Budget mess discussed at RHBA

New York State’s budget was a hot topic at the Richmond Hill Block Association as Councilmember Elizabeth Crowley and Assemblymember Rory Lancman explained the new budget plan to community members.
Crowley is fighting against Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s proposed plan to close 62 fire companies. As the chair of Fire & Criminal Justice Committee, Crowley wants to have fewer roadside call boxes and use the budget towards saving the fire houses.
Lancman said schools like Richmond Hill High School need attention from elected officials, so it doesn’t face the same fate as Jamaica High School, which is closing due to low graduation rates.
Along the same vein, he said that the governor proposed to reduce the Tuition Assistance Program [TAP] awards as part of budget cuts, however, officials fought against it.
Lancman said the Democrats and the Republican must come to an understanding before they can come up with a solid budget plan that can help fix the budget crises.
“A good budget is worth waiting for,” said Lancman.