Posted January 10, 2017
PRESS RELEASE
In Governor Cuomo’s local State of the State address in New York City, he briefly discussed supporting record levels of funding for education.
“We are encouraged by these remarks and await details on the proposal, as New York State’s school children are still owed more than $4 billion in school aid under the CFE lawsuit and ruling,” NYS PTA President Gracemarie Rozea commented.
Alongside the Educational Conference Board, NYS PTA has called for a school aid increase of $2.0 billion for the coming year. This increase would include a $1.5 billion increase in aid just to maintain current services and programs in schools and $500 million for other programs including: (1) support for struggling schools, (2) increased support for English language learners, (3) expanding access to college and career pathways and career and technical education programs, (4) expanding access to pre- kindergarten programs, (5) teacher professional development support and (6) aid to districts with increased enrollment.
NYS PTA stand ready to work with the Governor and legislature to see that adequate and equitable school aid is achieved this fiscal year and that the foundation aid formula is fully phased in over the next three years.
“However, we continue to be concerned about the state’s property tax cap and call for reasonable modifications to the cap that include providing for a stable 2 percent allowable levy growth factor and inclusion of common sense exemptions,” noted NYS PTA Executive Director Kyle Belokopitsky.
NYS PTA is committed to making every child’s potential a reality and looks forward to seeing that every child’s dream is achieved.
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