State lawmakers jump into NYC budget fight

In case the stream of rallies at City Hall over the last few weeks didn’t catch his attention, state lawmakers are adding their voices to the chorus calling for Mayor Eric Adams to reinvest in city agencies. 

In a letter shared with City & State, Rep. Nydia Velázquez and nearly two dozen state lawmakers – both progressive and more moderate Democrats – referenced the “reported intractability” of budget negotiations between the City Council and administration as the June 30 deadline for the fiscal year 2025 budget nears. 

Without directly mentioning any specific sticking points that remain in ongoing negotiations – such as a $58.3 million cut to the city’s library systems or drops in early childhood education funding – the letter called on the administration to agree on a budget that prioritizes affordability. “As advocates for our constituents, we witness firsthand the profound impact of rising housing costs, underfunded schools, library closures, social services, and the urgent need for accessible childcare,” the letter read. The City Council’s Progressive Caucus helped organize the lawmakers who signed on to the letter, which included state Sens. Zellnor Myrie, Jessica Ramos, Jabari Brisport and Iwen Chu, as well as Assembly Members Karines Reyes, Phara Souffrant Forrest and Linda Rosenthal.