Last night, hundreds of kids, parents and local activists flowed into the auditorium at P.S. 134/137 on East Broadway to “make a stand” against Mayor Bloomberg’s cuts to after school programs. Next year’s city budget would cut after school and early education funding by $130 million. Bloomberg slashes funding for the programs every year — and every year the City Council restores the funding. The rally was attended by several politicians, including City Council member Margaret Chin and State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver. Henry Street Settlement, University Settlement, Educational Alliance and the Chinese Planning Council all administer large after school programs on the Lower East Side. They were there in force at last night’s rally.
Very typical of Bloomberg. He doesn’t give a crap about all the children in New York so he continues to take away whatever little funding these programs have so that our children can be left behind, Mr. Bloomberg, get this through your THICK SKULL:
These programs are a lifeline for many families,These programs are essential to keep children in a SAFE and EDUCATIONAL ENVIRONMENT so that THEIR PARENTS can CONTINUE WORKING AND PROVIDE FOR THEIR FAMILIES!!!
This is not a luxury for us, these programs are essential so that families don’t wind up homeless or their children don’t wind up on the streets on harm’s way. These programs also prepare children for the school, nurtures them and gives them a safe place to go to, where they can learn and prosper and make friends. Stop doing this stupid budget cut on the backs of our children!!!!!
Fed up Parent and case worker