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Green Party of New York Condemns New York City Budget, Demands Police Reforms

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Green Party of New York has expressed outrage and disappointment over the passage of the city's FY 2021 budget, which they claim maintains funding for the NYPD despite the massive social uprising demanding reforms. The party's officers, Chris Archer, Peter LaVenia, and Candace Carponter, have denounced the Mayor and City Council's "accounting tricks" and "half-truths" in an attempt to downplay the lack of significant cuts to the NYPD budget. The Green Party argues that the budget prioritizes maintaining a police state over social programs and community needs.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Green Party of New York has condemned the FY 2021 budget, stating that it fails to address the demands of the social uprising and maintains funding for the NYPD.
  • The party's officers, Chris Archer, Peter LaVenia, and Candace Carponter, have accused Mayor Bill de Blasio of being a "cynical opportunist" who has refused to implement progressive police reforms.
  • The Green Party has criticized the city's leaders for using "accounting tricks" to maintain funding for the NYPD while attempting to claim otherwise.
  • The party has called for drastic cuts to the NYPD budget, tax increases for the wealthy, and the redirection of funds to community programs and non-violent professions.
  • The Green Party has stated that it will continue to support candidates committed to real change, which means candidates from the Green Party and others outside the two-party corporate system.

Statistics:

  • The NYPD budget has been increased by $1 billion since Mayor de Blasio took office.
  • Over 22,000 city jobs are being proposed for elimination, while the NYPD budget remains intact.
  • The city is facing a $9 billion budget gap, but the NYPD has escaped real cuts.
  • The FY 2021 budget allocates $6 billion for the NYPD, while other city agencies are subject to austerity and a hiring freeze.
  • 1000 current and former city staff members have released a statement criticizing Mayor de Blasio's unwillingness to challenge the NYPD.

Sources:

  • Green Party of New York. (July 4). News release: Green Party officers respond to passage of NYC's FY 2021 budget.
  • ABC News. (June 15). Thousands protest police violence and budget cuts in New York City.
  • Time.com. (June 25). Amid Breonna Taylor protests, New York City hires former NYPD officer as community liaison.

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