Your guide to NYC's public proceedings.
PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Thomas Gogan, Representative of Move the Money-NYC
6:20:56
ยท
164 sec
Thomas Gogan, representing the Move the Money New York City Coalition, testified about the need to challenge federal budget priorities, particularly the high percentage of discretionary spending on military and war-related expenses. He emphasized the importance of redirecting funds to address local needs in cities like New York, especially in light of potential federal budget cuts.
- Highlighted the potential negative impact of federal budget cuts, particularly Medicaid cuts, on New York City and other municipalities
- Called for New York City to lead in challenging federal budget structures that prioritize military spending over social services and community needs
- Expressed solidarity with various local initiatives, including the people's budget, closing Rikers, and improving libraries and schools
Thomas Gogan
6:20:56
Good afternoon, chairman Brennan and also two council members Ayalla and Hudson who have sat through this very long but informative hearing.
6:21:07
I'm Thomas Gogan representing the Move the Money New York City Coalition, which has over the last several years numbered some 60 veterans, community, faith based, labor, and peace organizations around the city in all five boroughs.
6:21:27
I'm here because I think it's very important that we connect some big dots.
6:21:33
As of last night, it became dramatically clear that we have a president that has declared war on New York City and frankly every large and small city and town in this country.
6:21:43
The Medicaid cuts in particular are going to be disastrous, and that's just the first round of what has already been the wood chipper of the Trump Musk juggernaut.
6:21:56
New York is the largest city in The United States.
6:21:59
We have some of the biggest problems.
6:22:00
We therefore have a very large budget.
6:22:03
And it is up to us to lead.
6:22:05
And a major element in leading is to challenge the way this federal budget is being structured and has been for a long time.
6:22:14
For a long time, even before this administration, something on the order of 60% of the portion of the federal budget that Congress puts together every year, the so called discretionary budget, has gone for war and weapons and military spending in general.
6:22:31
That is not to say anything against our veterans because they deserve to be treated well when they get home, if they're well enough to be treated well enough.
6:22:39
Mental health is a huge issue for veterans.
6:22:41
Suicide is a big issue for veterans.
6:22:44
Mental health is huge in our in our communities.
6:22:46
Poor and working class and immigrant communities are taking the brunt of these cuts and will.
6:22:52
We have to stand up and say enough is enough.
6:22:55
Too much spending on war.
6:22:57
We need to take a significant portion of that budget and redirect it to our communities regardless of what the members of congress, mainly led by the Republicans, but not only are have been doing with that money.
6:23:11
We've got to stand up and speak up on behalf of just not just of New York New York, but all cities.
6:23:16
And we're proud to stand in solidarity with the people's budget.
6:23:20
We're proud to stand in solidarity with those trying to close close Rikers.
6:23:24
And we're proud to stand in solidarity with everybody fighting for libraries, better schools, etcetera, etcetera, for young and old.
6:23:32
And so I thank you for your time and hope that this city council will see fit to move a resolution forward to that effect.
6:23:39
Thank you.