Senator Alesi Supports $24.6 Billion Education Budget Bill

Senator Jim Alesi (R,C - Perinton) announced that the 2005-06 Education Budget Legislation passed today in the Senate will allocate an additional $850 million in educational assistance to schools across New York, with $44 million being directed to schools in Monroe County.

"Education has always been, and will continue to be, my first priority as a legislator," said Senator Alesi. "It is crucial that our students continue to receive all the available resources required of a quality education to ensure that they have the knowledge and skills necessary to meet successfully their challenges and opportunities in the future."

"The Legislation passed today provides funding for dozens of wonderful programs designed to help students meet their education goals -- from BOCES to Teachers of Tomorrow -- and appropriates $325 million for Sound Basic Education Aid," stated Senator Alesi. "I am extremely pleased to announce approximately $525 million for schools within my Senate district, an increase of more than $32 million over last year's totals."

School districts represented by Senator Alesi will receive the following funds:

City of Rochester: $332,334,924
Churchville Chili: $26,193,534
East Irondequoit: $17,655,444
East Rochester: $8,406,006
Fairport: $27,213,715
Gates Chili: $22,292,236
Honeoye Falls: $11,817,935
Penfield: $17,003,492
Pittsford: $14,191,741
Rush Henrietta: $22,857,158
West Irondequoit: $19,504,159
Wheatland Chili: $5,194,994

Statewide, the Budget's new aid plan will give schools the resources they need to successfully educate our children. The $850 million in additional funds includes $180 million in Flex Aid; $75 million in Special Education Funding; $42 million for BOCES and Special Services; $50 million in Building Aid; and $87 million in Tax Limitation Aid.

To protect property taxpayers, the Legislature also allocates $20 million in additional funding for the School Tax Relief programs.