Your guide to NYC's public proceedings.
New York City Council
Committee on Finance
Apr 16, 2025
·
10:00 AM
3 hr 22 min
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Summary
A hearing on the impact of federal funding cuts on New York City's budget, services, and nonprofit organizations.
Discussions focused on:
- The potential effects on vulnerable populations
- The need for contingency planning and increased reserves
- Financial strain on service providers
- Coordinated advocacy at federal, state, and local levels
Features testimony from the Independent Budget Office (IBO), Citizens Budget Commission (CBC), various nonprofit organizations, and the public.
Meeting chapters
Read summaries and watch videos for short segments that matter to you.
Council Member Restler introduces himself and recognizes colleagues
Council Member Lincoln Restler opens the hearing by introducing himself as the chair of the committee on governmental operations, state and federal legislation. He acknowledges co-chair Justin Brannan and recognizes …
0:00:38
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25 sec
Criticism of Trump administration and its impact on federal resources
Council Member Restler strongly criticizes the Trump administration's actions, accusing them of making significant cuts to federal workforce and programs, which have wide-ranging impacts on New York City. - Restler …
0:01:03
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50 sec
Scale of federal funding for New York City
Council Member Restler outlines the significant role of federal funding in New York City's budget and operations. - The city budget receives $9.7 billion in federal funds, over 8% of …
0:01:53
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15 sec
Potential impacts of federal funding cuts on New York City
Council Member Restler outlines the severe consequences of potential federal funding cuts on various programs and services in New York City. - Social Security and Medicaid are highlighted as programs …
0:02:08
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36 sec
Criticism of Mayor Adams' response to federal funding threats
Council Member Restler criticizes Mayor Eric Adams for his perceived lack of action in challenging the Trump administration and defending New York City's interests. - Restler contrasts Adams' response with …
0:02:44
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22 sec
Call for action and planning to address federal funding cuts
Council Member Restler outlines necessary steps to prepare for and mitigate the impact of potential federal funding cuts on New York City. - He calls for robust federal advocacy and …
0:03:06
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26 sec
Announcement of 'Trump-proofing' plan for New York City
Council Member Restler announces a plan to 'Trump-proof' New York City through targeted investments to protect the health and safety of New Yorkers. - The plan aims to prevent measles …
0:03:32
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54 sec
Criticism of Adams administration's absence from the hearing
Council Member Restler strongly criticizes the Adams administration for not attending the hearing and for their perceived lack of preparation for potential federal funding cuts. - Restler accuses the mayor …
0:04:27
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33 sec
Mention of preconsidered introduction on employee communications
Council Member Restler briefly mentions a preconsidered introduction that will be heard during the meeting. - The introduction addresses a technical error relating to employees' communications in adjudicative proceedings - …
0:05:01
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7 sec
Acknowledgments and handover to Chair Brannen
Council Member Restler concludes his opening remarks by acknowledging staff members and recognizing additional council members present before handing over to Chair Brannan. - Restler thanks committee staff and his …
0:05:08
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31 sec
Council Member Justin Brannan criticizes federal funding cuts and administration's absence
Council Member Justin Brannan delivers opening remarks at an oversight hearing, criticizing the administration's absence and addressing the impact of federal funding cuts on New York City. He highlights recent …
0:05:39
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3 min
Introduction and overview of IBO's concerns
Jackie Sherman from the Independent Budget Office introduces herself and her colleague, setting the context for their testimony. She references previous testimony and outlines the focus on risks posed by …
0:10:11
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31 sec
Federal funding risks and need for budget transparency
Sherman discusses the recent announcements of federal spending reductions and their potential impact on New York City's budget and services. She emphasizes the need for transparency and fiscal realism in …
0:10:43
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65 sec
City budget concerns and options for surplus
Sherman highlights specific concerns with the city's budget, including underestimated and overestimated costs. She also discusses options for handling the projected fiscal year 2025 budget surplus. - Budget understates costs …
0:11:49
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50 sec
