NEW YORK – Today, Citizens’ Committee for Children of New York (CCC) Executive Director Jennifer March issued the following statement on the Fiscal Year 2024 New York City Budget Agreement:

“Budgets are moral documents and statements of values. While there are a small number of bright spots in the city FY’24 agreement announced today – such as restorations to libraries, community schools, Promise NYC, the Mental Health Continuum, and newly invested money to pilot the conversion of seats within 3K to full year, full day options – these bright spots must not distract from the overwhelming failure of the Adams administration to adequately invest in children, families, and communities.

We are deeply disappointed in the lack of investment in the human service workforce critical to addressing economic insecurity, hunger, housing, child care, and the physical and behavioral health needs of New Yorkers across the five boroughs.

Furthermore, it is concerning to see cuts to city agency staff, who are essential to facilitating access to cash aid and food and housing benefits, and to contract services for homelessness and early care and education services, among others. The loss of these positions and reductions in services will have devastating ripple effects on New York families for years to come.

We are extremely troubled that the fiscal choices outlined today ignore the magnitude of the devastating social and economic fallout the pandemic had on Black, Brown and immigrant New Yorkers and the workforce serving communities across this city every day.  Today’s choices will impede recovery and are a sobering reminder that the fight for justice and equity will never be over.”

###

About CCC
Citizens’ Committee for Children of New York (CCC) educates and mobilizes New Yorkers to make the city a better place for children. CCC’s advocacy combines public policy research and data analysis with citizen action. CCC casts light on the issues, educates the public, engages allies and identifies and promotes practical solutions to ensure that every New York City child is healthy, housed, educated and safe. For more information about CCC, visit www.cccnewyork.org.