Assemblymember Pamela J. Hunter (D-Syracuse) announced that this year’s Assembly state budget proposal includes major investments in public education (E.164).

“While all students may not come from the same circumstances, this should never mean they’re denied the same quality of education,” said Hunter. “Whether they’re living with a disability or without a home, different students face unique challenges, and it’s our responsibility to ensure they feel safe and nurtured when they’re at school. This Assembly proposal helps do that.”

The Assembly proposal provides a $1.6 billion increase in education funding, bringing total funding to $28.4 billion – this is $644 million more than the executive proposal. Foundation Aid would see a $1.16 billion increase for the 2019 school year, for a total of $18.9 billion. Additionally, $14.3 million in funding would be restored for Teacher Resource and Computer Training Centers, which promote professional education services for educators.[1] These centers provide high-quality professional development for teachers that will in turn enrich students’ classroom experiences, noted Hunter.

Further, in an effort to promote Career Technical Education (CTE) programs, the Assembly has proposed raising the reimbursement salary cap for BOCES teachers and including ninth graders who are participating in career education in Special Services Aid.

The Assembly proposal also includes a $3.7 million increase for 4201 schools, which serve blind and deaf students, as well as $15 million for additional services for homeless students.