Assemblymember Phil Steck (D-Colonie) announced that he is putting public education first for the Capital Region by fighting for a $2.1 billion increase in aid for public schools and a two year tuition freeze at SUNY colleges to be included in the Assembly’s budget proposal (E.1047).

“Giving our schools the opportunity to be successful shapes the possibilities for our student’s futures,” Assemblymember Steck said. “Our schools have suffered severe cuts to programming in the past few years and our budget seeks to stop these cuts while giving students the best education possible to allow them to grow and reach their fullest potential.”

Providing our children with a quality education is crucial in preparing them for the jobs of the future, Steck noted. The Assembly budget addresses the current problem with underfunded schools and makes a significant investment by increasing education aid by $2.1 billion – or more than 9 percent – over last year for a total of $25.4 billion. The amount is $1.2 billion more than that proposed by the governor in his executive budget.

For years, the state has failed to fulfill the obligations outlined in the Campaign for Fiscal Equity court decision to ensure every child receives a sound, basic education. The Assembly budget commits to righting that wrong by increasing Foundation Aid for schools by $1.1 billion – $875 million more than the governor’s proposal – and including $434 million to eliminate the Gap Elimination Adjustment (GEA), which has left school districts and taxpayers overburdened.

Additionally, the Assembly budget rejects the executive’s proposal to increase tuition at SUNY colleges by up to $300 per year—instead freezing tuition for the next two years and providing $89.3 million in additional support to SUNY.

“Student debt is at the highest we have ever seen,” Assemblymember Steck said. “We need to make it easier for students to go to college so they can get good jobs in the future economy. By freezing tuition, we are giving more opportunities to those want to get a good college education at some of the best schools in New York State.”