ALBANY, N.Y. (January 14, 2025) — In response to Governor Hochul’s State of the State address, public education advocacy organization the Alliance for Quality Education released the following statement: “In her State of the State speech Governor Hochul raised affordability as one of her top priorities, but she missed the mark on how to make … Continue reading For a New York We Can Afford, We Need Investments in the Child Care Workforce & Public Schools
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
Hundreds of Charter Schools Will Fail, Close, and Abandon Thousands of Families in 2025
Charter schools, driven by a neoliberal agenda that prioritizes privatization and competition, have led to instability and harm, as they often close abruptly, leaving students and educators scrambling. This agenda, which treats education as a commodity rather than a public good, diverts resources from public schools, undermining their quality and accessibility. To ensure equitable and … Continue reading Hundreds of Charter Schools Will Fail, Close, and Abandon Thousands of Families in 2025
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.