Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo (D-Endwell) announced that the state Assembly and Senate have passed a budget plan that will provide over $848 million more in funding to public schools than last year – approximately $354 million more than the governor proposed.

Schools in the 126th Assembly District will receive over $5.1 million more than the governor’s proposal. The budget includes:

• $1.9 million more for the Binghamton City School District;
• $1.3 million more for the Union-Endicott School District;
• $1.3 million more for the Vestal School District;
• $505,751 more for the Maine-Endwell School District; and
• $165,115 more for the Johnson City School District.

"Properly funding our public schools is important to the future wellbeing of our community, and this budget agreement accomplishes that goal," Lupardo said. "Local schools will get the aid they need to provide our children with a quality education – and keep property taxes in check. It’s important that the governor sign off on this bipartisan plan to provide our children the resources they need."

The Legislature restored the governor’s cuts for various expense-based aids, funds that local schools already spent and are entitled to state reimbursement for, including BOCES services, transportation costs, and educating students with disabilities.

The Legislature’s plan will help the high-need school districts of Binghamton and Johnson City to expand and renovate their facilities by sending them five percent more in building aid.

"Having schools that are structurally safe is a must, and it’s something that can’t be sacrificed," Lupardo said. "Our budget agreement includes sufficient aid for the rebuilding of high-need school districts like Binghamton and Johnson City."

To better ensure schools are spending tax dollars wisely, an additional $2.9 million was added to the state Comptroller’s office for additional school audits.

"Our libraries are the cornerstone of education for our children," Lupardo said. "The legislative budget also includes $4.5 million in additional aid to local libraries vetoed by the governor last year."