ALBANY, N.Y. (September 22, 2023) — In response to the announcement from Governor Hochul ordering New York State agencies to freeze spending in their budget proposals for 2023-24, the public education advocacy organization Alliance for Quality Education released the following statement:

“The Governor’s spending freeze would mean a cut in education programs and services for New York’s children,” said Jasmine Gripper, Executive Director, Alliance for Quality Education. “In the face of growing student needs, flat funding from the State translates into fewer resources in our classrooms that students desperately need. New York has the responsibility and means to care for every child in the state, regardless of race, income, or immigration status. If revenue projections are falling short, we should balance the budget with a tax increase on the ultra-wealthy, not on the backs of children.

“We urge the State Education Department to ignore the Governor’s order, and prioritize students with a budget request that is based on meeting students’ needs, not reactive to political posturing.”

“Well-funded schools are at the heart of strong communities. With increasing student needs — the result of the pandemic, housing insecurity, rising poverty and income inequality — it is essential that we not only maintain funding for public schools, but ensure our investment is keeping pace.

“Our youngest New Yorkers should never shoulder the burden of austerity budgets. Every child in New York, irrespective of race, income, or immigration status, deserves a quality education. As one of the nation’s wealthiest states, New York has the means to turn this vision into a reality.

“The Governor’s spending freeze will hurt students, young children and the economy. New York’s children and families deserve well-funded schools, thriving communities, and a bright future. The State Education Department must stand up for all of New York’s children by rejecting Governor Hochul’s austerity budget. Our society must prioritize our children, because a better future for them is a victory for us all.”