WASHINGTON -- The D.C. Council unanimously approved cutting $131 million from the city's budget.
The council also froze another $50 million until February, when city officials will reassess revenue collections before spending the money.
Mayor Adrian Fenty proposed the $131 million in cuts to close a revenue shortfall Washington faces. The council proposed cutting an additional $50 million, which council members said would go toward a reserve fund for future revenue gaps.
The $50 million could impact transportation projects and affordable housing programs, among other things. Scaling back such initiatives is painful but needed to protect the city considering the country's economic problems, council members said.
Fenty's office sent a letter to council Chairman Vincent Gray warning the proposal would greatly affect services. Meanwhile, the D.C. Fiscal Policy Institute asked Gray to delay Monday's vote so another public hearing can be held.