Impact on city agencies and critical questions
Sherman discusses the heavy reliance of some city agencies on federal funding and poses critical questions about the administration's planning and response to potential funding cuts. - Some agencies like …
0:12:41
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73 sec
State budget complications and education funding
Sherman explains how the absence of a final state budget further complicates the city's fiscal situation, with particular emphasis on risks to public education funding and other state-funded programs. - …
0:13:57
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100 sec
Economic assumptions and trade policy impact
Sherman addresses the lack of public detail from the administration regarding economic assumptions in light of current discussions around trade, immigration, and tax policy. She highlights potential impacts on the …
0:15:39
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45 sec
Challenges faced by the nonprofit sector
Sherman highlights the mounting fiscal stress faced by the city's nonprofit sector due to budget cuts and policy changes affecting the communities they serve. - Nonprofits operating with thin margins …
0:16:26
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28 sec
Conclusion and call for budget transparency
Sherman concludes by emphasizing the real implications of fiscal uncertainties on services for New Yorkers and calls for a transparent, realistic budget process focused on long-term stability. - Highlights the …
0:16:57
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27 sec
Discussion on NYC's reserves and rainy day fund
Council Member Restler inquires about NYC's reserves and rainy day fund, with IBO representatives providing a detailed explanation of the city's various reserve accounts and their purposes. The discussion covers …
0:17:36
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3 min
Inquiry into federal funding tracking and transparency in NYC
Council Member Restler inquires about the tracking and transparency of federal funding in NYC agencies, asking if OMB centrally monitors federal grants, staff funded by federal grants, and potential vulnerabilities. …
0:21:39
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152 sec
Discussion on the impact of federal funding cuts on NYC
Council Member Restler inquires about the impact of federal funding cuts on NYC, mentioning specific examples like Head Start and public health grants. The IBO representative explains the potential ripple …
0:24:12
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80 sec
Council Member Brannan questions IBO on city's financial preparedness
Council Member Justin Brannan questions representatives from the Independent Budget Office about what actions the city administration should be taking in response to potential federal funding cuts. The IBO emphasizes …
0:25:32
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94 sec
Impact of federal funding cuts on human services programs
Council Member Gale A. Brewer inquires about the potential impact of federal funding cuts on human services programs in New York City. Jackie Sherman from the Independent Budget Office responds, …
0:27:16
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89 sec
Balancing current needs with future financial planning in NYC budget
Council Member Gale A. Brewer discusses the challenge of balancing immediate needs with future financial planning in New York City's budget. Sarah Parker from the Independent Budget Office explains options …
0:28:45
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155 sec
Legal challenges and uncertainties in federal funding cuts
Council Member Gale A. Brewer raises concerns about potential lawsuits and legal challenges related to federal funding cuts. Jackie Sherman from the Independent Budget Office acknowledges the uncertainty surrounding these …
0:31:20
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124 sec
Council member inquires about racial equity plans and potential federal implications
Council Member Nantasha M. Williams asks about the delay in releasing racial equity plans and their potential federal implications. Jackie Sherman from the Independent Budget Office offers to follow up …
0:33:31
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74 sec
Council Member Restler criticizes Adams administration's absence from federal funding cuts hearing
Council Member Lincoln Restler expresses frustration and criticism towards the Adams administration for their absence at the hearing on federal funding cuts. He emphasizes the importance of the issue and …
0:34:47
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74 sec
Testimony by Andrew Rein, President of Citizens Budget Commission, on Federal Funding Cuts Impact
Andrew Rein, President of Citizens Budget Commission, testified about the potential impact of federal funding cuts on New York City and recommended strategies for the city to prepare and respond. …
0:37:38
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3 min
Council member's opening remarks and question on federal funding tracking
Council Member Lincoln Restler thanks Andrew Rein for his testimony and acknowledges the importance of fiscal responsibility in the current climate. He then asks about OMB's centralized tracking of federal …
0:40:56
