The City is likely to end FY 2003 with its budget in blaance and with a small surplus available to offset FY 2004 expenditures. Gap-closing actions implemented since November 2002 will reduce the FY 2004 deficit by $3.2 billion, however, the City still projects a $3.4 billion deficit. Analysis suggests that the problem could be $500 million larger than the City estimates. It is unlikely that a near-term resurgence in the local economy will help reduce next year's budget deficit. The Governor's recently proposed Executive Budget would increase the City's fiscal burdens rather than reduce them. If the proposals are to be enacted, they would increase the City's FY 2004 budget gap by over $800 million. If the Federal and State government refuse to offer meaningful assistance and City unions do not offer savings proposals, the City will be forced to adopt draconian budgetary measures.
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