Comrie announces expense funding

City Councilmember Leroy Comrie on Friday, July 6, announced the acquisition $5 million in expense funding for the borough of Queens. The money, said Comrie, will go to various cultural programs, as well as programs designed to help youth and senior citizens.
“Over the past five years, Queens taxpayers have done more than their fair share to help our city out of tough fiscal times,” said Comrie. “Now that we have a budget that is fiscally responsible and prepares for the future, it is time for the enhancement of vital city services and quality of life programs.”
Comrie congratulated the Council’s Queens delegation, calling their work “diligent.”
Thanks to the Queens delegation, said Comrie, “the people of Queens County can rest assured that their share of the city resources are second to none.”
The expense funding comes on the heels of a $59 billion city budget, passed in June. Highlights of that budget include funding for libraries to stay open 6 days-a-week, as well as funding for the expansion of primary healthcare.
Notable aspects of the Queens expense budget include:
-Over $200,000 in funding for health organizations to provide free services such as cancer education and support.
-Over $350,000 toward job-training and business development, including training for women and minority-owned businesses.
-Over $500,000 in funding for senior citizens programs.
-Over $800,000 for the continuation of culturally-themed institutions such as the Queens Museum of Art and the Jamaica Center for the Arts and Learning.
-Over $500,000 for youth programs like the Boys and Girls Club and the Child Center of New York.