Last week I had a chance to meet up with Orange County teachers, administrators, and education stakeholders to discuss the outcomes of this year’s final budget. While there were some glaring oversights—lack of funding for universal pre-K chief among them—I was glad for the opportunity to highlight one of the most positive outcomes of the budget.
As part of her prospective budget, the Governor advanced major cuts to foundation aid, our school districts’ primary source of state funding. This was unacceptable to both me and to a bipartisan force within the Senate, and together we were able to prevent these cuts from being included in the final budget.
Our schools need to know they can count on their funding from year to year and not be left to scramble for scraps after Albany takes what it wants. A consistent funding formula is necessary for school districts to create budgets that support opportunities and resources for our students. Blocking the Governor’s cynical cuts was a necessity, and I was proud to be an advocate to call for fair funding for schools across Orange County.
The success of our schools is vital to the success of our communities. I support the teachers, administrators, staff, parents and, most importantly, students who deserve that success, and I will continue to fight for all of them every opportunity I get.
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