“We must do everything possible for our youth,” said Council Member Eugene. “We won’t stop until the funding for summer programs is restored.”

On March 23, Council Member Mathieu Eugene joined Campaign for Children, his colleagues in the City Council, and other youth advocates to fight for the restoration of funding for summer programs that more than 31,000 children rely on.

Summer programs allow children to spend their days in a safe space. These crucial programs also offer educational and recreational outlets to youth. Families throughout New York City count on these programs — and working families who may be unable to afford a pricey alternative program will be especially impacted if funding isn’t restored.

“It is our moral obligation as government to do everything possible for our children, who are the future of our city. We should be providing our youth with opportunities, not taking them away,” said Council Member Eugene, Chairman of the Youth Services Committee. “It’s simply unacceptable to turn away more than 31,000 children from a positive program. Our entire city needs these programs. It’s time for our youth to be a priority in our city’s budget.”

In addition to calling for the restoration of funding for summer programs in the Fiscal Year 2017 budget, Council Member Eugene and several of his colleagues want to make sure that these programs are included in future budgets.

Last year, Council Member Eugene, along with his colleagues, Campaign for Children, youth advocates, and children enrolled in summer camp programs, led the fight to restore summer programs. They were successful but because the programs were not baselined, they are coming together again to demand action.