A quality education is a cornerstone of the American Dream. Each and every child in this state is entitled to it and the endless opportunities that accompany it. And as your legislator, it is my responsibility to help make that happen. That’s why I fought for an Assembly budget that significantly invests in our schools and higher education.

The Great Recession that devastated our country in 2008 forced our state to make some tough fiscal decisions to balance its budget. That’s when the Gap Elimination Adjustment (GEA) came into play, which reduced state aid to public schools, leaving school districts and taxpayers to foot the bill and putting vulnerable student populations at risk.

Educators have done their best to mitigate the effects of the GEA, but now that New York’s economy is in better shape, they should no longer have to. That’s why the Assembly’s budget proposal includes $434 million to finally put an end to the GEA and get the state on track with its promise to ensure that every child has access to a sound, basic education.

Overall, the Assembly’s budget proposal makes a $25.4 billion investment in education – an increase of over $2 billion. Our investment is even higher than what the governor proposed, but it’s what’s necessary to help our schools close budget gaps and prevent the elimination of programs and services that are essential to student enrichment.

The Assembly proposal also increases state support for New York’s public colleges to ensure that higher education remains affordable and accessible for all New Yorkers. Tuition is high enough, and students are having a hard enough time affording college without racking up thousands of dollars in debt before they even have their degree. That’s why the Assembly is rejecting the governor’s proposed tuition hikes for SUNY schools and wants to freeze tuition for the next two years, because we should be removing barriers to higher education, not creating them. The Assembly’s budget includes nearly $90 million for SUNY so that all hardworking students have a chance to attend, as well as a total of $600 million to help SUNY upgrade its facilities to create safer, stronger environments and enhance student learning.

As the time for the final state budget draws near, I’ll keep fighting to ensure that it includes significant investments in our education system so that all New Yorkers have a fair shot at the opportunities and success they deserve.

As always, I am here to you help you in any way I can. Please feel free to contact me at my office at 315-452-1115 or via email at StirpeA@assembly.state.ny.us.