Lawmakers Urge Mayor Mamdani to Protect FDNY Budget and Renovate Firehouses
A bipartisan group of New York City lawmakers has called on Mayor Zohran Mamdani to avoid cutting the budget of the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) and to allocate funds for the renovation of deteriorating firehouses. The FDNY has been handling approximately 700,000 more emergency calls annually compared to pre-pandemic levels, yet its $2.6 billion budget has not increased in the past five years. Councilwoman Joann Ariola, along with nine other city politicians, sent a letter to the mayor emphasizing the urgent need for funding to repair firehouses that are in poor condition, with issues such as collapsing ceilings and mold. The letter also highlighted the low wages of EMS personnel, which are causing experienced members to leave for better-paying jobs. 
