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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Teresa Carpio, Street Vendor from Corona, Queens
5:35:52
·
3 min
Teresa Carpio, an Ecuadorian street vendor from Corona, Queens, testifies in support of the street vendor reform package, emphasizing the importance of vending for her livelihood and family. She highlights her contributions to the economy through taxes and expresses fear of harassment from various authorities, particularly in light of the current immigration climate.
- Carpio advocates for the approval of Intros 431, 408, 407, and 24, which are crucial reforms for street vendors.
- She emphasizes the flexibility of street vending, allowing her to manage her schedule and spend time with her children.
- Carpio expresses concerns about harassment from law enforcement and the risk of deportation, urging support for street vendors as legitimate businesses.
UNKNOWN
5:35:52
My name is Teresa Carpio.
5:35:54
I'm Ecuadorian and I represent the Association for Suite Vendors in Corona, in Corona Plaza in Queens.
5:36:03
I've been a suite vendor in New York City for twenty years.
5:36:07
I live at Corona Queens and I work in the neighborhood of Corona Queens as well.
5:36:12
I'm here to ask you to ask the council that you have to approve the reform package for the street vendors for the proposals or intros number four thirty one, four zero eight, 40 seven, and 24.
5:36:29
These reforms are very important because street vending is unique and I cannot oh, I can only rely on being a street vendor.
5:36:41
I can rely on any other type of jobs, but I can rely on street vending.
5:36:47
I control my own schedule and my own time.
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Especially I can spend time with my kids and the time and I can provide them the time that they need.
5:37:03
From selling, from vending, also I've been able to pay my taxes because I do pay my taxes every year.
5:37:17
And I do pay the and I pay the sales taxes every three months as well.
5:37:30
I do contribute to the economy of this country.
5:37:34
Really, at this moment, with Trump's administration, I am really afraid.
5:37:40
I'm scared.
5:37:43
I'm scared of immigration police, the NYPD, or the police from the sanitation department.
5:37:52
They harass me or get a violation against me or that I have to answer to any charges pressed against me or to be detained or deportated.
5:38:11
The same as any other business, we deserve the support of authorities within this city.
5:38:18
It is my dream to obtain a license, a general merchandise license to be able to sell that.
5:38:24
Street vendors are self sufficient.
5:38:27
We do not rely on the government.
5:38:32
Since ever since the past year 02/2024, we've been accused by we've been harassed excuse me.
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We've been harassed by police by New York police.
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We've been treated and arrested just as criminals when in reality we are working to be able to provide for our kids and give them food.
5:38:59
New York police is giving us criminal tickets.
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Thank you very much for listening to me.
5:39:14
and to support the project of street vendors.
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And I want I also want to say thank you for your support to all the street vendors.
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God may bless you.
UKNOWN
5:39:13
Thank you listening