De Blasio asks lawmakers for more funds, control of schools
Mayor Bill de Blasio, faced with a shifting leadership in the Legislature and an uncertain alliance with the governor, implored lawmakers in Albany on Wednesday to give New York City its fair share in funding and him more control over its schools and housing laws.
De Blasio framed his budget testimony with the central promise of his administration, a pledge to fight income inequality, by asking for the state to devote some of its multibillion-dollar surplus to combat homelessness, improve schools and preserve affordable housing in the nation’s largest city.
“It will only be possible for the city with a strong, sustained partnership with Albany,” de Blasio said. “The moment has come for the city to get its fair share of state funding.”