“After an initial briefing on the Mayor de Blasio’s Executive Budget, I’m impressed that he has offered a true progressive proposal that is well balanced toward serving our city’s most important needs.

“In particular, the Mayor was responsive to my requests last month for increased library funding ($300 million proposed), funding to help curb homelessness (an increase to $100 million), and directing new funding to mental health services ($78 million), including those in renewal and community schools.

“To be sure, libraries will still need more funding to be fully brought up to speed with 21st-century demand, homelessness is not a problem that is going to be eliminated overnight, and all schools need culturally appropriate mental health services– but this year’s budget is a welcome blueprint for a better New York City.”