ALBANY, N.Y. (WCBS 880) — New York City Mayor Eric Adams on Wednesday faced one of his first major tests as he tried to win over support and funding from state lawmakers on his top priorities as budget season heats up.
Adams delivered virtual testimony at the New York State Joint Legislative Budget Hearing on what's known in Albany as "Tin Cup Day."
The new mayor is looking to get state lawmakers on board with his priorities, including mental health resources and tax reform, as they craft their budget.
"At this moment our city is focused on three significant goals: reducing crime, overcoming the challenges caused by the pandemic and rebuilding our economy," he told lawmakers.
Most of the attention was on changes he wants legislators to make around bail reform.
"Tweaking it is saying we did the justice part, now let's address the public safety part, that's where I think we went wrong," Adams said.
During the meeting, Republicans and some suburban Democrats echoed their support, but Democrats from within the five boroughs, like State Sen. Jamaal Bailey, aren't so sure.
"I think that we have to be very surgical in the conversations that we're having as related to the justice reforms that we're having as opposed to just looking at a headline and saying that we should make wholesale changes," Bailey said.
Adams also faced fierce pushback from State Sen. Latrice Walker.
"Dangerousness is not a tweak, but it is a wholesale change to our bail system and the way that we've been handling bail in the State of New York," said Walker.
Another hot topic was mayoral control of schools.
"Given your concern, and many of our concerns about the lack of parental input in recent years, do you think that that mayoral accountability should simply be extended without changes?" State Sen. John Liu asked, to which Adams replied, "Yes, I do."
Mayoral control is usually renewed in two-year increments, but Adams wants a full four.
"I am asking that, you know, give me the chance to do what I've advocated for," Adams said.
Related
Related
Related
