Elizabeth Valdez testifies in support of tax for disability services

Now we're going to go to the Zoom, people who are testifying.

Elizabeth Valdez is first, followed by Ryan Foley.

Elizabeth Valdez, go ahead.

You may begin.

Good afternoon.

My name is Elizabeth Valdez and I'm an advocate with Brooklyn Center for Independence of the Disabled, a disability-led independent living center working with people with disabilities to live the fullest life possible in the community of their choice.

We support increasing tax revenue to fund the essential services, supports, and systems used by people with disabilities and others here in New York.

We especially support innovative progressive taxes that can bridge New York City's budget shortfall and support programs that will benefit disabled New Yorkers and all of us.

The tax scheme considered today would raise $500 million in desperately needed funding by taxing the residences of those who can afford to contribute to our society's social safety net.

As you know, the federal government, through H.R.

1, slashed trillions of dollars from the social safety net in order to deliver the wealthiest Americans massive tax break.

So the tax under discussion today would allow New York City to take back a small portion of that lost revenue to benefit programs that will help the rest of us.

Funding from Albany has also been used to support the expansion of child care for two and three-year-olds.

Early childhood programs here already have made it easier to raise children in this tremendously expensive city.

And the May of Program expansion has already directly benefited disabled children who need additional services and, of course, relieved their parents as well.

This is one key step towards making New York City a fair, better place to live for everyone.

I would be remiss if I didn't note that the city and state both face real challenges in delivering home care and health coverage to all.

Home care workers struggle to make ends meet.

Stressed family caregivers provide hours of unpaid care, and people with disabilities struggle to find care that they need.

The home care crisis only continues to grow as our population ages, and more and more people need long-term care.

At the same time, over a million New Yorkers will lose their health insurance by next year due to Medicaid cuts in HR1.

We're expecting even more cuts to health care in the next year's state budget.

You may find yourselves facing other tough choices about taxation, but ultimately this comes down to priorities.

Someone will pay for these budget gaps.

Will it be those who own high-priced second homes in New York City?

Or will it be home care workers, family caregivers, older adults, and people with disabilities paying through cuts to services, hours, and wages?

Implementing the tax being considered today quickly is a significant

First step, addressing the budget gaps.

Thank you very much.

Thank you very much.

Thank you very much.