Last year, the governor tried to cut education by $1.4 billion, and this year, he’s trying to cut $240 million in expense-based aids alone. It was the wrong choice then, and it’s the wrong choice now. He continues to pay lip service to high-need school districts like the ones you find in our community. These schools have suffered for too long with overcrowded classrooms and too few teachers.

We need to expand pre-kindergarten, reduce class sizes and provide extended-day services, but the governor’s budget fails to adequately invest in education.

The governor also proposed cutting TAP, opportunity programs, and aid to community colleges. Our students deserve better.

Last year, the Assembly fought to restore the governor’s cuts and make the right choices – and our families are better off because of it. We will continue to lead and make the right choices.