Budget Cuts

NYC schools with student count shortfalls are facing funding cuts as the state tightens its budget amid expiring COVID relief and its immigration crisis.

Recipients of food stamps saw a significant loss in benefits this month, and more cuts are on the way. But food banks warn that they won’t have the resources to make up the difference.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff warned at a Senate hearing that if the sequester of the military budget continues, sustained major combat operations will be difficult.

While the full impact of cuts resulting from the federal sequester is still uncertain, the mayor’s budget office estimates the Central Subway project, the city’s public health programs, and services for the homeless will especially suffer.

U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel warned Friday that uncertainty surrounding sequestration was impacting U.S. defense capabilities, and if allowed to take its course would have far reaching effecs.

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano said that the automatic budget cuts, which would see $85 billion in across-the-board spending cuts in the first year, would force cuts across all areas of her department and set it back from further development.

New York City Council members begin weeks of hearings—in what has become known as “the budget dance”—on the effects of cuts in Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s proposed budget.

Protesters took over Zuccotti Park near Wall Street and a growing number of people camped there until Nov. 15 when police disbanded the camp in an early morning raid.

Transit Advocates are not pleased with budget cuts from the Metropolitan Transit Authority. Cuts may lead to fare hikes and service cuts, according to advocates and transportation expert Charles Komanoff.