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70 sec
Discussion on OMB's planning and publicly available data on federally funded programs
Andrew Rein discusses the availability of public data on federally funded programs and OMB's planning process. He notes that while specific planning details are unknown, OMB professionals are likely preparing …
0:42:06
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70 sec
Impact of federal cuts on public health and the city's health department
Council Member Restler and Andrew Rein discuss the potential impact of federal cuts on public health and the increased responsibility placed on the city's health department. They explore how to …
0:43:16
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4 min
Discussion on when and how to use the rainy day fund
Council Member Brewer and Andrew Rein discuss the appropriate use of the city's rainy day fund and other financial reserves. Rein provides insights on fiscal planning and the importance of …
0:47:29
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3 min
Potential impact of Medicaid cuts on New York City healthcare
Council Member Restler inquires about the potential impact of proposed federal Medicaid cuts on healthcare in New York City. Andrew Rein discusses the uncertainties surrounding these cuts and potential areas …
0:51:02
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116 sec
Testimony by Joseph Rosenberg, Executive Director of Catholic Community Relations Council
Joseph Rosenberg, Executive Director of the Catholic Community Relations Council, testified about the impact of federal funding cuts on their services, particularly in legal assistance for immigrants and food pantry …
0:54:25
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3 min
Testimony by Alana Tornello, Director of Resilience at Human Services Council, on Federal Funding Cuts Impact
Alana Tornello, representing the Human Services Council, urges New York City to protect human services from proposed federal funding cuts affecting various programs. She outlines four key actions for the …
0:57:58
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178 sec
Testimony by Rachel Klepper, Research Analyst at United Neighborhood Houses
Rachel Klepper from United Neighborhood Houses testifies about the impact of federal funding cuts on settlement houses and the communities they serve. She highlights the critical role of programs like …
1:01:02
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3 min
Testimony by Dr. Melony Samuels, Executive Director of The Campaign Against Hunger
Dr. Melony Samuels, Executive Director of The Campaign Against Hunger, testifies about the critical role of nonprofits in serving New York City and the urgent challenges they face due to …
1:04:32
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3 min
Impact of federal funding cuts on Catholic Charities Legal Services
Council Member Lincoln Restler inquires about the impact of $5,750,000 in federal cuts to Catholic Charities Legal Services. Joseph Rosenberg from Catholic Community Relations Council responds, detailing the devastating effects …
1:08:14
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161 sec
Survey of federal funding for UNH and HSC member organizations
Council Member Lincoln Restler asks United Neighborhood Houses (UNH) and Human Services Council (HSC) about surveys of their members' federal funding. Both organizations provide insights into their efforts to understand …
1:10:57
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91 sec
Impact of delayed city payments on nonprofits
Council Member Justin Brannan briefly interjects to ask if the current situation would be easier for nonprofits if the city paid its bills on time. The panel members unanimously agree …
1:12:28
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17 sec
Impact of federal staffing cuts on service delivery
Council Member Gale A. Brewer raises concerns about federal staffing cuts indirectly affecting nonprofits' ability to provide services. Joseph Rosenberg from Catholic Community Relations Council confirms these issues. - Layoffs …
1:12:45
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97 sec
DOGE contact with nonprofits receiving federal funds
Council Member Nantasha M. Williams inquires if any organizations have been contacted by DOGE regarding federal funds. Dr. Melony Samuels from The Campaign Against Hunger shares her organization's experience. - …
1:14:23
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56 sec
Testimony by Andrew Sta. Ana, Interim Co-Executive Director of Asian American Federation, on Federal Funding Cuts Impact
Andrew Sta. Ana, representing the Asian American Federation, testified about the impact of federal funding cuts on the Asian American community in New York City. He highlighted the unique challenges …
1:16:54
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3 min
Testimony by Mohammad Razvi, Executive Director of Council of People's Organization, on Impact of Federal Funding Cuts
Mohammad Razvi, Executive Director of the Council of People's Organization, testifies about the ongoing need for food assistance and other essential services in his community, particularly among South Asian and …
1:20:18
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138 sec
Testimony by Alice Mo, Policy and Advocacy Coordinator at Homecrest Community Services
