Hanif explains vote - democratic socialist priorities, tax the rich

Hanif.

Permission to explain my vote?

Permission granted.

I vote yes on the budget.

Thanks to the leadership of Democratic Socialist Mayor Mamdani, the budget before us is not a budget of austerity.

It is a budget that shows what is possible when we choose to invest in poor and working people and care.

Fair Fares is baselined and expanded so more New Yorkers can get around our city.

Longtime priorities of the Progressive Caucus, mental health responders, crisis respite centers, and initiatives that hire peer specialist staff are baselined.

Promise NYC, which provides free childcare for newly arrived immigrant families, is baselined.

And importantly, there is no increase in NYPD headcount, an issue I strongly advocated for during negotiations.

This council also secured a historic agreement on city FEPS.

At a time when too many families remain trapped in shelter, this investment creates a pathway to permanent housing, stability, community, and opportunity.

These victories are significant, but our work is not done.

I look forward to continuing the fight to fully invest in NYCHA so vacant apartments can be repaired and returned to families faster.

I will also continue advocating for full funding of the Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities, the disability justice arm of our city government.

And let me be clear, New Yorkers deserve even more.

We must tax the rich.

Alongside the Progressive Caucus and my socialist colleagues, I will continue fighting every year for the resources we need to deliver housing, transit, schools, healthcare, and public services that every New Yorker deserves.

Thank you, Speaker Menon and the budget negotiating team.

Today, I am proud to be a democratic socialist.

I vote aye on all except for 929.

Thank you.