On March 15, we marched with a coalition of labor unions, political groups, and community organizations in protest of proposed cuts to essential programs like education, Medicaid, and housing. Protesters condemned the $330 billion in education cuts in the Republican budget resolution, warning that such reductions would harm students and families, particularly those from vulnerable … Continue reading Manhattan march sees thousands enraged by Medicaid cuts and federal layoffs: ‘They’re killing people’
New Yorkers rally against possible Trump cuts to vital programs
On March 15, New Yorkers rallied in Manhattan to protest the Trump administration’s proposed cuts to Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security, with concerns that education funding would also be impacted. Protesters criticized the administration for prioritizing tax cuts for the wealthy while threatening vital services for low-income families. Read the full article.
Top NYC schools officials warn Trump’s Education Department cuts could harm most vulnerable students
New York City public school leaders are expressing concern over potential cuts to federal funding, including a reduction in an $8.4 million food program that helps schools purchase from local producers. While federal funding makes up only about 5% of the city’s budget, it supports vital programs for vulnerable students, such as those with disabilities … Continue reading Top NYC schools officials warn Trump’s Education Department cuts could harm most vulnerable students
Lawmakers Push for Fairer School Funding, Higher Aid
New York lawmakers are working to adjust the state’s school funding formula to ensure fairer distribution of aid, particularly for districts facing potential cuts. AQE’s own Co-Executive Director Marina Marcou-O’Malley expressed concerns that, under the governor’s proposal, 24 districts would receive less Foundation Aid than expected, hindering their ability to fully implement planned improvements. These … Continue reading Lawmakers Push for Fairer School Funding, Higher Aid
New York Women Say Hell No To Cuomo, Read Deposition Of His Victims
On Sunday, a broad coalition of New York City women gathered to send a clear message: hell no to Cuomo. At the rally, women read sections of the deposition detailing the sexual harassment allegations against the former disgraced Governor to remind people of his record. Read the full article.
Gounardes, Hanif and Simon host town hall
Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari, AQE’s Co-Executive Director, joined a panel at a community town hall in Park Slope, where over 200 Brooklynites gathered to strategize ways to resist the harmful policies of Trump’s second term. The event, hosted by City Councilmember Shahana Hanif, highlighted the urgent need for collective action on immigration, public education, and reproductive rights. … Continue reading Gounardes, Hanif and Simon host town hall
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
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
Advocating For Child care In New York
In our recent letter to the Massapequa Post editor, we called on New York State’s leaders to take bold action in 2025 by prioritizing funding for child care, public education, and a strong safety net for all families. By taxing the state’s millionaires, billionaires, and highly profitable corporations, we can ensure the resources needed to … Continue reading Advocating For Child care In New York
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