Posted March 17, 2017
PRESS RELEASE
March 17, 2017 (Albany) – Yesterday, President Trump released his budget for federal Fiscal Year 2018. NYS PTA is extremely disappointed that the proposed $9.2 billion in cuts to public education, while including more than $250 million in allocations to expand privatization and private school options.
“There is nothing more important than a high-quality public education. Public education is the great equalizer for families and children, and we must adequately support and fund our great public schools,” NYS PTA President Gracemarie Rozea shared. “NYS PTA and our National Affiliate, National PTA, strongly oppose any private school choice system that drains public school resources.”
“While we are pleased that President Trump’s budget includes an additional $1 billion for Title I and maintains funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) at $13 billion, these positives cannot overcome the deep cuts to vital and necessary funding for public schools,” offered Lana Ajemian, NYS PTA Federal Legislation Chair and Past President. “This is a real disinvestment in public education and we cannot support this plan.”
Kyle Belokopitsky, NYS PTA Executive Director added, “NYS PTA stands ready to support our great public schools, despite President Trump’s plan to push the privatization of our public schools. We will continue to work with our state policy makers and urge our Congressional delegation to strongly reject this plan.”
NYS PTA is committed to making every child’s potential a reality and looks forward to working with New York State officials to see that every child’s dream is achieved.
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