City Council Members Question Budget Transparency, Approves Additional $179 Million Spending Dollars for 2015

The City Council approved Wednesday an additional $179 million for 2015’s city budget. But budget transparency, say a minority of council members, is still a concern.

Council Member Helen Rosenthal during a Queens Library hearing on Feb 5., 2014. Rosenthal complained that the newly approved City Council budget was not clear enough for taxpayers to understand. Courtesy of William Alatriste/New York City Council

NEW YORK—The City Council approved Wednesday an additional $179 million for 2015’s city budget. But budget transparency, say a minority of council members, is still a concern.

The money is the result of higher-than-expected savings and revenue. Of the new funds, $29 million will be allocated for retraining police officers and $2.5 million will go toward a citywide effort to inform illegal immigrants about President Barack Obama’s executive order that protects them from deportation.

Another $4.9 million will be allocated to assisting families in homeless shelters transition into permanent housing and rental assistance for families. Survivors of domestic violence leaving the shelters will also be aided in maintaining their employment.

My problem is we shouldn't have to work so hard.

— Councilmember Helen Rosenthal