Brooks-Powers explains vote - no capital for District 31 under mayor

Brooks Powers.

I am disclosing on the record of the council of the council.

the proceedings that the Queens Alumni Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated is funded in the budget we are adopting, and I am associated with this nonprofit, and that the New York City Department of Education is funded

in the budget we are adopting, and my sibling is associated with this nonprofit.

Also, Edge School of the Arts is funded in the budget, and we are adopting, and my child is associated with this nonprofit.

Permission to explain my vote.

Permission granted.

Today I rise in support of this year's budget, but I do so with reservations.

This is my sixth budget in the City-Council, having served under three mayoral administrations.

This is the first administration during my tenure where the mayor's executive capital budget

includes no capital investments for the 31st Council District at a time when my community faces longstanding health and infrastructure challenges.

Just four days ago, the mayor said health care is a human right and we will do everything in our power to defend it.

But those words ring hollow for my community today.

The absence of capital funding in this budget for the 31st District sends a clear message that your zip code does determine your right to health care.

A budget reflects our values and every community deserves to see itself in that vision.

In the weeks ahead, the mayor must...

Affirm his commitment to District 31 by sharing his vision for our community.

I will not stop fighting to ensure our district is not left behind under this administration.

That being said, I want to thank Speaker Menon for her leadership in negotiating a budget that reflects many of the Council's priorities from raising fair fares eligibility

to 200% of the federal poverty level to the expansion of City FEPS to a historic investment in affordable housing preservation and new home ownership construction.

This budget brings us closer to delivering a trauma center to the Rockaway Peninsula by including $10 million for this critical project thanks to this council.

This budget also provides an additional $5 million for our long-awaited Brookville Park Recreation Center that will create new opportunities for families and young people throughout Southeast Queens.

I am supporting this budget because of what the council fought to deliver for working families across New York City, but much more work lies ahead.

Thank you, and I vote aye.

Thank you.

Come on.