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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

A Budget That Helps New Yorkers a Little Bit Isn’t Good Enough

While Gov. Hochul’s proposed changes to Foundation Aid would drive bigger-than-expected increases to many high need school districts, NYC schools would get $400 million less ALBANY, N.Y. (January 21, 2025) — In response to Governor Hochul’s executive budget announcement, the public education advocacy organization Alliance for Quality Education released the following statement: “In her addresses … Continue reading A Budget That Helps New Yorkers a Little Bit Isn’t Good Enough

For a New York We Can Afford, We Need Investments in the Child Care Workforce & Public Schools

ALBANY, N.Y. (January 14, 2025) — In response to Governor Hochul’s State of the State address, public education advocacy organization the Alliance for Quality Education released the following statement: “In her State of the State speech Governor Hochul raised affordability as one of her top priorities, but she missed the mark on how to make … Continue reading For a New York We Can Afford, We Need Investments in the Child Care Workforce & Public Schools

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

Children’s advocates urge Eric Adams to fund universal 3-K, summer school, despite federal dollars running out

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