Council Members David G. Greenfield and Stephen Levin announced today a historic victory for Priority 5 after-school voucher funding in this upcoming year’s budget that starts on July 1. Thanks to Greenfield and Levin’s tireless advocacy, funding for Priority 5 vouchers will reach an all-time high in the New York City budget that the New York City Council is slated to pass later this week: $17 million. Greenfield and Levin led the fight for the inclusion of Priority 5 vouchers in the budget. Last year, council members secured $10 million in the budget for these funds after a protracted fight with the administration.

“I want to thank Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito and my colleagues in the Council for their support in increasing Priority 5 vouchers. I also appreciate Mayor de Blasio agreeing to restore last year’s funds in his executive budget. This is a huge victory for working families in New York City who rely on these after-school vouchers for day care so that parents can work. This is the largest amount of money that we have secured for after-school vouchers since I was elected to the Council over 5 years ago,” said Councilman Greenfield.

“The $17 million for Priority 5 vouchers included in the budget agreement is a major victory for children and families. This budget will not only restore previous cuts, it will also enhance this vital program and help thousands of families make ends meet. I thank Mayor de Blasio, Speaker Mark-Viverito, and Councilman Greenfield for their assistance and their advocacy in support of this important achievement,” said Councilman Levin.

In previous years, the Bloomberg administration routinely made cuts to after-school voucher programs, balancing the city budget on the backs of those most in need. Last year, after a campaign led by Greenfield and Levin, the Mayor and Council reinstated Priority 5 vouchers at $10 million. Councilman Greenfield made fighting for the increase in Priority 5 vouchers one of his top budget priorities. Councilman Greenfield is a member of the Speaker’s leadership team and sits on the budget negotiating team. These relationships allow Greenfield to be an outstanding advocate for his constituents. Councilman Levin is the Chair of the General Welfare Committee which oversees ACS. Together, Greenfield and Levin make a formidable team fighting on behalf of their respective constituents.

(YWN Desk – NYC)