NY City Council Passes $66 Billion 2012 Budget

New York’s City Council approved today a $66 billion fiscal budget for 2012  by a vote of 49 to 1.

Although the city lost significant federal and state funds, the City Council fought hard over the last three months to preserve critical services that were on the chopping block, including child care for working families, senior services, libraries and protective services for vulnerable children.

Through organized efforts with labor groups, City Council members and working citizens, massive teacher layoffs were avoided and several fire companies were saved.

"The continuation of these programs and services will allow New York to survive this economic downturn that our city and its families are still experiencing," said City Councilmember Al Vann.

But Vann pointed out that these same efforts should continue, as the federal budget is next, which also will have an enromous impact on state and city funding allocations.

"As negotiations continue over a federal budget that will begin in October, it is crucial that New Yorkers make their voices heard to advocate against significant federal budget cuts that would devastate New York City and its communities,” said Vann.