Governor Cuomo has chosen to hold state education aid hostage in a political game of chicken with Congress, and New York’s students are the ones paying the price. Last week the New York State budget office informed school districts statewide that it was cutting 20 percent of the state aid to school. Statewide, New York’s schools … Continue reading NY’s schools just lost $5 billion in state aid
Tell Our State Leaders: Enact Revenues Now!
As school districts plan to reopen in the fall — whether in person, remote, or a combination of the two — and beyond, one thing is certain: our students deserve a quality education, and that basic right is being denied to too many Black, Brown and low-income students. Our children deserve a school reopening that … Continue reading Tell Our State Leaders: Enact Revenues Now!
The rich are getting richer
We need New York’s elected leaders to protect children, not billionaires. School districts have been forced to make cuts to vital services and programs all while New York’s 112 billionaires collectively saw their wealth increase by $59.5 billion in the past four months. In the midst of uprisings and a public health crisis, lawmakers are … Continue reading The rich are getting richer
Defund the NYPD, Fully Fund Public Schools
With less than a week until the New York City budget is finalized, Mayor de Blasio is STILL proposing a cut of $800 million from New York City public schools — including cutting mental health supports for students. Just this week the Mayor laid off counselors in high need schools across the city — yet he has proposed to … Continue reading Defund the NYPD, Fully Fund Public Schools
Remove Police From Rochester’s Schools
Against the backdrop of police violence toward Black and Brown communities, cities around the nation are at last recognizing the danger and harm that police officers in schools represent to Black and Brown students. Now, Rochester has an opportunity to end the presence of police in our own public schools. Email Rochester City Council now and … Continue reading Remove Police From Rochester’s Schools
Tell Mayor de Blasio: Defund the NYPD, invest in schools
This has been an incredibly painful week filled with constant reminders for why we are engaged in the struggle for liberation. We mourn the brutal murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade and all of those that have lost their lives to police violence. Protests against the violent murder of George Floyd by police … Continue reading Tell Mayor de Blasio: Defund the NYPD, invest in schools
Tax the ultra rich, or cut school funding? Call State Leaders
When New York’s State Legislators return to work next week, they say they will be focused on addressing impacts of the pandemic. Yet right now, State Legislators have no plans to pass revenue-raising bills like taxing the ultra rich — the single most important thing that New York could do immediately to protect our communities. Click … Continue reading Tax the ultra rich, or cut school funding? Call State Leaders
Legislators can raise revenue next week, but will they?
After nearly 6 weeks since passing the budget, New York’s lawmakers are returning to work on Tuesday. The legislature is expected to take up bills focused on the coronavirus pandemic. But, State Legislators have no plans to pass revenue-raising bills like taxing the ultra rich — the single most important thing that New York could … Continue reading Legislators can raise revenue next week, but will they?
Education equity is under threat in Schenectady
Schenectady City School District is deciding on next year’s budget — and the Interim Superintendent wants to make cuts. On the chopping block are positions that are vital to furthering equity and culturally responsive education in Schenectady. The Interim Superintendent has proposed a plan for staff reductions that would eliminate the Office of Curriculum and Instruction. This … Continue reading Education equity is under threat in Schenectady
Urgent action to stop Cuomo’s cuts to public schools!
Governor Cuomo is about to make devastating cuts to public school funding, as early as next week. When they passed the budget earlier this month, State Legislators handed unprecedented power to the Governor to alter the state budget throughout the year. As we approach the first budget-revision deadline on April 30th, Cuomo has released a “plan” … Continue reading Urgent action to stop Cuomo’s cuts to public schools!