Regarding the reduction in school funding in Assembly District 121, proposed by NYS Gov. Kathy Hochul in her executive budget: 

Under the governor’s current proposal, over 50 percent of schools located within the 121st Assembly District will see a decrease in funding totaling approximately $4.1 million.

Rural districts such as the 121st rely on aid from the state to provide quality education to students. 

The governor talks about how every child deserves a quality education, but it is clear from her proposal this is just all talk. It is clear the legislature must push back on this disastrous proposal, and I look forward to helping lead the charge.

Increases in funding for other projects and the record size of the budget—while school aid is being reduced—are signs of misplaced priorities from the governor.

As I have said before, a budget is a statement of priorities and it appears the governor has decided children in rural districts are not as important as progressive pet projects such as giving money to migrants, coddling criminals and giving tax breaks to Hollywood millionaires. This is shameful. 

Given a record-breaking $233 billion budget, you would think the governor could find the money to help our children because she was able to find billions of dollars to fund these other projects. I hope my colleagues join me and right this egregious wrong.

Joseph Angelino
New York State Assemblyman, R,C-121
Norwich, NY