Statement by Speaker Christine C. Quinn<\/p>\n
\u201cToday\u2019s Preliminary Budget shows that the prudent choices we\u2019ve made over the last several years have allowed us to avoid the tax increases and deep spending cuts that so many cities are still facing. <\/p>\n
\u201cHowever, there remain a number of troubling elements in today\u2019s budget proposal.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Council is concerned that the proposed budget would again result in the closure of 20 fire houses, along with major cuts to public libraries and cultural institutions, to after-school programs, and to the Chief Medical Examiner\u2019s crime fighting resources, among other areas. As we have said before, we are fully committed to protecting the essential services that New Yorkers depend on.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnother point of concern is the Administration\u2019s proposed use of fees and fines as revenue-raising tools. This is not their intended purpose and we shouldn\u2019t be harassing business and property owners with frivolous violations to bring in more revenue.<\/p>\n
\u201cToday\u2019s budgetary proposals will be fully examined and debated. Council budget hearings are scheduled to begin the week of March 5th.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe look forward to working with Mayor Bloomberg to ensure that a fair and balanced budget is reached on time and best benefits New Yorkers.\u201d<\/p>\n
Statement by Finance Chair Domenic M. Recchia, Jr.<\/p>\n
\u201cToday\u2019s Preliminary Budget, following on the Governor\u2019s proposed Executive Budget last month, gives us all hope that the worst effects of the economic downturn are finally starting to pass. We are pleased that there are no new tax increases in the Mayor\u2019s proposals. <\/p>\n
\u201cI was also pleased to know there were no new major cuts proposed this time around. However, the City Council and I need to look more closely at the cuts proposed in the mayor\u2019s November plan and ensure that the public receives adequate, undisrupted municipal services from our firefighters, sanitation workers, and others. It is imperative that we keep the quality of life for New Yorkers at the forefront as we face tough fiscal decisions.\u201d<\/p>\n
###<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Statement by Speaker Christine C. Quinn<\/p>\n
\u201cToday\u2019s Preliminary Budget shows that the prudent choices we\u2019ve made over the last several years have allowed us to avoid the tax increases and deep spending cuts that so many cities are still facing. <\/p>\n
\u201cHowever, there remain a number of troubling elements in today\u2019s budget proposal.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Council is concerned that the proposed budget would again result in the closure of 20 fire houses, along with major cuts to public libraries and cultural institutions, to after-school programs, and to the Chief Medical Examiner\u2019s crime fighting resources, among other areas.<\/p>\n
…<\/p>\n