Chair outlines hearing logistics, witness limits, and administers affirmation

And on Zoom, we have Count Amaris Farias and Zhuang.

I would also like to thank my Chief of Staff, Jenna Klaus, my Legislative and Budget Director, Theo Solter, and the Education Committee staff.

including Senior Legislative Counsel Alejandro Carvajal, Senior Legislative Policy Analyst Chloe Rivera, Legislative Policy Analyst Katie Salina,

Principal Financial Analyst Andrew Lane Lawless and Financial Analyst Grace Amato for their work on today's hearing.

I would like to remind everyone who wishes to testify in person today that you must fill out a witness slip, which you can find on the desk of the Sergeant at Arms near the entrance of this room.

Please fill out the slip even if you have already registered in advance that you will be testifying in person today.

I also want to point out that we will not be voting on legislation today.

To allow as many people as possible to testify, testimony will be limited to two minutes per person, whether you are testifying in person or on Zoom.

I am also going to ask my colleagues to limit their questions and comments to five minutes.

Please note that generally, witnesses who are here in person will testify before those who are here on the Zoom webinar.

As a reminder to all of our witnesses, please state your name prior to your testimony for the record.

If anyone here requires an accessible version of a presentation given at today's hearing, please email testimony at council.nyc.gov.

Now, in accordance with the rules of the council, I will administer the affirmation to the witnesses from the mayoral administration.

I will call on each of you individually for your response.

Please raise your right hand.

Do you affirm to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth before these committees and to respond honestly to council member questions?

The record show they all said yes.

Thank you, and you may begin your testimony.