Albany, NY – Assemblymember Harry Bronson announced the 2019-20 enacted state budget will include $27.8 billion in funding for public schools, an increase of $1 billion over the previous school year.

“It is crucial for the future of our state that all students have access to a high quality public education. By investing $27.8 billion in our education system, we are investing in the future success of our children and providing them with access to opportunity,” said Assemblymember Harry Bronson. “As a product of New York’s public schools, I can truly say that education is the great equalizer, and has provided me with the opportunities to be where I am today. I will continue to champion public education and local control so that all children have access to the same opportunities that were afforded to me.”

The budget includes a $618 million increase for Foundation Aid for a total of $18.4 billion to fund our state’s schools. Additionally, the budget allocates $50 million for Community Schools Aid, for a total of $250 million. Community schools recognize that the totality of a student’s life inside and outside the classroom must be taken into account, and these schools provide wrap around services including academic, health, and social services along with afterschool programs to provide a holistic approach to reducing barriers.

Also included in the budget is a $15 million increase for grants for prekindergarten programs bringing total state investment to $822 million; an $18 million increase to fund the My Brothers’ Keeper Initiatives which focus on family and community engagement, professional development to address issues related to restorative justice and racial disparities in education;

The budget includes an increase of $10 million for afterschool programs, as well as $1 million to help schools increase access to advance courses.

Additionally, the budget includes funding for the following programs:

• $103.9M for Schools for the Blind and Deaf (4201s);
• $5 million increase to Aid to Public Libraries, for a total of $96.6 million
• $14 million for Teacher Resource and Computer Training Centers;
• $7.8 million for Adult Literacy Education
• $2.3 million to eliminate student costs under the reduced price meal program; and
• $1.5 million restoration of funding for the Consortium for Worker Education
• $1.2 million for school health service grants for the Rochester City School District