De La Rosa explains vote - affordable housing, immigrant services, progressive taxation

De La Rosa.

I am disclosing on the record of the council proceedings that the New York City Department of Education is funded in this budget we are adopting and my child is associated with that entity.

I request permission to explain my vote.

Permission granted.

Thank you, Majority Leader.

I want to start by thanking Mayor Mamdani and his team, Speaker Menon and her team, Chair Lee, the BNT, and the staff for their work over the last several months.

I want to thank my colleagues, particularly those in the Progressive Caucus, as well as

the coalitions and community advocates who fought tirelessly to protect critical services.

We worked for a budget that prioritizes affordable housing, social justice amid a deep affordability crisis.

This budget includes important wins for supportive housing, fair fares, libraries, immigrant legal services,

Parks, city effects, crisis to care.

Still, more work lies ahead to close the urgent housing gaps, including NYCHA vacancy repairs and stronger investments to address deed theft.

We all share responsibility for one another, but I especially want to commend Councilmember Pierina-Ana-Sanchez for her tireless advocacy on city FEPS and for reminding us all of a collective duty to care for our fellow New Yorkers.

Our communities are confronting rising costs, growing mental health needs, fear and uncertainty in immigrant communities, and an escalating consequences of climate change.

Meeting these challenges will require truly progressive taxation that is equitable without reservation.

New Yorkers have made themselves clear.

We need an affordable city.

While the rent freeze on one- and two-year leases offers some relief, our work is far from over.

I am proud to vote yes on the budget today with a continued commitment to uplift the voices of District 10 and to fight for a city that is rooted in affordability, safety, and dignity for all.

With that being said, I want to vote aye on all.

Except for intro 929A and intro 92A, for which I vote no.

Thank you.