Hinchey Opposes Proposed Funding Cuts for Rural Schools

ALBANY, NY – Senator Michelle Hinchey has issued the following statement in response to a FY’25 Executive Budget proposal that would end the “hold harmless” clause, which has historically ensured districts never receive less funding than the year before: 

Funding our public schools is one of the important responsibilities we have as a Legislature, and the proposed cuts we’re seeing to education funding this year are simply untenable. It is imperative that we not only continue to hold our schools harmless but also address the longstanding neglect of our rural schools, which have consistently received insufficient Foundation Aid. Instead of sticking to a framework that we know isn’t working, we should have an honest conversation and committed effort to reevaluate how we fund public schools across New York State. Our students and teachers deserve fair and equitable funding, and I will continue to advocate for our rural and upstate school districts throughout this budget process.”