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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Ashley on Medallion Debt Relief Program
5:33:57
·
131 sec
Ashley, speaking on behalf of a family member who is a veteran cab driver, appeals for the extension of the Medallion Debt Relief Program. She highlights the importance of supporting New York City cab drivers who are struggling with medallion debt, especially those facing health issues.
- Emphasizes the iconic status of NYC cab drivers and the industry's history dating back to 1937
- Requests restructuring of loans to make payments more manageable for drivers
- Argues that supporting cab drivers preserves an important part of NYC's transportation culture
Ashley
5:33:57
Good afternoon council, thank you so much for the opportunity for me to speak.
5:34:03
Am, my name is Ashley and I'm one of those families that Baravi Desai mentioned who have been impacted by crushing debt who could benefit greatly from the Medallion Debt Relief Program.
5:34:16
I'm here on behalf of a family member who is a veteran cab driver.
5:34:20
New York City cab drivers are instrumental to an iconic piece of New York City transportation and my family member has been a proud New York City Owner Cab Driver for over two decades like countless others.
5:34:32
Recent health issues including major quintuple heart surgery has made repaying his OSK medallion debt difficult.
5:34:39
When we reached out for hardship reasons regarding repayment, OSK did not care about my family member's health.
5:34:46
We are asking to extend the debt relief program.
5:34:50
Restructuring the loan would be a huge relief for him and other drivers who are proud to continue to drive and hold the mantle of New York City Medallion Owner.
5:34:58
The current structure of the loan plan is not conducive for him to be able to provide for his family.
5:35:05
A restructured loan would have impact in multiple ways.
5:35:09
Not only are you supporting a manageable payment plan to help out New York City Cab Driver Veterans with their debt to support their families and improve their life, quality of life, but you're also means that you're breathing back life into an iconic industry dating from 1937.
5:35:27
We already see an inflection point with growing interest in waves and increased rides, but we're still not fully there and we still need your support.
5:35:37
Please keep your promise to support driver veterans from crushing debt.
5:35:41
Your support not only helps our drivers but preserve an iconic piece of New York City transportation.
5:35:46
I also ask you to think about the last time, your experience when you were in a New York City cab, and I want to share this quote to leave you off with something to think about.
5:35:57
There's something poetic about hailing a cab in New York.
5:36:00
It's hope, motion and madness wrapped in chrome and leather.
5:36:03
Please help reignite the spark of hope for our New York City Cab Driver Owners who proudly wear this mantle.