Washington, D.C., Mayor Criticizes City Council for Proposing Budget Cuts to HIV/AIDS Programs, Other Social Services

Washington, D.C., Mayor Anthony Williams (D) on Wednesday said that the city council is "neglecting its neediest residents" with proposed cuts to HIV/AIDS programs and jobs for social workers, the Washington Times reports. The 13-member council has proposed spending cuts of $1 million from the health department's HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment programs, $2.5 million from the Child and Family Services Agency and $2 million from mental health for service monitors. "We worked hard to build a strong safety net for our most vulnerable residents, and I feel these cuts are irresponsible," Williams said. Williams late last month submitted his budget proposal, and he and the council have been conducting weekly negotiations since that time. The council is expected to approve a final budget on May 6, and the mayor can then either sign or veto the package (DeBose, Washington Times, 4/24).