Progressive Caucus Commends FY 2013 Budget Agreement

The Progressive Caucus commends Speaker Christine Quinn, the Council and the Mayor for reaching a budget agreement for FY 2013 that avoids cuts to child-care and after-school programs, firehouses, and libraries. According to a survey we conducted in May of this year, protecting these essential services is a top priority of our constituents and allies. 97% of New Yorkers polled thought the city should balance the budget by protecting vital services like education, police, fire and the social safety net, and asking a little more from those who can afford it by eliminating preferential tax treatment. Though we do have ongoing concerns about the implementation of EarlyLearn, we are pleased that this year’s budget begins to take these priorities into account. We look forward to continuing to advocate for sustainable long-term revenue options and fair economic policy.