The New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) union applauds the state legislature for showing commitment to students and schools in their one-house budgets.

Both Senate and Assembly proposals fully fund the state’s Foundation Aid formula as written, a promise the state made last year after a more than 30-year fight.

Since the release of the executive budget in January that proposed underfunding the formula by $419 million, NYSUT officers have been traveling the state to highlight the devastating effects the capricious cuts would have on every large, small, urban, rural and suburban district in New York. 

These visits allowed lawmakers from both sides of the political spectrum to witness the harsh effects the executive proposal would have on schools, as well as the families and communities that rely on them.

We thank the Senate and Assembly for making it clear that our students, educators and schools are a top priority. Great things are happening in our public schools, and in New York, we are united across party lines and legislative chambers to support them with the resources they need.

NYSUT will continue to advocate for the resources our schools are owed as negotiations continue in Albany. The state budget is due before Monday, April 1. 

See more of NYSUT’s fight for a fully funded Foundation Aid this year at www.fundourfutureny.org/.

Melinda Person
President, NYSUT
Albany, NY