Statement By Senate Democratic Leader Malcolm A. Smith

Governor Spitzer has clearly shown that his administration is focused on curing the ills of our educational system and providing our children with the best possible education.

By creating a Deputy Secretary for Education, by promoting Universal Pre-K and smaller class sizes, by calling for an increase in the charter school cap from 100 to 250 but also providing transition aid to those districts with a high percentage of students in charter schools, the Governor has shown that he understands the importance of a quality education.

And by demanding greater accountability from our schools and administrators, the Governor has shown he understands the plight of New York's taxpayers, as well.