New York City finally has a budget for next year, John.
After shaking hands with Mayor Eric Adams, the City Council voted today to pass the $107 billion budget this afternoon (though many progressive members voted against it).
Council members and advocates fought hard to restore funding to important programs, like half-off metro cards for low income New Yorkers and expanding child care to children regardless of immigration status. The city’s public libraries are also safe from further cuts for now.
But the budget still cuts CUNY and critical social services. It doesn't add to the city’s Rainy Day Fund — our safety net for fiscal emergencies — and includes zero additional dollars for cost-saving legal services to help asylum seekers. This budget fails to address many long term challenges and those choices will affect hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers.
Despite this, I’ve been truly inspired by the advocates, activists, and every day New Yorkers who have been pushing City Hall for a budget that reflects our values and the needs of New Yorkers. It’s an honor to fight alongside you.
Whether demanding an equitable city budget or shedding light on the administration’s failed policy of homeless encampment sweeps, I will always stand up for competent, compassionate government for all New Yorkers.
In solidarity,
Brad
