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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.

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

Child Care Bill Vetoes Show Governor’s Words Are Empty

NEW YORK, N.Y. (December 16, 2024) – In response to Governor Hochul’s blatant disregard for the needs of New York’s working families by vetoing the Decoupling and Ending the Minimum Earnings Requirement bills, public education advocacy organization the Alliance for Quality Education released the following statement: “Governor Hochul clearly showed that she is no child care … Continue reading Child Care Bill Vetoes Show Governor’s Words Are Empty

Hochul Signs Bills Aimed to Improve Access to Resources for Young Families

Governor Kathy Hochul signed new legislation to expand resources for parents in New York, including requirements for diaper ingredient labeling, improved access to child care funding (the Presumptive Eligibility bill, with amendments), and insurance coverage for dyslexia exams. The laws aim to address costs and provide additional support for new parents. Read the full article.

Tell Governor Hochul: Sign the Child Care Bills!

In the final days of the 2024 legislative session, the Legislature passed three important bills that would make child care easier to access for thousands of families across New York State. Now, with 2024 drawing to a close, two of these bills are on the governor’s desk. Governor Hochul must sign these bills immediately, so that families can … Continue reading Tell Governor Hochul: Sign the Child Care Bills!

In Support of the New York State Board of Regents’ Proposal to Increase Foundation Aid Funding by $1.6 Billion

NEW YORK, N.Y. (December 9, 2024) – In response to the New York State Board of Regents’ recommendation to increase Foundation Aid funding by $1.6 billion for the upcoming school year, public education advocacy organization the Alliance for Quality Education released the following statement: “We commend the New York State Board of Regents under the leadership … Continue reading In Support of the New York State Board of Regents’ Proposal to Increase Foundation Aid Funding by $1.6 Billion

Our Kids Deserve Better! Reject Linda McMahon as Secretary of Education

Donald Trump’s nomination of Linda McMahon for Secretary of Education is a major threat to our nation’s public schools, especially its Black, brown, and lower-income students. McMahon has no experience in education, yet she’s about to take control of a department that impacts millions of children, families, and educators. Sign this petition NOW to demand … Continue reading Our Kids Deserve Better! Reject Linda McMahon as Secretary of Education