Alice Mo from Homecrest Community Services testifies about the impact of potential federal funding cuts on vulnerable populations in New York City, particularly older adults and immigrant communities. She emphasizes …
1:22:39
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165 sec
Testimony by Jeehae Fischer, Executive Director of Korean American Family Service Center, on Federal Funding Cuts Impact
Jeehae Fischer, Executive Director of the Korean American Family Service Center (KFSC), testified about the devastating impact of federal funding cuts on their organization's ability to serve immigrant survivors of …
1:25:28
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167 sec
Discussion on reasons for potential $2 million funding cut to Korean American Family Service Center
Council Member Williams inquires about the reasons behind the potential $2 million funding cut to the Korean American Family Service Center. Jeehae Fischer explains that the funding is not being …
1:28:23
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38 sec
Impact of immigration issues on service usage and organizational adaptations
Council Member Schulman inquires about the impact of current immigration issues on service usage and outreach strategies. Representatives from various organizations share their experiences, revealing a mixed picture of increased …
1:29:04
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124 sec
Current challenges faced by immigrant-serving organizations
Organization representatives highlight additional challenges faced by immigrant communities and the organizations serving them. These include difficulties in passport renewals, concerning emails to attorneys, and the critical need for accessible …
1:31:08
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73 sec
Council Member Restler's concluding remarks on federal funding challenges
Council Member Restler concludes the panel by expressing gratitude for the organizations' work and addressing the challenges posed by federal funding cuts. He emphasizes the need for collaborative advocacy and …
1:32:21
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85 sec
Testimony by Miranda Miranda, Organizing Associate at La Colmena
Miranda Miranda, representing La Colmena, an immigrant rights organization in Staten Island, urges the City Council to continue funding immigrant-serving organizations. She highlights La Colmena's work in community education, legal …
1:33:55
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3 min
Testimony by Aaron Sanders, Deputy Director of Government and Community Relations at Grand Street Settlement
Aaron Sanders from Grand Street Settlement testifies about the importance of federal funding for their programs, particularly Head Start, and the potential negative impacts of funding cuts on the communities …
1:37:13
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3 min
Testimony by Bryan Ellicott-Cook, Director of Government Relations at SAGE
Bryan Ellicott-Cook from SAGE testified about the alarming threats to LGBTQ+ elders and elders living with HIV due to hostile federal policies and budget cuts. He emphasized the real and …
1:40:59
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3 min
Testimony by Kevin Kiprovski, Director of Public Policy at Live On New York, on Federal Funding Cuts Impact on Older New Yorkers
Kevin Kiprovski, representing Live On New York, testified about the impact of federal funding cuts on older New Yorkers and the city's aging services. He emphasized the critical nature of …
1:44:08
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3 min
Council Member Restler expresses gratitude for strong hearing attendance
Council Member Lincoln Restler thanks attendees for their strong response to the hearing invitation. He acknowledges the impact of disappearing federal grants on various organizations and expresses gratitude for their …
1:47:54
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60 sec
Discussion on federal cuts to LGBTQ+ organizations
Council Member Lynn C. Schulman inquires about federal cuts to LGBTQ+ organizations. Bryan Ellicott-Cook from SAGE provides information on their organization's experience with federal funding cuts and the impact on …
1:48:57
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155 sec
Testimony by Jade Vasquez, Director of Policy and Research at Women In Need (WIN)
Jade Vasquez from Women In Need (WIN) testifies about the need for New York City to prepare for and mitigate potential federal funding cuts that would affect vulnerable populations. She …
1:52:21
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155 sec
Testimony by Gina Cappuccitti, Senior Director of Housing Access and Stability Services at New Destiny Housing
Gina Cappuccitti from New Destiny Housing testified about the impact of federal funding cuts on housing programs for domestic violence survivors in New York City. She highlighted the importance of …
1:55:01
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132 sec
Testimony by Dr. Terry Troia, Executive Director of Project Hospitality, on Federal Funding Cuts Impact
Dr. Terry Troia, representing Project Hospitality, Staten Island Hunger Task Force, and Supportive Housing Network of New York, testifies about the devastating impact of federal funding cuts on hunger, homelessness, …
1:57:17
