"We are extremely fortunate to have the support of our federal government reflected in our City’s budget this year. Without it, we would not have been able to fund millions of dollars in new programs and continue many existing ones," said Councilmember Joe Buscaino.
"But these federal dollars did not just appear before us - they were allocated because of the strong advocacy we all took part in - again and again and again, until we were heard.
"In my position as President of National League of Cities, I directed the full resources of the organization to lobby the White House and Congress for immediate financial relief for our Country’s struggling cities, villages and towns.
"Every City around the country was in the same situation: plummeting revenues due to the Covid shutdown, and increased costs incurred responding to the pandemic
"In February, I testified in front of the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee and pleaded for federal relief dollars for cities, and faster reimbursements from FEMA, so we can continue to make payroll every 2 weeks for the thousands of dedicated city frontline workers that have stepped up and served valiantly during this crisis.
"I also spoke directly with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Secretary Pete Betegeg about the need for dedicated, long term funding for critical infrastructure.
"As we continue to pick ourselves up and recover, let’s remember the strength and power in cities.
"We are blessed with a direct line to our constituents, where our state and federal representatives do not.
"Let’s use that to the best of our abilities and leverage this budget to help each and every person who needs us - small restaurant owners, first responders, renters, single mothers, minimum wage workers, and so many more people who unfortunately suffered so greatly this past year.
"I have faith in this budget. We will maximize every penny that makes up this $11+ billion dollar budget. We will recover and come out stronger than ever before," said Buscaino.
