Joseph explains vote - historic CUNY investments, OmniCards, District 40

Joseph.

Thank you.

I'm disclosing on the record of the council proceeding that my child is associated with New York City Public Schools that we are funding in this budget.

And also my child is associated with ROSIS and Moving Mountains.

Permission to explain my vote?

Permission granted.

Thank you, Majority Leader.

Today we're finalizing new investments in people of New York City, which reflect our commitment to opportunity, safety, economic mobility, and stronger communities.

As the chair of Committee on Higher Education, I'm especially proud that this budget delivers historic investments in CUNY.

Because when we invest in CUNY, we invest in New York City's future.

CUNY is the economic engine of our city.

It is where first-generation students, working parents, immigrants, veterans, and lifelong learners gain the education and skills that strengthen our workforce, our neighborhood.

It is one of the greatest pathways to middle class, and this budget recognizes that.

This year, we secured $700,000 for a pilot program providing free OmniCards for CUNY students, helping remove one of the biggest barriers to college success, transportation.

No student should have to choose between getting to class and paying for groceries or rent.

We are investing in the programs that we know change lives, expanding support for CUNY Reconnect, strengthening CUNY ACE, CUNY ASAP, enhancing CUNY disability services,

and growing early childhood workforce development at CUNY to build the next generation of educators our city urgently need.

As the chair of the Higher Education Committee,

I'm also equally proud that this budget continues to invest in our youngest learners, strengthening our public schools, and support the educators and families who make our education system work every day.

I'm also thrilled that we're bringing home critical investments for residents of District 40.

This budget delivers meaningful resources for our neighborhoods, schools, our parks, our cultural institutions, and community organizations that make Central Brooklyn such a vibrant place to live.

These investments will improve the quality of life, expand opportunities for our young people, and strengthen the neighborhood we proudly call home.

Today we're also here more, there's more work ahead.

However, this budget is an example when we accomplish, when we work together and put New Yorkers first.

I want to thank the mayor, the speaker, and all of the staff and countless students, educators, labor partners, and community organizations for their partnership in delivering.

These important investments.

Together we have produced a budget that invests in our students, supports working families, strengthening public safety and advances our neighborhoods, and build a more equitable future for all New Yorkers.

And I vote aye.

Thank you.