The Brian Lehrer Show The City Has a Budget Deal
Jul 1, 2025
Justin Brannan, New York City Councilmember for District 43 and chair of the Council Finance Committee, dives into the city's new budget. He highlights a groundbreaking pilot program providing free childcare for low-income families with children under 2. The conversation also touches on extending library hours at ten branches and increased funding for essential services, like immigrant legal aid. Brannan emphasizes community advocacy's role in shaping the budget and the ongoing challenges of balancing immediate needs with fiscal responsibility.
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NYC's Universal Child Care Pilot
- New York City is pioneering a pilot program providing free child care for low-income families' children under two years old.
- This initiative sets the stage for the city potentially becoming the first in the U.S. to offer universal child care.
Balancing Reserves and Services
- Despite potential federal cuts, NYC chose to allocate funds to immediate community needs rather than excessively beef up reserves.
- The city maintains historic reserves while funding vital services in immigrant support, libraries, and education.
Targeting Predatory Real Estate Practices
- NYC's housing strategy focuses on deepening affordability and preserving low-income housing while increasing overall supply.
- The city combats predatory real estate investors by closely monitoring and targeting those undermining tenant protections.