A summary of one house proposals this week, where state lawmakers proposed to fully restore funding and provide 3% increases for New York school districts facing cuts under Governor Hochul’s budget. AQE applauds this move, as it prioritizes student support as they continue bouncing back from the global pandemic. Read the full article.
What organizations, lawmakers and lobbyists are saying about the NY legislature’s budgets
A collation of remarks from numerous statewide advocacy groups, including AQE and the Empires State Campaign for Child Care on the legislature’s budget proposal, which featured numerous counter proposals to Governor Hochul’s Executive FY2025 Budget. Read the full article.
Senate & Assembly Take Some Steps to Address the Child Care Crisis, But More Is Needed
March 12, 2024 (ALBANY, N.Y.) — Following the release of the State Senate and Assembly’s proposed budgets, public education advocacy organization the Alliance for Quality Education released the following statement in response to the child care proposals: “We commend the Senate and Assembly on the inclusion of additional funding for the child care retention grant … Continue reading Senate & Assembly Take Some Steps to Address the Child Care Crisis, But More Is Needed
Senate & Assembly Protect Foundation Aid from Gov. Hochul’s Proposed Cuts and Alterations
March 12, 2024 (ALBANY, N.Y.) — Following the release of the State Senate and Assembly’s proposed budgets, public education advocacy organization the Alliance for Quality Education released the following statement in response to the education proposals: “We applaud the State Senate and Assembly for recognizing the importance of fully funding public schools at this moment, … Continue reading Senate & Assembly Protect Foundation Aid from Gov. Hochul’s Proposed Cuts and Alterations
Programs for high school students at risk of dropping out face ‘catastrophic’ funding cliff
Pending funding cuts to the Learning to Work program in New York City could lead to the loss of critical services and jobs for approximately 15,000 students enrolled in Young Adult Borough Centers and transfer schools. Learning to Work, which pairs alternative schools with community organizations, provides additional staff to ensure students’ attendance, connect them … Continue reading Programs for high school students at risk of dropping out face ‘catastrophic’ funding cliff
Response to Legislature’s Rejection of Proposed Congressional Maps
“We thank the New York State legislature for voting down the Independent Redistricting Commissions’ proposed Congressional maps yesterday. “When Black and brown communities are split and isolated across multiple Congressional districts it dilutes their collective power and denies them the right to vote in political representation that will carry the best agenda for their communities … Continue reading Response to Legislature’s Rejection of Proposed Congressional Maps
AQE Names Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari & Marina Marcou-O’Malley Co-Executive Directors
ALBANY, N.Y. (February 17, 2024) — Public education advocacy organization the Alliance for Quality Education announced that Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari and Marina Marcou-O’Malley will be the organization’s next Co-Executive Directors. Together, Shaakir-Ansari and Marcou-O’Malley have more than 30 years combined experience at AQE, and have been instrumental in the organization’s policy and advocacy work across the … Continue reading AQE Names Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari & Marina Marcou-O’Malley Co-Executive Directors
Eric Adams cancels new round of budget cuts, but fiscal cliff for NYC schools looms
New York City’s Education Department avoids additional spring budget cuts, but the school system faces the potential loss of hundreds of millions in expiring federal aid by summer unless swift action is taken by city and state officials. Advocates warn of proposed cuts, including social workers, school budgets, and an expanded preschool program, jeopardizing support … Continue reading Eric Adams cancels new round of budget cuts, but fiscal cliff for NYC schools looms
AQE Announced Executive Directors
The Alliance for Quality Education announced that Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari and Marina Marcou-O’Malley will officially take over as executive directors. The duo served in their positions on an interim basis since November, when former executive director Jasmine Gripper moved to head the Working Families Party. The two have been in Albany this session advocating for a … Continue reading AQE Announced Executive Directors
The State of Poverty and Disadvantage in New York City (Winter 2024)
A new report from Robin Hood and Columbia University’s Center on Poverty and Social Policy found a steep increase in poverty rates in New York City — a jump from 1.5 to 2 million residents between 2021 and 2022. The city’s poverty rate is now at 12 percent, which is double the national average. Read the full … Continue reading The State of Poverty and Disadvantage in New York City (Winter 2024)