Campaign Update

(May 1, 2008)  Keep the Promises Coalition Response to NYC Education Budget

Last year the mayor and the City Council matched the historic commitment that the state made to reverse the chronic, multi-generational under-funding of the New York City public schools by agreeing to a $2.2 billion increase over four years. Today the city broke that promise to kids. The city on May 1 reversed the approximately $450 million it had promised in the 2008 adopted budget.

The governor and state legislature — despite facing daunting budget deficits actually increased their commitment to kids when the state appropriated $600 million in new funds for NYC public schools. Compare that to the city’s reduction of promised funds in the wake of the substantial multi-billion dollar surplus.

In response, a coalition of parents, educators, and elected officials from across the city gathered this afternoon in opposition to the $450 million in cuts to education funding that would reduce or eliminate services and programs in many Bronx schools and in schools throughout the city. The Coalition will also announce an advertising campaign urging New York City residents to ask the Mayor to keep his promise and fund the city’s public schools. Click HERE to read release in full


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