This Week’s Headlines: A city budget, SUNY moves and a bridge in lights
On time, on budget, in fashion
The first major bridge built in New York City in 53 years opened on Thursday with dual celebrations of the Kosciuszko Bridge. Cuomo celebrated in the daytime, driving from Queens to Brooklyn in FDR’s Packard, then the bridge lit up in colors synchronized to Sinatra music after nightfall. Traffic, though, is expected to remain stagnant till the second span is finished in 2020.
RELATED: 7 things you (probably) don’t know about Tadeusz Kosciuszko
Not budgeting for Trump
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio presents the Executive Budget for 2018 in the Blue Room on April 26, 2017. (Edwin J. Torres/ Mayoral Photo Office)
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio released his executive budget on Wednesday, and it looked remarkably similar to last year’s despite the regime change in Washington and fear of major federal funding cuts. The $84.86 billion operating budget was up nearly $3 billion from last year’s plan, with new items including funding to start a pilot program for 3-year-old preschoolers, plus more money for affordable housing and homeless shelters. The plan to shut down Rikers Island made it in too, with $1 billion set aside for planning new jails off-island. De Blasio’s budget showed some restraint and he planned to add to reserves – but the mayor largely avoided specifics, saying the “batting average” of President Donald Trump’s plans has been pretty low.
Moving on up
Dr. Kristina Johnson addresses attendees at the Board of Trustees meeting in which she she was appointed the 13th Chancellor of SUNY. (Courtesy SUNY)
It was a big week for new hires. Kristina Johnson, an engineer, former federal energy official and experienced school administrator, takes the helm as SUNY chancellor in September. Gov. Andrew Cuomo hired a new chief of staff, Maria Comella, who’s worked for prominent Republicans and has experience with presidential campaigns. De Blasio followed the party line, appointing former Hillary Clinton staffer Rick Fromberg as campaign manager.