Assemblymember Harry B. Bronson (D-Rochester/Chili/Henrietta) announced the Assembly’s budget proposal makes funding for our schools a top priority by increasing education aid by more than 9 percent – or $2.1 billion – over last year for a total of $25.4 billion. This amount is $1.2 billion more than the governor proposed in his executive budget.

“I know from my own life’s experience that education is the great equalizer that can help all children succeed,” said Bronson. “Ensuring our children have a quality education is absolutely essential to their future success and opportunity.”

The Assembly budget plan also includes continued support for universal pre-K programs, a five-year financial assistance program to help more schools offer full-day kindergarten, as well as:

• $50 million for My Brother’s Keeper to implement the Board of Regents’ recommendations to improve outcomes for boys and young men of color;
• $2.4 million restoration for school health services for Rochester and Buffalo City School Districts;
• $10 million for schools with growing English language learner populations;
• $10 million to help schools provide services to homeless students;
• an additional $100 million in Community Schools Aid for struggling schools, for a total of $200 million; and
• $14.3 million for Teacher Resources and Computer Training Centers increasing the Assembly’s commitment to improving teacher training.

Programs such as My Brother’s Keeper encourage communities to implement a coherent cradle-to-college-and-career strategy for improving the life outcomes of boys and young men of color to ensure that they can reach their full potential, noted Bronson.

Bronson also noted that removing obstacles to student learning is vital, which is why he’s so supportive of the Community School concept. Community Schools improve student achievement by acting as a community anchor and play an essential role in building stronger families and improving parental involvement. By recognizing the potential Community Schools have to prepare students to be college and career ready, we are increasing their funding and investing in our children.

“We cannot rest until we have completely fulfilled our obligations outlined in the Campaign for Fiscal Equity court decision,” said Bronson. “I’m committed to increasing funding so every child receives a sound, basic education.”