On Monday, June 4, I released my Plan for a Better Baltimore. My plan builds on Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake’s $2.8 billion preliminary budget for fiscal year 2013 by shifting $17.1 million already included in the budget to areas and agencies that the citizens of Baltimore consider essential.
Here comes the part where I’m asking for your help. A hearing on my plan will be held today, Thursday, June 7, at City Hall in the Council Chambers at 2:00pm. We’re asking those who support my plan to attend the hearing if they’re available. Those unable to attend the hearing can email a letter of support to councilpresident@baltimorecity.gov. I will share your letters with my Council colleagues. I would also ask you to call your councilmember (410-396-3100) and ask him/her to support my plan.
My plan includes making $17.1 million in adjustments to the proposed budget that would allow the city to:
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- Restore funding to keep city recreation centers open
- Double funding for youth summer jobs
- Double funding for afterschool programs
- Restore funding for Experience Corps program
- Restore funding to prevent closure of fire companies
- Phase in increased costs of employee contributions to healthcare plan
The $17.1 million would be funded by:
- Select reductions to various agency budgets
- Elimination of 57 funded vacant positions
- Transfer surplus funds from the employee Health Insurance Reserve Fund
- Adjusted revenue projections from speed cameras
My Plan for a Better Baltimore involves ZERO tax increases.
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I would be honored to have you join us in our efforts to help the citizens of Baltimore weather one of the most difficult economic periods in American history.
Sincerly,
Jack
President, Baltimore City Council