ALBANY, N.Y. (May 27, 2026) — In response to the agreement announced on the New York State FY2027 budget, the public education advocacy organization Alliance for Quality Education released the following statement from Marina Marcou-O’Malley and Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari, Co-Executive Directors: “Governor Hochul began this year with a bold promise to millions of New Yorkers — … Continue reading Without Investment in the Workforce, Final Budget Loses Momentum on Universal Child Care
State Education Budget Makes Progress on Equity, With More Work Ahead
ALBANY, N.Y. (May 22, 2026) — In response to the agreement announced on the New York State FY2027 budget, the public education advocacy organization Alliance for Quality Education released the following statement from Marina Marcou-O’Malley and Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari, Co-Executive Directors: “We are encouraged that the enacted budget not only includes funding for public education beyond … Continue reading State Education Budget Makes Progress on Equity, With More Work Ahead
Youth, Parents, Educators Call on Council to Protect Free Speech for Students
NEW YORK, N.Y. (May 14, 2026) — Students, parents and advocates gathered Wednesday for a rally urging members of the New York City Council to sustain Mayor Mamdani’s veto of Intro 175-B and protect students’ right to protest. At the rally, students, families and educators shared personal stories on the importance of maintaining the right … Continue reading Youth, Parents, Educators Call on Council to Protect Free Speech for Students
AQE Condemns Passage of Bills Restricting First Amendment Rights
In response to New York City Council passing Intros 1-B and 175-B, the public education advocacy organization Alliance for Quality Education issued the following statement: “We are furious and deeply disappointed that the members of the New York City Council voted to pass the ‘no free speech buffer zone’ bills, knowing this legislation expands police … Continue reading AQE Condemns Passage of Bills Restricting First Amendment Rights
One House Proposals Acknowledge Need to Raise Taxes, Invest in Child Care Workforce
ALBANY, N.Y. (March 10, 2026) — Public education advocacy organization Alliance for Quality Education issued the following statement in response to the Senate and Assembly budget proposals: “The Senate and Assembly budget proposals both include priorities that must be reflected in the final enacted budget. Working families across New York are facing deep and growing … Continue reading One House Proposals Acknowledge Need to Raise Taxes, Invest in Child Care Workforce
Gov. Hochul is Standing in Her Own Way of Making New York a Place for Families to Thrive
ALBANY, N.Y. (January 20, 2026) — In response to Governor Hochul’s executive budget address, the public education advocacy organization Alliance for Quality Education issued the following statement: “New York needs to be a state where families thrive. Governor Hochul’s executive budget proposes some steps in the right direction, but doesn’t go far enough. “Governor Hochul … Continue reading Gov. Hochul is Standing in Her Own Way of Making New York a Place for Families to Thrive
Universal Child Care Won’t Work Without the Workforce
ALBANY, N.Y. (January 13, 2026) — In response to Governor Hochul’s State of the State address on Tuesday, the public education advocacy organization Alliance for Quality Education released the following statement: “The investments that Governor Hochul has proposed for child care and pre-K are welcome and meaningful, but without investment to raise wages for the child … Continue reading Universal Child Care Won’t Work Without the Workforce
Statement on Governor Hochul’s Historic Universal Child Care Announcement
New York, NY (January 8, 2026) – Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari, co-executive director of the Alliance for Quality Education, issued the following statement in response to Governor Hochul and Mayor Mamdani’s announcement of a plan to implement universal child care in New York. “This proposal is an enormous and welcome first step toward building a truly universal, … Continue reading Statement on Governor Hochul’s Historic Universal Child Care Announcement
Group of 40+ Organizations Releases Transition Memo Urging Action Toward Universal Child Care in New York City
New York, NY (December 11, 2025) — More than 40 organizations and coalitions released a transition memo outlining a targeted plan to help the incoming Mamdani administration deliver on its commitment to make New York City more affordable, beginning with universal child care. The transition memo is intended to serve as a roadmap for the … Continue reading Group of 40+ Organizations Releases Transition Memo Urging Action Toward Universal Child Care in New York City
AQE Supports Seneca Nation Plan and Calls for Governor Hochul’s Signature
In response to the Seneca Nation’s warning that unclear New York laws are allowing outside drug traffickers to exploit jurisdictional gaps and put the community at risk, the public education advocacy organization Alliance for Quality Education released the following statement: “Governor Hochul must sign S.8127 / A.8289, which clarifies how law enforcement authority functions on … Continue reading AQE Supports Seneca Nation Plan and Calls for Governor Hochul’s Signature