Lone Democrat Breaks With NYC Budget Over Equity Gaps
Bronx Councilwoman Althea Stevens was the only Democrat to vote against the city’s record $125.8 billion budget, arguing it short-changes high-need districts while wealthier areas receive more. The budget passed 45-6 as Stevens joined five Republicans in dissent; advocates pressed for a Far Rockaway trauma center that the plan did not fund, and the mayor’s office said it would continue discussions and explore alternatives to expand trauma care in the area.