Albany Update Volume 4 - June 4, 2004 Assembly Releases Education Plan As predicted, this week Speaker Sheldon Silver unveiled an education proposal that he claims, "will ensure that every school district in the state receives the resources needed to provide a quality education". This proposal will phase in an additional $6.1 billion more in school operating aid over the next 5 years. The New York City Schools will receive nearly 64% of this funding, with a major target of the aid going to high schools across the state. This plan also includes: A new statewide education formula; A new capital program for infrastructure needs; Continuation of universal pre-K, after school programming, library materials and professional development; Enhancement of the NYC maintenance effort - an increased contribution of $1.2 billion over 5 years; and Strengthening accountability to ensure academic achievement. With the Governor, Senate and Assembly all having released plans, hopefully this will jump start some discussions that will lead to a budget proposal before session ends on June 22nd. However, locating an optimistic legislator or staff person who agrees is difficult to find. Many still believe that session will end without a budget, but rather with a multi-week extender. This would give the legislators and staff time to enjoy some of the summer. Back to newsletter list

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