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D.C. Council Gives Final Approval To $9.4B Budget

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The D.C. Council put their final seal of approval on a $9.4 billion budget Tuesday.
The D.C. Council put their final seal of approval on a $9.4 billion budget Tuesday.

The D.C. Council has approved a $9.4 billion budget plan. The council passed the fiscal year 2013 budget yesterday, a move that was expected after members gave a preliminary thumbs up to the plan in May.

The 13-0 vote secured passage of the budget, closing a $172 million gap for the year.

Mayor Vincent Gray thanked the council, noting the final plan avoided new taxes and fees and cut spending, while still protecting what he called "vulnerable residents," including those who benefit from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program.

The plan also includes extending bar hours to 4 a.m. during the week of the presidential inauguration and on certain holidays.

The budget doubles the number of traffic cameras in the city and allows changes to parking meter fees. The parking changes, which include raising the price of parking during high demand times, could generate an extra $3 million for the city. 

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