The New York City Council approved a $75 billion operating budget late last week with a vote of 50-0. The spending plan reflects a 7-percent increase over last year. In recent months, the city council added $236 million in new initiatives including $18 million for daycare programs and vouchers, $10.9 million for CUNY scholarships, $4.9 million to hire lawyers for immigrants facing deportation, monies for 200 more police officers on the street, and free lunch for all middle school students.

The city fiscal year begins today, July 1. Click here for more information on the budget.