Additional Funding to Yonkers School District Approved by the Senate

Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins (D/WF – 35th District) announced that two pieces of legislation (S7190 and S7189) she introduced to provide additional aid to the Yonkers City School District passed in the Senate.

Senate bill 7190, if enacted into law, would provide $4.8 million in additional aid to the District for its successful full day Universal Pre-Kindergarten program. Senate bill 7189 would provide a one-time payment of $3.9 million to address the dramatic increase in enrollment from 2008-09 to 2009-2010.

“It is important that we acknowledge the growth of enrollment in Yonkers and use the increase in student population to increase funding for the City’s schools. For decades Yonkers has asked for a funding formula that reflects the school district’s needs,” said Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins.

Yonkers Pre-kindergarten Program currently receives only the minimum reimbursement per student which is based on a half-day program. Senate bill 7190 addresses this issue.

Senate bill 7189 recognizes the increase of 554 pupils, a 2.37% increase, and provide $3.98 million in additional funds for the District.

“I look forward to continuing to deliver on my promise to fight for every additional resource available for the people of my district,” Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins concluded.

The measures must pass the Assembly before they can become law.