The Brian Lehrer Show First Deputy Mayor on the Budget
Jul 7, 2025
Randy Mastro, the First Deputy Mayor of New York City, shares key highlights from the city’s new budget. He discusses innovative initiatives like a pilot program for free childcare and the expansion of library hours. Mastro emphasizes efforts to provide legal assistance for immigrants and support working-class families. He also touches on challenges from a state budget deficit and the city's remarkable recovery post-pandemic. Overall, the conversation reveals a commitment to enhancing quality of life for all New Yorkers.
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Phased Universal Afterschool Program
- The budget introduces a universal afterschool program phased in over 3-5 years based on demand rather than immediate full coverage.
- Not every child will use the program, but it will expand tens of thousands of seats progressively.
Childcare Pilot in Select Neighborhoods
- The city filled a $300 million state funding gap for child care and started a 2K pilot program for limited neighborhoods.
- The pilot aims to create a model before potential city-wide expansion, addressing affordability for working families.
Realistic Childcare Expansion Approach
- Mayor Adams prefers delivering realistic, funded programs like the childcare pilot over large unfunded promises.
- His administration has expanded childcare to historic levels despite state cuts and is committed to affordability.