Newsroom

Hochul won’t rule out nonpublic school regs rollback in budget

Governor Hochul and legislative leaders are considering weakening education standards for nonpublic schools – including religious yeshivas – as part of budget negotiations, which could undermine recent stricter equivalency rules for public school alternatives. Critics warn that lowering standards, particularly for core subjects like math and English, risks harming students’ education and politicizing school accountability, … Continue reading Hochul won’t rule out nonpublic school regs rollback in budget

Urge Our Leaders to Protect Public Education Funding

Governor Hochul is delaying key funding decisions for public education, and we need your help to make sure our schools and their communities get the support they need. Email your representatives now, calling on them to prioritize public education in their final budget. First off, the Foundation Aid formula must be updated to make sure … Continue reading Urge Our Leaders to Protect Public Education Funding

Trump signs orders to promote stricter school discipline, end analysis of racial disparities

President Trump signed executive orders reinstating stricter school discipline policies and banning the use of racial equity considerations, reversing Obama-era civil rights guidance that aimed to address disparities in suspensions and expulsions. The move, supported by many conservatives who blamed previous approaches to safety concerns, ignores data showing declining school violence and risks worsening racial … Continue reading Trump signs orders to promote stricter school discipline, end analysis of racial disparities

New York Democrats Push to Bring Back State Tax on Stock Sales

New York State Democrats, led by Senator James Sanders Jr. (10th SD) and Assemblymember Phil Steck (110th AD), co-hosted a press conference outside the New York Stock Exchange along side advocates, including AQE. Should the bills passing the return of this tax (repealed in 1981 since being in effect from 1905) pass, revenues gathered would … Continue reading New York Democrats Push to Bring Back State Tax on Stock Sales

We can expand access to affordable child care in New York. Let’s do it. | Opinion

Chair of the New York Senate Education Committee, Senator Shelley Mayer, wrote an opinion piece published in Lohud, on the importance of expanding CCAP in NYS, in order to better support New York State’s working families and child care workforce. Increased reliance on child care assistance since its recent expansions came into effect, show that … Continue reading We can expand access to affordable child care in New York. Let’s do it. | Opinion

A Legal Battle Over Trump’s Threats to Public School Funding Has Begun

The Trump administration is facing lawsuits from states, teachers’ unions, and civil rights groups over its attempt to cut federal education funding unless states abandon diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in K-12 schools. Opponents argue the administration is misapplying a Supreme Court decision on affirmative action to public schools and overstepping federal authority in … Continue reading A Legal Battle Over Trump’s Threats to Public School Funding Has Begun

NYC Mayor Adams planning to reverse proposed cuts to 3-K, early childhood education

NYC Mayor Eric Adams is proposing to baseline $167 million in annual funding to maintain current levels of 3-K and preschool special education, signaling a retreat from previous plans to cut funds for child care programs. While the move aims to stabilize early education and safeguard Head Start sites amid uncertain federal funding, advocates note … Continue reading NYC Mayor Adams planning to reverse proposed cuts to 3-K, early childhood education

Adams to add funding for special education pre-K and expanded 3-K seats to budget plan

Mayor Eric Adams announced plans to include $167 million in his executive budget to restore and baseline funding for special education pre-K and expanded 3-K seats, while also pledging to maintain Head Start programs regardless of potential federal cuts. Advocates say the move is a step forward but stress that more funding is needed, as … Continue reading Adams to add funding for special education pre-K and expanded 3-K seats to budget plan

North Country regents to NY schools: Don’t change your lesson plan (Guest Opinion)

Recent federal executive orders attempt to undermine public education by targeting civil rights protections, inclusive curricula, and support for marginalized students. In response, educators are urged to stand firm and uphold state laws and values – joined by leaders like the Commissioner of Education, the Attorney General, and the Board of Regents – who are … Continue reading North Country regents to NY schools: Don’t change your lesson plan (Guest Opinion)

Hochul’s Delays are Politics at the Expense of Our Kids

While families across New York wait for critical funding decisions on child care, education, housing, and other essential services, Governor Hochul is holding up the state budget process to push a political maneuver that would benefit her own reelection campaign. Email Governor Hochul and the Legislature now telling them New Yorkers are waiting on them … Continue reading Hochul’s Delays are Politics at the Expense of Our Kids