Albany - Assemblymember Kevin Cahill (D-Ulster, Dutchess) announced that after challenging negotiations, the education portion of the budget has been completed. The Legislature has agreed to increase education funding by $272 million, the largest restoration to any area of the budget during this year's process. School districts in the 101st Assembly District received $2.56 million more than the Governor originally proposed.

"I am proud to have served on the Joint Education Conference Committee during this year's difficult budget negotiations," said Assemblymember Cahill. "While all aspects of state spending are experiencing steep cuts, our children's future is not a matter that should be taken lightly. From the beginning of this extensive process, I fought tirelessly against the devastating cuts to education to ensure our promise of a quality education for the students of New York State."

The Legislature has agreed to include an additional $230 million for overall funding of general support for public schools, as well as a two-year appropriation that includes an $800 million increase in school aid for school year 2012-2013 that could allow for a phase in of the Foundation Aid formula.

Additionally, the Legislature has decided to maintain Adult Literacy Education Programs at $4.3 million, along with restoring $3 million in Library Aid and making sure the funds will be distributed fairly across the state.

Much of the fiscal stress was created because the budget excludes the continuation of the income tax surcharge on high earners, or the Millionaire's Tax, past its December 31, 2011 sunset date. The Assembly supported that provision but the Governor and the Senate refused. "The overall budget reflects our priorities along with our current fiscal condition, but clearly, there were some missed opportunities," said Assemblymember Cahill. "Unfortunately, the impact of giving a tax break to millionaires is more pressure on the local property taxes."

"This spending plan is closer to the Assembly's strong tradition of standing by our schools. However, our work can not stop with the budget. We must strive to go further by advancing the consolidation of services through our BOCES systems, including special education, administration and transportation, to not just cap but to actually lower destabilizing property taxes," said Assemblymember Cahill. "I remain committed to working to keep the promise of providing an excellent education for every child, regardless of where they reside or their family's income. I will continue my efforts to advance my legislation, the 21st Century Schools Act (A.416) and the Equity in Education Act (A.447), which seek to accomplish the goals of efficiency and innovation."

Assemblymember Cahill outlined the funding local districts will receive this year: