With a $2 Billion Surplus NYC Mayor
Slashes Library Funding
Although New York City is enjoying the largest budget surplus in its history—$2 billion—the $34 billion budget announced April 24 by Mayor Rudolph Giuliani includes a $12.9 million reduction for libraries.
"Libraries, like anything else, should be more efficient in their operations," Giuliani said. Criticizing libraries that had responded to past budget cuts by threatening to reduce hours or close branches, he suggested that "They can ask people to work harder and work longer hours."
The mayor also suggested that libraries raise money from the public by setting up private foundations, which he added would insulate them from future budget cuts if the city's finances deteriorate.
Although Giuliani said he wanted most of the surplus to go towards police, the schools, and reducing future budget gaps, he also called for a $312-million cut in personal income taxes and hopes to build a new stadium for the New York Yankees.
Posted May 4, 1998.
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