Statement of State Senator Shelley B. Mayer, Chair of the Senate Education Committee, on the Passage of the Senate One-House Budget Resolution Regarding School Funding

“The New York State Senate’s One House budget proposal, passed today, reflects our conference’s strong commitment to public education – fully restoring Foundation Aid and providing a minimum 3% increase to every district, investing in community schools and universal school meals, expanding and improving pre-K, expanding support for afterschool and supporting schools that serve our most vulnerable children. By fully funding the Foundation Aid Formula, our budget proposal advances the goal of equity across all our schools – rural, suburban, and urban communities and New York’s cities of all sizes. The Senate’s One House budget also includes funding for a study on the Foundation Aid Formula.  It is essential that we update the formula to more accurately reflect the current needs of our students and the costs our school districts incur to address those needs. 

“As chair of the Senate Education Committee, I have traveled across the state and had the opportunity to see the tremendous work school districts are doing to support students and their communities, despite the enormous challenges they face. I am proud that the Senate Democratic Conference put forward a budget proposal that allows our schools to meet the complex needs of their students and communities. The One House also makes critical investments to keep students safe, by doubling security funds for non-public schools to offset the additional security costs incurred during this tumultuous time. 

“As negotiations begin, I will continue to advocate for additional support for schools facing a fiscal cliff as their federal COVID relief funds expire. Districts around the state used these funds to hire social workers and school psychologists, provide additional academic support to their students, and fund other necessary programs for their communities that will be at risk without additional state support. 

“I am proud to be part of a Senate majority that prioritizes our children and understands the foundational role our public schools play in our communities. As our One House budget resolution demonstrates, for the future of our state, we must put our schools and students first. I thank my colleagues and Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins for their shared commitment to our schools and students and I look forward to pressing for a final budget that supports our children, our schools, and all our communities.”