FOR THE RECORD

Good morning Councilmembers. My name is Isaac Bowman and i am here in support
of the Mayor?s amendments to 421~a. It adds stronger enforcement for the
prevailing wage and covers more building service workers.

I am a concierge at a residential building called The Exo in Astoria,
Queens.

I have worked at The Exo for almost a year and I make $10.50 an hour with no
bene?ts. Under the terms of the 421~a tax break the Exo gets, 1 should be making the
prevailing wage, which starts at $16.88 an hour and getting the equivalentof full-
family healthcare. And I should be on track to get up to the full prevailing wage rate
of $22.50 an hour, not including bene?ts, after more time on the job.

But because management is not meeting the prevailing wage obligation, my wife, my
step~child and I receive public assistance in order to pay the bills and put food on
the table. I am a US military veteran. I supported my country and its not right that
now that I am home I cannot support myself and my family.

Prevailing wage for building service workers in buildings receiving 421-31 is the law.
But it is not being properly enforced.

When I found out my building was receiving 421~a but not paying me the prevailing
wage, I was upset. I struggle to support my family because I am being robbed of my
wages. Meanwhile, the building owner is still allowed to get a big tax break.

We need real enforcement from the city.

This is why I supporting the Mayor?s proposal for 421-a renewal. It adds strong
enforcement for prevailing wages. This will be good for me, my co-workers and our

families.

The Mayor?s proposal will also expand prevailing wage so that more building service
workers are covered. This will help more workers support their families and afford

to call New York City home.

Thank you.