Today, Assemblyman Karl Brabenec (R,C,I-Deerpark) joined members of the Assembly Minority Conference and educators from across the state and demanded that Gov. Cuomo release school aid budget numbers that he has withheld since January. In his state of the state budget presentation, Gov. Cuomo insisted the legislature pass a series of radical education reform proposals, including a teacher evaluation system based more heavily on standardized testing. To demonstrate how serious he is, Cuomo has refused to give school districts their funding numbers this year, rendering it nearly impossible for school districts across the state to establish proper budgets.

“This game the governor is playing with every school in the state is ridiculous. We are demanding that he release the school aid numbers immediately,” said Brabenec. “It is abhorrent that this governor thinks he can hold such critical information hostage in order to blackmail people into supporting his terrible teacher evaluation system ideas. We will not stand for such underhanded negotiating tactics.”

“The Port Jervis City School District sincerely appreciates the support that Assemblyman Brabenec is giving to public education throughout New York State,” said Thomas Bongiovi, Superintendent of the Port Jervis City School District. “The delay in the release of funding numbers greatly impedes our budget process here in the district.”

Editors Note: Click here for video of Assemblyman Brabenec's comments.