Statement from NYC Comptroller Brad Lander on the FY26 Adopted Budget Agreement

New York, NY— New York City Comptroller Brad Lander released the following statement:

“New York City faces a critical moment as the Trump Administration prepares to eviscerate essential services, blow holes in New York City’s budget, and erode the rights and wellbeing of New Yorkers. Mayor Eric Adams has been an accomplice to many of those harms. While the FY26 budget agreement includes some improvements thanks to the Speaker and City Council’s advocacy, it still leaves New York City far too vulnerable to Trump’s ongoing assaults.

“The budget agreement adds nothing to the Rainy Day Fund or to the General Reserve, and therefore fails to protect the City from the pressing threat of federal budget cuts. Trump already slashed 7,700 housing vouchers that New York families rely on, and far larger – likely multibillion dollar – cuts loom to health care, food stamps, and more. It is a dereliction of duty to the future of New York City to fail to shore up our reserves.

“I’m grateful to Speaker Adrienne Adams and the City Council for insisting on an additional $42 million for legal services to immigrants facing deportation, as immigrant advocacy groups and my office demanded. Along with the $50 million added in the New York State budget by Governor Hochul and legislative leaders, New York is in position to respond to the emergency created by Trump’s lawless assault on asylum seekers, whose fundamental rights are being stripped away every single day. I urge City and State leaders to join me at immigration court and bear witness to what is happening to New Yorkers being disappeared without legal basis or a shred of humanity – and to move with urgency to convert these budget dollars into on-the-ground assistance.

“I’m also glad to see the City Council additions to seven-day service at ten additional library branches and for a pilot program for child care for two-year-olds. New Yorkers are clamoring for a more affordable and livable city. These steps are far less bold than the ones New Yorkers raised their voices for on Tuesday, but are steps forward.

“Mayor Adams’ budget dancing has left New Yorkers exhausted and poorly prepared for the threats Trump poses. We need leadership that is prepared to rise to the challenges we face.”

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