The New York City Council's Finance and General Welfare Committees convened on May 26, 2025, to discuss the Fiscal Year 2026 Executive Budget, focusing on critical funding needs for various community services. Key testimonies highlighted urgent issues affecting low-income and immigrant populations, as well as the nonprofit sector's resilience amid political challenges.

Patricia Wong, representing the New York Lawyers for Public Interest (NELPI), emphasized the pressing need for legal services aimed at low-income New Yorkers, veterans, and immigrants. She pointed out significant delays and barriers faced by clients trying to enroll in health insurance due to understaffing at the Human Resources Administration (HRA). Wong urged the council to ensure adequate staffing and funding for HRA to better serve vulnerable populations.

Wong also introduced NELPI's initiative to bolster the nonprofit sector, particularly in response to politicized threats. She requested a grant of $200,000 for fiscal year 2026 to support 600 to 800 organizations facing legal challenges. Additionally, she advocated for the restoration and enhancement of funding for the city's immigrant health initiative, seeking an allocation of $650,000 to improve health services for immigrant communities.

Following Wong, Navdeep Banes from the Asian American Federation addressed the council, representing over 70 member nonprofits serving 1.5 million Asian New Yorkers. His testimony underscored the collective voice of these organizations in advocating for essential services and support.

The meeting underscored the critical need for funding and resources to address systemic barriers faced by marginalized communities in New York City. As the council reviews the budget, the testimonies reflect a strong call for action to ensure that essential services are adequately supported in the upcoming fiscal year.