budget

The state budget was passed in the early morning hours Thursday despite opposition from protesters.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg previously blasted state cuts to the city's budget as "an outrage."

State lawmakers announced that they had reached a tentative budget agreement Sunday.

The approximately $132.5 billion budget is expected to reduce spending for 2011-2012 by two percent.

The self-financed ad is intended to counter-balance attack ads by the teachers' union and other critics.

A new analysis of the mayor's preliminary budget also says that homeless shelter costs could soar.

The state Senate and Assembly versions both include restoring some spending cuts proposed by Andrew Cuomo.

Mayor Bloomberg said the city may need to build 70 new homeless shelters to make up for cuts to state aid.

City agencies were informed Wed. that they must find ways to cut their spending by at least another 2 percent.

Special programs like translation services and kosher meals are at risk unless funding is restored, local officials said.

Bloomberg warned of more harsh cuts, but said he was "optimistic" about a deal on merit-based teacher layoffs.

The centers are among 105 senior centers citywide that will have to close without additional state funding.

A threatened government shutdown Friday would force the closure of tourist attractions like Liberty Island.

The Santiago Calatrava-designed station will now cost $3.44 billion.

Between 100 and 110 of the city's 256 senior centers will be forced to close because of budget cuts, officials said.