Aldebol explains vote - first budget supporting working families

I'm disclosing on the record of the council proceedings that the New York City Police Department is funded in the budget we are adopting and my business associate is associated with that entity.

Permission to explain my vote?

Permission granted.

First, I want to thank Mayor Mamdani and Speaker Menon, along with Chair Lee and OMB staff, the City Council Finance Team, for all their hard work in reaching this budget agreement.

In my first year as a City Council member, I am proud to support a budget that puts the needs of everyday New Yorkers first.

While there's room for continued progress, this budget is a step forward in our efforts to make New York City more affordable for working families.

I will always fight for the East Bronx to get our fair share.

During the budget process, we stood firm with my city council colleagues to ensure we passed a balanced budget without additional tax increases on hardworking Bronx families and homeowners.

I advocated for funding initiatives to combat food insecurity, support older adults, increase opportunities for young people, and protect our immigrant communities.

We prioritize funding much-needed capital improvements to our public schools, libraries, and parks.

In the East Bronx communities I represent, housing and security is a top concern.

That's why I'm particularly excited that we have secured a historic agreement to expand housing voucher access for New Yorkers facing eviction and homelessness.

We are also putting additional investment towards supporting homeowners facing rising costs and struggling to keep their homes.

I must say, however, that a commitment for pay parity for EMT workers and pay increases for DOE paraprofessionals is not apparent in this budget.

As chair of the Civil Service and Labor Committee, I remain committed to advocate for pay parity improvements for these vital city workers.

Today, I am proud to vote for a budget that takes strides towards addressing the needs and priorities of hardworking Bronx families and New York City families.

I look forward to continuing to work with Speaker Numenin, my City Council colleagues, and the administration to build on the strong foundation of this budget in the years to come.

I vote aye on all.