The New York City Committees on Finance and General Welfare convened on May 26, 2025, to discuss the Fiscal Year 2026 Executive Budget, focusing on funding for critical legal services. A significant point of discussion was the allocation of $35 million for immigration legal services, which remains unchanged from the previous fiscal year. Officials expressed appreciation for the ongoing partnership with the City Council in supporting these essential services.

Another key topic was the Right to Counsel program, which is set to receive $15.6 million in city funds for FY26. This funding replaces federal stimulus money and does not increase the overall budget for the program. However, an additional $15 million is expected to be allocated for indirect cost adjustments, which will slightly raise the total budget for the Right to Counsel initiative, projected at $197 million for FY26, down from $204 million in FY25.

The meeting also addressed a request from the City Council for $2 million to establish a pilot program aimed at providing legal assistance to domestic violence survivors. This initiative aligns with Local Law 5 of 2022, which mandates the creation of a working group to recommend legal services for these individuals. The administration has yet to confirm whether this funding will be included in the executive budget plan.

As the meeting concluded, members prepared to hear from the public, indicating a commitment to community engagement in the budgetary process. The discussions highlighted the city's ongoing efforts to support vulnerable populations through legal services, despite challenges in securing increased funding.