Assemblyman Phil Ramos (D-Brentwood) announced that he helped pass the Assembly’s 2018-19 state budget proposal, which increases funding for public schools and makes a college degree accessible to more New Yorkers.

“All New Yorkers, no matter how much money they have or where they live, should be afforded the opportunity to receive a good education,” Ramos said. “Education is a right, not a privilege. Shortchanging our schools shortchanges all of us – giving our schools and students the resources they need is absolutely vital.”

The Assembly budget proposal provides a significant increase of $1.5 billion in education funding. The plan also includes $34 million for summer school special education; $15 million in grants for school districts serving English Language Learners or homeless students; $1.5 million in additional funding for Adult Literacy Education; and $1 million in additional funding for Independent Living Centers.

Recognizing the rising cost of higher education and the ever-increasing need for a degree, the Assembly’s plan increases funding for college opportunity programs, including:

• $41.4 million for the Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP), a $5.9 million increase;
• $37.5 million for the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP), a $5.4 million increase;
• $32.8 million for Search for Education, Elevation and Knowledge (SEEK), a $4.7 million increase;
• $21.4 million for Liberty Partnerships, a $3.1 million increase;
• $18.4 million for the Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP), a $2.6 million increase;
• $13.9 million for the Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program (C-STEP), a $2 million increase;
• $1.6 million for College Discovery, a $225,000 increase; and
• $1.1 million for SUNY Child Care Centers

Further, the Assembly proposal includes $12.1 million for SUNY community college base aid.

“We all know how valuable a college education is today and by funding these programs, we’re helping more people earn degrees and increase their potential down the line,” Ramos said. “These programs not only help disadvantaged students make it into college, they also help them succeed once they get there.”