Mayor Bloomberg isn't kidding when he says, "This is not going to be a feel-good time." He asked city agencies to trim their budgets. WNBC reports the request is to "cut $500 million from their budgets this year and $1 billion next year," as Bloomberg prepares the city for less revenue, due to Wall Street's dwindling fortunes (he's been on this train of thought for a while). Apparently these cuts are equivalent to 2.5% of budgets this year and 5% next year. Last year around this time, Bloomberg wanted agencies to be careful with spending. more ›

Gov. Paterson publicly addressed the state of New York's budget and described it as "too big and too bloated." Belt tightening is the prescribed solution according to the Governor, with state spending to be cut by 5-10% in the latest fiscal year. That is a pretty dramatic reduction, but Paterson was quick to reassure that it was equally important that the state not raise taxes either, noting that many residents were decamping to lower-tax states like Pennsylvania and North Carolina, which were also more affordable. more ›

Mayor Bloomberg presented the preliminary 2008-2009 fiscal year budget which inclued cuts to almost every city agency, saying, "Everyone is going to have to tighten their belts." One big reason is the slowing economy and its effects on the city; for instance, the city had previously thought Wall Street profits would be $16.8 billion last year but they are more likely to be $2.8 billion. more ›