NYC Council Pushes For $1B-Plus To Reverse Adams' Budget Cuts

NEW YORK CITY — New York City has more than enough money to reverse controversial cuts by Mayor Eric Adams to 3-K programs, libraries and more, argued City Council members in their official response to his administration's dire budget forecast.

The Council's response released Monday contends roughly $6 billion more in resources than originally forecast by Adams' administration officials can stave off not only the mayor's cuts, in addition to covering for expiring federal COVID stimulus funds and padding budget reserves and surplus.

"The Council is calling for approximately $1.63 billion in expense spending to offset cuts and deliver key programs, and $500 million to be set aside in reserves to account for any unforeseen budgetary risks," the response states.

A City Hall spokesperson said Adams' administration officials managed to close a $7 billion budget gap.

"We made the right decisions without interrupting New Yorkers’ access to the critical services they need and deserve," the spokesperson said in a statement. "At the same time, we still need additional support from our state and federal partners to help the city deal with the reality of billions of dollars in asylum seeker costs. We look forward to working with the City Council to negotiate a budget that reflects our shared priorities that keeps the city safe, clean, and a welcoming place to live, work, and raise a family."

The 62-page response potentially sets up the battlefield for the city's upcoming budget fight by outlining how much Council members say can, and should, be spent to restore specific cuts and shore up services.

The city's three library systems, for example, should receive $58.3 million, Council members contend.

Doing so would allow libraries to stay open seven days a week, which they have not citywide since Adams' budget cuts started in November.

Cuts that rolled back long-promised plans to make 3-K and pre-K universal for all New Yorkers can likewise be restored with $170 million, the response outlines.

Similarly, a small but impactful cut to community composting programs can be reversed with $7 million in funding, the response states.

Council Finance Chair Justin Brannan argued that New York City's recovery from the coronavirus pandemic has not only proven naysayers wrong, but should be matched by the city's investment in its services.

"The Council will be fighting for restorations across the board from 3K to CUNY, our libraries, cultural institutions, and everything in between," he said in a statement. "Hardworking New Yorkers deserve nothing less."

For NYC to be healthy, safe, and affordable, the budget must support solutions to move our city forward.

The Council’s Prelim Budget Response puts forward a budget with investments to meet our current needs and lay the foundation for our future. 🧵https://t.co/A0xU2KelIT pic.twitter.com/qLGxvOVpf7
— New York City Council (@NYCCouncil) April 1, 2024