Newsroom – Page 25 – Alliance for Quality Education

Response to Legislature’s Rejection of Proposed Congressional Maps

“We thank the New York State legislature for voting down the Independent Redistricting Commissions’ proposed Congressional maps yesterday. “When Black and brown communities are split and isolated across multiple Congressional districts it dilutes their collective power and denies them the right to vote in political representation that will carry the best agenda for their communities … Continue reading Response to Legislature’s Rejection of Proposed Congressional Maps

A $30,000 Question: Who Will Get a Free Preschool Seat in New York City?

After Mayor Eric Adams made cuts to free preschool for 3-year-olds, families faced more uncertainty and the possibility of larger child care bills. This change has sparked a competition to secure seats, causing a great deal of worry for lower- and middle-income families. Read the full article.

AQE Names Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari & Marina Marcou-O’Malley Co-Executive Directors

ALBANY, N.Y. (February 17, 2024) — Public education advocacy organization the Alliance for Quality Education announced that Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari and Marina Marcou-O’Malley will be the organization’s next Co-Executive Directors. Together, Shaakir-Ansari and Marcou-O’Malley have more than 30 years combined experience at AQE, and have been instrumental in the organization’s policy and advocacy work across the … Continue reading AQE Names Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari & Marina Marcou-O’Malley Co-Executive Directors

With Pandemic Money Gone, Child Care Is an Industry on the Brink

Five months after the expiration of federal funds, running a child care business is more precarious than ever, and many parents struggle to pay tuition, surveys show. Read the full article.

Eric Adams cancels new round of budget cuts, but fiscal cliff for NYC schools looms

New York City’s Education Department avoids additional spring budget cuts, but the school system faces the potential loss of hundreds of millions in expiring federal aid by summer unless swift action is taken by city and state officials. Advocates warn of proposed cuts, including social workers, school budgets, and an expanded preschool program, jeopardizing support … Continue reading Eric Adams cancels new round of budget cuts, but fiscal cliff for NYC schools looms

AQE Announced Executive Directors

The Alliance for Quality Education announced that Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari and Marina Marcou-O’Malley will officially take over as executive directors. The duo served in their positions on an interim basis since November, when former executive director Jasmine Gripper moved to head the Working Families Party. The two have been in Albany this session advocating for a … Continue reading AQE Announced Executive Directors

The State of Poverty and Disadvantage in New York City (Winter 2024)

A new report from Robin Hood and Columbia University’s Center on Poverty and Social Policy found a steep increase in poverty rates in New York City — a jump from 1.5 to 2 million residents between 2021 and 2022. The city’s poverty rate is now at 12 percent, which is double the national average. Read the full … Continue reading The State of Poverty and Disadvantage in New York City (Winter 2024)

Send Legislators a Love Letter for Public Education in 2024

As we write to you, advocates in Albany are demanding more progressive tax policies for increased funding to public education and other essential services. Email your state legislators now calling on them to reject Governor Hochul’s harmful cuts and instead invest in the future of all New Yorkers. What’s Happening Today, the State Legislature is holding … Continue reading Send Legislators a Love Letter for Public Education in 2024

BPHA Caucus to demand higher tax hikes for the rich in state budget

New York’s Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic & Asian Legislative Caucus is advocating for changes to the state’s tax policy, urging increased personal income taxes on the wealthiest residents to fund essential programs and counter proposed cuts by Governor Kathy Hochul. The caucus, focusing on addressing economic, housing, healthcare, and maternal health disparities affecting people of … Continue reading BPHA Caucus to demand higher tax hikes for the rich in state budget

Lawmakers press Banks to comply with class size law

State lawmakers are pressuring Mayor Eric Adams and schools Chancellor David Banks to adhere to a law mandating lower class sizes in New York public schools. Legislators, during a budget hearing, urged solutions for reducing class sizes over five years by 2028, emphasizing the importance of class size reductions linked to the Campaign for Fiscal … Continue reading Lawmakers press Banks to comply with class size law