Statement by State Senator Kevin Parker on Governor Paterson’s Call to Cut School and Local Aid

STATEMENT BY STATE SENATOR KEVIN PARKER ON GOVERNOR PATERSON’S CALL TO CUT SCHOOL AND LOCAL AID

21^ST SENATE DISTRICT

"Yesterday,  Governor Paterson chose to unilaterally cut up to $750 million of  NYS School and Local Government aid. That was the wrong decision, and he made it at the worst of times -- during the deepest recession since the Great Depression.”

“The Governor’s actions will have catastrophic consequences for many of our low-income districts, and the most negative effects fall hardest upon our most vulnerable populations.  Our schools and working class families are already facing an unprecedented economic crisis, this is not the time to make it worse.”

“Therefore, in addition to opposing the Governor’s unilateral cuts, the Legislature must come to the aid of schools by working to create fiscally palatable and responsible choices during the 2010-2011 budget process that will balance education’s needs, and partner with schools as they are tightening their belts, trimming expenses and reprioritizing their budgets.”

“In other words, we will focus upon working with the schools to continue the positive growth in academic achievement that is so important for our children.  My colleagues and I will oppose mid-year cuts to education, as we have already stated, and I will continue to fight for our school districts."