The City of New York's Committees on Finance and Hospitals convened on May 26, 2025, to discuss the Fiscal Year 2026 Executive Budget, focusing on critical issues affecting the city's healthcare and social services.

Carrie Hawkes, a trans New Yorker, emphasized the urgent need for funding to support gender-affirming care, advocating for a $15 million allocation to maintain access to these essential services. Hawkes highlighted the life-saving impact of such care, particularly in light of increasing violence and discrimination against the trans community. She urged the city council to bolster the NYC Trans Equity Initiative, proposing an increase in the trans equity fund to $10 million to support organizations aiding the trans community and to establish shelters for trans youth fleeing anti-trans oppression.

Hawkes warned that ongoing attacks on trans rights, particularly from the federal level, threaten access to necessary healthcare for many New Yorkers who rely on public funding. She called for the city to resist these pressures and protect the rights of its residents.

Following Hawkes, Christopher Leon Johnson addressed the council, advocating for the inclusion of the Worker Justice Project and the Street Vendor Project in the city's crisis management system. He argued that these initiatives would provide vital funding for violence prevention programs, as street vendors often face harassment and violence, leading to serious injuries. Johnson's testimony underscored the need for comprehensive support for vulnerable populations in New York City.

The discussions highlighted the city's commitment to addressing the needs of marginalized communities and ensuring access to essential services amid a challenging political landscape. The council's decisions in the coming weeks will be crucial in shaping the future of healthcare and social equity in New York City.