Category: AQE in the News

Governor Kathy Hochul vetoed two critical child care bills near the end of December 2024, despite bipartisan support in the legislature. The Decoupling Bill and the Minimum Earnings Requirement Bill were both aimed at expanding child care access for working families, especially those with unpredictable work schedules or low wages. AQE and the Empire State … Continue reading Hochul vetoes 2 child care bills, drawing advocates’ ire

The Rockefeller Institute of Government’s report, released Monday, December 2, recommends updating New York’s Foundation Aid formula to better reflect current student needs and regional costs. AQE appreciated many of the proposals, noting alignment with efforts to address educational disparities, while emphasizing the need for the state to fully fund schools. Notable Rockefeller recommendations include … Continue reading Rockefeller Institute report urges ‘significant change’ to Foundation Aid formula

A coalition of over 100 New York organizations is pushing for a comprehensive overhaul of the state’s outdated school funding formula, known as Foundation Aid, which has not kept pace with current student needs. AQE’s Co-Executive Director, Marina Marcou-O’Malley, highlighted that similar concerns are echoed across all districts and criticized the governor’s past discussions about … Continue reading NY school funding formula needs an overhaul, more than 100 organizations urge

In highlighting the critical role of child care as essential infrastructure and underscoring the need for adequate funding to support child care providers and educators, Shaakir-Ansari argues that the expiration of the American Rescue Plan’s funding has led to a significant crisis, stressing the urgent need for federal action to stabilize and sustain child care … Continue reading Budget Stabilization For Child Care Has Expired And That Should Distress Us All

The Rockefeller Institute’s review of the Foundation Aid formula begins seeking public input starting on July 16, so community is encouraged to provide written or in-person testimony at the upcoming hearings across the state. Advocates and critics alike have long emphasized the need to update metrics to reflect 21st-century educational costs that ensure equity across … Continue reading Formula driving $25 billion in state aid to NY schools finally faces retooling

Assemblyman Ken Zebrowski’s bill, A.10407, proposes placing the East Ramapo school district under a fiscal control board, while Senator Shelley Mayer’s bill, S.9833, introduces a community liaison and a $20 million state aid advance. Both bills would offer a $20 million advance on state aid for the district, but Mayer’s bill stipulates that if the … Continue reading East Ramapo: 2 state bills offer extra money, but take different approaches to oversight

New York voters are set to decide on school and library budgets, school board members, and various propositions. Budget proposals widely with numerous candidates emphasizing the need for increased resources to meet student needs. Voting hours vary by district, but polls are generally open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Read the full article.

In the highly contested Democratic primary for New York’s 16th Congressional District, incumbent Rep. Jamaal Bowman is challenged by Westchester County Executive George Latimer. This race, endorsed by the Alliance for Quality Education, underscores significant issues such as foreign policy and education funding, with implications for the district spanning from the Bronx to Westchester County. … Continue reading Who’s endorsing Jamaal Bowman and George Latimer?

A summary of one house proposals this week, where state lawmakers proposed to fully restore funding and provide 3% increases for New York school districts facing cuts under Governor Hochul’s budget. AQE applauds this move, as it prioritizes student support as they continue bouncing back from the global pandemic. Read the full article.

A collation of remarks from numerous statewide advocacy groups, including AQE and the Empires State Campaign for Child Care on the legislature’s budget proposal, which featured numerous counter proposals to Governor Hochul’s Executive FY2025 Budget. Read the full article.