Funding Brooklyn Institutions Is Music to My Ears

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Hi Friend,
* Our office is supporting Council Member Hudson's Migrant Resource Fair on June 1st– and we need volunteers! Learn more here ([link removed]) .
* Saturday volunteers needed: help distribute free produce, including fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables to public housing residents at Gowanus Houses, Wyckoff Gardens, and Warren Street Houses. We need volunteers to unload, bag, and distribute produce every other Saturday morning. Sign up here ([link removed]) for a shift. More questions? Email [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) .
* We’ve signed a lease for our new office and will be available for visits soon! In the meantime, we are unable to offer in-person appointments with extremely limited exceptions. If you need help, call us at (718) 499-1090 or send us an email at [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) .

Rallying to Restore Education Cuts

This week at City Hall I joined students, parents, educators, and advocates to save education programs. Despite some relief in the Executive Budget, significant programs remain on the chopping block. Proposed cuts, such as the alarming $170 million reduction to 3K and PreK, jeopardize early childhood education for countless children. 3K and PreK should be universal, and a seat should be available for every family that wants one. Additionally, programs like preschool special education face an uncertain future. K-12 education is similarly at risk, with vital initiatives like restorative justice programs and mental health support facing elimination. These cuts are not just numbers on a page—they directly impact our community's children and their futures. We must unite to ensure the final budget secures funding for these indispensable programs, and that is exactly what my colleagues and I are working toward. Our students' education cannot be compromised.

Council Member Hanif at the Rally to Save Education

Pressing the Administration

Right after the rally, at the FY25 Executive Budget Education Hearing, I pressed the administration on critical budget concerns, including the proposed elimination of the Immigrant Family Communication and Outreach Initiative, which provides targeted language access and media literacy support for families with limited English proficiency. Additionally, I implored Chancellor Banks and his team to do their part to repeal the Mayor’s 60 Day rule, which is having unprecedented impacts on families with school-age children. 6700 public school students have received an eviction notice, and of them, 10% have left the public school system entirely. In our district, school communities across PS 118, PS 124, and MS 88 have defended asylum seeker students. This shortsighted and cruel policy is disrupting their education and the other supports that come with it like a school counselor, food, and peers, which should be a constant for these youth. My bill Intro. 210, the Stop Shelter Evictions Act, would
eliminate the cap. You can watch the full exchange here ([link removed]) .

Supporting Music Education and Music Therapy

I’m proud to continue supporting the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music’s (BCM) building expansion project with $600,000 in capital funding over the past two fiscal years. For FY25, I’m advocating for $2 million from Speaker Adams which would bring the organization closer to the total amount needed for this critical undertaking. BKCM is a District 39 gem with a reach in dozens of schools and community centers citywide. As I’ve always said, funding the arts and music is integral to our joy and wellness. A stronger, happier city is one with ample music festivals and accessible music education and therapy programs. BKCM is one of the crowning achievements of that philosophy. PS: I enjoyed attending the Open Stages spring music festival!

A Mental Health Crisis Shouldn’t Be a Death Sentence

I want to again extend my heartfelt condolences to the Rozario family. 19 year old Win Rozario should be with us today. Win called 911 seeking help during a moment of acute mental health crisis. Instead of receiving the assistance he desperately needed, he encountered two killer NYPD officers whose response only escalated the situation, ultimately resulting in his tragic death.

Over the last week I joined the Rozario family at City Hall and gave an interview with Democracy Now! ([link removed]) to demand justice for Win Rozario’s murder. Win's death underscores why we urgently need to reconsider the role of police officers as default responders in situations requiring targeted mental health interventions. Other cities have successfully implemented comprehensive public safety systems that dispatch specialized mental health responders to crisis situations. New York City can, and must, replicate this model.

Community Bulletin
* Our office is co-hosting a Sustainability and Resiliency Resource Fair with the Mayor’s Office of Climate and Environmental Justice (MOCEJ). Join us on May 22nd from 6-8 PM at PS 372 The Children's School. RSVP here! ([link removed])
* Get your vote in for “The People’s Money!” Now through June 12th, all New Yorkers over 11 have the opportunity to vote on a ballot for their home borough on how to spend over $3 Million! Vote online ([link removed]) or by paper ballots that will be available citywide at sites listed on Participate.nyc.gov ([link removed]) .
* Brooklyn Org is currently accepting applications to support nonprofits that are doing impactful work in Brooklyn – learn more and apply here. ([link removed])
* The Bandung 2024-2025 Residency is calling on AAPI artists, educators, and organizers to join them as they help uplift your work! Find out more and apply here ([link removed]) .
* The NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS) is hosting a NYC Small Business Month Expo to provide a variety of free information, resources, and direct services – sign up here ([link removed]) .
* Sign up by 5/24 for the chance to be a part of White Bird Productions’ Summer “Creative Families Residency” – learn more and apply here ([link removed]) .

In Solidarity,

Shahana
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