Assemblyman Dave McDonough (R,C,I-Merrick) again called on Governor Cuomo to release school aid runs statewide. McDonough said withholding the runs is not fair to school districts and the surrounding community, and that pressure has been placed on school administrators to provide answers to residents without any viable budgetary information.

“We cannot expect our school districts to make budgetary decisions or deal with the questions and concerns of residents without any information to base their decisions on,” McDonough said. “Unfortunately, many school administrators are dealing with the possibility of a flat aid increase or no increase at all, which could mean teacher layoffs and the elimination of various programs. Furthermore, it is almost impossible to estimate the school and property tax impact of next year’s budget without this information. This is a major concern in my district, where property taxes already are through the roof. I am once again calling on Governor Cuomo to do the right thing for our teachers, students and parents.”

McDonough’s comments come after a press conference was held in Albany Thursday morning by Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb (R,C-Canandaigua) calling on the governor to release school aid runs. The event was attended by many members of the Assembly Minority Conference, several school superintendents and Executive Director of the New York State School Boards Association Timothy Kremer.

EDITOR’S NOTE: To view Assemblyman McDonough’s comments, use the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=61euZeuI1HY&feature=youtu.be.