Statement By Senator Steve Saland, Chair, Senate Education Committee In Response To Comments By Michael Cardozo, Corporation Counsel, New York City On Wednesday, January 12th

Despite the inability of the legislature and the Governor to reach an agreement on CFE by the Court of Appeals deadline, the one area of agreement by all parties was that the City of New York should contribute to the opportunity for a sound basic education in New York City. A contribution by the City of New York is clearly supported by the Court of Appeals in its CFE decision. The statement by the corporation counsel’s office is irresponsible and divorced from reality, particularly in light of the fact that the city’s maintenance of effort, in relation to other school districts across the state is less than the average of school districts throughout the rest of the state. New York City’s position adds an additional dimension to the Alice and Wonderland quality of these proceedings.