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3 min
Testimony by Victoria Leahy, Director of Policy and Planning at Homeless Services United
Victoria Leahy, representing Homeless Services United, testified about the impact of federal funding cuts on homeless services in New York City. She highlighted the risks to vital housing programs and …
2:00:41
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3 min
Testimony by Adrienne Abbate, Executive Director of Staten Island Partnerships for Community Wellness
Adrienne Abbate, Executive Director of Staten Island Partnerships for Community Wellness, testifies about the impact of federal funding cuts on public health initiatives in Staten Island. She highlights the organization's …
2:04:54
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168 sec
Testimony by Janet Magnuson, CEO of Richmond Home Needs Services, on Federal Funding Cuts Impact on Staten Island's Older Adult Population
Janet Magnuson, CEO of Richmond Home Needs Services, testifies about the impact of underfunding and cuts on Staten Island, particularly affecting the older adult population. She highlights the growing senior …
2:07:49
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4 min
Testimony by Tatiana Arguello, Executive Director of Nonprofit Staten Island
Tatiana Arguello, Executive Director of Nonprofit Staten Island, testifies about the underfunding of Staten Island nonprofits and the potential impact of federal funding cuts. She emphasizes the disproportionate allocation of …
2:12:15
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3 min
Testimony by Janice Monger, President & CEO of Staten Island Museum, on Federal Arts and Culture Funding Cuts
Janice Monger, President & CEO of Staten Island Museum, testifies about the severe impact of federal funding cuts on arts and cultural organizations in New York City, particularly focusing on …
2:15:52
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172 sec
Council Member Restler praises Staten Island advocacy and asks about conversations with Congresswoman Malliotakis
Council Member Lincoln Restler commends the panel for their advocacy efforts and emphasizes the importance of their influence with their Republican representative in Congress. He offers support from the council …
2:18:44
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89 sec
Panel members respond about advocacy efforts with Congresswoman Malliotakis
Panel members, including Adrienne Abbate, respond to Council Member Restler's question about their advocacy efforts with Congresswoman Malliotakis. They share information about meetings and surveys conducted. - Adrienne Abbate mentions …
2:20:17
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38 sec
Council Member Restler concludes discussion and introduces next panel
Council Member Lincoln Restler wraps up the discussion with the current panel, offering encouragement and support for their advocacy efforts. He then introduces the next panel of speakers. - Restler …
2:20:55
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92 sec
Testimony by Justin Wood, Director of Policy at New York Lawyers for the Public Interest
Justin Wood from New York Lawyers for the Public Interest testified about the devastating impact of federal funding cuts on New York City communities and nonprofit organizations. He emphasized the …
2:22:31
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3 min
Testimony by Hannah Lupien, Managing Director of Food Programs at Met Council on Jewish Poverty
Hannah Lupien from Met Council on Jewish Poverty testified about the impact of federal funding cuts on food assistance programs, particularly those providing kosher and halal food. She urgently requested …
2:26:30
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3 min
Testimony by Dr. Sophine Charles, Associate Executive Director of Council of Family and Child Caring Agencies
Dr. Sophine Charles, representing the Council of Family and Child Caring Agencies, testified about the impact of federal funding cuts on nonprofit agencies providing child welfare services in New York …
2:30:00
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4 min
Testimony by Naima Dahir, Budget Advocacy Manager at Arab American Family Support Center
Naima Dahir from the Arab American Family Support Center urgently requests support from the NYC City Council to continue serving vulnerable New Yorkers in the face of anticipated federal funding …
2:34:37
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3 min
Testimony by Sabrina Hargrave, Vice President of Programs at Brooklyn Org, on Federal Funding Cuts Impact
Sabrina Hargrave from Brooklyn Org testifies about the impact of federal funding cuts on Brooklyn's nonprofits and the need for the city to support these organizations. She emphasizes the critical …
2:38:43
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138 sec
Testimony by Hailey Nolasco, Senior Director of Government Relations at Center for Justice Innovation
Hailey Nolasco from the Center for Justice Innovation highlights the importance of community-based alternatives to traditional law enforcement approaches in addressing crime and public safety. She emphasizes the success of …
2:41:07
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119 sec
Testimony by Rosalind Black, Citywide Housing Director at Legal Services NYC, on Federal Funding for Legal Services Programs
