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NYC school funding fight: Hochul’s budget plan faces pushback over $350 million shortfall

New York state lawmakers are pushing back against Governor Kathy Hochul’s proposal to reduce funding for New York City schools by $350 million, which stems from a change to the state’s Foundation Aid formula. Referencing AQE’s latest report, “Getting the Foundation Aid Formula Right,” this article presents our argument that the Governor’s proposal doesn’t go … Continue reading NYC school funding fight: Hochul’s budget plan faces pushback over $350 million shortfall

Thousands of NYC families could lose child care vouchers amid nearly $1 billion funding shortfall

Thousands of low-income families in New York City could lose access to child care if the state doesn’t fill a nearly $1 billion funding gap in its voucher program, threatening support for up to 7,000 families each month. The shortfall stems from the end of pandemic-era federal aid and rising demand, and without new state … Continue reading Thousands of NYC families could lose child care vouchers amid nearly $1 billion funding shortfall

What Losing Child Care Would Mean to These Parents

New York City’s Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) is facing a severe budget shortfall, potentially leaving thousands of parents without crucial child care vouchers, a situation that would impact families statewide. Parents interviewed explained that losing this support would force them to either quit their jobs or struggle to afford child care, significantly affecting their … Continue reading What Losing Child Care Would Mean to These Parents

Make 3 Calls to Demand Child Care Funding for all New Yorkers

Join ESCCC’s Call Relay today – Monday, March 24. We need your help making three quick calls to New York State leadership, urging them to fund the child care workforce and the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP). Even if the scheduled call times have passed, you can still call, leave a message, continue calling tomorrow, … Continue reading Make 3 Calls to Demand Child Care Funding for all New Yorkers

Protect Our Schools – Reject Trump’s Attacks on the Department of Education

By now, you’ve likely heard about Trump’s Executive Order to close the Department of Education. This is a direct attack on our children, our schools, and our communities, but Congress – not the president – determines which agencies remain open or are shut down. This administration’s strategy is to exhaust us with repeated attacks on … Continue reading Protect Our Schools – Reject Trump’s Attacks on the Department of Education

AQE Responds to Trump’s Attempt to Close the Department of Education

ALBANY, N.Y. (March 20, 2025) — Public education advocacy group the Alliance for Quality Education issued the following statement in response to the Trump administration’s executive order closing the Department of Education: “Congress—not the president—determines which agencies remain open or are shut down. This administration’s strategy is to exhaust us with repeated attacks on our … Continue reading AQE Responds to Trump’s Attempt to Close the Department of Education

NYC school leaders tight-lipped on contingency plans amid threats of federal funding cuts

New York City’s public school system is grappling with potential cuts to both federal and state funding, including a proposed reduction of $350 million in Foundation Aid under Governor Hochul’s plan. While federal funding, particularly Title I, plays a crucial role in supporting schools with high concentrations of poverty, the uncertainty around these funding streams … Continue reading NYC school leaders tight-lipped on contingency plans amid threats of federal funding cuts

Trump to sign order Thursday aimed at eliminating Education Department

President Trump is set to sign an executive order aimed at dismantling the U.S. Department of Education, fulfilling a key campaign promise. While the order directs his education secretary to begin the process, the department cannot be fully eliminated without congressional action. This move is expected to face legal challenges, and the department will continue … Continue reading Trump to sign order Thursday aimed at eliminating Education Department