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Q&A
WeSpeakNYC program budget reduction and impact
2:33:00
·
106 sec
Council Member Justin Brannan questions the significant budget reduction for the WeSpeakNYC program in FY26. Deputy Commissioner Jasniya Sanchez explains the current funding situation and ongoing efforts to secure additional resources.
- FY26 executive plan includes about $620,000, down from $1.1 million in the previous year
- The current funding reflects the baseline for the program
- MOIA is in ongoing communication with OMB to assess needs and potentially secure additional funding
- The program will continue its partnership with libraries
Justin Brannan
2:33:00
The WeSpeakNYC and the Moya English learning and support centers, I see the executive plan includes just about 620,000 but that's compared to 1,100,000.0 last year.
2:33:15
Why was the budget for WeSpeak NYC reduced?
Jasniya Sanchez
2:33:21
So for next fiscal year in FY twenty six, we have secured in the executive plan about 600 ks, as you mentioned.
2:33:31
We continue to be in close collaboration and communication with ONB to continue to assess the needs and funding that will be needed.
Justin Brannan
2:33:44
But why was it reduced so much?
Jasniya Sanchez
2:33:47
Again, in fiscal 'twenty five we were happy to receive that additional funding from our partners at OMB and we continue those conversations with them as we get closer to the adaptive plan.
Justin Brannan
2:34:00
I just think it's crazy that OMB would be reducing your funding at a moment like this.
2:34:08
Blink twice if you agree.
Jasniya Sanchez
2:34:10
What I will add is that the the funding that you currently see reflected is the baseline funding for the program.
2:34:17
Right.
2:34:18
And and we'll continue to work with our partners at OMB.
Justin Brannan
2:34:22
But I mean do you think the the program's gonna be negatively impacted by that funding cut?
Jasniya Sanchez
2:34:30
We're in communications also with our partners.
2:34:33
We will be continuing our partnership with the libraries.
2:34:38
And, you know, again with OMB, we hope to, you know, to continue those conversations for additional funding.