FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
January 8, 2014

Speaker Silver Statement on 2014 State of the State Address
Assembly Supports Universal Pre-K Expansion Across the State


The Governor has laid out a bold vision for continuing to fundamentally transform New York and we look forward to working with him in the coming year. Assembly Democrats will pursue an aggressive agenda that fights for New York's hard working middle class while ensuring that our most vulnerable citizens are cared for.

"My colleagues and I are longtime supporters of universal pre-K. If we are to both expand the current half-day program to a full-day and also increase the number of students participating in the program, more state resources must be committed to ensure our children reach their full educational potential. This is an investment not only in our kids but also the state's economic future," said Silver.

We will also fight to enact ALL TEN points of the Women's Equality Agenda, pass a DREAM Act for thousands of young immigrants, accelerate New York's minimum wage, move New York's primary date to June, and address the child care crisis facing so many families, including providing for paid family leave.

Together we can help New York's hard working families climb the ladder of economic opportunity.