At least 200 people, representing around 30 community groups, marched around Boston City Hall Tuesday afternoon to protest Mayor Michelle Wu’s proposal to cut certain city departments’ budgets and eliminate funding for a number of grant programs.
Wu has proposed the cuts in her $4.9 billion spending plan for the next fiscal year, as the city grapples with stagnant tax revenue growth and steep cost increases.
‘They also emphasized that Wu’s move to end the year-round youth jobs program comes after the School Committee approved a plan to cut 300 to 400 staff jobs, citing significant cost increases and financial challenges due to declining enrollment.
“Our students only have one life. . . . They can’t redo these vital years, and if we take [resources] away from them, we’re going to see the impact later,” said Lea Serena, vice president of the Boston Teachers Union. “Find more money and put it where it belongs.”
Wu has previously described her budget proposal as “tough” but necessary belt-tightening to protect essential city services amid surging costs.
Wu’s administration has also noted that her plan maintains funding for a number of initiatives — including a program that guarantees summer jobs for BPS students; new recruit classes for police, fire, and EMS; weekend and evening hours at libraries and youth and family centers; and free English language classes for adults through the Boston Public Library.’