Senator Bonacic Applauds the Effect of Record State Investments in Education on this Week's School Budget Votes

(Albany, NY)-State Senator John J. Bonacic (R/C/I-Mt. Hope) today applauded the combined effects of a record school aid increase, the continuation of the property tax cap, and the removal of the Gap Elimination Adjustment (GEA) following a 98.5 percent school budget passage rate. Senator Bonacic has been working to curtail the growing property tax burden while ensuring local schools receive the education funding they need to help children thrive.

Senator Bonacic said, “Once again, this week’s overwhelming passage of school budgets shows that the $1.5 billion increase in school aid, successfully advocated for by my colleagues and I in the Senate, is benefiting both the students and taxpayers. The record $25 billion in statewide education funding and the elimination of the costly GEA, as well as the substantial increase in foundation aid, has enabled schools to meet their needs while also keeping spending under control. I look forward to continuing to advocate for smart solutions that support our schools and make it more affordable for all New Yorkers.”

This year’s state budget included a $1.5 billion increase that brought total school aid to more than $25 billion -- the highest level in state history.  When combined with the STAR property tax relief program, the state's total commitment to public education now stands at more than $28 billion. Senator Bonacic also helped lead the charge to permanently eliminate the $434 million remaining of Senate Democrats' devastating GEA school aid cuts that have been shortchanging schools for far too long.

 The record level of state school aid and the elimination of the GEA reduced the pressure for local property tax increases, and helps produce more responsible and affordable local budget proposals.. As a result, the tax cap has saved taxpayers an estimated $7.6 billion over the past three years alone.