BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — The Boston City Council has passed the city's $3.61 billion operating budget for Fiscal Year 2021, despite some Councilors' concerns over the need for deeper police budget cuts.
Amid nationwide and local calls for police reform, Councilor Andrea Campbell called on her colleagues to vote 'No' on the Mayor's budget, because she said the proposal did not do enough to address racial inequities.
"A timid response to the organizing and calls for action to shift our budget so it's more equitable and antiracist is not enough,"said Campbell. "Enough is enough. And gradual will no longer do."
Councilor Lydia Edwards said since layoffs are looming for city employees, she would rather pass the budget and work on possible modifications later, adding that she is "not willing to treat those workers as cannon fodder in any cultural war."
After two hours of debate, the vote was 8 to 5 in favor of the operating budget.
Councilors Ed Flynn, Frank Baker, Michael Flaherty, Lydia Edwards, Kenzie Bok, Liz Breadon, Annissa Essaibi-George, and Matt O’Malley voted in favor.
Councilors Andrea Campbell, Michelle Wu, Ricardo Arroyo, and Julia Mejia, and Council President Kim Janey voted against the proposal.
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(Photo: Getty Images)