NYC Council and Other Leaders: We Can and Should Work to get to $1 Billion in Defunding of NYPD

Joint Statement from Speaker Corey Johnson, Majority Leader Laurie Cumbo, Democratic Conference Chair Robert Cornegy, Co-Chairs of the Black, Latino and Asian Caucus I. Daneek Miller and Adrienne Adams, Finance Committee Chair Daniel Dromm, Capital Budget Subcommittee Chair Vanessa L. Gibson, and Public Safety Committee Chair Donovan Richards on Proposed Cuts to the NYPD Budget

“We believe that we can and should work to get to $1 billion in cuts to New York City’s police spending in the Fiscal 2021 budget, an unprecedented reduction that would not only limit the scope of the NYPD, but also show our commitment towards moving away from the failed policing policies of the past.

“There is no doubt that this is an ambitious goal, but it is one that the time we are in calls for–both here in New York City and nationwide.

“This is possible: We have identified savings that would cut over $1 billion dollars, including reducing uniform headcount through attrition, cutting overtime, shifting responsibilities away from the NYPD, finding efficiencies and savings in OTPS spending, and lowering associated fringe expenses.

“As we do this, we must prioritize the most impacted communities and hear their demands and needs across all areas during this budget process. This should be a deliberative and good faith discussion of the best path forward for New York City.

“Our budget must reflect the reality that policing needs fundamental reform. Over the last few weeks, we have seen an outpouring of New Yorkers demanding change from their leaders. It is our job to listen – and to act.  We will not let this moment pass, and we will fight for the budget they deserve.”