The Committees on Finance and General Welfare convened on May 26, 2025, to discuss the Fiscal Year 2026 Executive Budget for New York City. The meeting featured a range of speakers advocating for increased funding for essential services aimed at supporting vulnerable populations.

The first speaker emphasized the urgent need for enhanced funding for various initiatives, including legal services for low-income immigrants, family advocacy, and the new Protect NYC Families initiative. The speaker highlighted the critical role of these services, particularly for kinship caregivers—grandparents and relatives caring for children outside the foster care system. They underscored that without adequate financial support, these vital programs would struggle to continue providing necessary assistance to families in need.

Following this, Brian Fritch, associate director of the Permanent Citizens Advisory Committee to the MTA, expressed disappointment over Mayor Adams' decision not to expand the Fair Fares program to cover individuals earning up to 200% of the federal poverty level. Fritch argued that the current income threshold excludes many working-class residents who are transit-dependent. He noted that raising the eligibility limit could benefit over 415,000 residents, including 60,000 regular commuters, especially as MTA fare increases loom later this summer.

Fritch further criticized New York City for being the least generous major city in the U.S. regarding public transit discounts for low-income residents, despite its high cost of living and poverty rates. He called for changes to allow Fair Fares benefits to be used on commuter rail systems, which would provide greater accessibility for those living in areas with limited subway access.

The meeting concluded with a call to action for the council to reconsider funding allocations and expand the Fair Fares program, emphasizing the need for immediate support to ensure that New Yorkers can afford essential services and transportation. The discussions highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by low-income residents and the critical need for policy changes to address these issues effectively.