“We cannot balance a budget at the expense of our public schools,” State Senator Shelley Mayer
NY Governor Andrew Cuomo released his proposed budget for 2021-22, which once again, relies on a Federal bailout, this time of $15 Billion.
With President Joe Biden now in office, and NY Senator Charles Schumer, now Majority Leader Schumer, another COVID stimulus is planned and includes $350 Billion for all 50 states and local governments.
The Governor also laid out a “worst case scenario” in which New York State were given only $6 Billion in Federal funds. Under that scenario, the state budget would have to raise taxes and cut spending by $9 Billion, including a $2 Billion cut to education funding.
The Yonkers Public Schools are heavily reliant on State Education Fuding, and State Senator Shelley Mayer, from Yonkers and who is also the Senate Education Chair, said “we cannot balance a budget at the expense of our public schools.”
Sen. Mayer’s entire statement reads, “Thank you to Governor Andrew Cuomo for his continued advocacy for New Yorkers. With so much uncertainty about federal aid for New York State, one thing is clear: our children cannot continue to bear the burden of the pandemic’s economic impact. This past year, we have seen incredible sacrifice from students, parents, teachers, and administrators.
“We cannot balance a budget at the expense of our public schools. We should commit to increasing education funding by sharing the burden equitably with those who can afford it. We must also fortify other essential programs and services necessary for educational quality and equity.
“I look forward to working with my colleagues and the Governor’s Office to find a path forward that recognizes the acute need for additional school funding—and does not rely on supplanting the state’s obligation with the aid appropriated from the federal government to New York. Additionally, we must build back stronger from the scourge of the pandemic.
“The reconciliation of the COVID crisis must include the expansion of full day Pre-K for districts outside of New York City; free broadband for every student across the state; and ensure adequate resources for compensatory education initiatives to help students meet learning benchmarks, particularly for students with special needs.” said Sen. Mayer.
