I'm a former-New Yorker who still has plenty of friends in the NY-metro area. Since this question has gone unanswered for a few days, I thought I would respond. From what I have heard, Mayor Michael Bloomberg's 2010 budget has received quite a bit of criticism. Of course, everyone realizes we are in a recession but while Bloomberg's plan involves cutting education and social services, including closing the public libraries an extra day a week, he has simultaneously been pouring money into a new stadium for the New York Yankees.

According the NBC NY, some of the "official" reactions are:

Rep. Anthony Weiner said, "I believe that it's generally a bad idea to raise taxes on the middle class especially when times are so hard for New Yorkers. The work from the recovery bill we've just passed in Washington should send billions to New York, including for education. I'd hope the city budget will avoid cuts if these federal funds can be used."

Speaker Christine Quinn said, "Losing 14,000 teachers would deal a devastating blow to our schools and schoolchildren, which have shown remarkable growth and improvement in recent years. We cannot -- and will not -- allow this to happen. Our state and federal governments must step up to the plate and help us fully cover our education costs."

Teamsters President Gregory Floyd said, "We will be working to make sure that the mayor doesn’t balance the budget on the backs of working men and women. Like our predecessors, we will be coming to the table to examine the city’s budget woes, and we will see where we can be helpful."

Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum said, "While I recognize the need to erase our budget deficit, I’m concerned that some job cuts -– particularly those at (Adult Child Services) -– will compromise the safety and welfare of our children. Ne