By admin 
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Phoenix City Council approved a new budget in a 9-0 vote Tuesday that more than doubles the amount allocated for flexible emergency financial assistance.
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The council voted unanimously to increase funding in that line item from $1.5 million to nearly $3.2 million after pressure from community members who voiced concerns about cuts in federal grants and rising prices.
About 50 people stepped up to the podium during public comment. Most were happy about the additional funds given to support programs that help with housing, childcare, refugee crisis support, and food. Still, some advocates with the nonprofit Poder in Action were asking city leaders to double it.
The local budget decision comes a month after President Donald Trump requested Congress approve his new budget, which includes cuts to programs in those same areas.
“Phoenix residents and working class families and immigrants have been affected by the federal administration through ICE attacks on our communities, SNAP benefits,” said Steffi Faircloth, of Poder in Action.
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Tuesday’s vote was the first of three, but this is the one that counts. If all goes to plan, the budget will be officially adopted in July.
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