gutiérrez
1:00:03
We came into these budget negotiations with a clear vision to tackle the number 1 issue in New York City, affordability.
1:00:11
But this budget cycle reminded us what this mayor and his administration are very good at.
1:00:15
Playing politics with the lives of New Yorkers.
1:00:18
The city council went into this fight knowing what New Yorkers need to stay in the city.
1:00:23
Affordable housing, universal 3 k and pre k, and quality services.
1:00:27
And New Yorkers agreed with us.
1:00:29
Throughout this process, we have built a broad coalition including thousands of parents, 100 of nonprofit and faith leaders, 15 plus major union organizations, representing over 1, 000, 000 working New Yorkers.
1:00:41
Without the fierce organizing of the progressive caucus, the work of speaker, Adrian Adams, finance chair, Justin Brennan, respective committee chairs, And our awesome finance team and also just wanna shout out Jeremy John and Faiza Ali.
1:00:56
This budget would have looked very different.
1:00:58
Families would have felt the cuts acutely and immediately.
1:01:01
I want to be very, very clear.
1:01:03
We have spent half of your fighting to restore reckless cuts that this may have made.
1:01:07
Under this mayor, it will always be an obstacle to expand successful programs that our communities want, like more community schools and more investments in QD.
1:01:17
And this fight is proof that we were that not that not only were these cuts unnecessary, but a distraction into weaken this body and our spirits.
1:01:25
We will not forget that mayor Adam's austerity measures were set to harm those that were already struggling the most.
1:01:31
Because of our work, New York City Public Schools will not be cutting over 20 programs, including restorative justice and success centers because of our work vulnerable children will gain access to childcare and wait list will be cleared.
1:01:44
I can confidently say this is just the beginning.
1:01:47
We are organized We are angry, and we are a body of majority women and people of color representing a diverse set of New Yorkers that are not going to back down from investing dollars to what truly matters to the people of the city.
1:01:58
The city I've called home all my life.
1:02:00
I vote yes.
1:02:01
Bam.