Earlier today, we noted that community groups were awaiting word from Mayor Bloomberg about the fate of almost 200 after school programs. When his executive budget was unveiled this afternoon, the programs, may of which are located on the Lower East Side, were still slated for elimination. It did not take long for other elected officials (especially those running for mayor) to denounce the decision.
City Council Speaker Christine Quinn said in a statement:
…I am deeply concerned about cuts to childcare programs. Two major programs, EarlyLearn and Out-of-School Time (OST), have suffered unacceptable cuts and are being implemented in ways that create tremendous disruptions for families, communities, and providers. The EarlyLearn program, as presently funded in this Executive Budget, reduces overall childcare capacity by 8,200 seats and cuts funding to areas of the City with significant high-needs populations. Many working families will no longer have access to low-cost, quality childcare.
Elected officials, the leaders of several neighborhood non-profits and parents will gather tonight at 6 p.m. for a town hall meeting on the program reductions. It will be held at P.S. 134, 293 East Broadway.
