FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 8, 2013

Assembly Increases Funding for
Education to $21.1 Billion


Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and Education Committee Chair Catherine Nolan today announced an Assembly budget allocation of $21.1 billion in school aid, an increase of $834 million in formula aid over SY 2012-2013. The Assembly proposal is an increase of $334 million over the Executive Budget proposal for SY 2013-2014.

As part of the aid increase, $208 million is included for Foundation Aid, $25 million for High Tax Aid and $100 million for Gap Elimination Adjustment.

"Education is the cornerstone of a strong and vibrant future for the state of New York," said Silver. "Therefore, our school aid proposal includes substantial increases to ensure that New Yorkers are supported from their first day of pre-K until they are awarded their high school diploma or GED. A balanced budget cannot come at the expense of our most important investment, the education of New York's children."

"The Assembly one house budget makes the right investments by preserving key programs for our students," said Nolan. "I commend the leadership of Speaker Sheldon Silver and the Assembly Majority as we continue to increase funding for several programs including Adult Literacy Education while also fully restoring the $240 million in school aid to New York City."

The Assembly restores $240 million in school aid to New York City and other districts which did not meet the January 17, 2013 deadline for Annual Professional Performance Review Plans. This restoration will ensure there is no continuing effect in the subsequent school year, with an additional $240 million.

The Assembly allocates $60 million of the Executive's $125 million in Performance Improvement, Management Efficiency, and Commission Grants to fund General Support for Public Schools. It dedicates $25 million for the creation of additional half-day pre-Kindergarten slots through the preservation of the Pre-Kindergarten grant.

The Assembly proposal increases funding for critical education programs including:

The Assembly proposes $1 million in new funding for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. It restores $10.22 million for Teacher Resource and Computer Training Centers and $3 million for Afterschool Transportation, which were eliminated in the Executive Budget.