“Today marks the beginning of budget negotiations for the Fiscal Year 2021, this Council’s third budget with the de Blasio Administration.

“As we have in the past, we will fight for a responsible and fair city budget that best serves a city as proudly diverse as New York. We are committed to ensuring a municipal government that is responsive to the needs of all New Yorkers, while protecting our neighbors who rely on social services and the institutions and initiatives that help keep this city the greatest in the world.

“We are keenly aware of the challenges presented to the City this year by the $6 billion state budget deficit, which is largely driven by the $4 billion Medicaid shortfall. The full impact of this deficit is unknown at the moment, but we will continue to work with our partners in state government to do everything we can to make sure that our 8.6 million constituents don’t lose critical services they depend on.

“The Council is also mindful that while the City’s economy remains healthy, we must plan for future financial slumps. We will work with the Administration to find savings in the budget while continuing to grow our priorities like Fair Fares, criminal justice reform, education, affordable housing, homelessness and transportation.

“The Council is committed to negotiating a budget that works for everyone, which means making sure we get our fair share from Albany for schools, housing and infrastructure.

“New Yorkers deserve nothing less.” 

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