THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK
OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS
CITY HALL
NEW YORK, NY 10007
Release # 062-2009

Statement by Speaker Christine C. Quinn
Re: City Hiring Freeze

"Last month, Mayor Bloomberg and the Council agreed on a $59.4 billion budget that included a $900 million revenue package designed to steer our City through tough economic times without eviscerating core services.  That agreement allowed us to save 16 firehouses, maintain citywide, six-day library service and keep ACS child welfare workers on the front lines protecting our most vulnerable children.   

"However, the State Senate’s failure to act is now costing us roughly $2 million dollars a day and our first responders are literally paying the price for it. 

"Today’s hiring freeze places an unnecessary strain on our City’s workforce. The State Senate needs to put aside their power struggle and allow our revenue package to move forward so we can avoid drastic cuts to the core services we fought so hard to protect."