“Education serves as the cornerstone of our present endeavors and the blueprint for our future aspirations. With an unwavering dedication to progress, the 2024-2025 state budget stands as a testament to our commitment to delivering opportunities. This budget year, I secured a total of $316.9 million for schools in my district, an increase of $7.3 million over last year.

“A key priority in this budget is maintaining the 'hold harmless' provision, recognizing its critical role in ensuring our schools receive the necessary funding to thrive as educational leaders. By bolstering innovative approaches and expanding opportunities for students, we are investing in the foundation of our future success. This budget allocates an increase of $934.5 million in overall Foundation Aid compared to the previous school year.

“Furthermore, in support of lifelong learning, we have included $103.9 million for libraries, enhanced the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) by raising the income threshold and increasing the minimum TAP award, and providing an additional $8 million for SUNY Community Colleges. These measures aim to broaden access to education, empowering more students to pursue their aspirations and build brighter futures.

“While this year’s enacted budget makes significant investments in both K-12 and higher education, I am disappointed that the budget does not address the languishing aid for BOCES/CTE programs.More than 2000 kids across the state are on a waiting list to attend these programs which prepare students for a good career in a field that excites them.Increasing the aid for these programs will help them expand to meet the demand.I am also looking forward to working with my legislative colleagues in the coming year to address the fiscal and logistical challenges that the transition to EV buses is presenting for our school districts.”