- Staff
NYC “Move the Money” Resolution Introduced!
December 7, 2022
Wednesday, December 7th marked a momentous day in New York City. Activists from Peace Action New York State, Move the Money NYC, and more rallied on the steps of City Hall to celebrate the introduction of a “Move the Money” Resolution (Res. 423-2022) by Council Member Carlina Rivera. The resolution would put the City on official record as opposing the bloated Pentagon budget that Congress passes each year, robbing cities and their residents of the funds needed for vital public resources such as schools, housing, food aid, modern subways, and sanitation. The resolution calls on Congress and the President to move significant funds away from the military budget in order to fund social services, and to hold in-depth public hearings on the basic human needs of City residents that are unmet because of government appropriations for the Pentagon.
Certain members of our government continue to propose cutbacks to public programs under the guise of “there’s no money!” But we know that there is plenty of money — it’s just being handed over to defense contractors and weapons manufacturers.
According to the 2023 NDAA, the Pentagon is slated to get over $858 billion next year. That is more than 50% of the federal discretionary budget. In the words of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, “every gun that is made, every warship launched, every rocket fired signifies, in the final sense, a theft from those who hunger and are not fed, those who are cold and are not clothed.”
New Yorkers understand that a truly secure society is one that cares for its people by providing jobs, housing, healthcare, a clean environment, public transportation, and quality infrastructure. As Mayor Adams proposes budget cuts, it’s important to remember where the money is going and why our needs are not being met.
We thank Council Member Carlina Rivera and the primary co-sponsors for supporting this resolution, and urge the rest of the City Council to do the same.
Are you a resident of New York City?
Here’s how YOU can support the “Move the Money” Resolution:
Contact your City Council Member and urge passage of this important new resolution (Res. 423-2022.)
Tell them that you are a constituent from their district and that you support Resolution 423, the “Move the Money” Resolution, which calls on Congress and the President to move significant funds away from the military budget in order to fund social services, and to hold in-depth public hearings on the basic human needs of City residents that are unmet because of government appropriations for the Pentagon.
Tell them that New Yorkers like you agree it is past time to stop dumping needed funding into our bloated Pentagon budget. Tell them that New York City must go on record calling for those funds to be moved to necessary public services such as education, housing, healthcare, and the environment.
Sign the Move the Money-NYC Petition and follow Move the Money – NYC on Facebook and Twitter for updates.