Boston City Council Wants to Include 11-Year-Olds in Budget Planning
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Key Takeaways
- Boston Mayor Michelle Wu is receiving criticism for leadership issues, including a recent proposal that would give children a role in city budgeting.
- Conservatives predictably scoffed at the notion of children being involved in government budgetary responsibilities.
- Despite polarization, there is a common sentiment of concern, whether genuinely focused on fiscal prudence or politically motivated.
Our Methodology
Demographics
All Voters
Sample Size
5,000
Geographical Breakdown
National
Time Period
1 Day
MIG Reports leverages EyesOver technology, employing Advanced AI for precise analysis. This ensures unparalleled precision, setting a new standard. Find out more about the unique data pull for this article.
Recent reporting on Boston Mayor Michelle Wu's potential decision to give children a role in budgeting priorities is being mocked online. The program, which was approved in 2021, aims to include all residents in budget participation, even kids as young as 11. Boston City Council members are also criticizing Wu, calling the plan “unserious” and “wholly inappropriate.”
Not just a political issue, many apolitical citizens are criticizing the move with the same arguments many right leaning partisans are using. Liberals are also apprehensive of supporting the plan. While some consider the proposal inclusive, others vehemently oppose it. For the most part, progressives are either silent on the issue or pushing back.
While there is general negativity toward a participatory budgeting process, most of the negative reactions are from conservatives and Republicans who criticize liberal leaders. Many seem concerned about the concentration of power and the potential influence of leftist ideologies in the decision-making process. There are strong references to the concept of "wokeness" and its impact on these decisions.
Many view the proposed plan as the result of ideological pushes toward diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), with some framing it as possible indoctrination. Some of these reactions also follow larger discussion trends amongst conservatives regarding freedom of speech.
Positive reactions predominantly come from those who hold progressive or left-wing ideologies. They point to inclusivity, representation, and potential contributions to the betterment of society, praising the decision. This group seems more enthusiastic about child involvement, often framing it as a necessary step towards a more diverse and fair society.
This inclusive view is not representative of all Democratic Party members, though. Council Member Ed Flynn (D) published a letter to Director Renato Castelo saying, "I am writing to again emphasize my unequivocal and vehement opposition to the voting process for project proposals from the Office of Participatory Budgeting, particularly in allowing residents as young as 11 years-old to vote for projects to be earmarked.”
There are also responses that are not politically motivated. This group is concerned with the logistical and practical implications of participatory budgeting. They question the decision-making abilities of children and whether they have the necessary understanding and maturity to make these choices.
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