NYC City Council Saves After-School Programs

Responding to an outpouring of demand from thousands of families across New York, New York City leaders have reached an agreement to save 47 daily TASC after-school programs and 33 daily Out-of-School Time programs in the upcoming school year. The New York City Council voted to restore to the city budget $3.8 million in funding for TASC programs in 39 Council districts, and $5.9 million for 33 after-school programs supported by New York’s Department of Youth and Community Development.

The Council also restored funding for Beacon after-school programs and shelter beds for runaway youth, among other initiatives that support kids and families.

“By saving the majority of after-school programs across New York City, the Council sent out a life-line to families trying to shield their kids from the dire effects of this recession,” TASC President Lucy N. Friedman said. “Given tough budgetary circumstances, city leaders made a choice to keep investing in youth, and in a citywide after-school system that’s a model for the nation.”

Council Majority Leader Christine A. Quinn and Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg announced an agreement on the Fiscal Year 2011 budget late Thursday. Assistant Majority Leader and Chair of the Youth Services Committee Lewis A. Fidler of Brooklyn joined with numerous council members in fighting to save youth programs during one of the most severe economic downturns in New York City history.

For details on city funding to community nonprofit and other public service organizations, see this City Council budget summary: http://council.nyc.gov/html/releases/budget_fy_2011.shtml