New State Budget Boosts School Aid $1.4 Billion

$25 Million Hike for Local Schools; Budget Shave 3/4ths from GEA

State Senator Patty Ritchie announced today that the new State Budget includes a $1.4 billion school aid increase—including $25 million more for schools she represents in Oswego, Jefferson and St. Lawrence Counties.

The plan, expected to be approved today, also shave three-quarters off the aid-cutting GEA, or Gap Elimination Adjustment budget gimmick—and nearly eliminates the budget gimmick entirely for St. Lawrence County schools. Elimination of the GEA was a top priority for Senator Ritchie and local educators over the past three years.

“I‘ve listened to the concerns of parents, educators and students about how our schools need a fair state aid plan that supports quality education and increases opportunities for all our children,” Senator Ritchie said.

“That’s why I’m pleased once again to deliver a State Budget that includes a significant increase in school aid over the Governor’s proposal, and targets schools that need it most, like the rural districts I represent.”

In her first four years in the Senate, from 2011 to 2014, Senator Ritchie delivered school budgets that included $33 million more for local schools than initially proposed by the Governor.

Highlights of the State Budget’s school aid plan include:

                    $531.8 million in total state aid for 33 school districts in SD48, not including reimbursements for new building construction and transportation;

                    In Jefferson County, schools will see increases totaling $6.7 million;  in Oswego, $13.3 million, and in the 12 school St. Lawrence County school districts included in SD48,  $4.7 million.

                    The budget eliminates 97.7 percent of the GEA for St. Lawrence County schools, and 72.5 percent for schools across the Senate district. Senator Ritchie favored complete elimination of the GEA, but the Assembly rejected that proposal.

More details on the state aid plan for local schools can be found by CLICKING HERE.