Assemblymember Phil Steck (D-Colonie) announced that the 2016-17 state budget increases in school aid for the 110th Assembly District are significantly more than last year’s and provide for an increase in the state aid package for each school district.

The budget includes a complete repeal of the Gap Elimination Adjustment (GEA) and an additional $600 million in Foundation Aid. For the schools in the 110th, this provides $1.8 million to North Colonie, $1.7 million to South Colonie and $1.7 million to Niskayuna, while Schenectady will receive $12.4 million.

"The New York State Constitution provides each student in our state with the right to a free public education,” said Assemblymember Steck. “The Courts have ruled that our state lags behind in providing the state aid necessary to fulfill that promise. The communities in my Assembly District cannot afford to fund education solely through the local property tax. Therefore, it is incumbent on the state to make up the difference in state aid. We are clearly doing that in the 2016 budget."

“Assemblymember Steck’s advocacy for public education is noted and appreciated regionally,” said D. Joseph Corr, Superintendent North Colonie School District. “The South Colonie School District is very appreciative of the efforts of our state officials,” said Jonathan Buhner, Superintendent South Colonie School District. “The elimination of the GEA will allow the district to address academic intervention needs for our students, as well as special education support, along with a host of other important fundamental initiatives.”

“This significant investment in our district is a step forward in fulfilling the Foundation Aid commitment for the students of Schenectady,” said Larry Spring, Superintendent Schenectady City Schools. “This increase will allow for early intervention services and academic remediation for our children, enhancements to school safety, and high quality professional development for staff.”