Senator Kevin Parker’s Statement on Mayor De Blasio’s Plan To Increase Funding for Beacon Centers

Albany, N.Y. – Today, State Senator Kevin Parker issued the following statement in response to Mayor Bill De Blasio’s plan to increase funding for Beacon Centers:

“I firmly support Mayor Bill De Blasio’s plan to increase the amount of funding for Beacon Centers throughout the New York City area. In addition to serving as a learning center for our children, Beacon Centers also play a vital role in the community as they provide resources for parents and residents within the area they are located.”

“In addition, Beacon Centers ensure that students are receiving professional development outside of the classroom. I applaud the Mayor’s initiative which will augment the Beacon program in 67 high-needs communities. This further fuels my enthusiasm to continue advocating for making every public school in New York City a Beacon School as introduced in legislation I have sponsored that is currently before the Senate. The increased funding as announced by the Mayor ensures that Beacon Centers have the staff and resources needed to provide high quality school programs, extensive afterschool services as well as a secure and resourceful-rich space on the weekends.  I am eager to work with my colleagues in the State Legislature to pass my bill, S.1884, to make every school in our city a Beacon of light and hope for the marginalized communities they serve.”

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