By Dan Murphy
Yonkers received good news after the NYS Budget was adopted last week. Assemblyman Nader Sayegh reports, “After extensive negotiations, the Legislature and Governor have reached a comprehensive agreement on a 254 Billion dollar state budget, which is made up of nine separate bills. This budget will deliver critical investments in areas that matter most to New Yorkers—especially education, healthcare, social services, tax and file credits, and overall quality of life. Notably, it includes an additional $30 million in State Aid for Yonkers Public Schools—a 10.76% increase from last year. Along with 12 million dollars in additional special aid to Yonkers. As this process moves forward, I remain focused on delivering a balanced, thoughtful plan that meets the real needs of all our community,” said Sayegh.
Mayor Mike Spano said, “Thank you to Governor Kathy Hochul and the State Delegation led by Majority Leader Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins for delivering for The City of Yonkers. This additional state funding will help Yonkers Public Schools address their needs, specifically in special education. Thank you for recognizing and opening the door to a change in the school aid formula by factoring in the regional cost index. This is a great first step. Thank you to our PTA’s and teachers for always standing with us to champion our schools and our students. It is for them we continue to stand up for, so they can have the same opportunities as every other child in this state,” said Spano.