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.
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!
