The City Council voted on Friday to adopt the City's 2008 operating budget, totaling $59 billion. Speaker Quinn and the Council deserve credit for working to make the budget process more transparent. For the first year ever, initiatives and programs receiving funding will be listed along with the sponsoring Council Member(s). This will help us to better inform you who's working for or against animals.
We took the time yesterday to look through the 123 page document called Schedule C. Here's some of what we found. Take action!
- Council Member Charles Barron (D-Brooklyn) gave $4,000 to help fund a rodeo in Brooklyn. If you're in his district (or elsewhere in Brooklyn), call to say how disappointed you are: (718) 649-9495. Note: Barron plans to run for Brooklyn Borough President in 2009.
- Council Member Vincent Ignizio (R-Staten Island) gave $5,000 to Pet Lovers United Together As One, a no-kill rescue group in Staten Island. He also gave Staten Island Center for Animal Welfare $5,000 to help purchase supplies for their animal shelter. If you're in his district, call to say thanks: (718) 984-5151.
Pictured above: Calf roping at a rodeo.