Rosalind Black, representing Legal Services NYC and other legal service providers, testified about the critical role of federally funded legal services programs in New York City, particularly the Right to …
2:43:14
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3 min
Testimony by Philip Duncan, Assistant Director for Housing at Northern Manhattan Improvement Corporation
Philip Duncan testifies about the importance of the Anti-Harassment Tenant Protection Program (AHTP) in preserving affordable housing and ensuring housing justice for New York City tenants. He explains how AHTP …
2:46:29
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3 min
Council member inquires about private sector investments in nonprofit services
Council Member Lynn C. Schulman asks representatives from various organizations about potential private sector investments or partnerships to supplement their funding. The representatives discuss their current funding situations and express …
2:49:42
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67 sec
Organizations detail funding sources and challenges in housing assistance
Representatives from Northern Manhattan Improvement Corporation and other organizations provide more detailed information about their funding sources and challenges, particularly in relation to housing assistance programs. - Philip Duncan explains …
2:50:50
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48 sec
Testimony by Yesenia Mata, Executive Director of La Colmena
Yesenia Mata, Executive Director of La Colmena, an immigrant rights organization on Staten Island, testifies about the critical work they do in supporting immigrant communities and the challenges they face. …
2:52:19
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143 sec
Testimony by Joneé Billy, Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships and External Affairs at PowerPlay NYC
Joneé Billy from PowerPlay NYC testified about the organization's work empowering BIPOC girls through sports-based youth development and the challenges they face due to anti-DEI rhetoric and funding cuts at …
2:54:46
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3 min
Testimony by Emma Bessire, Senior Policy Associate at Citymeals on Wheels
Emma Bessire from Citymeals on Wheels testified about the crisis of food insecurity among older adults in New York City, emphasizing the need to protect food assistance programs in light …
2:57:54
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141 sec
Testimony by Kayt Tiskus, Principal at Collective Public Affairs
Kayt Tiskus, representing Collective Public Affairs, testified about the challenges faced by vulnerable populations in New York City, particularly focusing on domestic workers and the LGBTQ+ community. She highlighted the …
3:00:20
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3 min
Council Member Schulman discusses legislative efforts to protect transgender healthcare
Council Member Lynn C. Schulman, chair of the health committee, confirms ongoing legislative efforts to protect transgender healthcare in New York City. She highlights the following actions: - Legislation to …
3:03:38
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23 sec
Council Member Schulman addresses funding actions related to hospitals providing transgender healthcare
Council Member Schulman discusses actions taken regarding funding for hospitals providing transgender healthcare. Key points include: - Some private hospitals are quietly continuing to provide care to avoid federal scrutiny …
3:04:01
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27 sec
Testimony by Christopher Leon Johnson, Member of the Public
Christopher Leon Johnson testifies in support of maintaining funding for nonprofits in New York City. He criticizes the City Council for not subpoenaing the mayor's office to testify and for …
3:04:58
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3 min
Testimony by Janice Holt, Board of Directors member of Central Harlem Senior Citizen Center, on Federal Funding Changes Impact on NYC Seniors
Janice Holt, representing the Central Harlem Senior Citizen Center, testified about the potential impact of federal funding changes on New York City's senior services. She emphasized the critical role of …
3:08:10
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3 min
Testimony by Sierra Kraft, Executive Director of ICARE Coalition
Sierra Kraft, Executive Director of ICARE Coalition, testified about the devastating impact of federal funding cuts on legal services for unaccompanied immigrant children in New York City. She emphasized the …
3:12:10
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3 min
Testimony by Mai Trinh Chang, Chief of Staff of Asian Americans for Equality
Mai Trinh Chang, Chief of Staff of Asian Americans for Equality (AAFE), testified about the impact of federal funding cuts on their organization's programs and the communities they serve. She …
3:15:36
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167 sec
Testimony by Andy Bowen, Founder of Popular Front Project
Andy Bowen, founder of the Popular Front Project, testified about the urgent need for action against federal funding cuts affecting vulnerable communities. He criticized the lack of urgency from government …
3:18:40
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3 min