Strong. United. Determined.
That’s how Mayor Michael Bloomberg described the “State of the City” during yesterday’s annual address.
But it was undercut by a grim reality when the mayor mentioned multibillion-dollar budget deficits “for years to come” and hefty employee pension costs weighing down the city’s finances.
“The city’s economic future is hanging in the balance,” said Bloomberg, addressing other city officials at St. George Theatre in Staten Island.
The mayor, who’s seen his approval rating dip in recent weeks, pledged not to raise taxes to cover the budget gap. Other plans for 2011 and beyond include:
•Revising the city’s pension system, including raising the retirement age to 65 for non-uniformed workers.
•Improving public safety by focusing on truancy and opening a center in Harlem to provide services for children and parents.
•Launching a new program to help immigrant entrepreneurs open small businesses.
•Working with the TLC to allow livery cabs pick up street passengers in the outer boroughs, which is currently illegal.
What you missed this week on NewsdayTV NewsdayTV takes a look back at some of our investigations and exclusive stories from this week.
What you missed this week on NewsdayTV NewsdayTV takes a look back at some of our investigations and exclusive stories from this week.
