The deadline to apply for CEC elections is fast approaching – February 16 now extended to February 27! This is your chance to make a real impact on education in your district. It’s more important than ever to have parents committed to fighting for racial and economic justice, advocating for systemic change that benefits all … Continue reading Running for a NYC Community Education Council Seat in 2025
Gounardes, Hanif and Simon host town hall
Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari, AQE’s Co-Executive Director, joined a panel at a community town hall in Park Slope, where over 200 Brooklynites gathered to strategize ways to resist the harmful policies of Trump’s second term. The event, hosted by City Councilmember Shahana Hanif, highlighted the urgent need for collective action on immigration, public education, and reproductive rights. … Continue reading Gounardes, Hanif and Simon host town hall
Black History Month in Action
This week, hundreds of students, parents, educators, and advocates made their way to the State Capitol for AQE’s annual Advocacy Day, from cities across New York — Buffalo, Syracuse, Utica, Rochester, New York City. As we celebrate Black History Month, we recognize that the fight for justice has always been deeply rooted in the resistance … Continue reading Black History Month in Action
State education commissioner says Hochul hasn’t presented ‘clear, long-term vision’ on Foundation Aid
New York State Education Commissioner Betty Rosa criticized Governor Kathy Hochul’s plan to revamp the Foundation Aid formula, stating it lacks a clear vision and needs further research. Rosa emphasized the need for a long-term, data-driven framework and expressed concerns over the speed of the proposed changes. Additionally, while lawmakers supported Hochul’s bell-to-bell cell phone … Continue reading State education commissioner says Hochul hasn’t presented ‘clear, long-term vision’ on Foundation Aid
NYC schools could lose nearly $350 million under Hochul’s funding proposal, chancellor says
Advocates warn that Governor Hochul’s proposed school funding changes would cost NYC nearly $350 million, disproportionately impacting city schools. Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos urged lawmakers to adjust the formula to account for regional costs and student needs, emphasizing, “We cannot sustain a cut.” She also called for more funding to support a statewide cellphone ban and … Continue reading NYC schools could lose nearly $350 million under Hochul’s funding proposal, chancellor says
Comptroller Lander, Parents, Advocates, and Centers Facing Closure Stand Up for Child Care
The Adams Administration has proposed cutting $300 million from essential early childhood education programs, including 3K, PromiseNYC, and special education services, jeopardizing child care access for New York City’s working families. Comptroller Brad Lander, joined by parents and advocates, including AQE’s own Smitha Milich, criticized the cuts, emphasizing the growing child care affordability crisis and … Continue reading Comptroller Lander, Parents, Advocates, and Centers Facing Closure Stand Up for Child Care
Governor Hochul Sets the Tone – Now It’s Our Turn to Make Our Needs Heard
Every year, New York’s governor delivers the State of the State address. This speech isn’t just a political tradition – it’s a roadmap for the state’s budget and the priorities that will shape the year ahead. The Governor lays out where she thinks New York should invest its resources, which directly impact all of our … Continue reading Governor Hochul Sets the Tone – Now It’s Our Turn to Make Our Needs Heard
Editorial: Better Child Care Benefits Every New Yorker
In her budget proposal, Gov. Kathy Hochul has made accessible, quality child care a priority, earmarking $110 million for child care center renovations and a focus on care “deserts.” She’s also working toward universal child care, which could boost the economy, reduce poverty, and help retain workers. However, to truly transform the system, the state … Continue reading Editorial: Better Child Care Benefits Every New Yorker
Community Groups, Unions Hold Protest Outside Mayor Adams’ State Of The City Address
A coalition of grassroots community groups, unions, and New Yorkers, including AQE, protested outside Mayor Eric Adams’ State of the City address, condemning policies and budget cuts that harm working-class residents. Joining groups like Freedom Agenda and NYCC, we called for a city that prioritizes education, housing justice, and community-led public safety, while challenging the … Continue reading Community Groups, Unions Hold Protest Outside Mayor Adams’ State Of The City Address
Advocating For Child care In New York
In our recent letter to the Massapequa Post editor, we called on New York State’s leaders to take bold action in 2025 by prioritizing funding for child care, public education, and a strong safety net for all families. By taxing the state’s millionaires, billionaires, and highly profitable corporations, we can ensure the resources needed to … Continue reading Advocating For Child care In New York