NY's Bloomberg Warns of Layoffs; Sanitation Workers May be Hit

Danielle Jackson

New York -- While presenting his revised $41 billion budget, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, R, said Wednesday that the city's projected budget deficit is nearing $5 billion for 2003, and $65 million in layoffs and service cuts may be needed without union concessions and state and federal help.

If layoffs were to occur, according to an Associated Press report, cuts may affect the areas of sanitation, police and the fire department. During his campaign, Bloomberg pledged not to lay off city workers.

The city council has until June 5 to approve a plan.