Providing our children with the best possible education is essential, and in order to compete in today's economy our local schools need to be the very best. That's why I've made it my priority as your Assemblyman to ensure our local schools receive their fair share in state education aid. This funding allows schools to provide our children with a quality education while helping to hold the line on local property taxes.

Times are tough, and sacrifices will have to be made to rebuild our state's economy, but we can't afford to slash crucial education funding. We must continue to make smart investments in our children and our future because a strong education system is a necessary component for a strong economy.

Last year, I fought to get Onondaga County schools a $49.8 million increase over the previous year, and despite the tough economic climate we were able to reject cuts to our local schools in this years budget. In fact, with help from federal stimulus money, Central New York schools will all see increases in education aid over last year, helping to minimize local costs and potential property tax increases. But additional money alone won't ensure every child receives a quality education. Better funding is necessary to equip schools with the resources they need to provide the best teachers, reduce class sizes and put forth the best possible curriculum.

Keeping our commitment to universal pre-K will be another top priority. Pre-K not only gives kids advantages in student achievement, but studies have shown that pre-K impacts the future earnings of students, as well. By continuing to provide additional funding for pre-K, we are recognizing the lasting benefits for our kids and our society. Our children should all get a chance to reap the lasting benefits of attending pre-K.

We also need to ensure that college is affordable and accessible to those who want to pursue a higher education. If our young adults are to succeed, they need a quality college education. I'll continue to fight tuition increases and push for more state grants for higher education because college degrees are virtually a necessity for the jobs of the 21st century.

A Strong commitment to education is essential to a strong economy and sufficient funding is a crucial element to providing schools with the resources that will prepare our youth for the challenges that lay ahead. Providing adequate funding for our schools is one area of the state budget that cannot be compromised. The return on our investment in education is virtually incalculable - considering the long-lasting benefits to kids themselves and society as a whole. I'm dedicated to finding the best way to overcome our budget problems without putting our children's and our state's future in jeopardy.