NEW YORK - Mayor Bill de Blasio says the pandemic has forced the city into a deeper financial hole than expected, and that federal help is desperately needed.
During his daily briefing Wednesday, the mayor announced that the city is facing a loss of $9 billion in tax revenue for this fiscal year.
That's up from the previous estimate of $7.4 billion.
The mayor has asked the state for permission to borrow money the same way it did after the September 11th terrorist attacks.
But he says the city really needs funding from Washington to stay afloat.
"There is literally no way that we can solve this problem without federal help or without having to make very, very painful choices that will affect the quality of life in this city, our ability to provide basic services, and how many people we're able to employ to support you in the middle of a pandemic. In the middle of a moment where people need that public support and help more than ever," De Blasio said.
The city's new budget is due July 1, which gives the mayor and the City Council about four more weeks to negotiate a deal.
