The Coalition for Equitable Education Funding, which AQE is part of, is calling on Mayor Eric Adams to protect vital education programs in his upcoming fiscal year 2026 budget proposal. With the expiration of temporary pandemic-era funding, programs like universal 3-K, arts education, and restorative justice initiatives are at risk of being cut. The coalition … Continue reading Children’s advocates urge Eric Adams to fund universal 3-K, summer school, despite federal dollars running out
Why Fair Taxes are Key to New York’s Education and Child Care Goals
The year ahead is one filled with uncertainty and opportunity. Our leaders in New York must create the conditions necessary for every child to thrive, while safeguarding our state’s safety net. We must demand full funding for our child care and public education systems, ensure every family has a home and access to health care, guarantee clean air and safe environments, and protect every immigrant. … Continue reading Why Fair Taxes are Key to New York’s Education and Child Care Goals
Fighting for Education Justice in 2025 – We Need You
We’re looking ahead, as we have a real chance to change the future of public education in New York. With a new administration coming in, we need to make sure that every child, no matter where they live or what their background might entail, gets the education they need to become thriving New Yorkers. Here’s … Continue reading Fighting for Education Justice in 2025 – We Need You
Let’s Make 2025 the Year We Invest in Every Child’s Future
Happy New Year! In 2025, we have the chance to transform early childhood education and child care in New York, ensuring every child gets the strong start they deserve. Early care and learning are the foundations of a child’s future. Studies show that children with access to quality early education are more likely to succeed … Continue reading Let’s Make 2025 the Year We Invest in Every Child’s Future
Hundreds of Charter Schools Will Fail, Close, and Abandon Thousands of Families in 2025
Charter schools, driven by a neoliberal agenda that prioritizes privatization and competition, have led to instability and harm, as they often close abruptly, leaving students and educators scrambling. This agenda, which treats education as a commodity rather than a public good, diverts resources from public schools, undermining their quality and accessibility. To ensure equitable and … Continue reading Hundreds of Charter Schools Will Fail, Close, and Abandon Thousands of Families in 2025
School funding, cellphone ban, class size, Trump: Education issues Albany could tackle in 2025
As New York’s 2025 legislative session begins, a major topic of discussion is how to update the state’s school funding formula, which currently allocates $24.9 billion to districts, including over $9.5 billion for New York City. NeQuan McLean, president of the New York City’s District 16 Community Education Council, is raising alarms about potential cuts … Continue reading School funding, cellphone ban, class size, Trump: Education issues Albany could tackle in 2025
Ten child care policy priorities for New York in 2025
Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari, Co-Executive Director of the AQE, urges New York state leaders to prioritize substantial investments in child care, highlighting the need for increased funding and fair compensation for workers. Without bold action, the state risks perpetuating inequities that harm vulnerable children and families, undermining their future success. Read the full article.
Marching the Path to Education Justice in 2025
AQE Analysis of SUNY Rockefeller Institute of Government’s Foundation Aid Report
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Hochul vetoes 2 child care bills, drawing advocates’ ire
Governor Kathy Hochul vetoed two critical child care bills near the end of December 2024, despite bipartisan support in the legislature. The Decoupling Bill and the Minimum Earnings Requirement Bill were both aimed at expanding child care access for working families, especially those with unpredictable work schedules or low wages. AQE and the Empire State … Continue reading Hochul vetoes 2 child care bills, drawing advocates’ ire