The NY State 2025 Executive Budget was presented on Feb. 15 in BCC’s Gould Memorial Library (GML) Auditorium, with Commissioner of the NY Division of Criminal Justice Rossana Rosado delivering the address on behalf of Governor Kathy Hochul. BCC Student Government Association President Krishta N. Fernandez gave introductory and welcoming remarks along with Interim President Dr. Milton Santiago.

“It’s a great honor that Governor Hochul chose BCC as the place to do this budget presentation,” Dr. Santiago said. “This community college produces individuals who accomplish great things educationally as well as professionally, and one of those individuals is our New York City Council Member Pierina Sanchez.”

In introducing Council Member Sanchez, Dr. Santiago cited Sanchez as an example of how BCC transforms lives. Sanchez, who serves BCC’s district (District #14) where she was born and raised, attended BCC’s college prep program “Upward Bound”. From there, she went on to attend and graduate from Harvard University on a full scholarship and earn a Master of Public Affairs degree from Princeton University. Her distinguished career in public service includes positions with the Obama Administration, Community Board 5 and Mayor Bill de Blasio.

“This is a historic moment for our district and our community. For the first time in many many years, we got a knock on our door saying the Governor’s Office wants to partner with us, and they want to hear what we have to say,” Sanchez said.

Commissioner Rosado unveiled highlights of the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget and answered questions from the audience. Her presentation covered a range of important issues, such as addressing crime and improving the mental health system to priorities related to children and families, education, housing affordability, healthcare initiatives, economic competitiveness, infrastructure projects and climate change. The Governor’s FY25 Budget totals $233 billion, amounting to a 4.5 percent increase over FY24.

The event was attended by BCC faculty, staff and administrators and Bronx community leaders and members, including students from I.S.303. New York State Assembly Member George Alvarez also attended and delivered brief remarks.