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!

NY schools are facing threats of more cuts

When lawmakers voted on the state budget on April 1, they handed unprecedented power to Governor Cuomo, giving him three opportunities throughout the year to alter the state budget with minimal input from legislators. Incredibly, just a few short weeks later, the first of those three deadlines — April 30 —is already upon us. With tax … Continue reading NY schools are facing threats of more cuts

We can’t stop fighting

The 2020-2021 state budget was voted on just a week ago, but the fight is far from over. The enacted budget included nothing to address our children’s educational, social and emotional needs, especially amidst the devastation that COVID-19 is spreading in our communities. With a zero percent increase, the budget leaves school districts exposed to … Continue reading We can’t stop fighting

NY legislators must reject the budget!

Most of the budget bills are out, and waiting to be voted on. What we know so far is devastating. This budget will cut funding for schools that are in urgent need or more resources, not less. It could cut funding for hospitals amidst a pandemic. The legislature is still considering rolling back the historic bail reform … Continue reading NY legislators must reject the budget!