Assemblymembers Zebrowski and Skoufis Secure Full-Day Kindergarten Aid in Executive Budget

The legislators will look to build on proposal during negotiations

Assemblymembers Ken Zebrowski (D-New City) and James Skoufis (D-Woodbury) announced they have secured enhanced full-day kindergarten aid in the executive budget proposal released by the Governor this week. Last summer, Zebrowski and Skoufis negotiated a commitment from the Governor, Assembly, and Senate to appropriate funding in this year’s budget and realize universal full-day kindergarten in New York State.

Zebrowski and Skoufis represent two of five remaining districts – North Rockland and Washingtonville – that have yet to make the switch to full-day kindergarten. Each of the districts faces uniquely challenging situations that prevent them from transitioning.

Currently, in the first year only, the state covers 100% of the additional costs associated with a district’s transition from half-day to full-day kindergarten. The executive proposal announced this week provides funding for 50% of the costs in year two.

Assemblymembers Zebrowski and Skoufis noted that this is the first time the Governor has included enhanced transition aid in his budget and pledged to build on this baseline during the forthcoming negotiations. The two Assemblymembers have sponsored legislation since 2016 to provide five years of phased-out funding for districts transitioning to full-day kindergarten programs. Their bill has passed the Assembly a number of times but stalled in the Senate.

This is a great first step to finally achieving equality for Kindergarteners across New York State,” said Zebrowski. “Assemblyman Skoufis and I have been pushing for years to implement a system that gives every kid the same classroom time. I thank the Governor for including this proposal and we will now work together to develop a final plan that makes full-day kindergarten a reality.”

“The executive budget’s full-day kindergarten funding is a foundation that we’ll strive to build off of to ensure every young child gets the education they deserve,” said Skoufis. “With the continued advocacy of local parents, districts, and colleagues like Assemblyman Zebrowski, we are one step closer to achieving universal full-day kindergarten in our state. Every child in every zip code deserves a comprehensive education and we won’t stop until we get it done.”