ALBANY, NY (February 8, 2018) — In response to data released by the State Education Department on Wednesday, the Alliance for Quality Education released the following statement:

“In his eight years in office, Governor Cuomo has done nothing to address the growing opportunity gap that leads to outcome disparities,” said Jasmine Gripper, legislative director, Alliance for Quality Education. “Despite what the Governor believes, money does matter when it comes to educational outcomes; studies show that a 10 percent sustained increase in school funding leads to an 11 percent increase in graduation rates. In order to achieve real progress in student outcomes including graduation rates in high need districts, many of which serve Black, Brown and low-income communities, the Governor and State Legislature need to commit to fully funding equity in this year’s budget with a commitment to fully phase in the Foundation Aid formula.”