Councilman David G. Greenfield is leading the call for Mayor Bill de Blasio’s budget to include $17 million dollars for Priority 5 vouchers. This program is crucial for low-income orthodox families who rely on it for day-care assistance. Despite his promise that both Priority 5 and Priority 7 vouchers would be funded in this year’s budget, Mayor de Blasio’s budget in February had neither. The New York City Council released its budget response last week and it included a request that the Mayor restore Priority 5 vouchers.

“Priority 5 child care vouchers provide an irreplaceable service to thousands of New Yorkers. Without this program, many would have to choose between giving up their jobs and taking care of their children. I am disappointed that once again we have to call on Mayor de Blasio to restore this critical program. However, I am hopeful that the Mayor will keep his promise and include it in his revised budget. I thank my colleagues, especially Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, for their leadership on this issue and urge the mayor to listen the Council’s call,” said Councilman David Greenfield.

Priority 5 vouchers have suffered serious cuts throughout the Bloomberg administration. When Bill de Blasio was Public Advocate he stood with Greenfield at City Hall calling on this program to be restored. Now, Mayor de Blasio publicly promised that Priority 5 and 7 vouchers would be restored. In its response to the mayor’s proposal that would eliminate the voucher program, the New York City Council called for an additional $17 million to continue and expand this vital program.

(YWN Desk – NYC)