David Banks on pre-K, 3-K budget restoration: “I have great confidence”

New York City’s schools chancellor addressed City Council concerns over budget cuts, hinting at potential reversals in reductions to early childhood education funding amidst better-than-expected tax revenue projections. He emphasized challenges ahead, including the need to address class size mandates and the looming expiration of federal stimulus funds, warning of inevitable “trade-offs” without additional funding … Continue reading David Banks on pre-K, 3-K budget restoration: “I have great confidence”

How Hochul’s education budget proposal created chaos in one Long Island school district

The Long Beach School District is grappling with potential funding cuts as Governor Hochul’s proposed budget threatens a significant reduction in state aid, leading to fears of school closures and program cuts. Parents, administrators, and lawmakers are mobilizing to address the situation, with efforts to fight the cuts both locally and in Albany. The specific … Continue reading How Hochul’s education budget proposal created chaos in one Long Island school district

Newly Arrived Immigrant Youth Face Challenges to School Enrollment

Advocates assert that the city is failing to adhere to federal law safeguarding the educational entitlements of homeless individuals aged under 21, which mandates immediate school enrollment for young adults. They highlight instances where newly arrived immigrant youth are placed on waitlists, informed of limited availability, or encouraged to pursue the General Educational Development (GED) … Continue reading Newly Arrived Immigrant Youth Face Challenges to School Enrollment

Hochul wanted to cut school aid in her budget. NY lawmakers are pushing to restore it.

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.

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

Albany Dems want to scrap Hochul’s proposed education cuts, raise taxes on high earners

Democrats in the state legislature aim to overturn Governor Hochul’s proposed cuts to education funding and intend to raise revenues by taxing New York’s highest earners. Although completion of negotiations between the governor and two chambers holds an April 1 deadline, the Governor has expressed uncertainty that all negotiations will keep to that timeline. Read … Continue reading Albany Dems want to scrap Hochul’s proposed education cuts, raise taxes on high earners

Outmigration hurting state tax revenue, DiNapoli says

State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, along with Heather Briccetti Mulligan of the Business Council of New York State, expressed concerns over New York’s declining tax base due to outmigration, noting a loss of over 533,000 residents since July 2020, leading to a decrease in personal income tax filers. The two pointed out that high-income earners and … Continue reading Outmigration hurting state tax revenue, DiNapoli says

How the New York State Budget Is Made

New York lawmakers are finalizing responses to Governor Hochul’s budget proposal, aiming to address key issues like school funding and immigration assistance, as they navigate negotiations in the coming weeks. With over $230 billion at stake, the budget process includes debates over issues like opioid treatment centers, fossil fuel subsidies, and prison closures, with the … Continue reading How the New York State Budget Is Made