Queens – Today, State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky, Assemblywoman Nily Rozic, and Assemblymember Ron Kim joined together to host a budget breakfast at the Flushing Town Hall to hear from community members and organizations. Dozens gathered to voice their concerns and engage in a productive dialogue on how the state budget would impact Eastern Queens, including local schools, community organizations, and other public services.

With the increased demand for infrastructure upgrades and innovative programming to serve growing youth, senior, and immigrant communities, many raised concerns about funding cuts to education, small businesses and social services. Attendees also expressed the need for greater transparency and clarity in the budget process.

"The budget process may be complicated, but it is critically important to our community. I look forward to working with my colleagues, Assemblymembers Ron Kim and Nily Rozic, to help so many different groups and individuals,” said Senator Toby Ann Stavisky. “We will continue to work with the community to make sure that despite the current difficult financial situation, this year’s budget is as beneficial as possible.”

Assemblywoman Nily Rozic said, “This forum is an opportunity for our community to come together and think of creative ways we can work together and advocate for local needs throughout this year’s budget process. It gives constituents a real opportunity to see how government works and to have an active role in deciding how to better serve our neighborhoods. I look forward to working with Senator Stavisky and Assemblymember Kim to ensure that the communities of Eastern Queens get their fair share.”

“I want to help make the political process more accessible to my community. I want to build a strong foundation of accountability and transparency between our offices and our constituents,” stated Assemblyman Ron Kim. “As representatives, it is important for us voice the concerns of our community and recognize that hearing from our constituents is the most important part of the process. The purpose of this event is to give us the space in a public forum to have these important conversations. We will follow-up on the discussion we’ve had today and I will continue to think of ways to make the political process accessible.”