Congratulations to Eugenio Mari de Hostos Microsociety School, Montessori School 27, Paidia School 24, and Yonkers High School for their designation as Magnet Schools of Distinction! I am also proud that Yonkers High School ranked #37 in US News & World Report's top 100 high schools in the country.

To ensure the continued success of our schools, I will work to get Yonkers its fair share of state education dollars. I fought against the executive's proposed cut of $9.4 million in this year's budget, and delivered a 5 percent increase in school funding over last year. Yonkers schools will also receive an extra $3.65 million in unrestricted school aid to ensure our kids receive a quality education.

Secondary education is another critical investment to our children's future and our state's economic development. This year's state budget secures $2.5 billion for SUNY schools, nearly $124 million more than last year. With college tuition becoming increasingly unaffordable for many families, the budget protects financial assistance programs like the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), the Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP), and the Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program (CSTEP).

I would also like to invite all Yonkers children to participate in the New York State Assembly Summer Reading Challenge, which encourages kids and parents to read together for at least 15 minutes a day during July and August. For more information please visit click here.

School children are welcomed to visit Albany to learn how our state government works. To arrange for a tour of the capitol please contact my office at (914) 779-8805.