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BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — One day after the Boston City Council narrowly approved a new $4.2 billion dollar operating budget, council president Ed Flynn is speaking out against the spending plan's proposed cuts.
The City Council passed the budget proposal with a 7-5 vote Wednesday, approving roughly $52.9 million in amendments. Speaking with WBZ NewsRadio Thursday, Flynn lambasted his seven colleagues who approved a spending plan that would reduce the veterans services budget in Boston by $900,000.
"It’s the wrong thing to do when you send someone into harm’s way," Flynn said. "They come back with challenges. There’s a solemn promise city government has made to respect these returning veterans; we didn’t keep that promise."
Calling the plan "unconscionable" and "disgraceful," Flynn also criticized the proposed reduction of the Boston Police Department budget by $30.91 million.
"It’s not bringing the city together," said Flynn. "What my colleagues have done is further divided a divided city."
Those joining Flynn in opposing the budget at Wednesday's vote were Michael Flaherty, Frank Baker, Erin Murphy, and Gabriela Coletta.
The proposed budget will now go to Mayor Michelle Wu, who can either accept or veto the amendments the Council made to her initial budget.
"I’m going to advocate anywhere I go across the city about how devastating these cuts will be," Flynn said. "I’m going to do everything I can to get that money back in the budget."\
WBZ NewsRadio has reached out to other City Council members for comment.
WBZ's Mike Macklin reports.
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