LA fire department funding cut by Mayor Karen Bass by $17.6 million in 2024-25 city budget
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is facing criticism after it was revealed that she cut $17.6 million from the city’s fire department budget for the 2024-25 fiscal year. The reduction, the second-largest cut in the budget, had initially been proposed at $23 million, according to a report by the New York Post.
LA City Controller Kenneth Meija noted the budget cuts in October, with a graphic shared by the official showing the $17.6 million cut to the fire department’s budget, which was only outdone by a $21.4 million cut to street services. According to Newsweek, Bass had proposed a $12.8 billion cut in the city’s budget for the 2024-2025 fiscal year in April, and in June signed the budget.
The resurfacing of this decision comes as wildfires continue to threaten the city. Adding to the controversy, Bass is on her way back from a trip to Africa for the inauguration of Ghana’s president while the fires rage.
LA City Controller Kenneth Meija noted the budget cuts in October, with a graphic shared by the official showing the $17.6 million cut to the fire department’s budget, which was only outdone by a $21.4 million cut to street services. According to Newsweek, Bass had proposed a $12.8 billion cut in the city’s budget for the 2024-2025 fiscal year in April, and in June signed the budget.
The resurfacing of this decision comes as wildfires continue to threaten the city. Adding to the controversy, Bass is on her way back from a trip to Africa for the inauguration of Ghana’s president while the fires rage.