I am reaching out to ask you to vote against the proposed fur ban in City Council I will lose my job. I and my family need this job and it is one I am proud to do, that I have trained to do. It is because of jobs like mine that other middle-class working people get to make a living wage, many of who are immigrants. I am part of a proud, lasting tradition here in the City, and as someone whose livelihood depends on it, I urge you to vote against the ban. This industry continues to thrive even as fashion manufacturing has declined in the city, something that elected officials have said they want to reverse, but this would just make things worse. This ban would shut us down and irreparably damage the city’s economy with a loss of revenue, jobs, and small businesses: - After one year of the proposed ban, NYC would lose $76 million in tax revenue. - NYC would miss out on $850 million in total revenue in just one year. - 7,500 jobs would be lost - More than 150 businesses would be forced to close or move out of the city, almost all of which are family- and immigrant-owned. NYC cannot afford to lose more revenue. The tax revenue from our businesses could completely offset this year’s federal budget cut to public housing, or contribute necessary funds to another of the city’s programs that millions of people depend on. It feels like this is just another time the City Council is solely listening to the loud minority of people. A ban would increase gentrification by hurting working class and middle class New Yorkers like me, which is already underway, and hurt New Yorkers who have been in NYC for generations, through good times and bad. This ban would mean the end of a historic industry in NYC, even as lawmakers have committed to preserve garment manufacturing. A vote for this ban is a vote for shuttered storefronts and lost jobs. The City Council is in charge of protecting our businesses and strengthening our economy and protecting me and my family. If this passes and I lose my job I will not be able to find a new one – this is all the training I know how to do. I can promise you, not just myself, but every single one of my coworkers, friends, family, neighbors, and every member of the industry will hold you accountable. You have the opportunity to do your job and stand up for what is best for New York City and your constituents, by voting NO on the fur ban.

I am reaching out to ask you to vote against the proposed fur ban in City Council I will lose my job. I and my family need this job and it is one I am proud to do, that I have trained to do. It is because of jobs like mine that other middle-class working people get to make a living wage, many of who are immigrants. I am part of a proud, lasting tradition here in the City, and as someone whose livelihood depends on it, I urge you to vote against the ban. This industry continues to thrive even as fashion manufacturing has declined in the city, something that elected officials have said they want to reverse, but this would just make things worse. This ban would shut us down and irreparably damage the city’s economy with a loss of revenue, jobs, and small businesses: - After one year of the proposed ban, NYC would lose $76 million in tax revenue. - NYC would miss out on $850 million in total revenue in just one year. - 7,500 jobs would be lost - More than 150 businesses would be forced to close or move out of the city, almost all of which are family- and immigrant-owned. NYC cannot afford to lose more revenue. The tax revenue from our businesses could completely offset this year’s federal budget cut to public housing, or contribute necessary funds to another of the city’s programs that millions of people depend on. It feels like this is just another time the City Council is solely listening to the loud minority of people. A ban would increase gentrification by hurting working class and middle class New Yorkers like me, which is already underway, and hurt New Yorkers who have been in NYC for generations, through good times and bad. This ban would mean the end of a historic industry in NYC, even as lawmakers have committed to preserve garment manufacturing. A vote for this ban is a vote for shuttered storefronts and lost jobs. The City Council is in charge of protecting our businesses and strengthening our economy and protecting me and my family. If this passes and I lose my job I will not be able to find a new one – this is all the training I know how to do. I can promise you, not just myself, but every single one of my coworkers, friends, family, neighbors, and every member of the industry will hold you accountable. You have the opportunity to do your job and stand up for what is best for New York City and your constituents, by voting NO on the fur ban.