New York City Council budget proposes adding police, creating bail fund, resurfacing roads
The New York City Council's budget proposal calls for hiring 1,000 more police officers, creating a bail fund for low-level offenses and resurfacing damaged roads.
Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito announced the recommendations Tuesday. The council is also proposing expanding services for immigrants and providing free lunch for all public school students.
Mark-Viverito says putting more officers on the ground will help improve relationships between police and the community. She says too many New Yorkers spend time in jail for nonviolent offenses because they cannot afford bail.
Mayor Bill de Blasio rejected adding more officers in last year's budget negotiations. The issue has come under increased scrutiny this year in the wake of de Blasio's rift with police union leaders and rank-and-file officers.