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REMARKS
Council Member Restler's opening remarks and introductions
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Council Member Lincoln Restler opens the hearing on the fiscal year 2026 preliminary plan, introducing himself as the chair of the governmental operations state and federal legislation committee. He outlines the agencies that will be testifying and emphasizes the importance of their roles in light of current challenges facing New York City.
- Restler thanks committee staff for their hard work in preparing for the hearing.
- He acknowledges the presence of Council Member Carr of Brooklyn.
- Restler introduces Commissioner Molina and Deputy Commissioner Middleton from DCAS to testify.
Lincoln Restler
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Good morning.
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I will discontinue discussing Jaycee's vacation plans and shift to the hearing.
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My name is Lincoln Ressler.
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I have the good fortune of being the chair of the city council's governmental operations state and federal legislation committee.
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It's always a mouthful.
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Today we will hear testimony from the Department of Citywide Administrative Services, the Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings, the law department, the board of election and the board of elections, and of course the public regarding the fiscal year 2026 preliminary plan.
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These agencies are tasked with some of our city's most fundamental functions, a role that is always important, but roles that are always important but have become even more critical as New York City faces unprecedented threats and extraordinary upheaval out of Washington.
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With the looming impact of federal funding cuts and policies that just quite simply contradict our values, we must be prepared to keep our city running and protect the health and safety of New Yorkers.
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The agencies we're hearing from today keep our lights on, manage our city's vehicle fleet, advise and defend us from lawsuits, conduct elections, facilitate hiring, and so much more.
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Your work is invaluable.
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My fellow committee members and I, thank you David, are tasked with the role of ensuring these core functions are being executed effectively to ensure that New Yorkers are being provided with the services they depend on.
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Our budget is of course a moral document and as we prepare ourselves for the next four years, this budget will determine how we intend to navigate the challenges ahead.
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We look forward to hearing more details about the four agencies' budgets today and whether funding is being used effectively and efficiently.
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I'd like to make sure that we thank our committee staff for their hard work preparing for this hearing.
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I cannot say enough nice things about the finance unit head Julia Haramis who has overseen three hearings this week and somehow manages to answer every single one of our questions and provide the most thorough support.
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So thank you very much to Julia.
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Senior legislative counsel who always supports us on this committee, Jason Regenopathy, and our legislative policy and analyst, Erica Cohen, thank you both.
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Thank Adrian for being with us today.
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My expert communications director, Neem Mooney, and last but certainly not least, my chief of staff, Molly Haley, who is fully the brains behind our operation.
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In addition, I'd like to recognize council member Carr of Brooklyn and thank him for joining us today.
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Now I'd like to welcome commissioner Molina and deputy commissioner Middleton from DCAS to testify before the committee.
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The Department of Citywide Administrative Services fiscal year 2026 preliminary budget totals 1,930,000,000.00, including 239,300,000.0 in personnel services funding to support 2,415 full time positions and 1,390,000,000.00 for other than personnel expenses expenses.